Treasure in Malta

Some time in 1963, in Berkeley California, my mother took me to the Berkeley Theater (which I don't believe exists anymore) to see a film that I remember was in Black and White. I was only 6 years old. International Movie Data Base says that it was in color, and a serial of 6 episodes. I remember such a film in black and white (and I believe at that time even if a film was in color, their might be prints of it sent to theaters in black and white. Also I saw it with my mother in one complete episode as I remember.

Some remembrances of the film were that the bad guys are chasing after some kids in an airplane hangar, and the kids push the steps away so the bad guys can't chase them very well. I also remember ((from my late mother) that the kids near the end parachuted over Malta.

From research that I did, from looking at International Movie Data Base and inquiries on the British Film Institute, I believe that this film was part of the Children's Film Fund. I recently sent an e-Mail inquiry to the British Film Institute, and they kindly responded and wrote, that the above was probably the film. Though I did not feel entirely it was a definite answer.

If anyone else happens to read this review, and from some of my descriptions can acknowledge this was the title, or know of another film, It would be greatly appreciated. Write in the Message Boards, which I have not used because of the information that is required, or put it in the review section. It would be greatly appreciated.

Treasure in Malta. It was filmed on location in Malta with Maltese children and some of our best theatrical actors of the time. I visited the locations a few times as the guest of the Director Derek Williams and it was the first dose I had; as my ambition was that at the time I wanted nothing more than become a film Cameraman within the film industry. But life dictated otherwise and I am not sorry. I believe I still have a copy of the script hidden somewhere. The film was shot in color and as already said it was like a travelogue, a historic showcase of the Maltese Islands. I still hope and looking forward to see this film released on DVD to add it to my big collection of original DVD's. It's a very good adventure for kids as also for grown ups. Saviour Gauci Malta

For the benefit of the reader who gave an overview of his memories when he was a 6 year old and which overview related to the film 'Treasure in Malta' I would record that the respective film was in colour. It was filmed in Malta (Europe) and I happen to have a copy on a VHS which unfortunately has deteriorated in quality. Otherwise the information that the respective subscriber included in his review is correct. I am confident that the IMDb administration will appraise this note as I understood that they do not have any other records. At the time the film was considered to be a very attractive thriller and the plot was carefully written giving the viewers an interesting and exhilarating 90 minute full of action and indeed suspense. I happened to know most of the actors who excelled in their performance in spite of their inexperience on the big screen. The Maltese administration at the time (Malta was still a colony of the United Kingdom in 1962/63 - the year of production) were working in close coordination with the UK preparing for Malta's Independence which came into effect in 1964.The then Tourism Authoriy sponsored to a large extent the film's production costs with a view to supporting the subsequent independent Maltese Government in projecting the Maltese Islands as the best locality in the Mediterranean, thereby generating the much need funds for Malta's eventual industrial and economical development. So much so that 'Treasure in Malta' served as the best Tourist promotional event having projected a beautiful sunny Malta blessed with clean seas and picturesque landscapes. The objective was truly secured as for the last half a century Tourism in Malta was the key factor in developing the island's economy with the British tourist topping the list of visitors all along the years. In respect of the professional production of the film one cannot make any comparison with the state of the art techniques that emerged since then but all in all 'Treasure in Malta' featured prominently amongst the film enthusiasts of the time..