Tarzan and the Golden Lion

Plot

In this 1927 silent adventure, Tarzan returns to his African estate to find that Flora Hawks has fallen in love with the estate's overseer, who is secretly part of a treacherous expedition. The group sets out in search of the legendary lost city of Opar, rumored to be filled with diamonds, but they soon encounter hostile tribes and dangerous wildlife. When Flora is captured by the high priestess of a lion-worshipping cult who plans to sacrifice her to their lion-god, Tarzan must race against time to rescue her. Armed with his loyal golden-maned lion Jad-bal-ja, Tarzan battles through the jungle, confronts the cultists, and ultimately saves Flora from her deadly fate. The film culminates in an epic showdown as Tarzan and his lion companion face off against both human adversaries and wild beasts in their quest to protect the innocent and preserve the secrets of the lost city.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' emerged during a pivotal year in cinema history, just as the silent film era was giving way to sound. The Jazz Singer had premiered in October 1927, revolutionizing the industry, yet this Tarzan adventure was completed and released as a traditional silent film. The late 1920s saw the peak popularity of jungle adventure films, reflecting America's fascination with exotic locales and exploration. This period also witnessed the rise of serialized adventure stories in both film and literature, with Tarzan being one of the most enduring characters. The film's release coincided with the height of the Roaring Twenties, a time of economic prosperity and cultural change in America, where audiences sought escapist entertainment through adventure films that transported them to faraway lands.

Making Of

The production of 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' faced numerous challenges typical of jungle adventure films in the silent era. Director J.P. McGowan had to work with live lions on set, creating dangerous situations for the cast and crew. James Pierce performed many of his own stunts, including scenes with the lions, which required extensive training and trust building with the animals. The film's jungle sets were constructed on studio backlots and in Griffith Park, where artificial vegetation was combined with existing landscape to create the African setting. The production team used innovative camera techniques for the time, including tracking shots through the jungle sets to create a sense of movement and adventure. The film was shot during the transition period to sound cinema, but the producers decided to complete it as a silent feature with a synchronized musical score rather than attempt to add sound elements.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Ira H. Morgan employed the visual techniques common to late silent-era adventure films, including extensive use of matte paintings and process shots to create jungle environments. Morgan utilized moving camera shots to enhance the action sequences, particularly in scenes involving Tarzan's interactions with lions. The film featured dramatic lighting contrasts to emphasize the mysterious jungle atmosphere, with deep shadows in temple scenes and bright sunlight for outdoor sequences. The camera work often employed low angles to make Tarzan appear more heroic and imposing, while high angles were used to establish the vastness of the jungle settings. The cinematography also incorporated several innovative techniques for animal photography, including the use of hidden cameras and protective barriers to capture close-ups of the lions.

Innovations

The film pioneered several techniques for filming with live animals, particularly lions, which were considered groundbreaking for the time. The production team developed special camera housing and barriers that allowed for closer shots of the animals while ensuring crew safety. The jungle sets incorporated innovative irrigation systems to maintain the appearance of lush vegetation throughout filming. The film also utilized early forms of matte painting to extend the jungle settings beyond the physical sets, creating the illusion of vast African landscapes. The stunt work, particularly James Pierce's interactions with the lions, represented some of the most dangerous animal-human sequences filmed up to that point, requiring careful choreography and timing.

Music

As a silent film, 'Tarzan and the Golden Lion' was accompanied by a musical score performed live in theaters during its original release. The score was composed to match the film's action and emotional beats, with dramatic orchestral pieces during adventure sequences and romantic themes for the character interactions. The musical accompaniment typically included percussion elements to emphasize the jungle setting, with drums and other exotic instruments creating atmospheric effects. Some larger theaters employed full orchestras, while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The film's original cue sheets suggested specific musical pieces for various scenes, though individual theaters often adapted the music to their available resources and audience preferences.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic temple sacrifice sequence where Tarzan battles the lion-worshipping cultists to save Flora
• The introduction of Jad-bal-ja, the golden lion, as he first encounters Tarzan
• The jungle chase scene where Tarzan pursues the villains through treetops and across ravines
• The final confrontation in the lost city of Opar with its treasure-filled chambers
• The dramatic rescue scene where Tarzan wrestles a lion to protect Flora

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics in 1927 generally praised the film's action sequences and James Pierce's physical performance as Tarzan, though some noted that the jungle settings appeared artificial even by the standards of the time. The film was recognized for its ambitious use of live animals, particularly the lion scenes, which were considered thrilling despite their obvious dangers. Modern film historians view the movie as an important transitional piece in Tarzan's cinematic evolution, noting its faithfulness to Burroughs' source material compared to later adaptations. Critics today often point out the film's historical value as a representation of late silent-era adventure filmmaking, while acknowledging its dated cultural perspectives and technical limitations by modern standards.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded positively to the film's adventure elements and spectacular animal scenes, making it a moderate box office success for Film Booking Offices of America. The film appealed particularly to young audiences and adventure film enthusiasts who were drawn to Tarzan's jungle exploits. The presence of real lions and dangerous stunts generated significant word-of-mouth publicity, though some theater owners expressed concern about the safety aspects of showing such scenes. Contemporary audience members often commented on James Pierce's impressive physique and athletic performance, which they felt suited the Tarzan character well. The film's release during the holiday season of 1927 helped boost its attendance, as families sought entertainment options during the festive period.

You Might Also Like