Daniel Defoe's classic tale of survival is handsomely brought to the movies for the first time in this rarely seen 1927 film, produced by Rex Pictures, a division of Universal. M. A. Wetherell, who stars as Robinson Crusoe, produced, directed and adapted the story for the screen, admirably condensing a lengthy slow-moving novel into a taut, exciting screen adventure. The costumes and production values match the fine performances and all of the island sequences appear to have been shot outdoors, convincingly on location. Crusoe's improvised island apparel and makeshift architectural constructions are creatively and faithfully rendered.

In the seventeenth century, Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked on a desert island and is the only survivor. He takes steps to get food and shelter, hoping one day to be rescued. One day a band of black men arrive by boat and are about to execute one of their number; Crusoe saves him and drives them off, and names the man Friday, and teaches him Crusoe's on language. They survive together, but will they ever be rescued?