Swiss Family Robinson

Swiss Family Robinson

Year: 1940

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Edward Ludwig

Adventure

In the 1810s, William Robinson, feeling a growing sense of unrest in London, decides to embark on a voyage to Australia with his family. A violent storm shipwrecks them on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. Using their ingenuity and determination, the Robinsons salvage materials from the wreckage and construct an elaborate treehouse and a thriving settlement. They explore the island's diverse flora and fauna, facing challenges and adventures as they adapt to their new, isolated existence and forge a remarkable life together.

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Timeline – Swiss Family Robinson (1940)

Trace every key event in Swiss Family Robinson (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Journey Begins

A Swiss family departs from Bern on a ship, excited for their journey to a colony in New Guinea. This voyage is meant to provide them an escape from the chaos of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.

2

Pirate Attack

The family's voyage takes a dangerous turn when pirates attack their ship. In the chaos, the crew abandons the ship, and the vessel ultimately runs aground on the rocks of an uninhabited island.

Uninhabited Island
3

Reaching Shore

After the shipwreck, the family manages to reach the shore of the deserted island. They are joined by the captain's two Great Danes, marking the beginning of their survival adventure.

Uninhabited Island
4

Scavenging Supplies

Father and his two eldest sons, Fritz and Ernst, collaborate to salvage supplies and livestock from the shipwreck. Their resourcefulness lays the foundation for their survival on the island.

Shipwreck Site
5

Clever Deception

When the pirates return to reclaim the ship, Father cleverly hoists a quarantine flag to suggest the presence of Bubonic plague onboard. This tactic successfully deterred the pirates from boarding.

Shipwreck Site
6

Building a Tree House

As the family begins to adapt to island life, Father, Fritz, and Ernst build an intricate tree house with a water wheel. This structure provides them safety and comfort as they learn about their new environment.

Island
7

Animal Collecting

The youngest son, Francis, embarks on his own adventures, collecting various animals on the island, including a young Asian elephant, a monkey, and an ostrich. This adds to the family's growing menagerie.

Island
8

Exploration and Rescue

Fritz and Ernst, along with their mother’s approval, explore the island in a makeshift outrigger boat. They unexpectedly encounter pirates but manage to rescue Roberta, a girl disguised as a boy.

Island
9

Christmas Celebration

The family celebrates Christmas together in their tree house, culminating in a momentous occasion when Francis captures a tiger in one of their traps. This marks a significant achievement in their survival efforts.

Christmas Tree House
10

Pirate Showdown

The joyous holiday takes a drastic turn as pirates attack their location after being alerted. The family takes refuge in their defenses, utilizing traps to fend off the attackers.

Tree House
11

Arrival of Help

Just as the family faces overwhelming odds against the pirates, a ship arrives, commanded by Roberta's grandfather. They unleash cannon fire, successfully defeating the pirates and rescuing the family.

Tree House
12

Future Prospects

With the pirates gone, Roberta’s grandfather offers Ernst a chance to attend university in London. Although options for returning to Europe arise, the family desires to remain on the island a bit longer.

13

Family Decisions

Father and Mother decide to keep Francis with them for additional years before possibly returning to Europe. Meanwhile, Fritz and Roberta express their intentions to stay on the island.

14

Farewell to Ernst

As the family bids farewell to Ernst, who departs for England with the captain and crew, they reflect on the changes and challenges they faced, solidifying their bond in the process.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:59

Unlock the Full Story of Swiss Family Robinson

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Swiss Family Robinson Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Swiss Family Robinson, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Swiss Family Robinson Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Swiss Family Robinson

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Swiss Family Robinson

More About Swiss Family Robinson

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