Tarzan’s New York Adventure Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A jungle king follows his kid to New York City and finds out city rules, suits, and courtrooms are way weirder than fighting leopards, so he just uses elephants and his jungle skills instead.

🍿 Tarzan’s New York Adventure: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Disturbance in the Jungle

Life is idyllic for Tarzan, Jane, and their adopted son, Boy, in their remote African home. Their peace is shattered when a plane lands nearby carrying big-game hunters led by Buck Rand. The hunters are seeking animals for a circus, but they soon notice Boy’s remarkable rapport and skill with animals, particularly the local elephants.

Boy is Taken to the ‘Stone Jungle’

During a tribal uprising and a raging fire, Tarzan and Jane are incapacitated and believed dead by the hunters. Seizing the opportunity, Rand kidnaps Boy, forcing the reluctant pilot Jimmie Shields to fly the child and animal trainer Manchester Montford out of the jungle. Tarzan and Jane survive the fire with the help of Cheetah and, realizing Boy is gone, decide they must follow him to retrieve him.

Navigating the Big Apple

Tarzan and Jane embark on their journey across Africa and the Atlantic, adapting to modern clothing and transportation. They arrive in New York City, a bewildering ‘stone jungle’ completely alien to Tarzan. They must navigate the complexities of urban life and unfamiliar customs while searching for Boy and the men who took him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller): The jungle lord who ventures into the concrete jungle of New York to save his adopted son.
• Jane (Maureen O’Sullivan): Tarzan’s civilized wife who guides him through the complexities of New York in their search for Boy.
• Boy (Johnny Sheffield): The adopted son of Tarzan and Jane, whose unique connection with animals leads to his kidnapping by a circus owner.
• Buck Rand (Charles Bickford): A ruthless circus owner who kidnaps Boy intending to exploit his animal training talents.
• Jimmie Shields (Paul Kelly): A reluctant pilot involved in the kidnapping who later aids Tarzan and Jane.
• Connie Beach (Virginia Grey): The sympathetic girlfriend of the pilot who assists Tarzan and Jane in New York City.
• Cheetah (N/A): The family’s intelligent chimpanzee companion who offers humorous antics and vital help throughout their adventure.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cheetah: “Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. Oooooooh. Ooh.” – Spoken into a telephone by the chimpanzee Cheetah during a comical scene where he calls a nightclub.
• Sam, the Nightclub Janitor: “What’s that? This is Sam. Who is this? … What’s that? I said, this is Sam. That’s what I said.” – Said into the telephone by the confused janitor receiving the call from Cheetah.
• Tarzan: “Smells like Swahili swamp. Why people stay?” – Tarzan’s simple and bewildered reaction upon experiencing the smells and environment of New York City.
• Jane: “He’s like family.” – Jane’s affectionate justification for Cheetah’s presence and antics when explaining the chimp to others in New York.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $3,060,720
• Worldwide Gross: $5,927,420

