Tarzan Escapes
Tarzan Escapes is a 1936 American adventure film, the third entry in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's series based on the Tarzan character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.[1] Directed primarily by Richard Thorpe with uncredited contributions from John Farrow, James C. McKay, George B. Seitz, and William A. Wellman, it stars Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane Parker.[2] The film follows Jane's cousins, who arrive in Africa to persuade her to return to England for an inheritance, leading to Tarzan's capture by a treacherous hunter and his daring escape amid jungle perils including a native tribe and natural hazards.[1] Released on November 6, 1936, with a runtime of 89 minutes and a budget of approximately $1 million, it emphasizes themes of civilization versus wilderness while showcasing Weissmuller's athletic prowess in action sequences.[3] The plot centers on Eric and Rita Parker, Jane's relatives, who mount an expedition to the Mutia Escarpment with the help of white hunter Captain Fry, ostensibly to reunite Jane with her inheritance but secretly plotting to capture Tarzan for exhibition in civilization.[4] Fry's betrayal strands the group with hostile natives, forcing Tarzan—after breaking free with aid from his animal allies like Cheeta and elephants—to rescue them from dangers such as quicksand and ambushes.[1] The narrative culminates in Jane reaffirming her commitment to Tarzan and the jungle life, rejecting the allure of her former world.[4] Produced by MGM as a sequel to Tarzan and His Mate (1934), the film faced production challenges, including initial direction by McKay that preview audiences deemed too violent, prompting extensive reshoots, primarily under John Farrow, with final direction credited to Richard Thorpe, to align with the Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code).[2] These changes notably toned down graphic elements, such as a planned sequence involving giant vampire bats, which was replaced with a giant lizard attack.[2] The supporting cast includes William Henry as Eric Parker, Benita Hume as Rita Parker, John Buckler as the villainous Captain Fry, and Herbert Mundin as the comic-relief guide Rawlins, adding layers of intrigue and humor to the adventure.[5] Shot on location in California and at MGM studios, Tarzan Escapes continued the series' formula of blending romance, action, and exotic escapism, and was profitable at the box office despite the revisions.[2]Story and Characters
Plot
Tarzan Escapes follows Jane Parker, who lives contentedly with Tarzan in their jungle home on the Mutia Escarpment. Jane's cousins, Eric and Rita Parker, arrive from England to inform her of a substantial inheritance she stands to claim, provided she returns to civilization; otherwise, it will fund entomological research.[1][4] Accompanied by the duplicitous big-game hunter Captain Fry as their guide, Eric and Rita persuade a reluctant Jane to join them temporarily, while Fry secretly plots to capture Tarzan and exhibit him in England as a circus attraction to profit from his fame.[2][6] Fry manipulates Tarzan by implying Jane has abandoned him for city life, tricking the ape-man into a cage.[4][7] The group's expedition turns perilous when they are attacked and captured by a tribe of natives who practice human sacrifice. Tarzan breaks free from captivity with assistance from his loyal chimpanzee Cheeta and a helpful elephant, then orchestrates a daring rescue of Jane, her cousins, and the others.[4][7] As the fugitives flee through the treacherous cave system, they navigate deadly hazards including pools of quicksand and aggressive wildlife. During the escape, Fry betrays the group by attacking Tarzan, but Tarzan forces him back into the cave, where he falls into a swamp and is dragged under by a giant lizard, perishing in the process.[4][7] In the resolution, Eric and Rita disclose that Jane can secure the inheritance by simply signing documents without a permanent return to England, alleviating her dilemma. Jane ultimately chooses to stay with Tarzan, affirming her commitment to their jungle life over civilized society.[4][7] The film's 89-minute runtime structures its narrative around high-tension adventure sequences, driving the inheritance subplot and native tribe conflicts as key motivators for the central action.[8]Cast
The principal cast of Tarzan Escapes features returning stars from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Tarzan series, maintaining the established formula of a rugged jungle hero, his devoted partner, and a mix of civilized interlopers and animal companions to highlight themes of wilderness versus society.[9] Johnny Weissmuller reprises his role as Tarzan, the iconic ape-man lord of the jungle who serves as protector of the wild, bringing his Olympic swimmer physique and signature yell to embody the character's primal strength and nobility.[10] Maureen O'Sullivan returns as Jane Parker, portraying the refined yet adaptable woman navigating her dual life between civilization and the untamed jungle, a role that solidified her as the quintessential screen Jane across multiple entries in the series.[11] Supporting the leads is an ensemble of British and American actors who introduce familial and adversarial elements central to the film's interpersonal dynamics. John Buckler plays Captain Fry, the cunning big-game hunter whose ruthless ambition drives conflict in the narrative.[10] Benita Hume portrays Rita, Jane's scheming cousin whose polished demeanor masks self-serving motives, adding layers of familial intrigue.[11] William Henry appears as Eric, Rita's younger brother and opportunistic sidekick, contributing to the group's internal tensions with his youthful impulsiveness.[10] Herbert Mundin provides comic relief as Rawlins, the bumbling servant whose hapless antics offer levity amid the adventure.[11] E.E. Clive rounds out the key human roles as Major Rivers, the staid family solicitor representing institutional authority from the civilized world.[10] Cheeta, the mischievous chimpanzee, returns as Tarzan's loyal animal companion, enhancing the film's blend of action and humor through expressive antics that underscore the jungle's lively ecosystem.[9] This continuity in casting, particularly Weissmuller and O'Sullivan's third collaboration, reinforces the series' core appeal of escapist thrills rooted in Burroughs' lore while evolving the supporting ensemble to explore new relational facets.[12] Notable minor roles include Johnny Eck as the Gooney Bird, a diminutive figure in the native tribe sequences that adds exotic visual flair to the jungle's diverse inhabitants.[10] Darby Jones appears as Bomba, a tribal character contributing to the film's depiction of indigenous life.[11] These performances, alongside the principals, create a balanced ensemble that upholds the Tarzan formula's emphasis on adventure, romance, and cultural contrasts.[9]| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Weissmuller | Tarzan | Jungle lord and protector |
| Maureen O'Sullivan | Jane Parker | Civilized woman torn between worlds |
| John Buckler | Captain Fry | Antagonistic hunter |
| Benita Hume | Rita | Jane's manipulative cousin |
| William Henry | Eric | Rita's opportunistic brother |
| Herbert Mundin | Rawlins | Comic relief servant |
| E.E. Clive | Major Rivers | Family solicitor |
| Cheeta | Cheeta | Chimpanzee companion |
| Johnny Eck | Gooney Bird | Little person in native tribe scene |
| Darby Jones | Bomba | Supporting native |