September 16 1697 - Englishman Robinson Crusoe is washed up on a sandy beach unaware that he is the sole survivor of the Esmerelda, a doomed ship caught in a violent storm bound for Guyana from Brazil. He soon discovers that he is also the sole inhabitant of a tropical island and begins a search for vital resources.

Robinson's search for food and water and companionship continues. He builds a tree shelter and reminisces about his frustrating days training to be a lawyer and his yearning for adventure.

Robinson discovers hidden treasure aboard the wreck of the Esmerelda, cooks his first meal and recalls how his first sea voyage ended with a serious bout of sea sickness. After thorough exploration of the island he discovers a cave which he makes his new home.

Robinson remembers his first day on Captain Darrick's ship.learning the skills of a sailor and how he became a slave of cruel captors. On the island, his attempts to make furniture prove unrewarding.

A fire totally destroys Robinson's shelter and whilst re-building he reminisces about his escape from slavery and his subsequent good fortune owning a banana plantation in Brazil.

Robinson recalls how he came to be on board the doomed Esmerelda and constructs a canoe in a bid to escape from the Island. An attempt to enlarge his cave ends in disaster.

After his narrow escape, Robinson devotes his time to less dangerous activities - pottery, breadmaking and basket-weaving. Another ship runs aground allowing Crusoe to increase his supply of essential goods.

Crusoe arranges a banquet for himself and his animal companions to celebrate the third anniversary of his landing. He returns to the stricken vessel in a drunken state for more rum. After passing out, he awakes to find the ship has drifted into new waters overnight.

After the discovery of footprints, Robinson has to defend his paradise following the arrival of cannibals. He rescues one of their prisoners and names him 'Friday'.

Crusoe teaches Friday the difference between right and wrong, with varying success, and adopts him as his manservant. Friday, however, has other ideas.

Friday returns to the shelter to the relief of Crusoe, who believed that his own thoughtlessness had driven away his only companion. More unwelcome visitors arrive on the island.

Crusoe and Friday, fend off the mutineers one by one and finally make their escape from the island. Back in England they start to write about their adventures.