Tarzan of the Movies: A Pictorial History of More Than Fifty Years of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Legendary Hero

by Gabe Essoe, Joan Burroughs Pierce (Foreword)

Reviews the production history of forty Tarzan films and profiles the fourteen actors who have played the role of the Apeman

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable and informative guide to the first half-century of Tarzan films. It was published in 1968 so there have obviously been a lot of subsequent appearances of Burroughs' iconic character, but this is a definitive look at his first fifty years on film. The book doesn't discuss the books or Burroughs himself much beyond his influence on and participation with the movie making process. The fifteen actors who played the part are examined, as well as many of the supporting cast and details of the deals behind the scenes that led to the productions, as well as interesting trivia along the way. There are also a large number of still photographs from the films, such as one of Boris Karloff in an early role (looking ridiculous made up as an African tribal chief), Diana Ross and Mary Wilson of The Supremes as singing nuns on the television show, and Sharon Tate posing with Tarzan and a lion for a film role intended for her but that instead went to Nancy Kovack. Tarzan isn't considered a politically acceptable character for obvious reasons these days, but he remains as one of the ten most universally recognized fictional characters by almost any standard, and this is very interesting and in-depth study of his life on the screen.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though its coverage ends with the late-1960's, this is hands down the best book on the subject of Tarzan on the big screen ever written. If you're into Tarzan, this is a must-read.

[Michael P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there have been five further Tarzan films and three other TV series since this book was written, you cannot find a better way to learn about the filmic character through 1968. Good research, informed perspective, and a very readable style are what make this book such informative fun to read. My only knock against it is that the art program is too half-hazard, with too few captions and too many pictures on the wrong pages. The written part, however, is fantastic and fun.

[Robert Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first “read” this as a child in the 60s when I found it in the library in Riverdale. I took it out all the time and lived it but when we moved to Stamford, I thought all was lost. Then, something wonderful happened. We were visiting friends and stopped in a book store and lo and behold it was there! I bought it right away and to this day enjoy it.
Gabe gave us background on the films we might never see and information on those we loved.
An amazing read for all the fans of TARZAN films.

[Michael Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just re-read this book 50 years after my first reading, when I was 13 and it was a selection of Movie Book of the Month Club I had joined. Though definitely outdated (since it was published in 1968, there have many, many more movie adaptations), it's still a well-researched fun read, with lots of photographs of all the movie Tarzans. Now someone needs to bring this up to date.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good photos (all in black and white even though some of the later films are in color) and a concise running history of the Tarzan in the films, although the focus is often on the deals that Edgar Rice Burroughs made for the films and less about the films themselves. There is some discussions of the different Tarzans, accidents, and box office.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

includes pictures from the original cut of Tarzan Escapes!!; read during summer 1969