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Swiss Family Robinson (1960 film) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 1960 Film 'Swiss Family Robinson': Production and Reception

Cheat Sheet:
The 1960 Film 'Swiss Family Robinson': Production and Reception Study Guide

I. Literary Origins and Cinematic Adaptation

The 1960 Walt Disney film adaptation of "Swiss Family Robinson" is based upon a novel originally authored in German.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film 'Swiss Family Robinson' is indeed an adaptation of a novel originally written in German.

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The 1960 film "Swiss Family Robinson" was the first-ever movie adaptation of Johann David Wyss's novel.

Answer: False

Explanation: RKO Pictures had previously produced a film adaptation of "The Swiss Family Robinson" in 1940.

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Walt Disney decided to produce his own version of "Swiss Family Robinson" after seeing the 1940 film.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walt Disney and associate producer Bill Anderson decided to create their own adaptation after viewing the 1940 film version.

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The original title of the book by Johann David Wyss was "The Swiss Family Robinson."

Answer: False

Explanation: The original title of the book authored by Johann David Wyss was 'Der Schweizerische Robinson.'

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The 1960 film adaptation of "Swiss Family Robinson" is based on which literary work?

Answer: The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

Explanation: The cinematic adaptation of 'Swiss Family Robinson' draws its narrative from the classic 1812 novel 'The Swiss Family Robinson,' penned by Johann David Wyss.

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II. Production and Technical Aspects

The primary filming location for the 1960 "Swiss Family Robinson" was exclusively on the island of Tobago.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Tobago was a primary filming location, principal photography also occurred at Pinewood Studios.

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Ken Annakin, the director of the 1960 film, previously directed the 1940 adaptation of "Swiss Family Robinson."

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1940 adaptation was produced by RKO Pictures; Ken Annakin directed the 1960 Walt Disney version.

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The pirate captain, Kuala, was played by actor Sessue Hayakawa.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sessue Hayakawa portrayed the character of the pirate captain, Kuala.

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Director Ken Annakin initially wanted to film "Swiss Family Robinson" in the Amazon rainforest.

Answer: False

Explanation: Director Ken Annakin initially favored filming in Ceylon, while other suggestions included East Africa and various Caribbean locations before Tobago was chosen.

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A significant filming challenge in Tobago was the abundance of dangerous local wildlife.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to expectations, a significant challenge during filming in Tobago was not the abundance of dangerous wildlife, but rather the scarcity of local fauna requiring animals to be imported.

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The iconic treehouse set was built in a large saman tree approximately 200 feet tall.

Answer: True

Explanation: The treehouse was meticulously constructed in sections within a substantial saman tree, reaching approximately 200 feet in height, located in the Goldsborough Bay area.

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Filming the treehouse scenes was easy due to ample sunlight throughout the day.

Answer: False

Explanation: Filming within the treehouse presented considerable difficulty, primarily due to the limited direct sunlight resulting from the dense surrounding foliage.

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Replica sets of the shipwreck and treehouse interiors were built at Pinewood Studios.

Answer: False

Explanation: Replica interior sets for the shipwreck and the main room of the treehouse were constructed at Walt Disney Productions' studio in Goodwood, not Pinewood Studios.

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The film featured a large number of animals, managed by a team of animal trainers.

Answer: True

Explanation: A substantial number of animals were featured in the film, requiring the management of a dedicated team of fourteen animal trainers.

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A labor dispute occurred when the British film crew demanded higher wages, which was resolved through negotiation.

Answer: True

Explanation: A labor dispute arose concerning the wages of the British film crew, which was successfully resolved through negotiation by their union representative.

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The famous treehouse set was dismantled immediately after filming concluded.

Answer: False

Explanation: The treehouse set was left standing at the request of local Tobagonians, later becoming a tourist attraction before its destruction by Hurricane Flora.

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Local Tobagonians were employed in various roles during the film's production, including as stand-ins.

