Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Swiss Family Robinson 1960 movie Poster used in Belgium, titled:

The Robinsons of The South Seas (Swiss Family Robinson)

French - Les Robinsons des mers du sud (Swiss Family Robinson)
Dutch - Robinsons Van De Zuidezeeen).
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Swiss Family Robinson 1960 movie Poster used in  Belgium
Swiss Family Robinson 1960 movie Poster used in Belgium
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Thank you for the memories Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021

Tommy Kirk was the last surviving star in the movie Swiss Family Robinson filmed on the island of Tobago in 1959.
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Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021
Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

1962 photo with twenty-one year old Tommy Kirk and younger brother Andrew Kirk (left). Photo courtesy - Tommy Kirk’s niece, Jennifer Kirk (daughter of Andrew Kirk).

Tommy Kirk played Ernst Robinson in the 1960 Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson filmed entirely on the island of Tobago from August 1959 to January 1960. The movie premiered on 10 December 1960 - Tommy Kirk’s 19th birthday.

Thank you for the memories Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021

Tommy Kirk was the last surviving star in the movie Swiss Family Robinson filmed on the island of Tobago in 1959.
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Thank you for the memories Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021
Thank you for the memories Tommy Kirk … December 10, 1941 - September 28, 2021
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by DexterRiley »

Mills family.jpg
Mills family.jpg (79.54 KiB) Viewed 9506 times
Excellent posts with expert research! Really amazing how thorough the information is regarding the shooting sites!

I have two minor corrections from Page 6. The photos showing the Mills family identify the boy child as "Kevin Corcoran" when it is actually Jonathan Mills, son of John Mills and Mary Hayley Bell, brother to Juliet and Hayley.

The photo of Janet Munro on a donkey is later identified as being "Yakima Canutt". It is actually Fess Reynolds, the animal trainer.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Thanks so much for visiting Dexter. Yes it’s Fess … I actually have some behind the scenes photos of Fess in my book “The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago Swiss Family Robinson” (it’s available for online purchase at The Blue Edition Bookstore in Trinidad - you can Google it if you wish). Sadly, the erroneous Yak identification in a subsequent comment was never corrected - Thank you!

You’re absolutely correct, in the family photo it’s young Jonathan Mills. My bad 😥
Of course, it’s ‘Moochie’ on the elephant with Haley - he loved those black bathing trunks in 1959. Again, I have a few photos behind the scenes photos of him (taken by locals) in the water at Richmond Bay with Rocky, Fess with the zebra and some local handlers with the donkey (these are in my book).

Just a snippet. Jonathan and Haley went to school briefly in Tobago at Bishop’s in Scarborough. Two of their teachers were Mr and Mrs Sosa - I chatted with the Sosas recently and told them about Haley’s new book, Forever Young.

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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Screenshot from the 1960 Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson (in red) inserted in a present day photo of the filming location at Shipwreck Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago

The shipwreck was anchored onto the rocks with steel bars (some of which are still underwater). The stern of the shipwreck was on the large rock close to the cliff, with the bow out in the water.

The scenes with the Robinson family on the deck of the shipwreck, and the family leaving the shipwreck on a makeshift tub raft were filmed at Shipwreck Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago in 1959.
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Screenshot from the 1960 Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson (in red) inserted in a present day photo of the filming location at Shipwreck Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago
Screenshot from the 1960 Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson (in red) inserted in a present day photo of the filming location at Shipwreck Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Swiss Family Robinson movie screenshot (Time - 22:44) - this scene with Father, Fritz and Ernst rescuing the animals from the shipwreck on a flotilla of wine kegs and barrels. This scene was filmed in the calm waters at Boat Bay, Belle Garden.
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‘Then and Now Shot’ of the filming location for the scene where Father, Fritz and Ernst rescue the animals from the shipwreck and pull the flotilla of animals ashore …
‘Then and Now Shot’ of the filming location for the scene where Father, Fritz and Ernst rescue the animals from the shipwreck and pull the flotilla of animals ashore …
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

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‘The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago Swiss Family Robinson
(Second Edition - November 2021)

The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago - Swiss Family Robinson documents Disney’s stay on the island of Tobago in the West Indies from March 1959 to January 1960,  during the filming of the movie Swiss Family Robinson.  The movie had an all-star cast comprising of John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Sessue Hayakawa, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran and Cecil Parker.  

