Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)

93% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
60% of users liked it
(1,399 ratings)

Spun from Daniel DeFoe's tale of the titular character, this sci-fi story involves a spaceship commander, Chris Draper (Paul Mantee) in a similar situation to the original Robinson Crusoe -- but rather than being stranded on an island, our hero is on a hostile planet. Draper, Colonel Dan McReady… More Spun from Daniel DeFoe's tale of the titular character, this sci-fi story involves a spaceship commander, Chris Draper (Paul Mantee) in a similar situation to the original Robinson Crusoe -- but rather than being stranded on an island, our hero is on a hostile planet. Draper, Colonel Dan McReady (Adam West), and a test monkey look as if they are going to collide with a meteor. Draper and the chimp are able to eject themselves from the vessel, but McReady is not so lucky. The two survivors safely land on Mars and figure out how to breathe, drink, and eat on the inhospitable planet. After some time, Draper crosses paths with a human, Friday, who has recently escaped slavery on an alien planet. As the two find a means of communication, they become friends. They soon work together to survive the incredible odds, including an alien attack and meteorological phenomena. Filmed on location in California's Death Valley, this impressive feature owes much to cinematographer Winton C. Hoch and special effects master Lawrence W. Butler. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Byron Haskin
Genres: Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jul 17, 1964 Wide
On DVD: Sep 18, 2007
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
About as good as any sci-fi adventure film of that generation.
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD
Dated on many levels, but the film represents a fascinating slice of scientific history.
Chris Cabin, Slant Magazine
Byron Haskin's cult classic is, like their release of House, a chance for Criterion to pay homage to an ambitious narrative and truly weird visual experience which begat several more celebrated classics and yet remains largely unknown.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
The crucial link between The Ten Commandments and 2001: A Space Odyssey
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Much beloved - and sadly overrated - by many science fiction fans. . .
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
Almost distractingly, faithful to the original novel despite its radically different setting, the film is a pleasure mostly because of its vivid Technicolor backdrops.
Rob Humanick, House Next Door
Robinson Crusoe practically bursts at the seams with its glorious Technicolor, while sound is crisp and booming throughout.
Rob Humanick, House Next Door
In creating a work of spiritual, rather than physical, focus, Robinson Crusoe on Mars becomes more than just another post-50's sci-fi flick.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
one of the more fascinating movies of its era because it dares to take its science seriously
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The real Mars may be nothing like it appears in this movie, but it sure does make you want to visit anyway.
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Better than expected, and it features brief appearance by the future Batman.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Como em tantas ficções B, a Ciência da história é risível; porém, o longa funciona ao desenvolver bem a relação (com contexto homossexual e tudo mais) entre os personagens.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Altogether too sober, but well made.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Tim S

Wonderful film. It's nice to see science fiction treated seriously for a change in the era that it was made. At the time, B movies were ruling the drive-in screens and something like this was just not commonly done. It makes for an entertaining character film that doesn't… More
Wonderful film. It's nice to see science fiction treated seriously for a change in the era that it was made. At the time, B movies were ruling the drive-in screens and something like this was just not commonly done. It makes for an entertaining character film that doesn't require a lot of exposition - mostly just the visuals to tell its story. And for that, I am grateful. One of my very favorite sci-fi movies and thanks must be given to Criterion for their wonderful Blu-ray presentation of this classic film.
AJ V

The beginning and ending of this movie are horrible, for one thing, West's character dies in the first scene! Putting the story of Crusoe in space was probably their first mistake.
Mister C

Special effects wunderkind and genre master Bryon Haskin(who is mostly known for his work in the 1953 science-fiction classic War Of The Worlds and for the 1960's television series The Outer Limits among others)won a place in the hearts of fantasy film lovers everywhere with this… More
Special effects wunderkind and genre master Bryon Haskin(who is mostly known for his work in the 1953 science-fiction classic War Of The Worlds and for the 1960's television series The Outer Limits among others)won a place in the hearts of fantasy film lovers everywhere with this gorgeously designed journey into the unknown in this innovative retelling of Daniel Defoe's classic story. The story involves when a intrepid adventurer aboard a spaceship crashes on the barren wastelands of Mars. United States astronaut commander "Kit" Draper(Paul Mantee) must fight for survival with a pet monkey in tow as his only companion and a runaway slave from an exotic planet. Is he alone? All three survivers must use their ingenuity and resources in order to stay alive on a hostile planet. Released in 1964,this imaginative and dazzling beloved techni-marvel of classic science fiction was Oscar nominated in 1964 for Best Special Effects. Presented in astounding widescreen Techniscope and Technicolor this classic also stars Adam West(the former TV's Batman),and Victor Lundin(as Friday). Running Time of 106 minutes.
Conner R

It's nothing special and completely ridiculous, but there's something really interesting about the idea of a man surviving on mars. I think since it was released in the early 60s, things like physics didn't really have to play into sci-fi movies (just give them a pill… More
It's nothing special and completely ridiculous, but there's something really interesting about the idea of a man surviving on mars. I think since it was released in the early 60s, things like physics didn't really have to play into sci-fi movies (just give them a pill and they can breath). The acting is pretty terrible, especially since it's not played for camp and is supposed to be taken 100% seriously. Mars hot dogs, alien slaves with tans, glowing rocks, etc. it's worth seeing just for how outlandish it gets.
Chris B

While many of the effects are showing their age, the films elements of survival and humanity remain timeless. The acting is good and the sense of isolation is essentially there from beginning to end. Even when finding Mona or discovering "Friday" there are language… More
While many of the effects are showing their age, the films elements of survival and humanity remain timeless. The acting is good and the sense of isolation is essentially there from beginning to end. Even when finding Mona or discovering "Friday" there are language barriers that must be overcome. Survival is hard and the going is treacherous throughout the film but as most older films do, it has a happy ending. Recommended!