31 reviews
As MGM knew Maureen O'Sullivan was departing the 'Tarzan' series, and budget and talent constraints were forcing the long-running series out of the studio (RKO would soon be Tarzan's new home), they decided to end things with a bang, clothing Johnny Weissmuller in a double-breasted suit, and setting him loose in New York's concrete jungle. The gamble worked, magnificently!
The premise is simple; Boy, thinking Tarzan and Jane are dead, after falling into a raging fire during a tribal attack, is whisked away by an evil circus big game hunter (Charles Bickford) in a chartered plane. (How so many planes land safely in the middle of the jungle in these films is never explained...)
Rescued by Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane hike across Africa, dress in more modern attire (a VERY funny scene!), and fly across the Atlantic to try and retrieve their son.
The fun begins when the pair reach New York. Tarzan's bemused reaction to a black taxi driver, his takes on radio, indoor plumbing, and nightclubs, are priceless (and were recreated years later in Paul Hogan's wonderful 'Crocodile Dundee'). There are a few slightly offensive racial stereotypes displayed, but considering the period of the film, these are really quite tame.
A few nagging questions about the series are addressed in this film...'What happens if Boy gets sick?' and 'How is he being educated?', although the biggest question is never addressed...How does a boy with a British 'mother' and an Ape Man 'father' end up with an American accent?
When the courts fail to return Boy (the jungle couple can't prove legal custody), Tarzan takes matters into his own hands, breaking out of the courthouse, and performing an extraordinary series of rooftop swings, leaps and acrobatics to get to the New Jersey home of the circus, climaxing with a breathtaking 100-foot dive off the Brooklyn Bridge. The sequence is still fabulous, over 50 years after the film was released!
The film concludes with the almost stereotyped rescue scene, as elephants rescue Tarzan and Boy, yet again! Evil is vanquished, the family is reunited by the court, and the judge is going to catch some really BIG fish when he comes to visit!
If you're looking for gritty realism, you won't be popping a Tarzan flick into the VCR, anyway, but if you want thrills, laughs, and wonderful escapism, look no further!
The premise is simple; Boy, thinking Tarzan and Jane are dead, after falling into a raging fire during a tribal attack, is whisked away by an evil circus big game hunter (Charles Bickford) in a chartered plane. (How so many planes land safely in the middle of the jungle in these films is never explained...)
Rescued by Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane hike across Africa, dress in more modern attire (a VERY funny scene!), and fly across the Atlantic to try and retrieve their son.
The fun begins when the pair reach New York. Tarzan's bemused reaction to a black taxi driver, his takes on radio, indoor plumbing, and nightclubs, are priceless (and were recreated years later in Paul Hogan's wonderful 'Crocodile Dundee'). There are a few slightly offensive racial stereotypes displayed, but considering the period of the film, these are really quite tame.
A few nagging questions about the series are addressed in this film...'What happens if Boy gets sick?' and 'How is he being educated?', although the biggest question is never addressed...How does a boy with a British 'mother' and an Ape Man 'father' end up with an American accent?
When the courts fail to return Boy (the jungle couple can't prove legal custody), Tarzan takes matters into his own hands, breaking out of the courthouse, and performing an extraordinary series of rooftop swings, leaps and acrobatics to get to the New Jersey home of the circus, climaxing with a breathtaking 100-foot dive off the Brooklyn Bridge. The sequence is still fabulous, over 50 years after the film was released!
The film concludes with the almost stereotyped rescue scene, as elephants rescue Tarzan and Boy, yet again! Evil is vanquished, the family is reunited by the court, and the judge is going to catch some really BIG fish when he comes to visit!
If you're looking for gritty realism, you won't be popping a Tarzan flick into the VCR, anyway, but if you want thrills, laughs, and wonderful escapism, look no further!
This is the last of the six great "Tarzan classics" with Johnny Weismuller and Maureen O'Sullivan. And I frankly didn't think I would like it: who, after all, wants to see Tarzan anywhere but in the jungle?
But this turned out to be a delightful tale after all. We are given enough of Tarzan, Jane, Boy, and the animals in the jungle to set the stage; and then are whisked to New York for a story full of situational humor, social commentary, and adventure.
Cheetah perhaps plays a bigger role in this movie than in any of the others. Cheetah provides us with great scenes of fun and good humor, opening the movie at the beginning and closing it at the end in the jungle. In both scenes, Cheetah opens with the elephants with delightful playfulness. In between, we have Cheetah going to New York with Tarzan and Jane for a series of easy-going, hilarious romps that help to really provide this movie with a special humor to offset what is I'll admit I really didn't like Boy's "tricks" with the baby elephants at the beginning of the movie. This all seemed very unnatural, and that really undermines the movies depiction of Boy in the Jungle.
However, the perhaps predictable but mordant social commentary contrasting "civilization" and Tarzan's jungle was to me a very good fit for a movie that really more than usual emphasizes environmental contrasts. The adventure/action scenes of Tarzan high above the streets of New York, and far above the Brooklyn Bridge, were wonderful.
The cinematography was excellent, crisply precise. The pace occasionally lagged, but in general, was good. All in all, this is a very worthwhile addition to the great Tarzan canon, and I would recommend it to anyone.
But this turned out to be a delightful tale after all. We are given enough of Tarzan, Jane, Boy, and the animals in the jungle to set the stage; and then are whisked to New York for a story full of situational humor, social commentary, and adventure.
Cheetah perhaps plays a bigger role in this movie than in any of the others. Cheetah provides us with great scenes of fun and good humor, opening the movie at the beginning and closing it at the end in the jungle. In both scenes, Cheetah opens with the elephants with delightful playfulness. In between, we have Cheetah going to New York with Tarzan and Jane for a series of easy-going, hilarious romps that help to really provide this movie with a special humor to offset what is I'll admit I really didn't like Boy's "tricks" with the baby elephants at the beginning of the movie. This all seemed very unnatural, and that really undermines the movies depiction of Boy in the Jungle.
