*Spoiler/plot- 1990, A boy and his mother have a country inn on the ocean cliffs. An old sailor moves into the inn and is dying. He befriends the son of the inn keeper with is stories of living on ships. One night a strange blind man arrives and marks the old sailor for death from a pirate brotherhood with the 'Black Spot'. During a cutlass fight, the boy finds a treasure map in the sea chest of the dying sailor. He takes the map to the local authorities that know about it and set up a ship and crew to find the treasure. Once the ship, 'Hispaniola' leaves the port with mostly a secret pirate crew aboard; they arrive at the Treasure Island. The crew takes over the ship and attacks the obedient crew members trying to get the treasure for them. A marooned sailor helps the obedient crew members to find and stow the hidden treasure aboard the ship to go back to England for justice. 'Long' John Silver shows that he is an able conman, pirate, liar, double-crosser, and schemer through this whole treasure hunting experience.*Special Stars- Charlton Heston. Dir: Frasier Heston*Theme- Men will look for treasure even if they suffer for it.*Based on- Robert Louise Stevenson's famous pirate novel*Trivia/location/goofs- TV series remake condensed into a feature film. The "Hispaniola" ship used for the film is actually the "Bounty" a ship originally built for the MGM classic film with Clark Gable and Charles Laughten. The pirate dialog is a joy to hear and understand.*Emotion- A rather good updated version of the Stevenson pirate movie using Mr. Heston's strong leading man charisma and acting talents. This film is a very nice example of Heston's later screen appearances and excellent casting with an authentic West Country English accent and language colloquialisms of the 17th century seamen. Well worth your time and very entertaining.

Although this was a made for TV movie, Ted Turner wanted, and got, a great movie from an old story that has been shot on the screen many times. But none, in my opinion, as good as this.Charelton Heston's performance was magnificent. Had the movie been produced for theatrical release, I believe that Heston would have gotten nominated for yet another Academy award, as probably would have the cinematography as well. I highly recommend this movie for a delightful evening that the whole family can and will enjoy. Go ahead, pop some popcorn and find out. And for you true Charleton Heston fans, I'd also recommend another obscure title, "Mother Load."

If you hated watching Robert Newton and his ARRRRR, Matey! approach to the role of Long John Silver, and you hated watching a brat (Bobby D) play Jim Hawkins, and you like to watch a movie about boats and ships featuring actors who actually know something about sailing, this one's for you. It's the best version of Treasure Island ever filmed. Not only are you treated to a charismatic, cunning and completely amoral Long John, and a young man coming of age playing Jim, you get to hear an incredible soundtrack by the Chieftans! Wish I had a copy of the score...The Chieftans build the perfect OST for this movie. You may not like Charlton's politics, but who cares-- it's just a movie. I'm pretty sure the director is Heston's son, and he does a good job. From the opening moments when Captain Billy Bones comes in to the harbor close hauled, you know you're seeing real sailors. No other film version even comes remotely close to this one. Check it out. A bit hard to find, but out there.

More superlatives from me are not necessary. I will only say that I agree with the other commenters who consider this the best version of Treasure Island made so far. What would make a difference is for it to be released on DVD. If you would like to see this version of Treasure Island released on DVD, as I do, then please go to this link:http://tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?scarlettTitleId=14882 and vote for it (on the right hand side of the screen).If the link does not work or you don't care to use it, then do a Google search for Turner Classic Movies, then search on the site for Treasure Island (1990). Maybe if enough people vote for it, it will actually be released on DVD. It can't hurt.