Enid Blyton The Famous 5: Treasure Island

Enid Blyton The Famous 5: Treasure Island is an adventure game based on the beloved children’s book series by Enid Blyton. Players take on the roles of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and their dog Timmy as they embark on a treasure hunt at Kirrin Cottage, unraveling mysteries and thwarting the plans of a devious professor interested in an old shipwreck off Kirrin Island.

Based on the provided sources, here’s a comprehensive overview of Enid Blyton’s “The Famous Five”:

1. The Original Book Series (1942-1963)

• Author: Enid Blyton (one of the best-selling children’s authors of all time).
• Core Characters:
  • Julian: The sensible, responsible leader.
  • Dick: Julian’s practical younger brother.
  • Anne: Julian and Dick’s caring younger sister.
  • George: Headstrong, boyish, and fiercely independent (short for Georgina; owns Timmy).
  • Timmy: George’s loyal dog.
• Setting: Primarily rural England (e.g., Kirrin Island, Dorset, Cornwall).
• Themes: Adventure, mystery, teamwork, solving crimes, and exploring the countryside.
• Structure: 21 novels, each a standalone mystery. Key titles include:
  • Five on a Treasure Island (1942)
  • Five Go Adventuring Again (1943)
  • Five Get into Trouble (1949)
  • Five on a Hike Together (1951)
• Legacy: Translated into >40 languages, sold >400 million copies. Criticized for outdated gender roles but celebrated for sparking imagination.

2. Major Adaptations

• Television Series:
  • 1978-1979 (ITV): 26 episodes. Notable for its faithfulness to the books.
  • 1995-1997 (HTV/ZDF): 26 episodes. Set in the 1950s era of the novels.
  • 2023 (BBC/ZDF): Modern 3-part miniseries by Nicolas Winding Refn.
• Films:
  • Five on a Treasure Island (1957)
  • Five Have a Mystery to Solve (1964)
  • German film series (2012-2018): Fünf Freunde.
• Video Games:
  • Enid Blyton The Famous 5: Treasure Island (1999): Point-and-click adventure game by Ravensburger/Westka. Features puzzles and exploration.
• Other Formats:
  • Audio dramas (released globally).
  • Stage musicals (e.g., The Famous Five: Smuggler’s Gold).
  • Comics (e.g., French series Le Club des Cinq).
  • Parodies (e.g., Five Go Mad in Dorset by The Comic Strip).

3. Cultural Impact & Criticism

• Influence: Inspired countless adventure stories and shaped childhood imaginations for generations.
• Parodies: Widely referenced in British comedy (e.g., The Comic Strip mocked the series’ “jolly hooliganism” and outdated morals).
• Modern Updates: New versions (e.g., 2023 series) aim to address diversity and inclusivity.
• Controversies: Criticized for:
  • Simplified prose and repetitive plots.
  • Gender stereotypes (Anne’s domesticity, George’s tomboyishness).
  • Colonial undertones in some volumes.

4. Key Elements from Five on a Treasure Island (First Novel)

• Plot: The Five discover a shipwreck near Kirrin Island and uncover clues to a lost treasure, outwitting smugglers.
• Significance: Establishes core dynamics: George’s defiance, Julian’s leadership, Anne’s caution, and Timmy’s role as a protector.
• Themes: Loyalty, courage, and the thrill of adventure.

5. Trivia & Fun Facts

• “Lashings of Ginger Beer”: A popular parody; the phrase doesn’t appear in the original books.
• George’s Dog: Timmy is central to the series—George would “sell her soul” to keep him.
• Fan Tributes: Homage works include Five Give Up the Booze (Bruno Vincent) and Return to Kirrin (Neil Howlett).
• Global Fanbase: Dedicated communities (e.g., Fünf Freunde fan pages).

6. Where to Start

• Books: Begin with Five on a Treasure Island.
• TV: The 1995 series is highly regarded for its period authenticity.
• Game: Enid Blyton The Famous 5: Treasure Island (1999) captures the spirit of exploration.

The Famous Five remains a cultural touchstone, blending nostalgia with timeless themes of friendship and adventure. For deeper exploration, the provided sources (Wikipedia, MobyGames, and the PDF excerpt) offer rich details on its history and adaptations.