When a B-29 bomber strays from its course, its crew -- high-living pilot Noah Dugan (Elliott Gould), a prim missionary (Geneviève Bujold), her cargo of farm animals, and two stowaway orphans -- must make an emergency ... more »landing on an unmapped island in the South Pacific. In order to survive, the foursome, along with two unexpected allies, convert the downed plane into the oddest sea-going vessel ever and then set sail -- animals and all -- on a perilous search for civilization in this Disney adventure for the whole family.« less
Richard N. from RNCHO CORDOVA, CA Reviewed on 8/19/2015...
Fun flick. An atypical but enjoyable role for Gould.
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Movie Reviews
Disney at the height of its live action form
Jonathan W Niehaus | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 06/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Elliott Gould gives another great performance as the world weary, hard drinking loner (ala `Getting Straight', `The Long Goodbye', `MASH'), but similar to his other early eighties foray into Disney films `The Devil and Max Devlin', his loner character is tested and softened through unexpected events. Geneviève Bujold also sticks to previous performances as the determined and sexy emissary of good (`Coma', `Earthquake'). Both leads give a nice edge to this adventurous tale, made at a time when Disney was making some interestingly cast and original live action films like `The Black Hole', `Amy' and `TRON'. Rick Schroder, in the prime of his childhood acting career, plays virtually the same character as he did in `The Champ'. All of this cinematic pedigree adds a wonderfully entertaining element to a film that could have dived into the painfully mawkish. Complete with night shark attacks, stranded Japanese soldiers, orphans, an eclectic menagerie of animals (who ever sees a mallard duck in the same vicinity as one of those hump backed African ox), and a great South Pacific setting this film has something for everyone. A guaranteed good night with nods to the adults and thrills and adventure for the kids. Hearkens back to a not particularly distant past when Disney was making wholesome original films with a little edge. As always Anchor Bay does a beautiful job in the DVD transfer, giving more time and respect to Disney's library than Disney does for its own films. As with all Anchor Bay DVDs, highly recommended."
Passable live action Disney movie
F. J. Harvey | Birmingham England | 11/17/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Elliott Gould stars as an impecunious pilot who ,in order to stay one step ahead of two strong arm men anxious to collect his gambling debts ,reluctantly agrees to fly a cargo of animals to a remote Pacific island in the company of a nun ,Sister Bernadette (Genevieve Bujold).She has conceived the idea of importing the livestock as a way of converting the islanders to a farming existence .
Omens are not propitious-the plane is old and rickety ; Gould is unenthusiastic about animals;Gould and Bujold clash and two pre-teenage children stowaway on the plane .
The plane goes offcourse and Gould is forced to ditch on a remote island which -just to complicate matters -is occupied by two Japanese naval officers who have not heard that World War two is over ,and who attack the plane without success.
The bulk of the movie shows how the parties combine in an attempt to escape from the island and how the internal conflicts are resolved.
Nicely shot on location in Hawaii and with a strong performance from the underrated Bujold ,this watchable movie is acceptable family fare but would have been all the better for a livelier actor in the lead role .Gould lacks the lightness of touch that Disney regulars from this era like Garner or Dean Jones would have brought to proceedings.
Solid and watchable but second string Disney."
Great Family Movie
Christy Donham | Surprise, AZ United States | 03/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are a number of new movies that are great for a family - but this is an old and timeless classic! Great movie!"
Excellent Family Viewing
Ron Hall | Lake Butler, Florida United States | 06/20/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A solid family movie with enough action to hold the entire familys interest. Outstanding photography with a good professional cast. Recommended for all film libraries."
Another Disney Classic!
Ron Hall | 02/28/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is your average Disney movie, (clean, decent, enjoyable, and good entertainment for the whole family.) I have always enjoyed these old Disney movies, like Swiss Family Robinson, Cat from Outer Space, Apple Dumpling Gang Herbie, etc., and this is one of the many Disney Classics.