Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964) User Reviews

WAAAAAY ahead of its time!

[innocuous · 6/10 · 17 January 2005]

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 *****

Refreshingly slow-paced and interesting

[tomgillespie2002 · 7/10 · 21 February 2011]

1950's and 60's sci-fi movies can be easy targets. They were usually cheap, cheerful and woodenly acted by square-jawed male leads and big- eyed supporting women. They also reflected the attitudes, and usually the fears, of the society of the time. The heightened paranoia and fear of the unknown that plagued 1950's society was clearly reflected in films such as This Island Earth and Earth Vs. Flying Saucers, where America would be unwillingly attacked by an deadly force from outer space. Japan's post-Hiroshima movies portrayed a country under attack by horrific mutations caused by radioactivity in Japan's oceans, most famously in Ishiro Honda's quite excellent Gojira (or Godzilla), and were a massive amount of fun with a quite brutal and sobering undertone. Yet audiences and filmmakers alike seemed to lighten up in the 60's and focus less on the satire, and more on the science and fantasy aspects of the genre.

Instead of us fine Earthlings being attacked on our own doorstep by those laser-wielding bastards from outer space, we began venturing out and seeking adventure. Inspiration seemed to be taken from popular literature. Mysterious Island (1961) was (albeit very loosely) based on Jules Verne's novel, er, The Mysterious Island which followed a group of Union soldiers from Civil War-era America being washed ashore an unknown island inhabited by giant beasts. The Time Machine (1960) was an adaptation of H.G. Welles' fantastic book about a man who travels forward in time from Victorian England to encounter a very strange future world. Bringing me eventually to Byron Haskin's Robinson Crusoe On Mars, based of course on Daniel Defoe's classic novel.

Quite possibly having one of the best titles in cinema history, the film is a surprisingly effective adventure film. Two astronauts seemingly surveying the surface of Mars (played by Paul Mantee and TV Batman's Adam West, respectively) are forced to abandon ship to avoid a collision with an asteroid heading directly for them. Kit Draper (Mantee) lands successfully and begins to explore the barren landscape, only to eventually discover that McReady (West) didn't make it. The ship's pet monkey, however, did survive and joins our hero on his bid to survive this alien world.

Surprisingly, the majority of the film is a one-man show, with Mantee carrying it admirably. The film takes a serious scientific approach to his survival, as he must find ways to live without a constant supply of fresh oxygen, find a heat source, and a supply of food before his own runs out. Luckily for Draper, the air is breathable for short periods of time before he requires to take a 'booster' of oxygen, Mars' rocks seem to be able to burn, and the planet offers it's own food source in the shape of a half-plant, half-sausage thingy. Of course, the 'science' behind it all is a load of b******s, but it is refreshing to see it being taken seriously, and not ignoring it for the benefit of telling an easy story.

But where there's Mars there's going to be some of those bloody aliens, and here they seem to be in the middle of a kind of mining war with of tribe of human-shaped alien slaves. Draper rescues one during an attack and names him Friday (Victor Lundin). The two develop a comical and often rather sweet relationship, as the two attempt to mix and explain their cultures, and Friday makes an attempt to learn English (and he's an extremely fast learner!). Friday is constantly being tortured by two disc fitted around his wrists, which the aliens use to lure and physically effect Friday. When the aliens discover Draper and Friday's hiding place, they attack and force our heroes to flee.

A surprisingly slow-paced and interesting sci-fi flick that is low on cheesy action and bad acting, and high on good writing and wit. Haskin's direction is also solid, similar to his fantastic adaptation of The War Of The Worlds. Recommended for sci-fi buffs and fans of a good story. It also has Adam West and a sidekick monkey - what else do you want?

www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com

Good flick!!!

[shank6 · 7/10 · 18 January 2002]

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!!

Classic Science Fiction at its best

[Blueghost · 30 January 2004]

There's not much more I can add to all the other positive comments made on this film other than to say that I agree with just about all of them.

