Tarzan the Ape Man
A landmark pre-Code jungle adventure in which an ivory-seeking expedition collides with Tarzan, dangerous wildlife, and a perilous rescue.
Overview
An expedition into the heart of Africa leads to unexpected encounters and perilous adventures.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Moderate
- sensational
- romantic
- suspenseful
- classic adventure night
- retro movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praise the film's effective jungle photography, sensational animal spectacle, stunt work, and Johnny Weissmuller's direct physical performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The expedition crosses perilous African terrain while the film foregrounds wild animals, vine swinging, diving, and rescue action.
James Parker and Harry Holt enter Africa seeking an elephant burial ground and valuable ivory.
The film is presented in black and white, with photography emphasizing jungle landscapes and stunt sequences.
Jane's attraction to Tarzan develops alongside her initial fear and the film's openly eroticized jungle-romance premise.
Films like Tarzan the Ape Man, and why
King Kong
Shared pre-Code adventure spectacle, exotic wilderness setting, animal encounters, and charismatic physical heroics.
The Four Feathers
Shared literary jungle adventure, colonial expedition framework, romance, and stylized studio spectacle.
Gunga Din
Shared classic adventure emphasis on dangerous expeditions, physical peril, and dynamic action set pieces.
Movie Details
- Director
- W.S. Van Dyke
- Release Date
- 1932-03-22
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (236)
Cast
- Johnny Weissmüller
- Maureen O'Sullivan
- Neil Hamilton
- C. Aubrey Smith
- Doris Lloyd
- Forrester Harvey
- Ray Corrigan
- Ivory Williams
- Johnny Eck
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Tarzan the Ape Man about?
- A landmark pre-Code jungle adventure in which an ivory-seeking expedition collides with Tarzan, dangerous wildlife, and a perilous rescue.
- What is Tarzan the Ape Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Tarzan the Ape Man as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Tarzan the Ape Man violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Tarzan the Ape Man as moderate.
- What did critics think of Tarzan the Ape Man?
- Critics broadly praise the film's effective jungle photography, sensational animal spectacle, stunt work, and Johnny Weissmuller's direct physical performance.
- Which films are like Tarzan the Ape Man?
- Films with a similar feel include King Kong, The Four Feathers, and Gunga Din.
- How long is Tarzan the Ape Man?
- Tarzan the Ape Man runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Tarzan the Ape Man?
- In United States, Tarzan the Ape Man is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
