The first of two Three Investigator movies, the first movie is actually the second of the books. The first book titled, The Secret of Terror Castle, was the second movie made (although renamed The Haunted Castle). The movies are German productions filmed in South Africa. The movies are an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of The Three Investigators on Germany, where the book series continued even after they ended in the US.
Other than the titles and main character names, nothing in the movie is from the book. In this movie, Skeleton Island has been moved to South Africa, Pete's dad does not work for a film studio, and Germans must love to have French villains because Victor Hugenay, who made a couple appearances in the books (but not this one), is the villain twice in this film. I would have enjoyed the movie more if it had an original title, since the story was original, having absolutely nothing in common with the book. The actors cast for Jupiter and Pete resemble the book characters but Bob ended up as a curly haired redhead, without glasses. On the gadgets side, which was kept to a minimum, we see what the Three Investigators are like with 21st century electronics.
More than a few of the plot points are ridiculous, but no more so than many made for TV films aimed at a tween audience. (Parasailing down the street, accidentally dropping his plane ticket on his dad's table at a random café?)
It's been several years since this film and the sequel were released so it's doubtful that any more will be made. The actors have grown out of their roles. If the series ever does continue, I recommend leaving it to Nickelodeon, who would probably put Rocky Beach, California, back in California. I still have hopes of a good studio bringing The Three Investigators into the 21st century, and doing justice to the books.
I have both movies and I will watch them again in the future. My reaction to this movie is the same as any movie I see that was taken from a beloved book. Eventually I come to terms with them and life goes on. It's just a movie.
Other than the titles and main character names, nothing in the movie is from the book. In this movie, Skeleton Island has been moved to South Africa, Pete's dad does not work for a film studio, and Germans must love to have French villains because Victor Hugenay, who made a couple appearances in the books (but not this one), is the villain twice in this film. I would have enjoyed the movie more if it had an original title, since the story was original, having absolutely nothing in common with the book. The actors cast for Jupiter and Pete resemble the book characters but Bob ended up as a curly haired redhead, without glasses. On the gadgets side, which was kept to a minimum, we see what the Three Investigators are like with 21st century electronics.
More than a few of the plot points are ridiculous, but no more so than many made for TV films aimed at a tween audience. (Parasailing down the street, accidentally dropping his plane ticket on his dad's table at a random café?)
It's been several years since this film and the sequel were released so it's doubtful that any more will be made. The actors have grown out of their roles. If the series ever does continue, I recommend leaving it to Nickelodeon, who would probably put Rocky Beach, California, back in California. I still have hopes of a good studio bringing The Three Investigators into the 21st century, and doing justice to the books.
I have both movies and I will watch them again in the future. My reaction to this movie is the same as any movie I see that was taken from a beloved book. Eventually I come to terms with them and life goes on. It's just a movie.