However, the perhaps predictable but mordant social commentary contrasting "civilization" and Tarzan's jungle was to me a very good fit for a movie that really more than usual emphasizes environmental contrasts. The adventure/action scenes of Tarzan high above the streets of New York, and far above the Brooklyn Bridge, were wonderful.
The cinematography was excellent, crisply precise. The pace occasionally lagged, but in general, was good. All in all, this is a very worthwhile addition to the great Tarzan canon, and I would recommend it to anyone.
- cdelacroix1
- Jul 17, 2007
- Permalink
If you're a Tarzan fan of the Johnny Weismuller films, this is one you can't afford to miss.
Even the first twenty-two minutes of jungle scenes are briskly paced and amusing while JOHNNY WEISMULLER, MAUREEN O'SULLIVAN and JOHNNY SHEFFIELD encounter downed pilot PAUL KELLY and hunter CHARLES BICKFORD after their plane crashes. The plot is the usual simple one--Boy has been taken from the jungle and taken to New York City by circus exploiters--and Tarzan's mission is to recover him in time for a happy ending.
No expense has been spared in this big budget production from MGM. Although Cheetah gets lots of prime time, especially during the first half of the film, the supporting cast includes a lot of recognizable players such as Virginia Grey, Chill Wills, Charles Lane and villainous Cy Kendall. In this sixth film of the series (the last one featuring Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane), there's lots of monkey business involving tricks and stunts by a team of smart elephants worthy of any circus revue.
And thanks to director Richard Thorpe, the script plunges ahead easily to become one of the most entertaining in all the Tarzan films featuring Johnny Weismuller. At the fadeout, all is well in the jungle again after some amusing adventures in the Big City--including Tarzan's plunge from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Highly recommended for fans of the series.
Even the first twenty-two minutes of jungle scenes are briskly paced and amusing while JOHNNY WEISMULLER, MAUREEN O'SULLIVAN and JOHNNY SHEFFIELD encounter downed pilot PAUL KELLY and hunter CHARLES BICKFORD after their plane crashes. The plot is the usual simple one--Boy has been taken from the jungle and taken to New York City by circus exploiters--and Tarzan's mission is to recover him in time for a happy ending.
No expense has been spared in this big budget production from MGM. Although Cheetah gets lots of prime time, especially during the first half of the film, the supporting cast includes a lot of recognizable players such as Virginia Grey, Chill Wills, Charles Lane and villainous Cy Kendall. In this sixth film of the series (the last one featuring Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane), there's lots of monkey business involving tricks and stunts by a team of smart elephants worthy of any circus revue.
And thanks to director Richard Thorpe, the script plunges ahead easily to become one of the most entertaining in all the Tarzan films featuring Johnny Weismuller. At the fadeout, all is well in the jungle again after some amusing adventures in the Big City--including Tarzan's plunge from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Highly recommended for fans of the series.
Ask anyone over the age of 30 who is the best Tarzan and you may receive several answers. Ron Ely would be a popular choice; so would Gordon Scott. But I'll lay good money that the top answer would be Johnny Weissmuller.
By the time Tarzan's New York Adventure came to be made, Weissmuller had made the loin cloth his own and something new had to be done. As sacrilegious as it sounds, it was the taking of Tarzan out of his own environment that made this the best in his long list of jungle capers.
The plot is unimportant. Tarzan's son is taken away to New York and he travels there, accompanied by Jane, to bring him back. But it's the way that the whole premise is handled that ensures that this film will remain in the memory (it's remained in mine ever since I saw it, aged 7). You know Tarzan will win but you don't expect the way that he does it.
Weissmuller was a fine actor with little to say. And here, he doesn't need to say much. There's action, drama, and humour - everything one needs. Even the effects (apart from an occasional speeded up film shot) are sufficiently effective.
By the time Tarzan's New York Adventure came to be made, Weissmuller had made the loin cloth his own and something new had to be done. As sacrilegious as it sounds, it was the taking of Tarzan out of his own environment that made this the best in his long list of jungle capers.
The plot is unimportant. Tarzan's son is taken away to New York and he travels there, accompanied by Jane, to bring him back. But it's the way that the whole premise is handled that ensures that this film will remain in the memory (it's remained in mine ever since I saw it, aged 7). You know Tarzan will win but you don't expect the way that he does it.
Weissmuller was a fine actor with little to say. And here, he doesn't need to say much. There's action, drama, and humour - everything one needs. Even the effects (apart from an occasional speeded up film shot) are sufficiently effective.
Some men come to Africa by plane looking for lions for their circus. Despite Tarzan's warnings to stay away from them, Boy is fascinated by the plane and tries to get a closer look. He's kidnapped by the circus owner, hoping to turn Boy into a big attraction back home. Tarzan, Jane, and Cheeta all head to New York to rescue him. Once there, Jane makes Tarzan obey the law and try to get Boy back the legal way. So they have to go to court to gain custody. Weird. Don't worry, this isn't a courtroom drama. There is plenty of action. Tarzan's escape from the police and the circus rescue is exciting stuff. There's also quite a bit of 'fish out of water' humor with Tarzan having to wear a suit and discovering radio and indoor plumbing for the first time. Cheeta's also lots of fun in this. That crazy laugh is something else. The phone call scene with Mantan Moreland will NOT sit well with everybody, so sensitive types be forewarned. Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Johnny Sheffield are all great, as usual. Good support from Paul Kelly, Charles Bickford, Virginia Grey, Chill Wills, and Cy Kendall. This is the sixth and final Tarzan film from MGM before the series relocated to RKO. It's also the last film with Maureen O'Sullivan, who didn't act again for six years. The subsequent RKO Tarzans are fun but it's hard to beat the MGM series which had, among other attributes, the wonderful chemistry between Weissmuller and O'Sullivan.
