An early film by director Stanisław Jędryka, who gained popularity thanks to his cult children's and teenage films such as "Wakacje z duchami", "Podróż za jeden uśmiech" and "Stawiam na Tolka Banana".
"Wyspa złoczyńców" is a film adaptation of the first novel from a popular series about the adventures of Pan Samochodzik by Zbigniew Nienacki. It is in this film that the moniker Pan Samochodzik (Mister Automobile) is used for the first time.
Tomasz, a mysterious man driving a funny, old-fashioned car, arrives in a town on the banks of the Vistula River. He starts an investigation regarding a museum collection of a local estate owner, which makes beautiful anthropologist Zaliczka suspicious. Tomasz, who in reality works in a museum, suspects that the treasures hidden on a lonely island may be snatched by thieves. Unable to get the police interested in the matter, the amateur sleuth tries to stop the villains on his own. He is aided by three smart boy scouts, the initially uncooperative Zaliczka, and his car, which turns out to be a one-of-a-kind amphibious vehicle with great capabilities.
Thanks to excellent cast, intriguing criminal puzzle, numerous humorous accents and most importantly the atmosphere of a great adventure, "Wyspa złoczyńców" is considered one of the two successful film adaptations of Zbigniew Nienacki's books.
