Tarzan the Ape Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Bo Derek visits Africa, gets naked a lot, then decides to live with a mute, ripped dude and his monkey friends; her dad gets impaled, everyone wins?

🍿 Tarzan the Ape Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Jane’s Arrival in Africa

In 1910, Jane Parker journeys to West Africa to find her estranged father, James Parker, an adventurer. She encounters challenges during her travels but eventually reaches his camp, surprising him. There she meets Harry Holt and James’ native mistress, Africa.

The Expedition and Encounters

Jane joins her father’s expedition to find a legendary elephant graveyard. The group faces perilous terrain, including a treacherous mountain climb. They hear tales of Tarzan, a wild man of the jungle, instilling fear among the native porters. The group continues on, ultimately reaching an inland sea.

Meeting Tarzan

While bathing, Jane encounters a lion, but Tarzan intervenes. Jane and Tarzan share several encounters, sparking curiosity and a growing connection. However, James Parker becomes increasingly hostile towards Tarzan, viewing him as a threat.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Jane is kidnapped by Tarzan and taken into the jungle. She experiences his world, develops a bond with him, and starts to understand his connection with nature. Meanwhile, members of an unfriendly tribe stalk the expedition.

The Ivory King

Jane, her father, and Harry Holt are captured by a hostile tribe led by the Ivory King. She is prepared for a ritual. Tarzan leads a charge of elephants, disrupting the ceremony and rescuing Jane. However, James Parker is mortally wounded by the Ivory King.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jane Parker (Bo Derek): A wealthy heiress who travels to Africa to find her estranged father and finds love with Tarzan.
• Tarzan (Miles O’Keeffe): A feral man raised by apes who falls in love with Jane and protects her from danger.
• James Parker (Richard Harris): Jane’s father and an explorer obsessed with finding the elephant graveyard and capturing Tarzan.
• Harry Holt (John Phillip Law): The expedition photographer and Parker’s assistant who initially shows interest in Jane.
• Ivory King (Steve Strong): The leader of the savage tribe who kidnaps Jane and plans to make her his wife.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Parker: “Oh, shut up, you boring son of a bitch!” – Parker’s frustrated outburst directed towards Tarzan’s yell in the jungle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,565,280
• Worldwide Gross: $36,565,280

💥 Tarzan the Ape Man Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, let’s be real, I watched this movie because I was curious about all the bad reviews. It is… something. The scenery is gorgeous, but Bo Derek’s acting is just… vacant. Richard Harris seems to be having a blast, though. Honestly, I’d recommend watching it with friends and making fun of it. It’s definitely a memorable experience, just not for the right reasons. Miles O’Keefe is quite the specimen for sore eyes though.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bo Derek”
  • “Those interested in so-bad-it’s-good cinema”
  • “Viewers looking for visually stunning jungle scenery (despite the film’s other shortcomings)”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Potentially offensive portrayals of native tribes”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing or unsuitable for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning film, but plagued by a weak plot and uneven performances. Bo Derek is beautiful, but her acting leaves much to be desired. Richard Harris’s energy is wasted on a poorly written character. Ultimately, more postcard than a cohesive film.
• Variety: “This Tarzan update leans heavily into its erotic elements, often at the expense of character development and story. While the scenery is gorgeous, the slow pace and lack of compelling narrative make for a less than thrilling adventure. Richard Harris is committed to his role, however, as Jane’s boozy father, Richard Harris hams up things as usual.

Audience Reactions

Bo Derek’s beauty is undeniable, even if her acting is questionable.: Many found Bo Derek’s nude scenes to be the only reason to watch the film.

Richard Harris’s over-the-top performance is a highlight for some.: Viewers appreciated Harris’s energetic acting despite the film’s flaws.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing but ultimately flawed film, remembered more for its unintentional humor and Bo Derek’s nudity than its quality as a Tarzan adaptation.

Awards

1. Razzie Award (Worst Actress)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The MGM lion’s roar in the opening credits is replaced with Tarzan’s yell, a unique touch for this adaptation.”
• “During filming, a real lion named Neal escaped its enclosure and intervened in a scene, seemingly to protect Bo Derek, adding unexpected excitement.”
• “The film was shot on location in Sri Lanka and the Seychelles Islands, providing the lush jungle scenery.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tarzan the Ape Man?

As of [CURRENT DATE], “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1981) is available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for cable broadcast schedules. Availability on subscription streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tarzan the Ape Man, you might like these similar films:

• Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984): A more serious and comprehensive adaptation of the Tarzan story with a focus on his origins and integration into society.
• The Blue Lagoon (1980): Explores similar themes of innocence, sexual awakening, and survival in a tropical wilderness setting.
• Sheena (1984): A female-led adventure in Africa with elements of fantasy and a strong connection to the animal kingdom.
• The Legend of Tarzan (2016): A modern take on Tarzan, focusing on his return to the jungle and fight against colonial exploitation.

🛒 Tarzan the Ape Man Related Products

• Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration: A collector’s edition book celebrating 100 years of Tarzan with original stories and artwork from the legendary novels. This stunning volume is a must-have for any Tarzan fan.
• Tarzan Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: A Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure of Tarzan. A great piece of movie merch that will look fantastic in your collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tarzan the Ape Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme From Tarzan the Ape Man” – performed by Perry Botkin
• “Tribal Drums” – performed by Soundtrack

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

TARZAN ACTORS (1918-2016) THROUGH THE YEARS

Ever wondered who played Tarzan before and after Miles O’Keefe? This video takes you on a wild ride through Tarzan’s cinematic history, showing you all the different actors who swung through the jungle. Some of them are actually pretty surprising!

Is Tarzan a Virgin?

Want a quick, funny peek into the 1981 Tarzan movie? Check out this clip where they ask a pretty bold question about Tarzan’s, uh, experience! It’s a hilarious moment that’s hard to forget, and actually makes you think for a second.

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