A group of big game hunters land on Tarzan's escarpment in a 'metal bird', which piques Boy's curiosity about the wonders of modern civilisation. After the fearless lad approaches the hunters and foolishly displays his remarkable command of animals, Buck Rand (Charles Bickford), leader of the hunt, sees dollar signs and plans to take the lad to the US and sell him to a circus.
Rand's opportunity comes when a tribe of savage natives attack the group, and both Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) are seemingly burnt alive as they try to swing to the rescue: with Boy's parents dead, he is free to abduct Boy. However, thanks to the quick thinking of their faithful chimp Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane prove to be still very much alive, and together they travel to the 'Big Apple' to try and find their son.
After the formulaic Tarzan's Secret Treasure, it's great to see the legendary ape-man finally get a change of scenery. Tarzan, a fish out of water in the city, takes a while to adjust to his new surroundings and much fun is to be had from his unfamiliarity with modern technology and his coming to terms with NY etiquette; but, after he and his wife fail to convince the authorities to return Boy in court, Tarzan soon forgets all about doing things the civilised way, and switches back to jungle-mode in order to settle matters.
This involves an exciting rooftop chase (the 1940s equivalent of freerunning/Parkour), a daring climb up the Brooklyn bridge, a high dive into the river, and a finale that features—surprise, surprise—an elephant stampede. It might not be the greatest of all Tarzan's adventures, but seeing the lord of the jungle stepping out on the town is still a lot of fun.
Rand's opportunity comes when a tribe of savage natives attack the group, and both Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) are seemingly burnt alive as they try to swing to the rescue: with Boy's parents dead, he is free to abduct Boy. However, thanks to the quick thinking of their faithful chimp Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane prove to be still very much alive, and together they travel to the 'Big Apple' to try and find their son.
After the formulaic Tarzan's Secret Treasure, it's great to see the legendary ape-man finally get a change of scenery. Tarzan, a fish out of water in the city, takes a while to adjust to his new surroundings and much fun is to be had from his unfamiliarity with modern technology and his coming to terms with NY etiquette; but, after he and his wife fail to convince the authorities to return Boy in court, Tarzan soon forgets all about doing things the civilised way, and switches back to jungle-mode in order to settle matters.
This involves an exciting rooftop chase (the 1940s equivalent of freerunning/Parkour), a daring climb up the Brooklyn bridge, a high dive into the river, and a finale that features—surprise, surprise—an elephant stampede. It might not be the greatest of all Tarzan's adventures, but seeing the lord of the jungle stepping out on the town is still a lot of fun.
- BA_Harrison
- Aug 2, 2009
- Permalink
After a swim, jungle king Johnny Weissmuller (as Tarzan), pretty Maureen O'Sullivan (as Jane), and son John Sheffield (as Boy) see pilot Paul Kelly (as Jimmie Shields) land his plane in their idyllic African hideaway. It is an expedition led by hunter Charles Bickford (as Buck Rand), who needs lions for his circus. But, after seeing young Sheffield's animal antics, Mr. Bickford envisions the youngster as a circus act. Animal trainer Chill Wills (as Manchester Montford) tags him "The Boy King of the Jungle." When a mishap incapacitates his adopted parents, the interlopers take Sheffield to America...
Saved by "Cheeta" the Chimp, Mr. Weissmuller goes on a New York adventure to find Sheffield and bring him home...
After twenty exciting minutes in the jungle, we switch to seeing the Tarzan family in civilization. Actually, it's "Cheeta" who takes up most of the action, which turns out to be a good idea as the chimp handles the humorous situations better than Weissmuller. However, "Tarzan" does swing into action for an stupendous conclusion. "Tarzan's New York Adventure" was the most entertaining entry since the series began. Some of the editing, visuals and effects are worthy of an award nomination. Alas, this ended the comfortably budgeted MGM film, and Ms. O'Sullivan left. The RKO era would be next...
******* Tarzan's New York Adventure (5/42) Richard Thorpe ~ Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan, Johnny Sheffield, Paul Kelly
Saved by "Cheeta" the Chimp, Mr. Weissmuller goes on a New York adventure to find Sheffield and bring him home...
After twenty exciting minutes in the jungle, we switch to seeing the Tarzan family in civilization. Actually, it's "Cheeta" who takes up most of the action, which turns out to be a good idea as the chimp handles the humorous situations better than Weissmuller. However, "Tarzan" does swing into action for an stupendous conclusion. "Tarzan's New York Adventure" was the most entertaining entry since the series began. Some of the editing, visuals and effects are worthy of an award nomination. Alas, this ended the comfortably budgeted MGM film, and Ms. O'Sullivan left. The RKO era would be next...
******* Tarzan's New York Adventure (5/42) Richard Thorpe ~ Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan, Johnny Sheffield, Paul Kelly
- wes-connors
- May 13, 2011
- Permalink
In a fairly decent entry from the Tarzan oeuvre, Johnny Weissmuller is the quintessential Tarzan. All others pale in comparison. His athleticism is legendary, but even so, I was surprised to read that he actually made the two hundred foot jump from the Brooklyn Bridge into the East River. Can a man really do that? The effects were pretty good for its day, however cheesy they look in this era of computer generated images. I suppose that audiences were not supposed to notice that the elephants doing the tricks were all Asian, and not African elephants. And I guess that the child-labor laws were a bit more relaxed in those days, what with "Boy" darting around underneath and atop said pachyderms. Maureen O'Sullivan was so pretty. I noticed that she carried a curvy, womanly body, a little soft around the middle, and with stout legs. This is not a put-down, I think it is lovely, but it struck me as to what a product of the times that this was. Nowadays, an actress would spend six months in the gym and be more muscular than Weissmuller before being filmed in that costume. Too bad in my opinion.