This movie is a classic example of how good science fiction can be created from classic story material. The premise of a man trying to survive in unfamiliar surroundings is set on the then unfamiliar planet of Mars. USAF astronaut Paul Mantee goes through the rigors of trying to survive on an alien landscape, and is befriended by an escaped slave from an advanced, and hostile, civilization. The story isn't about war, "beating the bad aliens" or other story tripe that's so pervasive in today's science fiction films. The film is about friendship, trust, self sacrifice, and the willingness to help one's fellow man (or human like alien) survive in an inhospitable world.

Compared to other science fiction of the time, and even compared to contemporary sci-fi offerings, the acting and overall production values are top notch. The film is dated, so the viewer is advised to give it some leeway if he or she has never seen it before, but a strong story and presentation will keep your attention.

It's been a long time since I've seen this film, so perhaps I'm remembering it from a biased memory, but using that same memory to call up other films I saw back then I can truly say this one ranks up there with other good cinematic offerings; science fiction and non alike. The effects are passing, the backgrounds artificial at times (as was typical of 50's and 60's Hollywood), and the props are passable, but the acting, particularly how the friendship develops between the two leads, is what I'll always remember. The story is far fetched, but the actors pull it off by presenting sympathetic characters.

I for one am glad this has never been remade. I can see some snot-nosed hot-shot, low-I.Q. producer marketing a remake with lots of action, a pumped up soundtrack, action figures and a host of other spinoffs. To boot he'd probably cast some rap star in both lead roles, show the aliens with a ton of prosthetic makeup, and otherwise squeeze every last ounce of marketable dollar out of the thing.

We don't need a remake. We need a DVD release. The good kind with lots of extra goodies :-)

If you like sci-fi, heck if you just like good movies period, do yourself a favor and catch "Robinson Crusoe on Mars."

Before Matt Damon...

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 13 May 2016]

Stranded on Mars with only a monkey as a companion, an astronaut must figure out how to find oxygen, water, and food on the lifeless planet.

I have to say, watching this now (2016), I can't help but be struck by the similarity to "The Martian". There are major differences, of course, but you cannot help but wonder if this film in some small way influenced that one. Or, you know, maybe it is just a coincidence.

This is a pretty good science fiction film. Unlike "The Martian", it seems to solve the oxygen problem a bit too easily and with a more or less supernatural answer. But I like the blend of space and Robinson Crusoe. Very clever. I believe this film might even have been picked up by the Criterion Collection; that seems like a strange choice for them, but would only boost this film's respect.

Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 29 April 2008]

The title does the film no favours at all because it kind of reeks of daft Z movie origins, in fact if i hadn't looked up some research on the film prior to viewing it, i would have expected a comedy!. This is an interesting variant on the much loved Daniel Defoe story about Robinson Crusoe, only as the title suggests, this is set on Mars. Whilst orbiting Mars, Commander Kit Draper is forced to eject and is stranded on Mars with only his wits and Mona the monkey for company. Here he has to source all the basic ingredients to stay alive, but he finds that mans need for companionship can trouble the mind greatly, and not only that, he finds that he is not alone after all, and the visitors that turn up are not exactly of the friendly kind..........

This is a very solid and intelligent sci-fi picture, dealing with isolation and the will to stay alive, Robinson Crusoe On Mars is very much a film that relies on story over style, that it succeeds is with much credit to Paul Mantee as the lonesome Draper, carrying the film for two thirds on his own {except for the wonderful Mona Monkey of course}, he infuses emotion and credibility in abundance to lift the film way above average.

7/10

Worth Watching

[*Prometheus* · 6/10 · 20 November 1999]

If you like older science fiction movies, watch this one. Sure the special effects are sub-standard compared to modern day movies, but the story line is great. The monkey is the star of the show! I think you will enjoy. If you are wondering about the monkey, then watch it!

