Fantasy Island

Two movies where Mr. Roarke and Tattoo had minor roles were originally televised. Between 1978 and 1984, the series starred Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán as Mr. Roarke, enigmatic host to a mysterious island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, where people plan to fulfill their fantasies regardless of their nature, upon payment of 50 000 dollars and on condition that they will not reveal anything about their visit to the place.

Roarke was known for his famous white suit and refined manners and was initially accompanied by his energetic assistant, little "Tattoo" (Hervé Villechaize) who used to announce the arrival of visitors with his phrase "the plane, the plane!" while ringing a bell. Then a girl named "Julie" (Wendy Schaal) would join and finally "Tatoo" would be replaced in 1983 until the end of the series in 1984 by "Lawrence" (Christopher Hewett) actor who would later become famous for Mr. Belvedere.

Upon the arrival of the hydroplane on the island, the guests disembarked and Roarke explained to Tattoo the fantasy of each one of them and that things would not always go as expected. Later they were welcomed:

Although in the first films Roarke had an almost malicious character, in the series he is more benevolent although somewhat supernatural without explaining the origin of his apparent powers. This caused him to defy the devil on one occasion, who thought to seize his soul; He also sometimes used his magical gifts to help his guests (and sometimes Tatoo himself). Except on a few occasions, visitors were never allowed to stay on the island after their wishes were fulfilled. The introductory scene was filmed in Hawaii, while the rest of the plot was filmed in various locations in California. Later other versions were made that did not have the acceptance of the original series.

Roarke has a strict moral code, but he is always benevolent. For example, on one occasion a girl paid $ 10 from her piggy bank for her fantasy. He always tried to make his guests see an important lesson in life through his desire (even if it was the last of his life). The fantasies sometimes included a risk to the life of the visitor, but always in the end Roarke came to the rescue.