Answer: True

Explanation: Local residents of Tobago were integral to the production, serving as stand-ins and doubles, and also employed in roles such as drivers and hotel staff.

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The 1960 film "Swiss Family Robinson" has a running time of approximately 90 minutes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1960 film 'Swiss Family Robinson' has a running time of 126 minutes, not approximately 90 minutes.

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The cliffs at Bay Hill Rock were used for filming the scene where the boys rescue Roberta.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cliffs at Bay Hill Rock, positioned at the edge of John Dial Beach within Hillsborough Bay, were utilized for filming the sequence wherein the boys rescue Roberta.

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Hurricane Flora destroyed the famous film set treehouse in 1963.

Answer: True

Explanation: The treehouse structure met its ultimate demise due to Hurricane Flora in September 1963.

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Which of the following actors was NOT a principal star in the 1960 "Swiss Family Robinson" movie?

Answer: Marlon Brando

Explanation: The principal cast members featured in the 1960 film 'Swiss Family Robinson' included John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Tommy Kirk, and Kevin Corcoran. Marlon Brando was not part of this principal cast.

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Who directed the 1960 Walt Disney Pictures production of "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: Ken Annakin

Explanation: Ken Annakin helmed the direction of the 1960 adaptation of 'Swiss Family Robinson'.

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What was technologically significant about the cinematography of the 1960 "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: It was the first widescreen film by Disney to use Panavision lenses.

Explanation: This production marked the first instance of Walt Disney Pictures employing Panavision lenses for a widescreen film, deviating from their customary use of a matted widescreen or CinemaScope.

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Who portrayed Father Robinson in the 1960 film?

Answer: John Mills

Explanation: The character of Father Robinson was portrayed by the esteemed actor John Mills.

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Which actress played Roberta, the character disguised as a boy?

Answer: Janet Munro

Explanation: The character of Roberta was brought to life by the actress Janet Munro.

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What was the name of the pirate captain in the film?

Answer: Kuala

Explanation: The pirate captain was identified as Kuala, with the role performed by Sessue Hayakawa.

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What significant challenge did filmmakers face regarding wildlife on Tobago?

Answer: There was a lack of local wildlife, requiring animals to be brought in.

Explanation: The selection of Tobago presented a notable challenge due to the deficiency of indigenous wildlife, necessitating the importation of animals for the production.

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How was the treehouse set constructed?

Answer: In sections within a large saman tree, allowing for assembly.

Explanation: The treehouse was meticulously constructed in sections within a substantial saman tree, reaching approximately 200 feet in height, located in the Goldsborough Bay area. This sectional approach facilitated its assembly and disassembly throughout the filming process.

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What environmental factor made filming in the treehouse difficult?

Answer: Limited direct sunlight due to dense foliage

Explanation: The dense surrounding foliage significantly restricted direct sunlight at the treehouse location to approximately three hours daily, thereby complicating the shooting schedule.

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What happened to the famous treehouse set after filming was completed?

Answer: It was left standing at the request of locals, becoming a tourist attraction before being destroyed by a hurricane.

Explanation: Following the conclusion of filming, local Tobagonians petitioned for the treehouse to remain standing. It was subsequently offered for sale and evolved into a tourist attraction before its ultimate destruction by Hurricane Flora in September 1963.

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What is the running time of the 1960 film "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: 126 minutes

Explanation: The cinematic duration of the 1960 film 'Swiss Family Robinson' is 126 minutes.

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III. Narrative Elements and Character Dynamics

The Robinson family became stranded on the island because their ship sank in a storm.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Robinson family's stranding on the island was precipitated by their ship running aground following a pirate attack, rather than sinking in a storm.

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Father Robinson used a quarantine flag to deter pirates from boarding the ship after it ran aground.

Answer: True

Explanation: Father Robinson employed a quarantine flag, falsely indicating the presence of plague, to successfully deter the pirates from boarding the grounded vessel.

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The Robinson family's dwelling was a large, multi-story treehouse equipped with a water wheel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The family constructed an elaborate tree house, which incorporated a functional water wheel to assist with their daily tasks.

