Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure

Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure

Year: 1981

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Sergio Corbucci

ActionAdventureComedy

Alan obtains a map to World‑War‑II Japanese war treasure hidden on a remote Pacific island. When gangsters try to steal the map, he escapes aboard Charlie’s departing boat, secretly altering the compass to steer toward the treasure. Upon reaching the island they discover it inhabited by native people and a lone Japanese soldier still defending the hidden hoard.

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Timeline & Setting – Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The events unfold in the mid-20th century, shortly after World War II. A cache of money stolen from the United States Navy becomes a focal point, with the island's wartime relics and the Navy presence shaping the conflict. The rescue by the USS Forrestal places the story firmly in a postwar era of American military reach and intrigue.

Location

Remote Pacific Island

A remote Pacific island serves as the main setting for the story. It is depicted as a small, self-contained community where natives live alongside a fortress-like outpost and a cautious alliance with a Japanese general who still clings to the memory of World War II. Pirates visit annually to capture natives for slavery, creating a constant threat that drives much of the plot.

🏝️ Tropical 🗺️ Isolated ⚓ Pirate-threat

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

Main Characters – Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981)

Meet the key characters of Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alan Lloyd (Terence Hill)

Alan is a compulsive gambler on the run from shady employers. He uses wit, improvisation, and a willingness to fight to stay alive. His loyalty to Charlie and his growing sense of responsibility push him to protect the islanders and confront danger head-on.

🎭 Gambler 🗡️ Brash 🤝 Loyal

Charlie O'Brien (Bud Spencer)

Charlie is an actor hired to promote a jam who becomes Alan's loyal partner in exile. He is big-hearted and impulsive, often leaping into brawls and schemes with infectious energy. His rough strength and humor help the duo survive the island's trials.

🎭 Entertainer 🧨 Impulsive 💪 Loyal

Ulla

Ulla is a native island resident who welcomes the outsiders and becomes part of the island's social life. She helps them understand local customs and shares in the celebrations that follow the pirates’ ouster.

🌺 Native 🧭 Local 🤝 Welcoming

Mama

Mama is a maternal figure among the islanders, embodying warmth and community. She participates in social gatherings and represents the island's sense of belonging in contrast to the outsiders' perilous journey.

👩‍👧‍👦 Maternal 🧭 Community ❤️ Caring

Pirate

A group of raiders who come to capture natives and plunder the island's resources. They are the antagonists who drive conflict and are ultimately defeated by Alan, Charlie, and the islanders.

⚔️ Antagonist 🏴‍☠️ Pirate 💥 Violent

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

Major Themes – Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981)

Explore the central themes of Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Alan and Charlie's unlikely partnership sustains them through danger and comic misfortune. Their loyalty grows as they face pirates, deception, and peril on the island. The duo's camaraderie provides the emotional engine for survival and a happier ending.

🪙 Greed

The buried money and the general's fake fortune drive much of the plot, revealing how greed corrupts plans and creates mistrust. Charlie's temptation to keep the money tests his bond with Alan. The revelation that the money is fake exposes the hollowness of greed and underscores the value of honesty and shared effort.

⚔️ Heroism

Brave resistance against pirates and threat of captivity requires quick decisions and teamwork. Alan and Charlie marshal their wits and fists to defend the natives and reclaim their freedom. The final rescue by a Navy crew seals the theme of courage rewarded by the outside world.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:13

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Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure Summary

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Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure Summary

Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure Timeline

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Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure Timeline

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Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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