It brings back wonderful memories where, after going to church Sunday morning and having Sunday dinner (always roast beef, country ham or fried chicken), my sisters and I would gather around the old tabletop Philco B&W TV to watch "Jungle Theater" which always showed either Tarzan or Jungle Jim (Johnny Weismuller's other alter ego). This was always one of my favorites, especially the dive off the Brooklyn Bridge and Tarzan giving his famous yell in the shower, fully clothed. And to us and all our friends, there was only one Tarzan, Johnny Weismuller. Alas,kids today don't know what they're missing. Ongowa, pacey, Cheetah!
Another Adventurous Tarzan Movie from MGM (the last for the Studio). Everyone Remembers this one Fondly, probably because it Removes Tarzan from the Jungle and places Him in the "Asphalt Jungle". It Works just Fine and is a welcome Diversion and Adds a bit of Spice to the Formula.
Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Johnny Sheffield continue Their Roles but this would be the Last Time Maureen would don the Loincloth. It is a Fast Paced and Highly Entertaining Escapism with Dangers aplenty and Animal Acts that were a Staple of the Franchise.
After a Riveting Setup in the Jungle featuring Evil White Trappers, a Lion Attack, and a Native Invasion that leaves Tarzan and Jane for Dead, the Film takes Off to New York as the World's most Happily Married Couple go in Search for Boy who was Snatched by the Trappers and Taken to the Circus.
Cheetah also Stars with many Funny Scenes and so the Entire Tarzan Family are On Screen and Contribute equally to the Film's Success.
Overall it may Not be the Best in the Series, that would be "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934), but it is a Favorite among Fans and is quite a Treat.
Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Johnny Sheffield continue Their Roles but this would be the Last Time Maureen would don the Loincloth. It is a Fast Paced and Highly Entertaining Escapism with Dangers aplenty and Animal Acts that were a Staple of the Franchise.
After a Riveting Setup in the Jungle featuring Evil White Trappers, a Lion Attack, and a Native Invasion that leaves Tarzan and Jane for Dead, the Film takes Off to New York as the World's most Happily Married Couple go in Search for Boy who was Snatched by the Trappers and Taken to the Circus.
Cheetah also Stars with many Funny Scenes and so the Entire Tarzan Family are On Screen and Contribute equally to the Film's Success.
Overall it may Not be the Best in the Series, that would be "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934), but it is a Favorite among Fans and is quite a Treat.
- LeonLouisRicci
- Jan 11, 2015
- Permalink
TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE (MGM, 1942), directed by Richard Thorpe, the sixth installment in the popular series, includes more finals than firsts. For starters, it's the first since the series began to distribute the next installment less than a year following the previous film, instead of the standard two to three years; but most important, this is the first to provide Tarzan, Jane and Boy outside their native soil into new territory (not overlooking that Jane originated from England); and the first to present the jungle family full clothing attire. As for the finale, this was the last Tarzan adventure for MGM starring Johnny Weissmuller, the last with Maureen O'Sullivan playing Jane, the last with the traditional jungle underscoring played during the opening credits superimposed over the map of Africa, and the last produced on a higher budget scale. While MGM canceled the series, this didn't mark the end of Edgar Rice Burrough's jungle hero nor of Johnny Weissmuller. Even if this were the final Tarzan movie made, this would have been a fine conclusion. However, the series resumed over at the RKO Radio studios where Tarzan and Boy (Johnny Sheffield) continued to perform their usual tasks dealing with great tales of action and adventure with Brenda Joyce making her debut as Jane in TARZAN AND THE AMAZONS (1945).
For its 71 minutes, the shortest in the MGM series, in spite of its hokeyness and trite dialog (some of it spoken by Paul Kelly), and evidence of severe cuts in order to quicken the pace, the movie does have enough ingredients to assure entertainment, especially for children. It starts off with the jungle family doing their morning swim, followed by an airplane (called "Iron Bird" by Tarzan), piloted by Jimmie Shields (Paul Kelly) along with hunters making a landing. After its leader, Buck Rand (Charles Bickford) shoots and kills one of the lions, Tarzan orders the men leave before morning. By the rise of the morning sun, Manchester Mountford (Chill Wills), one of the hunters, faces some danger with a lion, and it is Boy who comes to his rescue. Amazed by the way the youngster handles himself with animals, one of the men suggests the boy make a great circus attraction. Afterwards comes a native uprising with flying spears. Tarzan and Jane swing into action but as one of the natives cuts the vine, the couple fall to the ground, leaving them unconscious. They later awaken to find themselves surrounded by blazing fire started by the natives Believing Tarzan and Jane have perished, and finding the natives are heading towards them, the hunters make a hasty departure, taking Boy with them. Having survived the fire and guided to safety by Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane find that Boy was taken away. Upon learning the whereabouts of the hunters, Tarzan and Jane attempt to get their son back following them to New York City. While there it is Jane who take charge of Tarzan, who finds it difficult not only being in "Stone Jungle," but his adjustment in wearing clothes. They track down the hunters and Boy to a circus in Long Island, but have quite a time dealing with authorities and Rand's abductors to get him back.
Supporting players include Virginia Grey as Jimmie's girl, Connie Beach, ; Russell Hicks as Judge Abbotson; Cyrus Kendall as Ralph Sargeant. Look for Willie Fung as a tailor trying to measure suits for Tarzan, and Charles Lane as the aggressive attorney who cross examines Jane to a point in having Tarzan grab hold and throw him across the courtroom.
TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE starts off in familiar territory of Africa, but once it shifts over to New York City does the story really get underway. After Boy's departure, he isn't seen until when the movie is more than half over. The focus here is solely on Tarzan and Jane (Cheetah, too). Aside from Tarzan riding in a taxi, taking a shower with his clothes on and doing his ape call, with Cheetah along for the ride providing comedy relief, the big topper includes the most memorable of all, Tarzan surrounded by police on the Brooklyn Bridge which leaves him no choice but to take a 200 foot dive to the East River as Jane calmly watches amongst the crowd. This scene pales in comparison to Tarzan's swinging on ropes of flagpoles from building to building and hanging on a ledge. In spite of being in foreign territory, Tarzan does keep the tradition going by getting help from the circus elephants leading to a stampede in order to rescue Boy from his abductors.
TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE, one of the very best in the series, did have frequent revivals on commercial television for many years prior to 1990, followed by more revivals when shown on the American Movie Classics cable channel (1997-2000) and Turner Classic Movies(TCM premiere: Saturday, May 7, 2011). This, along with others in the MGM series, are available either on video cassette or DVD. Next in the series: TARZAN TRIUMPHS (RKO, 1943) (***)
For its 71 minutes, the shortest in the MGM series, in spite of its hokeyness and trite dialog (some of it spoken by Paul Kelly), and evidence of severe cuts in order to quicken the pace, the movie does have enough ingredients to assure entertainment, especially for children. It starts off with the jungle family doing their morning swim, followed by an airplane (called "Iron Bird" by Tarzan), piloted by Jimmie Shields (Paul Kelly) along with hunters making a landing. After its leader, Buck Rand (Charles Bickford) shoots and kills one of the lions, Tarzan orders the men leave before morning. By the rise of the morning sun, Manchester Mountford (Chill Wills), one of the hunters, faces some danger with a lion, and it is Boy who comes to his rescue. Amazed by the way the youngster handles himself with animals, one of the men suggests the boy make a great circus attraction. Afterwards comes a native uprising with flying spears. Tarzan and Jane swing into action but as one of the natives cuts the vine, the couple fall to the ground, leaving them unconscious. They later awaken to find themselves surrounded by blazing fire started by the natives Believing Tarzan and Jane have perished, and finding the natives are heading towards them, the hunters make a hasty departure, taking Boy with them. Having survived the fire and guided to safety by Cheetah, Tarzan and Jane find that Boy was taken away. Upon learning the whereabouts of the hunters, Tarzan and Jane attempt to get their son back following them to New York City. While there it is Jane who take charge of Tarzan, who finds it difficult not only being in "Stone Jungle," but his adjustment in wearing clothes. They track down the hunters and Boy to a circus in Long Island, but have quite a time dealing with authorities and Rand's abductors to get him back.
Supporting players include Virginia Grey as Jimmie's girl, Connie Beach, ; Russell Hicks as Judge Abbotson; Cyrus Kendall as Ralph Sargeant. Look for Willie Fung as a tailor trying to measure suits for Tarzan, and Charles Lane as the aggressive attorney who cross examines Jane to a point in having Tarzan grab hold and throw him across the courtroom.
TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE starts off in familiar territory of Africa, but once it shifts over to New York City does the story really get underway. After Boy's departure, he isn't seen until when the movie is more than half over. The focus here is solely on Tarzan and Jane (Cheetah, too). Aside from Tarzan riding in a taxi, taking a shower with his clothes on and doing his ape call, with Cheetah along for the ride providing comedy relief, the big topper includes the most memorable of all, Tarzan surrounded by police on the Brooklyn Bridge which leaves him no choice but to take a 200 foot dive to the East River as Jane calmly watches amongst the crowd. This scene pales in comparison to Tarzan's swinging on ropes of flagpoles from building to building and hanging on a ledge. In spite of being in foreign territory, Tarzan does keep the tradition going by getting help from the circus elephants leading to a stampede in order to rescue Boy from his abductors.
TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE, one of the very best in the series, did have frequent revivals on commercial television for many years prior to 1990, followed by more revivals when shown on the American Movie Classics cable channel (1997-2000) and Turner Classic Movies(TCM premiere: Saturday, May 7, 2011). This, along with others in the MGM series, are available either on video cassette or DVD. Next in the series: TARZAN TRIUMPHS (RKO, 1943) (***)
Nice adventure movie in which Boy is kidnapped and Tarzan and Jane head out from jungle to N.Y. to rescue him . Enjoyable Tarzan movie , plenty of action , adventures and quite entertaining . Fast fun , fresh but no very much in the spirit of the original novel by Edgar Rice Borroughs . It starts with the following preface : ¨Beyond the last outpost of civilization , a mighty escarpment towers the skies of Africa -uncharted on maps- a strange world , a place of mystery¨ . The picture concerns a naive Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller , longer-haired and slimmer than in later efforts) in his loincloth , living his fairy tale with Jane Parker (Maureen O'Sullivan) and cohabiting in unmarried bliss , this situation being really criticized ¨Hays Code¨ period . As Boy is tricked by an evil Circus owner , Buck Rand , (Charles Bickford) and kidnaps him to perform in his show . As the greedy owner scheme heinous plans and wants Boy as a trainer for his pet baby elephants . Thus , our protagonists , now head to the big metropolis in order to save the boy . But Tarzan doesn't take kindly to threat and kidnap to his boy and is even forced to go to court to maintain custody , executing against the evil-doers an extreme lesson .
