Released in 1934, "Tarzan and His Mate" stars Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan in the eponymous roles. Two "great white hunters" (Neil Hamilton & Paul Cavanagh) come to Tarzan's territory, one a former romantic interest of Jane's intent on talking her into coming back to England. Jane catches the fancy of the partner as well. The hunters are desperate and intent on taking ivory from the secret elephant burial grounds, which Tarzan opposes.
Weissmuller did twelve Tarzan movies and "Tarzan and His Mate" was the sequel to his first one, 1932's "Tarzan the Ape Man." The Weissmuller films deviate from Burroughs' intelligent character and offer a more dim-witted character who speaks in monosyllables. While this is a turn-off if you're a fan of the books, like me, it's an acceptable movie interpretation of the character and it worked at the time seeing as how Weissmuller's Tarzan is by far the most popular. Besides, Weissmuller is just so likable in the role. He exudes goodness, nobility and innocence with a child-like edge. This is balanced out, of course, by his athletic jungle skills.
Although "Tarzan and His Mate" is old as dirt and shot in B&W, this is easily one of the best Tarzan flicks, filled with action, adventure and African animals. The elephants, by the way, are Asian, but they're decorated with fake African Elephant ears, which almost works. In any case, this was pre-code era Hollywood and cutie Maureen O'Sullivan surprisingly appears in her birthday suit. No kidding. Moreover, her jungle outfit was one of the most revealing costumes in screen history at the time: a halter-top and a loincloth that leave her thighs and hips exposed. No wonder men flocked to the movie in droves.
While there were plans to film in Africa, they were scrapped in favor of several locations around Los Angeles, including Sherwood Forest, Lake Sherwood, Whittier, Big Tugunga and China Flats. You wouldn't think Southern California would work as a substitute for Africa, but it does. The locations are excellent and the black & white photography obscures the fact that it's Southern California.
The uncut version runs 104 minutes, which is the only version I've seen.
GRADE: A
Weissmuller did twelve Tarzan movies and "Tarzan and His Mate" was the sequel to his first one, 1932's "Tarzan the Ape Man." The Weissmuller films deviate from Burroughs' intelligent character and offer a more dim-witted character who speaks in monosyllables. While this is a turn-off if you're a fan of the books, like me, it's an acceptable movie interpretation of the character and it worked at the time seeing as how Weissmuller's Tarzan is by far the most popular. Besides, Weissmuller is just so likable in the role. He exudes goodness, nobility and innocence with a child-like edge. This is balanced out, of course, by his athletic jungle skills.
Although "Tarzan and His Mate" is old as dirt and shot in B&W, this is easily one of the best Tarzan flicks, filled with action, adventure and African animals. The elephants, by the way, are Asian, but they're decorated with fake African Elephant ears, which almost works. In any case, this was pre-code era Hollywood and cutie Maureen O'Sullivan surprisingly appears in her birthday suit. No kidding. Moreover, her jungle outfit was one of the most revealing costumes in screen history at the time: a halter-top and a loincloth that leave her thighs and hips exposed. No wonder men flocked to the movie in droves.
While there were plans to film in Africa, they were scrapped in favor of several locations around Los Angeles, including Sherwood Forest, Lake Sherwood, Whittier, Big Tugunga and China Flats. You wouldn't think Southern California would work as a substitute for Africa, but it does. The locations are excellent and the black & white photography obscures the fact that it's Southern California.
The uncut version runs 104 minutes, which is the only version I've seen.
GRADE: A