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Mother Robinson's main worry was the lack of adequate food supplies on the island.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mother Robinson's primary concern revolved not around the scarcity of food supplies, but rather the long-term prospects for her sons' marital futures.

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Fritz and Ernst rescued a young boy named Roberta from pirates.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fritz and Ernst rescued a cabin boy who was later revealed to be a girl named Roberta.

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Roberta was disguised as a boy by her grandfather, Captain Moreland, to protect her.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roberta's grandfather, Captain Moreland, disguised her as a boy, including cutting her hair, to conceal her gender from the pirates.

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The family fortified their shipwrecked vessel to defend against pirate attacks.

Answer: False

Explanation: The family fortified their island settlement and employed defensive measures, rather than fortifying the shipwrecked vessel itself.

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A conflict arose between Fritz and Ernst over their shared interest in botany.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conflict that emerged between Fritz and Ernst stemmed not from a shared interest in botany, but from their mutual romantic affections for Roberta.

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Captain Moreland's ship arrived and destroyed the pirate vessel, resolving the attack.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Moreland's arrival with his ship and subsequent destruction of the pirate vessel definitively resolved the pirate attack.

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Both Ernst and Fritz decided to remain on the island with their parents at the end of the film.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ernst chose to pursue higher education in London, while Fritz remained on the island with their parents.

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What caused the Robinson family's ship to run aground?

Answer: An attack by pirates

Explanation: The narrative of the Swiss Family Robinson's stranding commences when their vessel, en route from Bern to New Guinea, is subjected to a pirate assault, leading to it running aground on rocks adjacent to an uninhabited island.

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What did Father Robinson do to prevent pirates from boarding after the ship ran aground?

Answer: He raised a quarantine flag.

Explanation: Father Robinson utilized a quarantine flag, falsely signaling the presence of Bubonic plague aboard the vessel, a ruse that effectively dissuaded the pirates from boarding.

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Which animals did the youngest son, Francis, notably collect?

Answer: An elephant, a monkey, and an ostrich

Explanation: Francis's collection of fauna included a young Asian elephant, a monkey, and an ostrich.

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What theory did Ernst propose about the island's geological origin?

Answer: It was once part of a land bridge connecting Africa and Asia.

Explanation: Ernst posited the theory that the island may have originated as a segment of a land bridge connecting the continents of Africa and Asia.

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What was Mother Robinson's primary concern regarding their isolation?

Answer: The possibility of never finding spouses for her sons

Explanation: Mother Robinson articulated her anxieties regarding the potential for her sons to remain unmarried and unable to establish families due to their prolonged isolation on the island.

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Who did Fritz and Ernst rescue during their exploration in the outrigger boat?

Answer: A cabin boy who was actually a girl named Roberta

Explanation: During their expedition, Fritz and Ernst encountered pirates who had commandeered another vessel. They successfully rescued the cabin boy, subsequently revealed to be a young girl named Roberta.

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How did Captain Moreland disguise Roberta?

Answer: As a boy

Explanation: Captain Moreland, Roberta's grandfather, disguised her as a boy, including cutting her hair, to conceal her gender from the pirates.

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What defensive measures did the Robinson family implement against pirates?

Answer: Scuttling their ship and setting up booby traps

Explanation: The family undertook measures including scuttling their wrecked vessel to obscure their position, fortifying a clifftop with defensive structures, and deploying various booby traps.

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What was the source of conflict between Fritz and Ernst?

Answer: Competition for Roberta's affections

Explanation: A rivalry developed between Fritz and Ernst as both brothers harbored romantic feelings for Roberta, culminating in disputes concerning her affections.

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Who ultimately destroyed the pirate vessel attacking the Robinson home?

Answer: Captain Moreland's ship using cannon fire

Explanation: The family's defenses and traps initially repelled the pirates. The conflict was definitively resolved when Captain Moreland arrived with his ship and annihilated the pirate vessel through cannon fire.

