Tarzan of the Apes

Plot

Lord and Lady Greystoke are marooned on the African coast after a mutiny, where they build a treehouse and have a son. After both parents die, the infant is adopted by a female ape named Kala who names him Tarzan. Tarzan grows up in the jungle, learning to survive among the apes and developing extraordinary strength. Years later, an expedition arrives searching for the lost Greystoke heir, including Jane Porter who becomes separated from her group and encounters wild animals. Tarzan rescues Jane from danger, and despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two begin to fall in love, setting the stage for Tarzan's eventual choice between his jungle home and human civilization.

Historical Background

The film was released in January 1918, during the final months of World War I, when audiences were hungry for escapist entertainment. The silent film era was at its peak, with feature films becoming increasingly sophisticated and expensive. This period saw the rise of the star system in Hollywood, with actors like Elmo Lincoln becoming household names. The film's production coincided with America's full involvement in WWI, yet its jungle adventure themes offered audiences a complete escape from wartime realities. The success of this adaptation helped establish the practice of literary adaptations becoming major Hollywood productions, setting a precedent that continues today.

Making Of

The production of 'Tarzan of the Apes' was groundbreaking for its time, featuring extensive location shooting and elaborate jungle sets constructed in California. Director Scott Sidney faced numerous challenges working with live animals, including lions that had to be carefully managed during action sequences. Elmo Lincoln, a former circus performer and World War I veteran, performed many of his own stunts, including the famous scene where he fights a lion. The film's success was partly due to Edgar Rice Burroughs' active involvement in promoting the adaptation. The production team built elaborate treehouse sets and used innovative camera techniques to create the illusion of a vast African jungle. Young Tarzan's scenes with apes were particularly challenging, requiring the child actor Gordon Griffith to interact with performers in ape costumes.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Harold Rosson and William Fildew was innovative for its time, featuring extensive location shooting and creative camera work to simulate the African jungle. The film utilized moving camera shots and dynamic angles during action sequences, which was relatively advanced for 1918. The photography effectively captured the scale of the jungle sets and the physicality of the action scenes. The use of natural lighting in outdoor scenes gave the film a more realistic feel than many studio-bound productions of the era. The camera work during Tarzan's vine-swinging sequences created a sense of movement and excitement that audiences had rarely experienced before.

Innovations

The film was notable for its pioneering use of location shooting and elaborate special effects for the time. The production created some of the most convincing jungle sets ever filmed up to that point. The film featured innovative techniques for showing Tarzan's interactions with animals, using carefully staged sequences with real animals and performers in ape costumes. The treehouse sequences required complex set construction and camera rigging. The film's success demonstrated the commercial viability of expensive, location-heavy productions, influencing future Hollywood productions to invest more heavily in production values and special effects.

Music

As a silent film, 'Tarzan of the Apes' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The original score was composed by William Furst, who created dramatic orchestral pieces to accompany the jungle scenes and romantic moments. Large theaters would have employed full orchestras, while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The music emphasized the exotic nature of the setting and heightened the emotional impact of key scenes. Modern restorations have been accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to capture the spirit of the original musical accompaniment.

Memorable Scenes

• The infant Tarzan being adopted by the she-ape Kala in the jungle treehouse
• Young Tarzan learning to swing on vines and developing his jungle skills
• Tarzan's first encounter with Jane Porter after saving her from a lion attack
• The dramatic fight between Tarzan and a lion that showcases his incredible strength
• The emotional scene where Tarzan must choose between his jungle home and Jane
• The final sequence where Tarzan leads Jane to safety through the dangerous jungle

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's ambitious scope and exciting action sequences. The Motion Picture News called it 'a picture of extraordinary merit' while Variety noted its 'thrilling situations and excellent photography.' Modern critics recognize the film as a landmark achievement in early cinema, despite its dated elements. Film historian Kevin Brownlow has praised its pioneering use of location shooting and ambitious production values. While some modern viewers find the film's portrayal of Africans and colonial attitudes problematic, it's still acknowledged as an important milestone in adventure cinema and the first successful superhero-type character film.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a massive commercial success, reportedly earning over $1 million against its $125,000 budget - an extraordinary return for 1918. Audiences were thrilled by the action sequences and the novelty of seeing such elaborate jungle adventures on screen. The film's popularity led to long lines at theaters and established Tarzan as a major box office draw. Contemporary audience members were particularly impressed by Elmo Lincoln's physical performance and the film's use of real animals. The success spawned immediate demand for sequels, which the studios quickly provided, making Tarzan one of the first film franchises.

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