JOHANN DAVID Wyss's classic story of man against nature, The Swiss Family Robinson, has been beautifully updated in the Hallmark Entertainment production, 'Stranded'. Released by Warner Vision to coincide with the BBC-2 transmission on 29 December, the title will be available to buy on VHS and DVD as from 30th December 2002.

For centuries, the amazing exploits of the Robinson clan have been the fantasy of children and adults alike, filling the imagination with wonder and awe. Now the enduring story of the first castaways becomes the ultimate in sweeping adventure in an unforgettable production that combines spectacular action, breathtaking scenery and amazing special effects.

Synopsis

Having been accused of spying for Napoleon against the British, David Robinson (Liam Cunningham) - along with his wife (Brana Bajic), daughter Sarah (Bonnie Wright) and three sons, Fritz (Jesse Spencer), Ernst (Neil Newbon) and Jacob (Charlie Lucas) - is assigned to a jail ship bound for an Australian penal colony. Tragedy strikes mid-voyage when they are blown off course by a violent storm. Eventually the family is washed up on the sands of a tropical island near New Guinea. On the shore are provisions from the wreckage; in the flourishing jungle is a fresh-water stream and in their hearts is the belief that they will be rescued. As days turn into months and months into years, the Robinsons not only accept their fate, they embrace it. In this idyllic Eden they are together and happy; they have conquered the elements and believe that they can survive anything. But the atmosphere on the island begins to change. Unsettling signs of a mysterious island tribe are uncovered and a ship, manned by bloodthirsty pirates, looms on the horizon.

Bracing themselves for the unexpected, the family soon finds their paradise under siege, their blissful dreams at risk and their future as unpredictable as the jungle they once called home.

Cast & Crew

Dublin born LIAM CUNNINGHAM started his professional life as an electrician. In the mid-eighties, he saw an advert asking for actors to audition and has never looked back, appearing in such diverse productions as 'First Knight', 'Jude', 'The Abduction Club', 'Revelation', Cracker, Roughnecks and Falling For A Dancer.

ANDREW LEE-POTTS numbers Band Of Brothers and Sunburn among his screen credits, while JESSE SPENCER is best known as Billy Kennedy in Neighbours, a role he played for nearly seven years.

Director CHARLES BEESON has enjoyed a long and successful career in television, working on such acclaimed series as Second Sight, Band Of Gold, Kavanagh QC and Inspector Morse.