It's a good but cheap version of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, with some good casting (Roddy McDowall as David Balfour, Dan O'Herlihy as Alan Breck) good scenic photography and a general level of competence -- a hallmark of the often despised William Beaudine, when given a half-decent budget. On the downside, the fight scenes are very badly choreographed, and I wonder why everyone in Scotland uses the same variety of sword, whether they're sailors, soldiers of the French king or elderly landowners, all with approximately equal levels of competence -- save O'Herlihy who, although he looks to be at the same level, can defeat three other men.
The story is one that has been remade many times, from a major production by the Edison in 1917 to a TV movie in 2005. Stevenson basically basically invented the Young Adult Novel with this and TREASURE ISLAND, and his youthful heroes, strong stories and exciting adventures have made him a favorite for movie-makers. Although there are better versions of this story (I prefer the superbly cast Disney version), there's little to complain of in this one -- I have, in my usual manner, already done so -- and MacDowall's performance is perfect.
The story is one that has been remade many times, from a major production by the Edison in 1917 to a TV movie in 2005. Stevenson basically basically invented the Young Adult Novel with this and TREASURE ISLAND, and his youthful heroes, strong stories and exciting adventures have made him a favorite for movie-makers. Although there are better versions of this story (I prefer the superbly cast Disney version), there's little to complain of in this one -- I have, in my usual manner, already done so -- and MacDowall's performance is perfect.