The Adventures of Tarzan

Plot

The Adventures of Tarzan follows the iconic ape-man as he returns to Africa after living in England with Jane Porter. When the villainous Bolshevik Rokoff and Clayton, a pretender to the Greystoke estate, seek to plunder the lost city of Opar and its treasure, Tarzan must intervene to protect the ancient civilization. Throughout the 15-chapter serial, Tarzan faces countless perils including simultaneous lion attacks, volcanic eruptions that split the ground beneath him, capture by sun-worshipping natives, and the unwanted advances of La, the Queen of Opar who desires him for herself. The story culminates with Tarzan battling his enemies to rescue Jane and safeguard Opar's secrets while maintaining his position as the undisputed lord of the jungle.

Historical Background

The Adventures of Tarzan was released in 1921, during the golden age of silent film serials and a period of intense fascination with exotic adventure stories in post-World War I America. The film reflected contemporary anxieties about Bolshevism and political upheaval, with the villain Rokoff being portrayed as a Bolshevik threat. This was also a time when American audiences were increasingly interested in stories of exploration and lost civilizations, fueled by archaeological discoveries and travelogues. The serial format itself was a response to the competitive cinema market, designed to bring audiences back to theaters week after week. The film's production occurred during the early days of Hollywood's studio system, when independent producers like the Weiss Brothers could still compete with major studios. The characterization of Tarzan also reflected 1920s ideals of masculinity and the 'noble savage' concept that was popular in American literature and film.

Making Of

The production of 'The Adventures of Tarzan' was a massive undertaking for the Weiss Brothers' Numa Pictures Corporation. Director Scott Sidney had to coordinate multiple units working simultaneously on different chapters to meet the demanding release schedule. The jungle scenes were particularly challenging, as the production team had to transform California landscapes into convincing African settings through clever photography and set dressing. Elmo Lincoln, weighing over 250 pounds, had to maintain his physical condition throughout the lengthy shoot, performing many of his own stunts including tree climbing and animal encounters. The volcanic eruption sequence required innovative use of miniatures, smoke machines, and forced perspective photography. The cast and crew worked long hours in often uncomfortable conditions, with the heavy costumes and makeup adding to the difficulty of the jungle scenes. The serial format meant that each chapter had to end with a cliffhanger, requiring careful planning of the narrative structure throughout production.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Adventures of Tarzan' was ambitious for its time, utilizing location photography and innovative techniques to create convincing jungle environments. The camera work employed dramatic angles and movement to enhance the action sequences, particularly during the lion fights and chase scenes. The volcanic eruption sequence featured pioneering special effects photography, using multiple exposures and careful lighting to create the illusion of flowing lava and seismic activity. The cinematographers made extensive use of natural lighting for the outdoor scenes, creating a sense of authenticity despite the California locations. Close-up shots were used strategically to emphasize the emotional moments between Tarzan and Jane, while wide shots established the scale of the jungle settings and the grandeur of the Opar sets. The film also utilized tinting techniques, with amber tones for daylight scenes and blue tints for night sequences, enhancing the visual storytelling in the absence of color film.

Innovations

The Adventures of Tarzan featured several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the realm of special effects and action photography. The volcanic eruption sequence was particularly noteworthy, using a combination of miniatures, forced perspective, and clever editing to create a convincing disaster scene. The production employed early forms of process photography for some of the more dangerous animal encounters, allowing for greater dramatic effect while ensuring actor safety. The jungle sets incorporated moving elements and mechanical devices to create dynamic environments, including collapsing platforms and hidden trapdoors. The film's action sequences featured some of the earliest examples of sustained chase cinematography, with the camera following actors through complex environments. The lighting design for the Opar sequences used colored gels and filters to create an otherworldly atmosphere, a technique that was still relatively new in 1921. The serial format itself required technical innovations in continuity and editing to maintain narrative coherence across fifteen separate chapters.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Adventures of Tarzan' would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters during its original release. The typical score would have been compiled from classical pieces and popular music of the era, with theater organists or small orchestras providing accompaniment. The music would have been synchronized to enhance the dramatic moments, with frantic tempos during action sequences, romantic themes for scenes between Tarzan and Jane, and exotic-sounding motifs for the Opar sequences. Some larger theaters may have used compiled cue sheets specifically created for the film, suggesting appropriate musical selections for each scene. The soundtrack would have included sound effects created by the musicians or theater staff, such as drum beats for tribal scenes and crash cymbals for the volcanic eruption sequence. No original composed score survives from the film's initial release, though modern screenings often feature newly commissioned scores that attempt to recreate the musical style of the early 1920s.

Memorable Scenes

• The spectacular volcanic eruption sequence where the ground splits beneath Tarzan's feet, forcing him to leap across chasms while dodging falling debris
• The intense lion fight where Tarzan battles two lions simultaneously, using his strength and jungle cunning to survive the deadly encounter
• The throne room confrontation in Opar where Queen La declares her desire for Tarzan while he remains faithful to Jane
• The dramatic cliffhanger where Tarzan is captured by sun-worshippers and placed on an altar for sacrifice as the chapter ends
• The final battle where Tarzan confronts Rokoff and Clayton amidst the treasures of Opar, with the ancient city crumbling around them

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Adventures of Tarzan' for its thrilling action sequences and Elmo Lincoln's commanding performance in the title role. Variety magazine noted that the serial 'delivers plenty of excitement and spectacle' and that Lincoln 'still possesses the raw power and presence that made him the original Tarzan'. The Motion Picture News called it 'one of the most exciting serials of the year' with 'excellent production values for a chapter play'. Modern critics view the film as an important historical artifact, acknowledging its limitations by today's standards while recognizing its significance in cinema history. Film historian Ken Wlaschin has noted that while the film may seem dated to modern audiences, it was 'state-of-the-art entertainment for its time' and 'essential viewing for understanding the evolution of the adventure film genre'.

What Audiences Thought

The Adventures of Tarzan was a commercial success upon its release, drawing large audiences to theaters week after week to follow the continuing adventures. Contemporary reports indicate that children and adults alike were captivated by the thrilling cliffhangers and exotic settings. The serial format proved particularly effective in building audience loyalty, with many fans reportedly discussing each week's developments and speculating about future plot twists. Elmo Lincoln's return to the role was well-received by audiences who had enjoyed his 1918 performance, and his physical presence in the role was a major draw. The film's success at the box office helped establish the viability of the Tarzan franchise for future productions and demonstrated that audiences had an insatiable appetite for jungle adventures. Theater owners reported strong attendance throughout the serial's run, with many venues holding over performances to accommodate demand.

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