Loved this movie as a child when I saw it in the theatre

[jbrotychoorion · 9/10 · 27 May 2004]

I had to beg my mom to take me to see it. Until then (in 1964), the only films I got to see in the theaters were Elvis movies and the occasional Rock Hudson/Doris Day flick. But I always had a penchant for films about space (some people say I have a head full of it). And this film represents much of what I like about a good space flick. Its all about the adventure of encountering truly daunting obstacles in the hostile environments we must face once we leave the sheltering atmosphere of mother earth. The struggle of an astronaut trying to keep his fragile human existence from being extinguished on a distant planet is the ultimate game of survival. And I think the first hour of this film, for its time, realistically tries to depict this. Probably the biggest risk the film takes is that for the first hour its a one man show, and actor Paul Mantee acquits himself well. (I remember all the talk about the movie Castaway , and how they were worried about Hanks on screen by himself for most of the movie...would people accept it? What a bunch of hooey!...if its a good story, of course they would). The second half turns into sort of a pulp sci-fi adventure , with Friday's arrival, and it does liven the film up a bit. Its almost as if you have two separate films....the fairly plausible, fight-for- survival first half, and the sci-fi fantasy second half. Somehow it still works. On repeated viewings, the things I admire most about the film (and what I think makes the film work so well) are the small touches that make the one-man show portion of the film work. The idea of having the unmanned, derelict mother ship periodically screaming across the martian night sky to haunt the astronaut is a master stroke. Not only is it a great taunt, since it has supplies but no fuel left to make a remote control landing. But it also serves as a great segue device between scenes, as are the imaginative aurora-borealis type lights that brings beauty to the nights of this hostile world. Its as if the filmmakers knew that the planet Mars had to be a costar in the film. Which brings me to probably the main reason the film has endured, and thats the brilliant cinematography by Oscar-winner Winton Hoch. A master of scenic shots (The Quiet Man, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon), Hoch makes a convincing martian landscape out of Death Valley. Almost every critique I've ever read of the film acknowledges the polished look of the martian scenes. Even recent, expensive films, like Red Planet, don't measure up (even though they may look closer to how the actual planet looks....ugly).....All in all, considering the paltry budget (just look at the old Destination Moon spacesuits used by the Alien slave masters), this is an intelligent space movie (and they are in short supply). Of course, to some extent, I realize that I still see this film through the eyes of the child I was, and I'm glad for that.

One of those "best things in small packages" movies

[dinky-4 · 7/10 · 9 April 1999]

Filmed in Death Valley with a small, non-star cast, this is the film that Frank Darabont said made him fall in love with the movies. It's easy to see why. Here's one sci-fi adventure that works on a personal level as crashed astronaut Paul Mantee tries to survive alone on Mars. It's such a great idea, one wonders why Hollywood hasn't recycled it!

Dated Sci-Fi

[claudio_carvalho · 5/10 · 29 December 2015]

During a flight to Mars in the spaceship Mars Gravity Probe 1, Commander Christopher 'Kit' Draper (Paul Mantee) and Colonel Dan McReady (Adam West) are forced to deviate from an asteroid and they leave their spacecraft in pods. Draper lands on the surface of the Red Planet and survives. He learns how to produce oxygen and while exploring the planet, he finds McReady dead in his crashed pod. He finds also the monkey Mona and brings the animal to the cave where he is sheltered. He learns that he can breathe the Martian air for short periods but needs also oxygen. But Mona finds water and an edible plant in the underground. .After a long period alone, Draper feels the loneliness. One day, he sees a spacecraft landing on Mars and he believes it might be the rescue team to save him. But he finds aliens working on the planet and some of them are slaves. One of them flees and stumble with Draper and he names him Friday (Victor Lundin). Now he needs to find a way to be rescued and return to Earth.

