Treasure of Matecumbe is a 1976 live-action Disney adventure film directed by Vincent McEveety and starring Robert Foxworth and Joan Hackett. The film is based on the novel A Journey to Matecumbe by Robert Lewis Taylor.
Set in 1869, the film follows David Burnic (played by Johnny Doran), a young boy living in Kentucky who discovers an old family map leading to buried treasure on the Florida island of Matecumbe. When David's parents die, he is taken in by his uncle and aunt, who are desperate to get their hands on the treasure. David teams up with two other children, a runaway slave named Friday (played by Vic Morrow) and a tough-talking orphan girl named Jenny (played by Bridget Hanley), and together they set off on a perilous journey to find the treasure.
Their journey takes them through the swamps and jungles of Florida, where they encounter dangerous animals, ruthless treasure hunters, and a mysterious woman named Arabella (played by Joan Hackett) who may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of Matecumbe. Along the way, they also learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the true meaning of treasure.
The film was shot on location in Florida and features stunning scenery and thrilling action sequences. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, who praised its exciting storyline, engaging characters, and family-friendly themes. Despite its success, however, Treasure of Matecumbe has largely been forgotten today and remains a hidden gem of 1970s Disney filmmaking.