8.585 minSeason 1 • Episode 4
Latest"Die Schatzinsel" (Treasure Island) - 1966: An Overview This film is a live-action, East-German/Czechoslovak adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel. However, it's crucial to know that it is not a direct, faithful adaptation of the book. Instead, it is a highly liberal and stylised re-imagining that blends the pirate adventure with the popular genre of the time: the Euro-Western. Plot Summary (The Basic Premise) The core premise remains the same: a young man, Jim Hawkins, comes into possession of a treasure map and embarks on a voyage to a remote island. However, the 1966 version takes significant liberties: Setting: While the novel is set in the 18th century, this film has a distinct 19th-century "Wild West" feel, with characters using revolvers and wearing costumes that feel more like cowboys than classic 1700s pirates.
Production
East German-Czech co-production aesthetics are fascinatingly odd.
Costume
Cowboy hats on pirates. That's it. That's the highlight.
Acting
Ivor Dean's Silver balances menace and paternal charm.
Creator
Robert Louis Stevenson
Michael Ande
Jim Hawkins
Jacques Monod
Kapitän Alexander Smollet
Georges Riquier
Dr. David Livesey
Jacques Dacqmine
Squire John Trelawney
Michel Charrel
Dirk Taylor
Dante Maggio
Bill Bones
Jacques Godin
Israel Hands
Jean Mauvais
James Brandon
Jean Saudray
Benjamin 'Ben' Gunn
Sylvain Lévignac
Schwarzer Hund
François Darbon
Marc Hawkins
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
DEFA studios often used Western tropes to criticize American imperialism while sneaking adventure past censors.
This was one of the most expensive DEFA productions ever, partly because they built a full-scale Hispaniola ship.
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