There are several fictional characters from the early 20th century that have left an endearing legacy, some of them nearly one hundred years old now. Micky Mouse, Superman, Batman, and yes, Tarzan. Tarzan is now a century old and has been brought to life through various media. Beginning with the novels and later moving on to live action movies, comic books, tv shows, comic strips, and cartoons. In honor of the 100th anniversary I will be taking a look at several movies featuring the lord of the jungle.
Tarzan the Ape Man is a 1932 film staring Johnny Weissmuller as the title character. Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first appeared in the pages of All-Story Magazine in October1912. A book edition was later published in 1914. This is not the first film version of Tarzan, as there were eight silent films previously.
The film begins in Africa as James Parker and Harry Holt prepare an expedition in search of an elephant graveyard. They are joined by Parker's daughter Jane. After a very long scene where we meet several African tribes...all presented by rear projection, the expedition finally sets off. They face hostile natives, angry hippos, and some deadly rock climbing along the way. As they stop to rest a strange cry is heard. A human cry. They press ever onward, though the servants are frightened.
Jane and her father set off down the river but are quickly attacked by hippos. Holt's raft is overturned but most of the expedition members manage to make it ashore. Just as the hippos are about to attack the strange cry sounds once more, driving the hippos away. As they look into the trees they see a man in a loin cloth swinging wildly from tree to tree.
While attempting to communicate with Tarzan a hostile tribe suddenly attacks. In the confusion Tarzan captures Jane. She freaks out when he brings her into his hut but eventually they manage to communicate. Jane and Tarzan identify each other...with Tarzan going a little overboard. The most famous line from this film, 'Me Tarzan, you Jane.' is never spoken. Much like 'Beam me up Scotty.' it is miss-attributed.
Tarzan takes off, leaving Jane behind, and has some random adventures. He rescues a trapped elephant, kills a wildebeest and flees from a lion. Eventually, Jane's father and company manage to catch up with her and take her back from the ape man. Tarzan stalks the expedition, seeking revenge for the death of his ape friend.
Later, after being injured by Holt, Tarzan battles not one but two lions. After defeating them he passes out but is rescued by an elephant. The apes bring Jane to Tarzan and she tends to his wounds. Once he has recovered they play around in the river, Jane endlessly talking and flirting most of the time. Their playtime is interrupted when the expedition draws near and Jane decides to leave Tarzan and return to her father.
Not long after the reunion the expedition is captured by a tribe of dwarfs. Jane spies Cheetah and tells him to bring Tarzan. As Tarzan races to their rescue the captured expedition is taken back to the dwarf village and several of them are thrown into a pit with a gorilla. When Jane is thrown in Holt and Mr. Parker come to her rescue, but are easily tossed aside. Tarzan bursts in and battles the gorilla, stabbing it several times. Even Cheetah gets in on the action. Eventually Tarzan kills the beast, stabbing it through the eye and cutting its throat.
Outside an elephant stampede runs through the village. Everyone manages to escape and a dying elephant eventually takes them to the elephant graveyard they have been seeking...but Mr. Parker dies once they arrive. Holt returns to civilization, determined to make a fortune with the newly discovered ivory. Jane stays with Tarzan and as they watch Holt ride off on an elephant we have...
Tarzan is one of the first fictional characters I was exposed to. My uncle was a huge fan and collector of Edgar Rice Burroughs and I can remember watching various Tarzan movies and cartoons as a kid. I remember many discussions about who was the best Tarzan; Gordon Scott or Ron Ely.
Johnny Weismuller would star in a total of twelve films as Tarzan. Maureen O'Sullivan would join him in six of these films as Jane. Though this film is titled Tarzan the Ape Man it is only loosely based on the novel of the same name. In the novel Tarzan does meet Jane though her last name is Porter, not Parker. Tarzan is eventually brought back to civilization and there is a love triangle between Tarzan, Jane and William Clayton who, unknown till the end of the novel, is Tarzan's cousin.
The character of William Clayton is often omitted from the movies or is substituted by a similar character. In this film the character of Harry Holt assumes the role of love interest. Being a product of the 30s there are a few scenes that, when viewed through 21st century eyes, might seem offensive. A prime target would be the dwarfs who are all white little people in blackface.
This film is notable for being the first appearance of Cheetah, the chimpanzee sidekick. Cheetah was created solely for this film, as the character does not appear in any of the novels, but would go on to appear in numerous Tarzan films as well as in the 1966 television series.
Despite being a loose adaption this is a pretty decent film. It has some silly moments, but there are thrills as well. The scene of Tarzan fighting a real lion are quite good. The rear projected interactions Jane and her father have with the African tribes at the beginning, all the stock footage and yes, even Tarzan's battle with a stuffed leopard can be seen as 'silly' but today's standards. A bit slow in parts, this is an enjoyable film, though if you are looking for a better adaption of the novel or perhaps something more recent then keep reading, I'll be taking a look at several other Tarzan films.
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