Tarzan Escapes

This one is a relatively interesting Tarzan flick, but in the world of Tarzan movies that means it's still pretty crappy. It's still lost on me how Weissmuller ever made it past screen tests, not that it takes somebody who's any good at acting to play a near mute with the mind of an four year old.

"Escapes" is so far the most violent with fun film in the series.

Weismuller's third outing in the loincloth feels rather dialed back. We spend a bulk of the time with the forgettable support doing not much in particular, and there's just not as much action or romance. And Tarzan's somehow gotten more monosyllabic and childishly sulky than he started. Maureen O'Sullivan is as usual the best thing the picture has going for it (especially noticeable in the presence of said dull support), but there's only so much weight she (or the inevitable elephant) can carry.

Having seen a few of these, this might be my favorite. It actually builds on the previous installments w/ Jane's cousins trying to retrieve her & there's genuine interpersonal & inner conflict as Jane feels an obligation to leave, even though Tarzan doesn't want her to leave at all. This one could've been called Tarzan The Romantic, but it's got plenty of action for the time period w/ the usual Tarzan animal fights plus a cage escape & cave swamp. & Cheetah's offset by a comic relief Brit.

It's hard to understand the motivation of the bad guy in this film. Why would he want to capture Tarzan once he learns he's a man. The plot is weak, and the action doesn't carry the film.

This third film in the series suffers somewhat from the production code being in full effect. Gone is Maureen O'Sullivan's amazing skimpy costume replaced by a matronly hide frock. Gone is Tarzan and Jane roughing it in the wild while tussling and swimming together in favour of an elaborate and ludicrous tree top suburban jungle home. It's not a bad film, but a lot of the magic is gone ... and Cheetah is bloody annoying.

Tarzan and Jane are so beautiful together in their rough environment and their own little eden! This is Johnny Weissmuller & Maureen O'Sullivan's 3rd of six times as Tarzan & Jane together. This has it's wild life moments and evil guys like John Buckler. Cheeta was in a devilish mood with the other animals which was cute. The plot might not have been as extravagant as the previous Weissmuller Tarzan's, but the more simple story works because of the chemistry between the two jungle lovers.

Can't say I was impressed.

Classic.