The book contains details of all seventeen film locations used during the making of the movie.  It highlights the untold stories of people who worked for Walt Disney Productions back then.  These include Tobagonians who acted as stand-ins and doubles for Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro and Tommy Kirk, as well as some uncredited cast and crew members who worked with Walt Disney Productions.

Inside are one hundred behind the scenes black and white photographs taken during the filming of Swiss Family Robinson in 1959. There are thirty-four stunning color photographs of the filming locations as they are today. Present day photographs of some of the cast and crew are also included.

This book is a definitive historical film research document on Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson as told through the eyes of those who were present during the making of the movie in Tobago.  
It’s a must read for every vintage Disney movie fan.

Available in Trinidad at Charrans, Keith Khan’s Books Etc., Mohammeds Bookstore, Nigel R. Khan Bookseller and The BlueEdition. In Scarborough, Tobago at Nelson Bookstore and Radio Tambrin.

Regional and International Shipping Via The BlueEdition and Charrans.
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The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago - Swiss Family Robinson - Second Edition (November 2021)
The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago - Swiss Family Robinson - Second Edition (November 2021)
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Screenshot of Francis and the dogs at the Great Dog (Richmond) River, Richmond Bay, Tobago 1959. In the now shot, the river runs parallel to the beach for a much shorter distance. It changed course after a rainstorm in 1972. Sadly, I lost my friend and guide Norman ‘Taw’ Hade (in blue tee shirt) to Covid-19.

Stay healthy everyone.
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Screenshot of Francis and the dogs at the Great Dog (Richmond) River, Richmond Bay, Tobago 1959. In the now shot, the river runs parallel to the beach for a much shorter distance.
Screenshot of Francis and the dogs at the Great Dog (Richmond) River, Richmond Bay, Tobago 1959. In the now shot, the river runs parallel to the beach for a much shorter distance.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Swiss Family Robinson - movie making scene - working out logistics of the raft scene
where the menagerie of animals were rescued from the shipwreck.

‘Then and now shots’ of Boat Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago - 1959 and 2021.
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‘Then and now shots’ of Boat Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago - 1959 and 2021
‘Then and now shots’ of Boat Bay, Belle Garden, Tobago - 1959 and 2021
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

LATERALLY INVERTED IMAGE of Mt Irvine Bay, Tobago, 1959 on Apple TV with a present day photo.

Shown laterally inverted! - The film location for the pirates dividing up their loot In the UP NEXT freeze frame for Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson on Apple TV.
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LATERALLY INVERTED IMAGE of Mt Irvine Bay, Tobago, 1959 on Apple TV with a present day photo.
LATERALLY INVERTED IMAGE of Mt Irvine Bay, Tobago, 1959 on Apple TV with a present day photo.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

In 1959, Dickie worked as the Dressing Props Chargehand on the Swiss Family Robinson set, Tobago, West Indies. Dickie, and the rest of the UK Props team from Pinewood, spent eleven months in Tobago from March 1959 to January 1960.

Dickie’s Film career began in 1943. It spanned from Props to Producing. Terry Bamber’s career began in 1969 - both in Film and TV, including several James Bond Films, Walt Disney’s 1994 “Jungle Book” and “101 Dalmatians” and “102 Dalmatians”.
His son, Terry Bamber is an Assistant Director/ Production Manager.

The book is available at all the bookstores in 🇹🇹 … The Blue Edition Bookstore and Charrans are also handling international orders …
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Dickie Bamber with the Second Edition of the book - The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago - Swiss Family Robinson.  Behind is his son, Terry Bamber.
Dickie Bamber with the Second Edition of the book - The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago - Swiss Family Robinson. Behind is his son, Terry Bamber.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

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Mr. & Mrs. Bamber looking at a photo of themselves in the second edition of the book - ‘The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago Swiss Family Robinson’

Dickie, and the rest of the UK Props team spent eleven months in Tobago from March 1959 to January 1960. Dickie’s daughter, Janice Lynn Bamber was born in November 1959 - she was three months old when he got home from Tobago.

Photographs, December 2021 courtesy Terry Bamber.
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Mr. & Mrs. Bamber looking at a photo of themselves in the second edition of the book - ‘The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago  Swiss Family Robinson’
Mr. & Mrs. Bamber looking at a photo of themselves in the second edition of the book - ‘The Disney Film Heritage of Tobago Swiss Family Robinson’
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Happy 80th heavenly birthday Tommy Kirk … born December 10th 1941.
The scenes with the Robinsons rescuing the animals from the shipwreck and the shark attack scene were both filmed at Belle Garden, Tobago 1959.
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Happy 80th heavenly birthday Tommy Kirk … born December 10th 1941.
Happy 80th heavenly birthday Tommy Kirk … born December 10th 1941.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

The Disney classic Swiss Family Robinson movie was released in theaters on December 21, 1960 …
61 years ago today!

1960 Argentina Swiss Family Robinson movie poster LA CIUDADELA DE LOS ROBINSON.
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1960 Argentina  Swiss Family Robinson movie poster LA  CIUDADELA DE LOS ROBINSON.
1960 Argentina Swiss Family Robinson movie poster LA CIUDADELA DE LOS ROBINSON.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Swiss Family Robinson was Disney's big Christmas release on December 21st 1960

It was filmed entirely in Tobago, West Indies from August 1959 to January 1960.

Happy holidays … and all the best for 2022 and beyond 🎄🎅
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Swiss Family Robinson was Disney's big Christmas release on December 21st 1960
Swiss Family Robinson was Disney's big Christmas release on December 21st 1960
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

1926 UK Newspaper Clipping - ROBINSON CRUSOE (1926) movie filmed in Tobago.

Robinson Crusoe - often mistaken with Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson - which was filmed during the period August 1959 - January 1960 at 17 locations across Tobago
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1926 UK Newspaper Clipping - ROBINSON CRUSOE (1926) movie filmed in Tobago.
1926 UK Newspaper Clipping - ROBINSON CRUSOE (1926) movie filmed in Tobago.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Swiss Family Robinson film location Mt Irvine, Tobago - The site where ship captain, Moreland (Cecil Parker) and cabin boy "Bertie" (Janet Munro) are captured by the pirates.

Happy New Year to my Swiss Family Robinson Fan Family … All the best for 2022 and beyond. =D>
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All the best for 2022 and beyond.
All the best for 2022 and beyond.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Dell Movie Classic Comic (Still 10c). 1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.

Main Photo - Screenshot of The Robinsons defending the family fort - filmed at Richmond Bay. Top right - MOVIE PROMO PHOTO - taken next to the treehouse at Goldsborough, Tobago 1959
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Dell Movie Classic  Comic.  1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.
Dell Movie Classic Comic. 1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.
Last edited by Jazz557 on Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Swiss Family Movie Sites Revisited - a revisit 60 years later, of filming locations used by Walt Disney in the movie

Post by Jazz557 »

Dell Movie Classic Comic. 1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.

The opening scenes of the movie with the Robinsons trapped inside the shipwrecked Swallow were filmed at the Disney Studio in Goowood, Tobago 1959.

The area is now the Goodwood Secondary School.
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Dell Movie Classic  Comic.  1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.
Dell Movie Classic Comic. 1960 movie - Swiss Family Robinson.
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