The movie is dubiously faithful to Edgar Rice Borroughs story . It contains noisy action , sensational adventures , many angry natives , hungry animals and marvelous outdoors , though mostly shot in Hollywood studios . Well starred by a sympathetic cast who bring wit and style to their classic characters . However , Johnny Weissmuller is better Olympic swimmer than actor . Here shows off his jungling off the Brooklyn Bridge into the East River . In the scene where Tarzan jumps off the Brooklyn Bridge, Johnny Weissmuller actually jumped 250 feet off the bridge . There stands out Johnny Sheffield whose first role was in ¨Tarzan finds a son¨ (1939) as an orphan whose ambitious relatives hope he stays lost so they can collect an inheritance . And , of course , special mention for the likable Chimpanzee Cheeta that steals the show , giving some humorous moments with his antics , frolics and mayhem . Allegedly , Cheeta died of kidney failure in 2011 according to Florida's Suncoast Primate Sanctuary . However , the Associated Press reports that chimps in captivity live between 40 and 60 years . Cheeta, oftentimes spelled as Cheetah, would have been 80. Also, more than one chimp played Cheeta in the various Tarzan movies . One of those, known as either Jiggs or Mr. Jiggs, is supposed to have died of pneumonia at a very young age in 1938 . Support cast is pretty well , such as Charles Lane , Paul Kelly , Virginia Grey , Miles Mander , Anne Jeffreys uncredited . And Elmo Lincoln's the screen first Tarzan has a cameo as a circus roustabout . The sets and production design are visually appealing , including a brilliant cinematography by Sidney Wagner . The motion picture was decently directed by Richard Thorpe . He directed lesser Western and thrillers when he moved into features in 1924 and did little of note before joining MGM in 1935 . Thorpe made routine studio fare until 1950s when he was given more major assignment . He then made various big-budget productions financed by Pando S Bergman among his best known films are all the MGM Tarzans following his arrival at the studio in 1935 and a series of swashbuckling adventures in the early 1950s featuring Robert Taylor , the most successful of these were three swashbucklers made in England as ¨Knights of Round Table¨ , ¨Ivanhoe¨ and ¨Quentin Durward¨ . Thorpe was an expert on all kind of genres as Western as ¨Wild horse¨ , ¨Under Montana skies¨ and ¨Last challenge¨ but his specialty resulted to be adventures as ¨Prisoner of Zenda¨, ¨The prodigal¨ , ¨Challenge to Lassie¨ , ¨Tarzan¨ films and Musicals as ¨Fun in Acapulco¨ , ¨Rainbow over Broadway¨ , ¨The prince student¨ and his biggest money-maker to date was ¨The great Caruso¨ and his last big box-office hit was ¨Presley' Jailhouse Rock¨ . He also worked briefly in television before retiring in 1968 .
First Tarzan/Johhny Weissmuller was ¨Tarzan , the ape man¨ (1932) by W.S. Van Dyke , this one being the definitive Tarzan movie , the original of the long series . Followed by ¨Tarzan and his mate¨ (1934) by Jack Conway and arguably one of the best of the jungle adventures . Richard Thorpe continued the following sequels : ¨Tarzan escapes¨(1936) , ¨Tarzan finds a son¨ (1939) with the addition of the five-year-old Johnny Sheffield as Boy , ¨Tarzan's secret Treasure¨ (1941) , and ¨Tarzan's New York adventure¨ (1942) where Boy is abducted by an evil circus owner , then Tarzan goes to rescue him and he meets N.Y. big city , being Maureen O'Sullivan's final appearance . These stories were lavishly produced by M.G.M. and R.K.O. Subsequently , to be appeared other Tarzans produced by independent producers as Sol Lesser ; the latter being replaced by Sy Weintraub , these movies were interpreted by Lex Barker and Gordon Scott : ¨Tarzan the Magnificent¨ and ¨The greatest adventure¨ directed by John Guillermin . And ¨Tarzan the Ape Man¨(1959) stars Denny Miller and directed by Joseph Newman . Furthermore , Mike Henry starred as Tarzan in ¨Tarzan and the jungle boy ¨ , ¨ Tarzan and the great river¨ , and ¨Tarzan 66¨ directed by Robert Day . Besides , two performed by Jock Mahoney : ¨Three challenges¨ and ¨Tarzan goes to India¨ directed by John Guillermin , among others . And , to forget ¨Tarzan the Ape Man¨ (1981) by John Derek with Miles O'Keefe . Plus , other TV Tarzan as Ron Ely , Wolf Larsen , Joe Lara ...
The movie is dubiously faithful to Edgar Rice Borroughs story . It contains noisy action , sensational adventures , many angry natives , hungry animals and marvelous outdoors , though mostly shot in Hollywood studios . Well starred by a sympathetic cast who bring wit and style to their classic characters . However , Johnny Weissmuller is better Olympic swimmer than actor . Here shows off his jungling off the Brooklyn Bridge into the East River . In the scene where Tarzan jumps off the Brooklyn Bridge, Johnny Weissmuller actually jumped 250 feet off the bridge . There stands out Johnny Sheffield whose first role was in ¨Tarzan finds a son¨ (1939) as an orphan whose ambitious relatives hope he stays lost so they can collect an inheritance . And , of course , special mention for the likable Chimpanzee Cheeta that steals the show , giving some humorous moments with his antics , frolics and mayhem . Allegedly , Cheeta died of kidney failure in 2011 according to Florida's Suncoast Primate Sanctuary . However , the Associated Press reports that chimps in captivity live between 40 and 60 years . Cheeta, oftentimes spelled as Cheetah, would have been 80. Also, more than one chimp played Cheeta in the various Tarzan movies . One of those, known as either Jiggs or Mr. Jiggs, is supposed to have died of pneumonia at a very young age in 1938 . Support cast is pretty well , such as Charles Lane , Paul Kelly , Virginia Grey , Miles Mander , Anne Jeffreys uncredited . And Elmo Lincoln's the screen first Tarzan has a cameo as a circus roustabout . The sets and production design are visually appealing , including a brilliant cinematography by Sidney Wagner . The motion picture was decently directed by Richard Thorpe . He directed lesser Western and thrillers when he moved into features in 1924 and did little of note before joining MGM in 1935 . Thorpe made routine studio fare until 1950s when he was given more major assignment . He then made various big-budget productions financed by Pando S Bergman among his best known films are all the MGM Tarzans following his arrival at the studio in 1935 and a series of swashbuckling adventures in the early 1950s featuring Robert Taylor , the most successful of these were three swashbucklers made in England as ¨Knights of Round Table¨ , ¨Ivanhoe¨ and ¨Quentin Durward¨ . Thorpe was an expert on all kind of genres as Western as ¨Wild horse¨ , ¨Under Montana skies¨ and ¨Last challenge¨ but his specialty resulted to be adventures as ¨Prisoner of Zenda¨, ¨The prodigal¨ , ¨Challenge to Lassie¨ , ¨Tarzan¨ films and Musicals as ¨Fun in Acapulco¨ , ¨Rainbow over Broadway¨ , ¨The prince student¨ and his biggest money-maker to date was ¨The great Caruso¨ and his last big box-office hit was ¨Presley' Jailhouse Rock¨ . He also worked briefly in television before retiring in 1968 .