"Robinson Crusoe on Mars" is a dated sci-fi based on Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe". This film seems to be the inspiration to Riddley Scott to "The Martian". Despite the beautiful cinematography, it is funny to see the concept of Mars with the present knowledge that we have of the Red Planet. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): Not Available on Blu-Ray or DVD

Easily rises above its flaws

[BrandtSponseller · 8/10 · 2 February 2005]

During an orbital exploratory mission to Mars, Commander Christopher Draper (Paul Mantee) and Colonel Dan McReady (Adam West) are forced to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a large meteor. They inadvertently put themselves in a position for Mars' gravitational pull to take over, and they're running out of fuel. Thus first Draper, then McReady eject. Draper finds himself alone, Robinson Crusoe style, and must figure out how to survive.

Director Byron Haskin and company spared no expense to make sure that all of the scientific elements of this film were accurate enough to function as a graduate level "motion picture textbook" for planetary sciences courses, and the special effects are so realistic that even Peter Jackson felt that his Lord of the Rings trilogy fell short of the technical wizardry on display here. Of course I'm joking. The truth is that while Robinson Crusoe on Mars is extremely cheesy in many respects, this is a very fun film, with a gripping, often-suspenseful story and a great sense of adventure. It rises above its flaws to merit an 8 out of 10 from me.

Actually, Robinson Crusoe on Mars is a great example of why science fiction is usually considered to belong to the genre umbrella of "fantasy" (and yes, that's even true of literary "hard science fiction"). Even though they often involve plot points based on technical aspects of the sciences--and believe it or not, this film is primarily focused on that--in their broader structures, the stories are usually fantasy tales, and reality is dispensed with as soon as either (1) it doesn't suit what the author considers to be a good story, (2) the author's scientific knowledge/research reaches its limit, or (3) the author engages in speculation (which is fundamental to the genre).

Despite scriptwriters John C. Higgins and Ib Melchior frequently engaging in (1) (and very likely (2) plus an added departure point for films--budgetary limitations), the suspense in the first half of the film is propelled by Draper's need for oxygen, water and food. These are basic concerns that many other "shipwrecked on a planet" films often bypass through some kind of deus ex machine. In Robinson Crusoe on Mars, they never stop being central to the plot. Admittedly, if every film merely dwelled on those issues, we'd quickly grow tired of it, but it works extremely well here.

Even more remarkable, for the majority of the film, Robinson Crusoe on Mars is a one-man show. Mantee must hold the audience's interest on his own for a good 70 or 80 minutes. He does so easily. He brings just the right mixture of tough-guy ingenuity and vulnerability to the part.

Of course, part of the enjoyment of watching the film at this point in time is that much of it is unintentionally funny. There are some strange editorial corrections, such as the overdubbed "15 Days" when Draper is making an accounting of his supplies. We are treated to ridiculously bad spaceship animation. There are odd floating fireballs when Draper first touches down. There isn't much effort in many shots to keep the settings looking like Mars. There is one scene with Ed Wood-style changes back and forth from night to day. And so on.

On the other hand, if we look at the film as residing more in a realm of surrealism, elements such as the floating fireballs are actually pretty cool, and much of the cinematography and settings are excellent. The exteriors were primarily shot in Death Valley National Park, and it is beautifully captivating here. Also, some of the attempts to make the exteriors look more Mars like are actually gorgeous. We get purple and blue rockscapes against smoky skies, and we often see nice nods to classic sci-fi illustrators such as Frank R. Paul (whose work often graced the covers of fiction magazines like Amazing Stories) in features such as bright red skies. Haskin also has a few moments of effective ingenuity, such as a crucial plot point appearing as video that Draper took and watched later. Plus, some of the film is intentionally funny--my favorite instance being the line, "Mr. Echo, go to hell!"

The biggest flaw in my eyes is that the ending seems a bit rushed. A lot happens in the last ten minutes or so of the film, without the suspense it could have had with a longer running time. Despite the flaws, however, this is worth a watch by serious fans of classic sci-fi, and it's interesting to note influences films like this have had on later-generation works in the same vein, such as Red Planet (2000).

Much better than the title suggests!

