NBC is going classic, with a twist. The network has ordered 13 episodes of a new drama series based on the Daniel Defoe classic Robinson Crusoe. This is far from the first time Defoe's 1719 novel has been filmed. The most recent incarnation was a 1997 Pierce Brosnan feature. In 1964, it was the basis for a French TV series.

This version is going to be a new take on the old story of a man who sets sail from England, his ship is wrecked in a storm and he's thrown overboard winding up alone on a deserted island where he has to fen for himself. In time, he is joined by an escaped slave whom he names Friday. Ben Silverman, NBC's head honcho, described the proposed series in this way: "It's part MacGyver, part contemporary morality tale about race and personal discovery, part comedy and part Castaway meets Survivor." As envisioned, this Robinson Crusoe will need to be clever indeed. It's going to keep the time period 1650's, but when Crusoe finds Friday, he'll presumably be treating him as if it were today with regard to race relations.




Silverman and his team came up with the idea of revamping Defoe's novel in a brainstorming session where The Last of the Mohicans, Sleeping Beauty and other classics were considered. Reportedly, we may be seeing a David and Goliath and a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde soon. No word on whether the former will be done in Claymation, if at all.

NBC and the producers for Robinson Crusoe are pumping mucho dinero into the project, somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 million for the 13 episodes. The series could be ready by fall 2008, but depending on how things progress, the network may hold it for mid-season 2009.

In addition to that 1964 French series, Robinson Crusoe has had numerous film verisons. My personal favorite is Robinson Crusoe on Mars with Paul Mantee and Adam -- pre-Batman -- West. On the heels of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick starred in a Disney-fication of the story called Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. in 1966. Aidan Quinn was Crusoe in a Caleb Deschanel feature in 1989. Then there was Dan O'Herlihy as Robinson in 1954, Stanley Baker in 1974, and an uppity Peter O'Toole in the role in a 1975 film called Man Friday.