First Tarzan/Johhny Weissmuller was ¨Tarzan , the ape man¨ (1932) by W.S. Van Dyke , this one being the definitive Tarzan movie , the original of the long series . Followed by ¨Tarzan and his mate¨ (1934) by Jack Conway and arguably one of the best of the jungle adventures . Richard Thorpe continued the following sequels : ¨Tarzan escapes¨(1936) , ¨Tarzan finds a son¨ (1939) with the addition of the five-year-old Johnny Sheffield as Boy , ¨Tarzan's secret Treasure¨ (1941) , and ¨Tarzan's New York adventure¨ (1942) where Boy is abducted by an evil circus owner , then Tarzan goes to rescue him and he meets N.Y. big city , being Maureen O'Sullivan's final appearance . These stories were lavishly produced by M.G.M. and R.K.O. Subsequently , to be appeared other Tarzans produced by independent producers as Sol Lesser ; the latter being replaced by Sy Weintraub , these movies were interpreted by Lex Barker and Gordon Scott : ¨Tarzan the Magnificent¨ and ¨The greatest adventure¨ directed by John Guillermin . And ¨Tarzan the Ape Man¨(1959) stars Denny Miller and directed by Joseph Newman . Furthermore , Mike Henry starred as Tarzan in ¨Tarzan and the jungle boy ¨ , ¨ Tarzan and the great river¨ , and ¨Tarzan 66¨ directed by Robert Day . Besides , two performed by Jock Mahoney : ¨Three challenges¨ and ¨Tarzan goes to India¨ directed by John Guillermin , among others . And , to forget ¨Tarzan the Ape Man¨ (1981) by John Derek with Miles O'Keefe . Plus , other TV Tarzan as Ron Ely , Wolf Larsen , Joe Lara ...
TNYA is a fun film to enjoy, especially if you are a fan of the series. Metro could make cheap films look expensive because of their wonderful production values. TNYA is no exception. It looks great, even though it's only a 71-minute "B" film. Metro relied heavily on the international market for the TARZAN series, and WW2 had cut most of that off, so Metro cut the budget and let the series go after this film.
Still, as I said earlier, TNYA is a fun movie and is loaded with terrific character performers.
With the change in scenery for Tarzan and family, we can only wonder of what all MGM could have done if things had been different at the time.
And, by the way, a weighted dummy took the dive. There's no way Metro would have permitted Johnny to do the stunt. I'm sure he didn't want to, and besides, none of the principal cast set foot in the Big Apple for the production of this film.
Still, as I said earlier, TNYA is a fun movie and is loaded with terrific character performers.
With the change in scenery for Tarzan and family, we can only wonder of what all MGM could have done if things had been different at the time.
And, by the way, a weighted dummy took the dive. There's no way Metro would have permitted Johnny to do the stunt. I'm sure he didn't want to, and besides, none of the principal cast set foot in the Big Apple for the production of this film.
- dbborroughs
- Jul 29, 2010
- Permalink
Tarzan's New York Adventure finds Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan invading civilization's capital of New York in search of Johnny Sheffield who was snatched by some unscrupulous white men. Charles Bickford, Chill Wills, and pilot Paul Kelly invade Tarzan's domain in search of wild animals to trap. But when a curious Johnny Sheffield wants to see their airplane, Bickford captures him thinking he'll be a great attraction at Cy Kendall's circus.
Kelly has a conscience and he and girl friend Virginia Grey try to help Mr.&Mrs. Tarzan get their kid back. Justice stalls a bit at Judge Russell Hicks's courtroom especially after Bickford and Kendall's attorney Charles Lane gives O'Sullivan a rough cross examination. Weissmuller has to use some of his tried and true methods to get his kid back.
This film takes a lot of belief suspension, but it is fast moving and enjoyable. In real life while I don't think any Family Court Judge would entertain Bickford's claim on the kid, I doubt if they would award custody to Weissmuller and O'Sullivan. I see foster care the future of Boy.
Kelly has a conscience and he and girl friend Virginia Grey try to help Mr.&Mrs. Tarzan get their kid back. Justice stalls a bit at Judge Russell Hicks's courtroom especially after Bickford and Kendall's attorney Charles Lane gives O'Sullivan a rough cross examination. Weissmuller has to use some of his tried and true methods to get his kid back.
This film takes a lot of belief suspension, but it is fast moving and enjoyable. In real life while I don't think any Family Court Judge would entertain Bickford's claim on the kid, I doubt if they would award custody to Weissmuller and O'Sullivan. I see foster care the future of Boy.
- bkoganbing
- May 6, 2011
- Permalink
When his Boy is kidnapped, Tarzan and Jane head off to New York in search of the young-un...in the end this causes Tarzan to scale building rooftops (not unlike King Kong) and to dive off the Brooklyn Bridge! While this movie has its fun and exciting moments, I missed the jungle setting one expects from Tarzan.
- Space_Mafune
- Mar 8, 2003
- Permalink
Well, we finally get to see Tarzan go into the city. It's great because from the title "Tarzan Escapes" you'd think that would be the movie where he does it, but no. We do get to see Tarzan go into New York City to save his son. Well, the son he adopted technically. The most impressive thing here is probably how a lot happens in this fairly short film. It's not a short film. It's a feature length film that happens to be short. Wow, that's weird. Anyway, I'm glad we didn't go to the formula of the natives being the villains. We actually get better variety here. I like how these movies keep expanding on each other.
