Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan is a 1984 film starring Christopher Lambert as the title character. Lambert, of course, would become famous for his role as Connor MacLeod in the Highlander film series.
Our movie opens in Africa as a harsh storm begins to set in. A domestic dispute erupts between two chimps and, as a result, their infant son is killed. The film then shifts ten months earlier in Scotland where the Earl of Greystoke and his wife, Alice, depart on a voyage but are quickly shipwrecked in Africa. The film catches up with itself as we see the apes from the prologue, with the mother cradling her dead infant.
John Clayton, who will grow up to become Tarzan, is born, but his mother is left in a weakened state, catches malaria and dies. The male chimp soon enters the treehouse and kills Tarzan's father. Kala, the female chimp, abandons her dead infant and adopts the infant human. Time passes and we see little Tarzan grow up. He is a wild, naked boy who has taken on chimp traits, as well as learning to mimic animal sounds.
Tarzan learns to swim in order to escape a black panther as it kills a member of his 'family'. Many years later he discovers the treehouse he was born in. He sees himself in a mirror, learning he is different from his family. Later, while in the treehouse, natives mortally wound Kala. Tarzan tries to care for her but is stabbed by a native. Tarzan kills the native in anger and is left with the body of his dead 'mother'.
Many years later Bilbo Baggins arrives...or perhaps it's Jack the Ripper? Philippe D'Arnot , played by Ian Holm, is exploring the jungle when he finds the treehouse. Natives attack, killing nearly everyone and leaving D'Arnot alone and injured. Hiding in a tree to escape the natives, it is here that he first encounters the ape man. Tarzan takes care of D'Arnot and returns home with his trophy, the carcass of....Bagheera?
Tarzan and Kerchak, the leader of the ape family fight to the death. This is a battle that has been brewing since Tarzan was a child, as Kerchak has tormented and savagely beat him in the past. Tarzan kills Kerchak and becomes lord of the apes. Later on D'Arnot is able to teach Tarzan bits of songs and some english, his mimicing skills put to good use. Six months later Tarzan has learned and comprehends english. Finally, Tarzan leaves his home.
Tarzan arrives at the Greystoke estate where he is welcomed by his grandfather. He also meets Jane Porter, played by Andie MacDowell. A bit later a dinner is held to welcome Tarzan. He forgets his manners and is regarded as a curiosity, especially when he displays his mimicing ability. Once D'Arnot leaves Jane takes over as Tarzan's teacher.
Much later Tarzan's grandfather dies at a Christmas gathering, in an accident where he was trying to reclaim his youth. After the funeral D'Arnot returns and Tarzan confesses that, with the death of this grandfather, he is alone, that he does not belong. Later that night though, Tarzan and Jane play kissy face and are engaged. At a museum dedication to his grandfather, Tarzan is dismayed at all the stuffed animals on display. Eventually Tarzan encounters a lab where an ape has been cut open for dissection.
Tarzan discovers his adoptive ape father in a cage and sets him free. While playing in a tree Tarzan's 'father' is shot and killed. After some debate Tarzan decides to go home to Africa. Tarzan sheds his suit, takes off through the jungle, pauses to look at Jane and D'Arnot one last time, and vanishes in the jungle.
Though I have referred to John Clayton as Tarzan throughout this review he is never referred to as such in this film. Many consider this movie to be the closest to the original novel, though it does take some liberties, especially with the ending. The novel, Tarzan of the Apes, ends with Jane engaged to William Clayton, (who is once again absent from this adaption). Indeed, Tarzan travels to America in search of Jane and it is only at the end of the novel when his heritage is proven. He says nothing though as he simply wants Jane to be happy.
This film saw the debut of Christopher Lambert and Andie MacDowell, though her lines were dubbed by Glenn Close in post-production. Close would go on to voice Kala, Tarzan's adoptive mother in the Disney adaption. I think it's interesting to compare the way Jane is portrayed in this film versus the previous film where Bo Derek played Jane. They may as well be completely different characters. MacDowell's Jane is warm and compassionate. Derek's Jane is bitter and very...uh...free with herself.
I would say that if you are at all curious about Tarzan then you should check out this film. It is fairly close to the book and has captured its essence. In the novels Tarzan and Jane do eventually wed and even have a son, Korak, who would also have almost as many adventures as his father.
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