[JSPrine · 8 September 1999]

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 remember it well

[SteveC-5 · 7/10 · 24 July 2000]

I am surprised at how much I remember of this movie. I only saw it once on TV in the '60s, and as a boy (born in '55). I was just getting into SF (having read "Planet of the Apes", "The Runaway Robot", and "A Wrinkle in Time". It had a large impact on me and my desire to "Get More" (OK, I was turning into a SF junkie).

The other thing that I remember SOOO very well is that it was a movie that featured someone I actually knew from something else I watched -- that being Adam West of Batman fame. This blew me away. I would very much like to see it again.

Stranded

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 10 August 2019]

While the filmmakers and those involved say they were not happy with the title, it feels more than apt. The whole thing is quite the Science Fiction movie and considering the time it was made, this is quite extraordinary. Having animals involved was not easy, making this interesting with a lot of inner dialog spoken out or quite a few silent scenes is also quite the achievement.

Some of the effects may feel dated, but this still holds up and if you like the genre, you should watch this for sure. And if you have the time (and the money), get the Critierion Collection which adds a lot of bonus material to your viewing pleasure.

Minor sci-fi classic from the 60's.

[jckruize · 7/10 · 10 April 2002]

A sturdy adventure plot and exemplary acting by Paul Mantee make this one a genuine pleasure for science fiction buffs. Genre veteran Byron Haskin's direction is surprisingly nuanced in the film's depiction of loneliness and the bonds of unexpected friendship. Effects are well-done, especially considering the obviously limited budget. Oscar-winning cinematographer Winton Hoch contributes some splendid images of rugged Death Valley locations.

It's true that the science may be somewhat outdated, but the story is cleverly worked out nonetheless, never condescending to its audience. I believe this helps explain the fondness with which many fans remember this film's appearance on late-night TV back in the 60's and 70's.

In short, an underrated effort that has recently been rewarded with its own DVD release.

Stunning Visuals

[Lechuguilla · 10/10 · 16 April 2008]

Few sci-fi films in cinema history present viewers with an alien landscape so starkly beautiful and desolate as the one in this film. Our setting is an empty and foreboding land of majestic cliffs, barren deserts, and imposing geologic monoliths. The wide-angle camera shots provide a breathtaking sense of geographic scale. Combined with that reddish/orange horizon and a black sky adorned with stars, the simple and uncluttered ongoing panorama evokes an emotional sense of isolation and alienation. The images here are every bit as enthralling as the sci-fi artwork of visionary painter Chesley Bonestell. The setting is a backpacker's paradise.

But the only backpacker in this dream world is Cmdr. Kit Draper (Paul Mantee) whose space vehicle crash-lands on the rocky planet. He must find a way to survive, using only his ingenuity and resourcefulness. And that's the story's theme. Of course he does have Mona, the monkey, to help him in his quest. That a film can run to nearly two hours with a cast of just three people is amazing. But the stunning visuals help, as does Mona, who conveys real personality with her animated expressions, accompanied by those yelps and squeals.

You wouldn't think there would be much dialogue with such a meager cast. But there is, as Draper talks into a tape recorder about his adventure, for posterity, and as he converses with Mona who in her own way returns the banter. That Draper's haunting world is lifeless may be slightly deceptive. And only his continued exploration of his surroundings can reveal a definitive answer, as the plot proceeds.

Yes, the film's science and technology are dated, but who cares, except purists? What I found a tad amusing was that Draper's equipment batteries could last so long. But then creative liberties are to be expected when the science is fictional or semi-fictional. This is a story of grand human adventure reminiscent of "Journey To The Center Of The Earth" (1959). As such, it inspires us, and propels the imagination. When a sci-fi movie can do that, it succeeds.

With its evocative landscapes engineered by terrific cinematography and artwork, with its simple story of survival, and with a persuasive performance by Paul Mantee (and Mona of course), "Robinson Crusoe On Mars" is a striking film, one that ranks among my all time favorite sci-fi films.

Lame sci-fi flick with an inexplicable cult reputation

[zetes · 5/10 · 4 March 2002]

The idea is not bad: a man crash-lands on Mars and has to fend for himself, his only companion a monkey. Unfortunately, the people who made Robinson Crusoe on Mars didn't know jack about science. Not that they had to. It's a B-movie. I like B-sci-fi films, but there's a point where the degree of silliness becomes too much to take. This film actually wants to be taken seriously, I think, but that's not possible. It picks up a bit after Friday shows up. In this film, he is an alien slave. Still, it's a weak excuse for a sci-fi flick. Almost any sci-fi from the previous decade is better. Watch Forbidden Planet again instead. 5/10.

Old School Sci-Fi at it's Best

[elsnod · 9/10 · 7 December 2004]

I remember seeing this one (in syndication?) late at night on TV as a kid about 1967. It was not long after we got our first color TV. Mars was still a distant planet, the space race was on and Kennedy had just said we would be the 1st to the moon, Gemini was flying out of Cape Kennedy and there was little data on Mars as the *1st Mariner fly-by missions* were still a YEAR away, forget about landing there we had never been near the place. The movie holds up well considering that we were still ignorant about the "Red Planet". It compares to the Mission to Mars done recently and it is the Robinson Crusoe on Mars for 12-year-olds of this generation. (The fact we send robots to Mars does take some fun out of it now and I still hope we walk around there) It is as good as any of Pal's other movies and it is a shame it is out of print. Heck, it even has Batman!

Entertaining sci-fi adventure that deserved a better title

[jamesrupert2014 · 7/10 · 15 January 2021]

In a story that could have been lifted from the pages of a 1950s sci-fi pulp, this entertaining, high-concept retelling of Defoe's iconic tale of survival finds astronaut 'Kit' Draper (Paul Mantee) struggling to stay alive after being stranded on Mars. The initial premise is similar to 2015's 'The Martian' but the older film veers into more fanciful adventure as Draper hooks up with an escaped slave Victor Lundin and the two end up on the run from the murderous slave-masters and their sleek spacecraft. Mantee, who spends much of the film with no one to talk to other than himself, a tape recorder, and Mona the monkey is quite good and the script/story, while not scientifically plausible (that the Martian atmosphere could not maintain human life was known as early as 1925), is entertaining. Refreshingly, Mantee's telegenic monkey co-star is not overly emphasised (or overly cute). The special effects are quite good. With a red-tinted sky, the sparse desert around Death Valley makes a photogenic stand-in for the Red Planet and some the film's most effective scenes are long shots of Draper trudging across the endless Martian landscape searching for his fellow astronaut (Batman-to-be Adam West). There are some odd, somewhat fanciful touches, like the strange balls of fire that fly across the planet's surface and some of the background matte painting are not too convincing, but otherwise the film does a pretty good job (albeit not grounded in fact) of evoking the inhospitable planet on which Draper is 'cast away'. The alien ships, which are recycled from director Haskin's 1953 'War of the Worlds', are quite good and their near instantaneous acceleration/deceleration gives them a real sense of advanced alien technology (the dramatic effect suffers a bit from the scenes being constantly repeated). Likely hobbled by its title (which sounds like a children's book), the film did not do well at the box office but its reputation as a clever, entertaining, well-made sci-fi adventure has since grown. One of the rare films in the genre that is better than its title.

Strange New World

[BaronBl00d · 21 December 2000]

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.

My Monkey Friday

[The_Rook · 7/10 · 2 May 2003]

This is one of my favorite movies from the sixties. It is great for non SciFi fans as well as those that enjoy the genre. Men and Women alike find it entertaining. And since the violence is very minimal it is great for the whole family. Although not a true Robinson Crusoe story it has all the similar flavor to that great book by Defoe. This was not a movie with a large budget so those that appreciate the detailed work that goes into movies like this will be pleasantly surprised. The acting, sets, and music are exceptional considering what they had to work with. The director should be very proud of this little gem. If you like reality shows you should find this even more to your liking. A lone spacer must survive the harsh conditions of the unforgiving planet Mars. Beyond all odds he manages to survive and rescue a monkey and a slave. Don't miss this one. Unfortunately it is not available on VHS or DVD so you will have to catch it on TV.

