In Search of the Castaways (1961)

In Search of the Castaways (1961)

THIS REVIEW IS UNDER REVISION

Back for her third Disney film is cute and plucky Hayley Milles.  Back for another Disney screen trement is another Jules Verne adventure novel 1868 ‘Captain Grant’s Children’. The castaways are in the middle of the dessert when all of a sudden a flash flood comes and covers up the land stranding the castaways in a tree in which a Jaguar comes to make his home to escape the flood, while crocs circle underneath the tree. This is but one of many fun and exciting moments in this film.

Another highlight is a race through a icy cavern on a piece of rock. All this and  more is in store for you who watch this classic Disney adventure film. Hayley Mills is always a delight to watch and Robert Stevenson’s directorial work proves once again to be worthy of repeated viewings. The image of the tree in the middle of the water is just such fun. This film is pure Fun and joy and worth putting in your library.

Mary Grant: [singing] Cast away, cast away: trust in your star. You know I will find you wherever you are. Though all your dreams may be tossed by the tide, cling to your hopes: never cast them aside. Cast away, cast away, though you may be lost in the wilderness, over the sea: I will discover your cast away shore, and you'll be a cast away no more. Oh, you'll be a cast away no more.

Other than the obvious conclusion you might suspect, Castaways keeps you guessing throughout, never knowing if more natural disaster or another Maurice Chevalier song is next. Ultimately, while not as successful as Disney's most riveting live action films, Castaways is easy to appreciate, with its gentle blend of plot, humor, and uninhibited adventure. Ultimate Disney Review