Silent version?

Since you asked, I'll give you my opinion, but please bare in mind, that's all it is, just one man's opinion.

Although I have not viewed either version recently, I have seen the silent version about a dozen times. Eventually, I was able to have access to the sound version, and I viewed that version about a dozen times. I'm not quite sure what you are asking, but I assume you wish to know which version is better, and that's hard to say. I was introduced to this film via the silent version, and I enjoyed it just fine. Once I had access to the sound version, that is the one I choose to view. As I understand it, the sound version was made and released first, but was not particularly well received. Since Chaplin was doing quite well with his silent release of City Lights, Fairbanks decided to pull Mr. Robinson Crusoe, and re-tool it as a silent. I have also heard that the information I just gave is untrue, and that the silent version was prepared for International release. I am not sure what really happened, but the fact remains that there are two versions. Since Mr. Robinson Crusoe was made with the intention of having dialogue, personally, I feel the movie plays better that way. This is not to say that the silent version doesn't have merit. The film plays surprising well as a silent. I just feel it plays somewhat better as a talkie. On the other hand, I do enjoy the underscore on this movie, and without the dialogue, the musical score really stands out. So, you see, each version really has something to offer.

Well, for what it's worth...that's my two-cents.