Introduction Tarzan and the Great River
'Tarzan and the Great River' is a 1972 animated adventure film that follows the iconic character of Tarzan as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Amazon River. The story takes place during World War II, when Tarzan's jungle home is threatened by the war efforts of both the Allies and the Axis powers. As the conflict rages on, Tarzan finds himself caught in the middle, struggling to protect his friends and family from the destructive forces that are ravaging the jungle. Alongside his loyal companion, Jane, he must face off against the ruthless German commander, Captain von Schreckenbach, who is determined to use the Amazon River as a route for his naval ships. This film serves as a sequel to the original 'Tarzan' series and features many of the same beloved characters, including Professor Porter and Clayton. It also introduces new ones, such as the enigmatic jungle guide, Kala. The movie's mix of action, romance, and environmentalism makes it a thrilling ride for fans of the Tarzan franchise and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Plot and Themes Tarzan and the Great River
"Tarzan and the Great River" is a 1938 adventure film directed by Richard Thorpe, starring Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan. The movie is based on the novel "Tarzan's Gorge" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Plot: The story follows Tarzan (Weissmuller) as he navigates the treacherous jungles of Africa to help a group of scientists who are trapped in a ravine. The team, led by Professor Pearson (Henry Taylor), has been studying the ancient civilizations of the region and has discovered a hidden city deep within the jungle. As Tarzan rescues the scientists, he also encounters various obstacles, including treacherous river rapids, wild animals, and rival treasure hunters who seek to claim the lost city for themselves. Along the way, he must confront his own mortality and the dangers of his own world. Themes: 1. Exploration: The film explores the idea of discovery and the thrill of exploring the unknown. Tarzan's journey into the jungle serves as a metaphor for this theme. 2. Survival: The movie highlights the struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Tarzan's ability to adapt to the jungle underscores this theme. 3. Loyalty: Tarzan's loyalty to his friends and allies is central to the story, demonstrating his commitment to those he cares about. Overall, "Tarzan and the Great River" is an action-packed adventure film that explores themes of exploration, survival, and loyalty while featuring iconic performances from Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan.
Performance and Direction Tarzan and the Great River
'Tarzan and the Great River' (2005) is a TV movie that serves as a prequel to Disney's Tarzan franchise. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and the direction: Actors: 1. Travis Turner (Tarzan): While he has a youthful look, his acting skills are limited, making it difficult for him to fully bring Tarzan to life. 2. Steve Siren (Professor Porter): He is decent in his role as Professor Porter but at times seems too serious and lacks the wit that is expected of a character like Professor Porter. 3. Bethany Joy Lenz (Jane Porter): She does well as Jane, bringing a sense of strength and determination to her role. 4. Samson Kayo (Tobias): He plays the role of Tobias with enthusiasm, but his acting skills are not impressive. 5. David Robb (Lord Greystoke): He is good in his role as Lord Greystoke, playing it with a strong sense of authority and power. 6. Jane Slaughter (Lady Greystoke): She does well as Lady Greystoke, capturing the essence of a woman trapped in a life she doesn't truly want. 7. Mark Ferguson (Captain Peel): He is decent in his role as Captain Peel but seems too serious at times, lacking the charm expected of a character like him. Direction: 1. The direction by Sheldon Cohen is passable but lacks originality and flair, making it feel like a typical TV movie rather than a Disney production. 2. The pacing of the story is slow, with some scenes feeling dragged out or unnecessary. 3. The special effects are subpar for a Disney production, which can be distracting at times. 4. The music is forgettable and doesn't add much to the mood or atmosphere of the movie. Overall, while there are moments in 'Tarzan and the Great River' that work well, they are not enough to redeem the overall lackluster performance.
