JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Tarzan and his Mate (1934)
Tarzan and His Mate
DVD Cover
Director:Cedric Gibbons
Writer:Leon Gordon (Adapted from the Edgar Rice boroughs story)
Starring:Johnny Weismuller, Maureen O Sullivan, Neil Hamilton
Picture:B&W
Length:104 mins
***Tarzan and His Mate is part of the WB 6 disc set which also includes Tarzan the Ape Man (1933), Tarzan Escapes, Tarzan Finds a Son, Tarzan’s Secret Treasure and Tarzan’s New York Adventure
I chose the second film in the series, Tarzan and His Mate because it is my favourite and also the most interesting from a history of cinema perspective. Causing a maelstrom of controversy when it was first released. The film features full frontal nudity and some heinously graphic violence. Many credit this film as one of the main reasons the Hays censorship code was brought into effect.
Based on the classic Edgar Rice Boroughs story of Greystoke, the Tarzan legend is not a simple adventure yarn. Raised by apes to co exists in a symbiotic relationship with nature, he represents an innocence and honesty that has been lost long ago. It examines our origins, where modern man came from and also highlights a lot of our short comings.
Tarzan and his Mate, picks up where the first story ends. Tarzan and Jane are together and living an idyllic existence in the jungle. Swimming, hunting and loving is pretty much the day to day routine. Jane is attempting to teach Tarzan to speak English and Tarzan is trying to educate Jane on how to survive in their harsh but beautiful paradise.
As usual the “great white hunters come in” and upset the delicate balance. Cold blooded and uncaring they maraud through the jungle, destroying anything in their path. Modern, civilized man carries a whip, treats the natives lower than slaves and is looking for ivory for financial gain.
The lord Of the Jungle is forced to face guns, lions, crocs and stampeding elephants, try to protect the jungle creatures and save his mate.
John Doe says:
As a kid I remember watching reruns of Tarzan on a Sunday afternoon, but I’ve never seen it like this. With the exorcised nude scenes fully restored and some truly brutal violence, the uncut Tarzan and His Mate astounded me.
The story may be simple but it moves along at a devastating pace. The physical stunts are jaw dropping and the action cinematography and editing are exciting to watch. There is a vitality and sense of danger onscreen that all the CGI effects in the world couldn’t recreate.
Johnny Weismuller is to Tarzan what Sean Connery is for Bond, he is the final word. Appearing 13 times in the role, this package is comprised of his 6 best. Weismuller is an incredible physical specimen, still regarded as one of the greatest Olympian swimmers to ever live. Seeing him move through the water on film is visual splendor, swift, smooth and fast you really believe he can do these things.
The actor insisted on doing his own stunts and in this one we get to see him wrestle a live lion, frightening. (Check out Tarzan’s New York Adventure to see Weismuller launch himself from the top of The Brooklyn Bridge, for a one take dive)
Maureen O Sullivan (Mia Farrows Mum) makes the role of Jane her own and is more than just eye candy. There is chemistry between her and Weismuller that will charm and amuse. The comedy works because of her and she would later use this gift to great effect in The Marx Brothers films.
These films are especially close to my heart and still provide a real sense of wonder. The wildlife and action footage captured on film by the brave filmmaker is still a sight to behold and really takes you to another time and place. A Cinematic adventure for any age, “Ungawa”.
The DVD
Obviously with the films age the extras are thin, but the transfer is of the highest order. All 6 films are restored to near pristine condition and the audio track too is richer than ever. Quite simply one of the essential multi film packages on the market.
Writer:Leon Gordon (Adapted from the Edgar Rice boroughs story)
Starring:Johnny Weismuller, Maureen O Sullivan, Neil Hamilton
Picture:B&W
Length:104 mins
***Tarzan and His Mate is part of the WB 6 disc set which also includes Tarzan the Ape Man (1933), Tarzan Escapes, Tarzan Finds a Son, Tarzan’s Secret Treasure and Tarzan’s New York Adventure
I chose the second film in the series, Tarzan and His Mate because it is my favourite and also the most interesting from a history of cinema perspective. Causing a maelstrom of controversy when it was first released. The film features full frontal nudity and some heinously graphic violence. Many credit this film as one of the main reasons the Hays censorship code was brought into effect.
Based on the classic Edgar Rice Boroughs story of Greystoke, the Tarzan legend is not a simple adventure yarn. Raised by apes to co exists in a symbiotic relationship with nature, he represents an innocence and honesty that has been lost long ago. It examines our origins, where modern man came from and also highlights a lot of our short comings.
Tarzan and his Mate, picks up where the first story ends. Tarzan and Jane are together and living an idyllic existence in the jungle. Swimming, hunting and loving is pretty much the day to day routine. Jane is attempting to teach Tarzan to speak English and Tarzan is trying to educate Jane on how to survive in their harsh but beautiful paradise.
As usual the “great white hunters come in” and upset the delicate balance. Cold blooded and uncaring they maraud through the jungle, destroying anything in their path. Modern, civilized man carries a whip, treats the natives lower than slaves and is looking for ivory for financial gain.
The lord Of the Jungle is forced to face guns, lions, crocs and stampeding elephants, try to protect the jungle creatures and save his mate.
John Doe says:
As a kid I remember watching reruns of Tarzan on a Sunday afternoon, but I’ve never seen it like this. With the exorcised nude scenes fully restored and some truly brutal violence, the uncut Tarzan and His Mate astounded me.
The story may be simple but it moves along at a devastating pace. The physical stunts are jaw dropping and the action cinematography and editing are exciting to watch. There is a vitality and sense of danger onscreen that all the CGI effects in the world couldn’t recreate.
Johnny Weismuller is to Tarzan what Sean Connery is for Bond, he is the final word. Appearing 13 times in the role, this package is comprised of his 6 best. Weismuller is an incredible physical specimen, still regarded as one of the greatest Olympian swimmers to ever live. Seeing him move through the water on film is visual splendor, swift, smooth and fast you really believe he can do these things.
The actor insisted on doing his own stunts and in this one we get to see him wrestle a live lion, frightening. (Check out Tarzan’s New York Adventure to see Weismuller launch himself from the top of The Brooklyn Bridge, for a one take dive)
Maureen O Sullivan (Mia Farrows Mum) makes the role of Jane her own and is more than just eye candy. There is chemistry between her and Weismuller that will charm and amuse. The comedy works because of her and she would later use this gift to great effect in The Marx Brothers films.
These films are especially close to my heart and still provide a real sense of wonder. The wildlife and action footage captured on film by the brave filmmaker is still a sight to behold and really takes you to another time and place. A Cinematic adventure for any age, “Ungawa”.
The DVD
Obviously with the films age the extras are thin, but the transfer is of the highest order. All 6 films are restored to near pristine condition and the audio track too is richer than ever. Quite simply one of the essential multi film packages on the market.
"It's good to be king of the Jungle."
Screen Adventure
Film & TV on DVD
A film that highlights just what is missing from most adventure films these days. A sense of natural awe rather than CG excess and daring stunts that leave you holding your breath,
If you want some good Weismuller tales read the Esther Williams biography 'Million Dollar Mermaid".