Treasure Island (1920 film)
| Industry | Film distribution |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Film distribution |
Treasure Island is a 1920 silent film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel Treasure Island, directed by Maurice Tourneur and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The cast featured Shirley Mason in the trouser role of Jim Hawkins, Charles Ogle as the infamous Long John Silver, and Lon Chaney portraying both Blind Pew and Merry. The National Board of Review recognized the film as one of the Top Forty Pictures of the Year.
Currently classified as a lost film, only reproductions of its promotional posters have survived.
Plot
The story follows young Jim Hawkins, who becomes entangled with the pirate Long John Silver while seeking Captain Flint's hidden treasure. After pirate Billy Bones dies at the Admiral Benbow Inn, Jim discovers a treasure map and delivers it to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, who then organize a treasure hunt. Jim secretly boards their ship, where Silver, disguised as the cook, commands a crew largely made up of pirates.
When Jim learns of Silver's mutiny scheme, he warns Livesey and Trelawney. They resist the pirates until reaching the island and take shelter with loyal sailors. Although the pirates manage to seize the map, they are eventually overcome. With assistance from Ben Gunn, a marooned pirate, Jim and his companions recover Captain Flint's treasure.
Production
Initial casting announcements in September 1919 mentioned Jack Holt and Wallace Beery for principal roles; however, both were replaced before filming began. Holt, Beery, Chaney, and Montana had all appeared in Tourneur's 1919 film Victory. Notably, Beery later portrayed Long John Silver in the 1934 remake.
The production included color sequences, probably hand-colored using the Handschiegel Color Process. The film premiered in New York on April 11, 1920.
This adaptation was the fifth silent version of the tale, following releases in 1908, 1911, 1913, and Fox Film Corporation’s 1918 edition. It was also the final silent iteration and uniquely featured a female actor in the role of Jim Hawkins. Although reviews were mixed at release, it became Tourneur’s most commercially successful project and was listed among 1920’s best films. For fans of Lon Chaney, it remains a highly prized lost film.
The pirate ship set was constructed from an abandoned barkentine named The Fremont, which had previously been involved in the African slave trade before being confiscated by U.S. authorities for illegal operations.
Reception
"Treasure Island is an excellent picture and expected to be one of this season’s biggest earners...Lon Chaney and Charles Ogle bring Stevenson's world vividly to life." —Wid's Film Daily
"Maurice Tourneur has effectively captured aspects of youthful adventure...this production deserves its acclaim." —Exhibitors Trade Review
"Tourneur’s adaptation does not fully match the original novel...Lon Chaney offers striking dual portrayals." —The New York Times
"This production does not reach its full potential; Tourneur struggles with this Anglo-Saxon narrative." —Variety
"The screenplay diverges from Stevenson’s story due to cinematic constraints...Charles Ogle excels as John Silver; Lon Chaney shines in his dual pirate roles." —Motion Picture News
Advertising Slogan: "Wicked pirates and buried gold, Deeds that make the blood run cold; Tallest tale that e'er was told! Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum" (Print Ad - The Painesville Telegraph, July 10, 1920)
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1920 films
- 1920s color films
- 1920 lost films
- American silent feature films
- American black-and-white films
- Lost American adventure films
- Treasure Island films
- Paramount Pictures films
- Films with screenplays by Jules Furthman
- Films directed by Maurice Tourneur
- 1920s American films
- Silent adventure films
- 1920s English-language films