What happens behind the scenes of "Swamp Fire" are much more interesting that the film itself.
Some time ago around 1973 I attended a Western Film Festival, and was provided the opportunity to ask Buster Crabbe a question. My question simply put was this, "I have often wondered if you and Johnny Weissmuller (both famous movie Tarzans and both Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming ever had the opportunity to compete in swimming one against the other? Mr. Crabbe was very gracious as he corrected me by saying that there was only one great movie Tarzan, and that was Weissmuller. He panned his portrayal of Tarazan and indicated he was best remembered as for being the movies first "Flash Gordon" and "Buck Rodgers" of the cliff hanger chapter serials.
He then went on to tell me about his stormy relationship with Johnny Weismuller over the years. Apparently, Weismuller beat Crabbe's mentor, the legendary Duke Kahanomoku in the 1924 Olympics in the 100 Meter Free Style. Several years later while Buster Crabbe was preparing for his eventual victory in the 1934 Olympic 400 meter Free Style...the two met, and Crabbe challenged Weissmuller to a swim. Weismuller who by this time had gained a few pounds accepted the cocky Crabbe's challenge for a 100 Meter Free Style competition in a good natured way. Crabbe narrowly beat the older Weismuller, and joked..."Johnny...See you in the 400 Meter Free Style event.", all the while realizing this was his stongest swimming event, and that an out of shape Weissmuller had even a lesser chance than before of beating him. Weissmuller apparently didn't appreciate the comment responding, "Not me kid!". In 1933 Crabbe made two Tarzan type movies "King of the Jungle" and "Tarzan the Fearless" in an attempt to replace Weissmuller as Tarzan of the movies. The effort failed as neither film was memorable, but the fact remained that Crabbe had tried to replace Weismuller and this did not sit well with Johnny. Years later in 1946 the two great Olympic athletes signed for the William H. Pine film "Swamp Fire". Weissmuller was set to play the "good guy" and Crabbe signed to play the "heavy". Crabbe indicated that while making the film an out of shape Johnny Weissmuller liked to drink bourbon between scenes. The Director, William Pine, approached Crabbe about the films final fight scene, telling him he wanted to be very realistic....and he wanted a lot of bubbles during the underwater fight between him and Weissmuller. Crabbe complied and aggressively grabbed Weissmuller as he pulled him down into the water and held him. Bubbles were flaring up everywhere, as the intoxicated Weissmuller fought for a breath of air. Crabbe indicated he regretted doing that to Weissmuller...but the apology didn't seem to work as Weissmuller continued to be distant to him throughout the years.