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IV. Reception, Legacy, and Critical Reappraisal

The film "Swiss Family Robinson" was a financial disappointment, earning less than its production budget.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the notion of financial disappointment, the film 'Swiss Family Robinson' achieved considerable commercial success, significantly exceeding its production budget.

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In 1961, "Swiss Family Robinson" was the highest-grossing film released in Britain.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1961, 'Swiss Family Robinson' attained the status of the highest-grossing film released within Britain for that year.

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Upon its re-release in 1969, the film earned an additional $12 million in North American rentals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon its 1969 re-release, the film generated an additional $6.4 million in North American rentals, not $12 million.

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The film "Swiss Family Robinson" holds a low approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film 'Swiss Family Robinson' maintains a favorable approval rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Modern criticisms of the film include its portrayal of racial stereotypes and implicit endorsement of colonization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contemporary critiques have centered on the film's depiction of racial stereotypes, notably concerning the villainous pirates, and its perceived implicit endorsement of colonization.

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Disney has never acknowledged or addressed the controversial elements within the film.

Answer: False

Explanation: Disney has acknowledged and addressed the controversial elements within the film by adding disclaimers and updating them to reflect the harmful impact of racial stereotypes.

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The pirates in the film were criticized for being depicted by actors of Asian descent.

Answer: False

Explanation: The pirates in the film were criticized not for being depicted by actors of Asian descent, but for their portrayal using actors of color or makeup in a grossly stereotypical and offensive manner.

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Critics argue the film implicitly endorses colonization by having the Robinsons settle without considering indigenous inhabitants.

Answer: True

Explanation: Critics contend that the film implicitly endorses colonization because the Robinson family proceeds to establish their home without acknowledging or considering whether indigenous people might already inhabit the island.

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There have been no announced plans for remakes of "Swiss Family Robinson" since 2004.

Answer: False

Explanation: While multiple remake projects for 'Swiss Family Robinson' have been announced since 2004, none have progressed to full production.

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The film "After Earth," starring Will Smith, was inspired by "Swiss Family Robinson."

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2013 cinematic release 'After Earth,' starring Will and Jaden Smith and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, drew narrative inspiration from elements present in the 'Swiss Family Robinson' story.

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The "Swiss Family Treehouse" is a ride located at Disneyland.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Swiss Family Treehouse' refers to a walkthrough attraction that has been a feature at various Disney theme parks, not exclusively Disneyland.

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What is the primary genre and release year of the film "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: An American adventure film released in 1960

Explanation: The film 'Swiss Family Robinson' is classified as an American adventure film, with its release date in 1960.

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What was the approximate box office gross revenue for the 1960 "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: 40 million dollars

Explanation: The film's production budget was $5 million, and it subsequently achieved a box office gross of $40 million.

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How was "Swiss Family Robinson" generally received by critics and audiences upon its initial release?

Answer: It was met with significant success from both critics and audiences.

Explanation: Upon its release, 'Swiss Family Robinson' garnered substantial acclaim from both critics and audiences, and it continues to be recognized as one of Disney's most cherished live-action feature films.

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What modern criticism is leveled against the portrayal of pirates in the film?

Answer: They were portrayed using actors of color or makeup in a grossly stereotypical manner.

Explanation: Contemporary critiques have centered on the film's depiction of racial stereotypes, notably concerning the villainous pirates, and its perceived implicit endorsement of colonization through the omission of any acknowledgment of potential indigenous inhabitants. Specifically, the portrayal of pirates drew criticism due to their representation by actors of color or through the use of makeup to assume Asian features, a representation widely described as 'grossly stereotypical, insulting, and unnecessary.'

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Which film, starring members of the Smith family, incorporated elements inspired by "Swiss Family Robinson"?

Answer: After Earth

Explanation: The 2013 cinematic release 'After Earth,' starring Will and Jaden Smith and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, drew narrative inspiration from elements present in the 'Swiss Family Robinson' story.

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