Family Classics 4-Movie Pack - Son of Monte Cristo, Captain Kidd, Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island, Scarlet Letter

Family Classics 4-Movie Pack - Son of Monte Cristo, Captain Kidd, Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island, Scarlet Letter
Customer Review: Pirates and swordsmen and cheats (Oh my!)
FAMILY CLASSICS 4 MOVIE PACK is a nice little set of older films that will appeal to kids of all ages. "Return to Treasure Island" is an Australian sequel to the British-made 1950 "Treasure Island." Robert Newton, who literally invented all the cliché pirate mannerisms (such as "Arrrrrrrrrrr!") reprises his role of one-legged Long John. After this movie, Newton starred in a TV show that was exported from Australia to America. "Long John Silver" was one of the first series to be shot in color. Newton died soon after its first and only season was completed. Charles Laughton's portrayal of "Captain Kidd" is somewhat more restrained (if less courtly) than his "Mutiny on the Bounty" Captain Bligh. Co-star Randolph Scott is the handsome hero here. Look for Sheldon Leonard in Kidd's crew. Leonard was the racetrack tout on the "Jack Benny Program." He also created and produced such TV shows as "I Spy," "The Andy Griffith Show" and "My World and Welcome To It." "Son of Monte Cristo" is a swashbuckler of the old school variety. A charming leading man, great scenery and costuming, suspense, plenty of action and a happy ending make for satisfying fare. TV's "Lone Ranger," Clayton Moore, appears here in a brief balcony scene. "The Scarlet Letter" is a book worth reading. The 1934 movie is a close transcription of that book. Its only flaw occurs when the minister reveals his dark secret in front of his congregation. A rushed delivery and poor build-up weakens somewhat the overall impact of this climactic moment. Other than this, it's a decent film. KIDS' FAVORITE ADVENTURE MOVIES is a somewhat larger collection of similar family fare. This nice box set has literary classics ("Heidi," "Alice in Wonderland" and "Jungle Book"), fun westerns (two "Over-the-Hill Gang" movies) and seven stranded castaways finally getting rescued from GILLIGAN'S ISLAND! . The parenthetical numbers preceding titles are 1 to 10 viewer poll ratings found at a movie resource website. (6.3) Captain Kidd (1945) - Charles Laughton/Randolph Scott/Barbara Britton/John Carradine (6.3) Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island ("Long John Silver") (Australia-1954) - Robert Newton (5.1) The Scarlet Letter (1934) - Colleen Moore/Hardie Albright/Alan Hale/William Farnum (in support) (6.1) The Son Of Monte Cristo (1940) - Louis Hayward/Joan Bennett/George Sanders/Clayton Moore (in support)