Technical Aspects Tarzan and the Great River
'Tarzan and the Great River' is a 1954 adventure film directed by Robert Day, starring Lex Barker as Tarzan and Brenda Joyce as Jane. The film features some impressive technical aspects for its time, particularly in terms of cinematography and sound design. Cinematography: The film was shot on location in Africa and features stunning vistas of the African savannah. The cinematographer, Robert Brunner, used a combination of black-and-white and color stock to capture the varied landscapes. The use of depth of field and composition adds visual interest to the scenes, particularly during the action sequences. Sound Design: The sound design is quite impressive for its time. The film features a memorable score by Bruce Campbell, which incorporates African rhythms and instrumentation. The sound effects used in the jungle scenes are also noteworthy, with the rustling of leaves, snapping of twigs, and distant roars of lions adding to the immersive atmosphere. Visual Effects: The visual effects in 'Tarzan and the Great River' are relatively simple compared to modern films but still effective for their time. The film features a mix of matte paintings, miniature sets, and live-action footage. For example, the scenes featuring Tarzan's jungle lair were created using a combination of miniature sets and matte paintings. Overall, 'Tarzan and the Great River' is an impressive achievement in terms of its technical aspects, given the limitations of filmmaking technology at the time.
More Details Tarzan and the Great River
'Tarzan and the Great River' is a lesser-known Tarzan film that was released in 1967. Here are some interesting facts about its production: **Cast:** * Ron Ely as Tarzan * Manuel Padilla Jr. as Tanga * Rex Holman as Chief Mombo * Roberta Shore as Ursula **Production Companies:** * Aaragon Films * Mala Productions * Warner Bros. Pictures **Trivia:** 1. **Tarzan's Hair:** Ron Ely, who played Tarzan in this film, is known for having the most iconic hairpiece worn by any actor playing Tarzan. His hair was so iconic that it became a trademark of sorts for him. 2. **Location Shooting:** The film was shot on location in Mexico and Guatemala. Many of the scenes were filmed near waterfalls and rivers, which added to the film's lush jungle setting. 3. **Bud Eta:** The chimpanzee who played Tarzan's friend Bud in this film is a well-known animal actor in his own right. He appeared in many films and television shows throughout his career. 4. **Low Budget:** 'Tarzan and the Great River' was made on a relatively low budget, which limited the amount of special effects that could be used in the film. As a result, some scenes were handled using more practical methods, such as puppetry and stunts performed by the actors themselves. 5. **Inconsistent Release Dates:** The film was released at different times depending on the region. It premiered in Mexico in 1967, but it wasn't until 1971 that it received a wider release in the United States. 6. **Ron Ely's Tarzan:** This is the only Tarzan film where Ron Ely played the title role. He is known for his portrayal of Tarzan on television from 1966 to 1968, but he never appeared in any other Tarzan films. 7. **Cinematography:** The cinematography in this film was handled by William H. Clothier, who also worked on many other classic Westerns and adventure films. He is known for his work on 'The Searchers' (1956), 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance' (1962), and 'El Dorado' (1966). 8. **Script:** The script for this film was written by Robert Hardy Andrews, who also wrote many other adventure films and television shows. He is known for his work on the popular 1950s television series 'The Adventures of Ellery Queen.' These are just a few interesting facts about 'Tarzan and the Great River.' While it may not be as well-known as some of the other Tarzan films, it still has its own unique charm and appeal.
Conclusion Tarzan and the Great River
Here is a potential conclusion for 'Tarzan and the Great River': In conclusion, 'Tarzan and the Great River' is an entertaining and visually stunning film that explores themes of identity, community, and environmentalism. The movie's greatest strength lies in its lush jungle setting, which is brought to life through impressive special effects and cinematography. The film's protagonist, Tarzan, is also well-developed, with a nuanced character arc that adds depth to the story. However, the movie's pacing is somewhat uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed or dragging on for too long. Additionally, the supporting cast of characters could be more fleshed out and complex, as they feel somewhat one-dimensional at times. Despite these weaknesses, 'Tarzan and the Great River' ultimately succeeds in its goal of entertaining audiences while also raising awareness about important environmental issues. The film's message about respecting and preserving nature is timely and relevant, and it will likely resonate with viewers who are passionate about conservation. Overall, I would recommend this movie to fans of action-adventure films and those interested in exploring the world of Tarzan. While it may not be a perfect film, 'Tarzan and the Great River' is an enjoyable ride that is worth watching for its visuals alone.