Robinson Crusoe on Mars

Even though this movie was made in 1964, it puts to shame the more recent (and astronomically more expensive) "Mission to Mars" and "Red Planet".

The characters act much more like real people/enslaved extraterrestrials than was common in sci-fi films of that era. Mantee is well-trained and resourceful, handling most problems (with the exception of his forced isolation) with reasonable aplomb. He is much closer to what we expect an astronaut to be than the ridiculous characters from MtM and RP.

The equipment is also a notch above the usual 60s fare, with real cables, actual dials and knobs, and that utilitarian look so common in military hardware. I have to give this film and extra half-star just for the realistic technology.

Overall, a good, solid sci-fi film from the golden age. Like many others, I'm waiting for the DVD.

*** out of *****

What vistas are left for man to explore? The first answer usually shot back quickly is space, and in the 1950's and 60's space was the place to be the subject of countless science fiction films. Many of these films were little else than pure hokum or a means to show exploitation, but Robinson Crusoe on Mars was not either of those. This little film(little in that it receives little recognition for its obvious merits) tells how one man and his monkey survive the rigours of life on the angry red planet. Paul Mantee plays the protagonist that crash lands on Mars with simian friend Mona. He must learn to live using the resources of the planet. His exploration and discoveries are very much like what Daniel Defoe's titular character Robinson Crusoe had to go through under very different circumstances on an island. I guess I am one of the few reviewers that actually likes the title, as I think is a wonderful and very apt allusion employed. Anyway, the methods of exploration and discovery used by Mantee are extremely creative and original(although have little scientific merit) and we the audience find ourselves caught up in his plight to survive. I had heard many things about this film before I got a chance to watch it, and I must say that I am most impressed with its scope and vision, its underlying theme about the inner strength of man's need and will to survive and create, and its almost claustrophobic atmosphere despite being filmed in wide open spaces.

Beautifully filmed in Death Valley, a low budget didn't hurt this fine movie, which was crafted with intelligence, wit, and imagination.

Paul Mantee stars as the survivor of an ill-fated voyage to Mars, and he plays his role with zest, humor, and gritty determination to survive despite the long odds against him.

Nicely adapted from the classic tale, this movie stands the test of time; despite its being released in 1964, it has a uniquely authentic look and feel, despite the dated hardware.

It's a good movie for the kids (they'll probably fall in love with Mona the monkey).

Best of all, this movie leaves you with a satisfied, thumbs-up smile when the ending credits roll, and lots of movies with bigger stars and more lavish budgets just don't do as well.

I rate it 8.5 out of 10

I've got to say this movie was ahead of its time. The story is solid, and the acting first rate. Paul Mantee portrays the isolation on Mars perfectly. The back drops and special effects are superb and don't overtake the acting. I've seen it a million times, but whenever it's on AMC or Turner I have to catch some if not all of it!!

As we get closer to traveling to other planets, this is one story that could wind up being real. This story pretty much follows the original Robinson Crusoe story, only it takes place on another planet and not on a desert island. Paul Mantee puts in a credible performance as the astronaut who must learn how to cope without being around his fellow man. The scene that is especially interesting is when he hallucinates after getting food poisoning and seeing his dead fellow crew member. This shows the effect that isolation can have on a person and how it can drive a person mad. Luckily he did find a companion in the alien he named Friday. I recommend this film heartily.