I'll probably never get to see them all, but we have a coherent story here. I admit I was kind of bored when it actually got to the courtroom scene. Yes, there's one of those in a Tarzan movie. Luckily, it's fairly short and we get back to more exciting scenes as Tarzan literally climbs up a bridge. He gets locked in a cage again, but immediately gets out again. It's great to see all these elephants and everything too. I'm glad they're doing different things with the movies. It's funny to see Tarzan get adjusted to life and actually wear a suit. I love how his sons seems to have intelligence between him and Jane. ***
I'll probably never get to see them all, but we have a coherent story here. I admit I was kind of bored when it actually got to the courtroom scene. Yes, there's one of those in a Tarzan movie. Luckily, it's fairly short and we get back to more exciting scenes as Tarzan literally climbs up a bridge. He gets locked in a cage again, but immediately gets out again. It's great to see all these elephants and everything too. I'm glad they're doing different things with the movies. It's funny to see Tarzan get adjusted to life and actually wear a suit. I love how his sons seems to have intelligence between him and Jane. ***
- ericstevenson
- Mar 10, 2017
- Permalink
This was a fantastic addition to the series. Lots of things going on to provide some excitement. Some excellent footage of Tarzan swimming so fast it seems like trick photography. No wonder he was an Olympic swimmer. Attacks by hundreds of savages, crocodiles, lions, you name it. One of the things that really amazed me was the tricks boy did with the elephants. Just using voice commands the trio of juvenile elephants did numerous tricks. Amazing.
Tarzan ended up in New York climbing on sky scrapers and jumping off bridges like the true jungle man he is.
I'm having a hard time deciding which of the series I like best. They are all so enjoyable. I really like these movies even though by todays standards they don't have all the bells and whistles. It speaks well of the movie producers that they were able to put such realism in those movies without computers and special effects. There were times when it appeared one of the lions was only a few feet behind boy as he made his way through the trees. Even though it's a movie, it was still creepy to see a lion that close to a young boy.
I rated this ten because it was so enjoyable.
Tarzan ended up in New York climbing on sky scrapers and jumping off bridges like the true jungle man he is.
I'm having a hard time deciding which of the series I like best. They are all so enjoyable. I really like these movies even though by todays standards they don't have all the bells and whistles. It speaks well of the movie producers that they were able to put such realism in those movies without computers and special effects. There were times when it appeared one of the lions was only a few feet behind boy as he made his way through the trees. Even though it's a movie, it was still creepy to see a lion that close to a young boy.
I rated this ten because it was so enjoyable.
- headhunter46
- Apr 17, 2013
- Permalink
A plane flys over the home of Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller), Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan), and The Boy (Johnny Sheffield). It's a group looking to trap lions for a circus. They see The Boy's skills with animals as potential for a new act. Savages appear to kill Tarzan and Jane in a fire. The group takes The Boy. Tarzan, Jane, and Cheeta are headed to New York City.
Cheeta is the standout in this sixth and final MGM Tarzan series. Tarzan also has some fun as a fish out of water. I would prefer not going into the courtroom. It brings up an uncomfortable issue that is best left unexplored. His adoption is forced by code of conduct anyways. After that, there is some good action and Tarzan is able to tackle a circus. All in all, it still is a B-movie series but it has some fun with the city despite the serious turn.
Cheeta is the standout in this sixth and final MGM Tarzan series. Tarzan also has some fun as a fish out of water. I would prefer not going into the courtroom. It brings up an uncomfortable issue that is best left unexplored. His adoption is forced by code of conduct anyways. After that, there is some good action and Tarzan is able to tackle a circus. All in all, it still is a B-movie series but it has some fun with the city despite the serious turn.
- SnoopyStyle
- Dec 6, 2023
- Permalink
- davjazzer-43068
- Apr 13, 2018
- Permalink
This movie is actually a great deal of fun. It sounds like it could be a disaster, but I think the smartest thing they did was keep this movie at 70 minutes in length. There's no time to get bored. It moves along very quickly, unlike modern movies that go on and on and on and on and you just wish the stupid things would end so that you could go home and watch something better on TV.
Basically, some greedy jerks kidnap Tarzan's adopted son and take him to New York City. The jerks also kidnap a bunch of animals because that's what greedy jerks do: they take stuff that isn't theirs. As you can imagine the Lord of the Jungle is not pleased and he and Jane and their pet chimp Cheeta head for the Big Apple to set things right.
Lots of things to see and do in the great city of New York, but Tarzan doesn't have time to dilly dally. He wants his son and he wants him now. No time for foolishness! Cheeta, however, the chimp, does have lots of time for foolishness and we see Cheeta do all kinds of funny and wacky things. Those are wonderful scenes. There is also a wonderful scene in a court of law.
Anyway, that's the premise of the movie and it's very well done. Lots of action, lots of humor, lots of wise words about mankind, the beautiful Jane, and generally a good old-fashioned time for all. Don't miss this Tarzan classic. It's one of the best and it holds up very well.
Basically, some greedy jerks kidnap Tarzan's adopted son and take him to New York City. The jerks also kidnap a bunch of animals because that's what greedy jerks do: they take stuff that isn't theirs. As you can imagine the Lord of the Jungle is not pleased and he and Jane and their pet chimp Cheeta head for the Big Apple to set things right.
Lots of things to see and do in the great city of New York, but Tarzan doesn't have time to dilly dally. He wants his son and he wants him now. No time for foolishness! Cheeta, however, the chimp, does have lots of time for foolishness and we see Cheeta do all kinds of funny and wacky things. Those are wonderful scenes. There is also a wonderful scene in a court of law.
Anyway, that's the premise of the movie and it's very well done. Lots of action, lots of humor, lots of wise words about mankind, the beautiful Jane, and generally a good old-fashioned time for all. Don't miss this Tarzan classic. It's one of the best and it holds up very well.
- sambase-38773
- Dec 10, 2021
- Permalink
- JohnHowardReid
- May 13, 2018
- Permalink
- DavidAllenUSA
- Apr 5, 2013
- Permalink