Life on Mars

[evanston_dad · 7/10 · 27 June 2013]

This very smart 1960s sci-fi film stars a studly Paul Mantee as Kit Draper, American astronaut, who is stranded on Mars and must figure out how to survive until he can figure out how to be rescued.

The film's strengths are the performance from Mantee, exceedingly watchable in what mostly amounts to a one-man show, and its reliance on science instead of manufactured fantasy. Sure, there's plenty of made up stuff about Mars (like hidden pools of fresh water, edible plants that look like sausages, rocks that emit oxygen when burned), but what's fictional is so seamlessly blended into the facts we've since learned about Mars, its terrain and its atmosphere, that it's easy to forget the far-fetched details aren't actually accurate facts.

Director Byron Haskin, who received several Academy Award nominations throughout the 1940s for his special effects work, makes the most out of what is obviously a modest budget. Being a special effects pioneer himself, it's no surprise that he makes sure the effects in this film are pretty decent.

Grade: B+

Bad science for its day

[grnhair2001 · 3/10 · 18 February 2017]

Everyone knew by 1965 – including most 10-year-old kids – that Mars was a cold, airless place. Yes, this movie predates that moment slightly, but they didn't know this little. Or they would have known better if they would've made a single phone call to Lowell Observatory. By 1909, the concept of "canals" was dead due to improvements in telescopes. And if there were such a thing as oxygen pills, surely the screenwriters understood that stomach doesn't equal lungs.

This does unfortunately carry with it the obnoxious colonial attitude of the original Defoe, in regards to poor Friday, and while the friendship developed, it was never really equal.

The monkey is as irritating as monkeys always are.

But the cinematography and visuals are kind of cool. Yes they're retro, but very pretty. And so I couldn't give it one star because of that.

Psychological thriller in outer space

[drystyx · 8/10 · 21 February 2007]

It would be misleading to say this is an action packed sci-fi movie. It has more of a psychological Hitchcockian nature to it. It is the story of two astronauts, one of them Batman (tongue in cheek, its really the actor Adam West) who make it to Mars, but one of them dies (I don't think this is a spoiler, since it happens early). The survivor is seen in a very realistic sense, battling the elements and natural dangers, and trying to find sustenance, while also battling the psychological reality of being alone. Does he eventually find a companion? A Friday? I won't spoil that, either. The viewer is in for a psychological roller coaster that does spark of realism, even if the Mars landscape doesn't. If you can just imagine that this is someplace else, or a Mars of the mind, then you can still accept the premise.

Robinson Crusoe has the right stuff on Mars.

[kibeteen · 9/10 · 19 December 1999]

This is one of the few '60s science fiction films to capture the adventurous spirit of the early space programs. Years before Tom Wolfe put pen to paper, Robinson Crusoe on Mars showed what kind of stuff makes an astronaut.

Although the film's depicted technology has clearly been outstripped by reality [take note of the continuous loop tape cartridge -- 8 track -- for the audio/video recorder] Byron Haskin's efforts at technical realism get high marks.

In general, the special effects are exciting. Alien spaceships, which resemble the fighting machines from War of the Worlds [also directed by Haskin], race through Martian skies at incredible speeds. The color scheme of Mars' surface is also dead on: rust red sand and jet black volcanic rocks. A wonderfully eerie musical score underlies every scene.

On the down side, the aliens are a bit disappointing. Something a bit more original would have better suited the impressive visual scope of the film.

Overall, this is a highly satisfying film that recreates the sense of wonder that children of all space ages can fully appreciate.