Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)

6.9Passed99 minDirector: W. S. Van Dyke

1932 film

Tarzan the Ape Man is a 1932 pre-Code American action adventure film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan and starring Johnny Weissmuller, Neil Hamilton, C. Aubrey Smith and Maureen O'Sullivan. It was Weissmuller's first of 12 Tarzan films. O'Sullivan played Jane in six features between 1932 and 1942. The film is loosely based on Burroughs' 1912 novel Tarzan of the Apes, with the dialogue written by Ivor Novello. The film was directed by W.S. Van Dyke. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released two remakes of Tarzan, the Ape Man in 1959 and in 1981, but each was a different adaptation of Rice Burroughs' novel. It is also the first appearance of Tarzan's famous yell.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Tarzan the Ape Man about?
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) — James Parker and Harry Holt are on an expedition in Africa in search of the elephant burial grounds that will provide enough ivory to make them rich. Parker's beautiful young daughter Jane arrives unexpectedly to join them. Harry is obviously attracted to Jane and he does his bes
Is Tarzan the Ape Man based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Tarzan the Ape Man scary?
Content rating: Passed. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex