Les aventures de Robinson Crusoë

An evocative and entertaining adventure series aired originally on British television in 1965, produced by Paris-based Franco London Films, ORTF of France and Teledis and filmed in monochrome in the Canary Islands and Normandy - the abundant sun, light and tropical conditions of the former are fascinating . Young blond Salzburg-born actor Robert Hoffman gives a very adventurous flair performance as the idealistic Crusoe. The music features an early electronic-keyboard fugue strangely reminiscent of '70s new wave bands Television and Joy Division. The fine Yorkshire towns of York and Hull are mentioned in the dialogue and the feel for 17th/18th-Century European old world charm - the time of those classical figures of the Enlightenment - Bach, Beethoven, Cook and Darwin - when England was closer to France and Europe is evident. This series stands for naturalistic and flairful children's television.

I have just had the chance to watch this series again after very many years and I was genuinely surprised at how well it has stood the test of time.I expected it to be corny and if I am totally honest,I really thought that I would give up on it early on as it didn't live up to the memory I had of it as a young lad.I am glad that the series proved me wrong.

I won't drone on about the story as I guess that you all know it so well.What I will mention is that the production values stand up very well indeed and the story races along, although it does drag at times when Robinson is looking back on his life.The series really comes into it's own when Robinson meets up with Friday,although it is late in the series when this happens.One thing that I will say is that you do wish that it was in colour as the locations look fabulous.

As the lead actor,Robert Hoffmann is impossibly handsome and suits the role very well.It is a bit of a surprise that he didn't become a major star after this.Friday is played with great charm by the actor who's name escapes me.I will give nothing away but although the series was aimed at the children's market there is plenty here for adults to enjoy.OK,so there are some flaws along the way including the most inept bunch of pirate's you will ever see in the last episode,but on the whole it is so well made that you can forgive any little niggles you may have.

I must say that in the penultimate episode there are scenes that will break even the most hard of hearts and they are done with much skill and dare I say it very well acted throughout.No words are needed,the actions and looks of the actor's say it all.The narration by Lee Payant fits the bill also.

This was a very pleasant surprise to me after all these years and it is a series that I could definitely sit through again.

I have always loved this show, and I think has has been said many times before, anyone who was a 60's child in Britain couldn't have missed this, and whenever the theme came up, it sent tingles up the spine.

A simple film on a low budget, but with outstanding talents all round, it is well worth finding. The acting and direction really stand out, and the cinematography in black and white only helps to give it that quality edge. It is now confirmed that Network DVD is releasing it on DVD on June 18th 2007 after a very long wait. It is also worth noting that the haunting score is also now available in an expanded CD from Silva Screen. The original soundtrack was in mono, but it seems there was such a demand for this piece, that the composers recently recreated a medley with a full orchestra in stereo, and all those memories come flying back to the long hot summers as a kid.

Watch it, and I guarantee there won't be a dry eye in the house.

This magnificent 1964 production with the iconic Robert Hoffman in the lead remains for me the best programme ever to feature on children's TV. Everything about it is perfection, in particular the hauntingly beautiful music, which in my opinion remains the best score of any TV programme to this day. I first saw this programme as a 9 year old in 1964 and have since watched it over and again, most recently at age 63, yet it has lost none of it's magic. It has everything this classic tale could ever need and the fact that it is in black and white merely enhances its allure to the viewer. Beautiful.

I have just watched this again for the first time since it appeared on TV which has to be almost 40 years ago. Although a nostalgic trip back in time, this version will always stand the test of time. The black and white monochrome gives a timeless quality which sometimes colour cannot.

The day to day detail of Robinson Crusoe's mind-numbing existence and how he is able to overcome the many obstacles taken for granted is brilliantly worked. By inter-cutting flashbacks until the time when his life on the island begins to take shape, momentum is never lost.

The haunting musical score adds an integral dimension to the overall fascination of the series.

The French production team and main actor Robert Hoffman deserve much praise for the achievement created here. Not only a cult classic, this TV series, like the book, is now one all of its own.