Adventures of Tarzan

1921
Passed
1h 13m

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

174

YOUR RATING

Elmo Lincoln in Adventures of Tarzan (1921)

Action Adventure

When Jane is abducted by Arab slave traders, Tarzan comes to her rescue, only to see her kidnapped again by Queen La of Opar. To save Jane, Tarzan must battle both the queen's minions and Wi... Read allWhen Jane is abducted by Arab slave traders, Tarzan comes to her rescue, only to see her kidnapped again by Queen La of Opar. To save Jane, Tarzan must battle both the queen's minions and William Clayton, who seeks Tarzan's family title.When Jane is abducted by Arab slave traders, Tarzan comes to her rescue, only to see her kidnapped again by Queen La of Opar. To save Jane, Tarzan must battle both the queen's minions and William Clayton, who seeks Tarzan's family title.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

174

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The scene of Tarzan (Elmo Lincoln) fighting and killing the lion was a real one. The lion became annoyed at having its tail pulled and attacked Lincoln, who was forced to fight for his life and managed to kill the animal after stabbing it several times. The scene was left in the film.

Alternate versions
Rereleased in 1928 with sound effects in shorter version.

Connections
Followed by Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927)

User reviews2

Review

Featured review

5/10

Not a feature version but a compilation

Per historian Ed Hulse in the Film Detective blu-ray audio commentary, there was never a feature version of this title. It was originally a 15-chapter serial released during 1921-22, and was reissued in a 10-chapter version in 1928. The 65 minute version is actually a collection of odd reels from both releases (but not including chapter one) that a company compiled for video release in the 'eighties. As a result this version can't be judged as other than a sampling of what the original may have been.

Another reviewer unfairly castigates Lincoln's acting. Well, there really was no acting required other than to look strong. Lillian Worth, who plays Queen La of Opar, did deserve criticism since some of her histrionics are risible and of the type in lampoons of silent films.

Some of the animal handling is disturbing in a era before the ASPCA began monitoring animal cruelty in films. And some of the actor stunts and interaction with the lions looked very dangerous.

For Tarzan fans this is an interesting curiosity, and the complete serial has been discovered and due to be released on video.