💥 Tarzan’s New York Adventure Reviews

Personal Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I heard Tarzan goes to New York, honestly. Would it just be silly? But it totally works! Seeing Tarzan confused by everyday stuff like suits and showers was genuinely funny, and Cheeta’s antics in the hotel had me cracking up. Then it ramps up with the action. The scene where Tarzan is swinging and climbing around the city rooftops felt like a precursor to parkour! And that Brooklyn Bridge jump? Even knowing it might have been a stunt, it’s iconic and gives you a thrill. The courtroom drama is a bit weird, but thankfully short before Tarzan takes matters into his own hands. The finale with the elephants was such a classic Tarzan move, bringing his world to the city. It’s just pure, old-school fun and a unique entry in the series.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood adventure films”
  • “Viewers interested in the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan series”
  • “Those who enjoy ‘fish out of water’ comedy scenarios”
  • “Audiences looking for lighthearted, action-packed entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Dated racial stereotypes (present in depictions of some characters)”
  • “Scenes of animal peril (staged)”
  • “Depiction of tribal conflict (common for the era)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User Review: “This Tarzan film is a wild, fun ride, taking the jungle hero right into the heart of New York City. Watching Tarzan navigate taxis, showers, and courtrooms provides priceless comedy. The switch from the familiar jungle setting is surprisingly refreshing and offers new kinds of action, culminating in breathtaking stunts and a memorable elephant finale. It’s a fast-paced adventure that remains highly entertaining, showcasing Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan’s chemistry one last time.
• IMDb User Review: “Honestly, I didn’t expect to like seeing Tarzan outside his element, but this movie pulled it off! The plot is simple – rescuing Boy from a circus – but the real joy is the ‘fish out of water’ humor. Cheeta is an absolute scene-stealer with laugh-out-loud antics in the city. The action sequences, especially the rooftop chases and the famous Brooklyn Bridge jump, are thrilling and well-done for the era. It’s a classic Tarzan adventure with a unique twist that keeps it fresh and engaging.
• IMDb User Review: “As the last MGM Tarzan with Maureen O’Sullivan, this film is a fitting, high-energy send-off. While some elements feel dated, the core premise of Tarzan in the ‘concrete jungle’ delivers plenty of entertainment. Weissmuller’s natural athleticism shines in the action sequences, and O’Sullivan is radiant as Jane. The film manages to blend adventure, comedy, and a touch of social commentary on civilization versus nature. It’s a must-watch for fans of the classic series.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved seeing Tarzan out of the jungle and navigating the strange world of New York City.: The ‘fish out of water’ comedy, Cheeta’s hilarious scenes, and the action sequences like the Brooklyn Bridge dive are frequently praised highlights. Fans also appreciate it as a strong final film for Maureen O’Sullivan in the role of Jane.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining and popular installment in the classic Tarzan series, celebrated for its unique urban setting, humorous culture clash moments, and memorable action sequences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The famous stunt of Tarzan diving off the Brooklyn Bridge was not performed by Johnny Weissmuller or even filmed on the real bridge. It was done using a dummy dropped from the MGM scenic tower into a tank.”
• “This film marked the final appearance of Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane in the MGM Tarzan series, as she grew tired of the role and wanted to spend time with her family.”
• “Multiple chimpanzees were used to portray Cheetah throughout the Tarzan film series; the specific chimpanzee(s) in this film likely did not live to the extremely old age sometimes claimed for the ‘Cheeta’ who died in 2011.”
• “Elmo Lincoln, the first actor to play Tarzan on screen (in silent films starting in 1918), has a cameo appearance as a circus roustabout.”
• “Character actor Charles Lane, known for playing officious types, appears as the attorney Tarzan throws across the courtroom; three years prior, Lane had appeared in ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’ where a character jokingly references Tarzan beating someone up.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tarzan’s New York Adventure?

Find ‘Tarzan’s New York Adventure’ available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. The film is also available on DVD and may air periodically on classic movie television channels.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tarzan’s New York Adventure, you might like these similar films:

• Tarzan the Ape Man (1932): The original film in the classic MGM series starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan, establishing the characters and jungle setting.
• Crocodile Dundee (1986): Features a similar ‘fish out of water’ plot where a character from the wilderness navigates the complexities of New York City, leading to comedic and adventurous situations.
• King Kong (1933): Explores the theme of bringing a powerful, wild entity from a remote jungle into the urban environment of New York City, highlighting the clash between nature and civilization.
• Gunga Din (1939): A classic adventure film from the era featuring heroes in an exotic setting, facing clear villains and engaging in thrilling action sequences, similar in tone to the Tarzan films.
• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): A quintessential modern adventure movie that captures the spirit of classic serials with an iconic hero, thrilling action, and exotic locations, appealing to fans of pulp adventure.

🛒 Tarzan’s New York Adventure Related Products

• Tarzan’s New York Adventure (Warner Archive Collection): Own or stream the classic film digitally or on physical media. Remastered print for optimal viewing experience.
• Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan Book Series: Explore the original literary adventures of Tarzan, the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
• Classic Tarzan Action Figure: A collectible figure depicting Tarzan in his classic jungle attire, reminiscent of Johnny Weissmuller’s portrayal.
• Vintage Tarzan Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the original theatrical poster for ‘Tarzan’s New York Adventure’.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Maisie Theme” – performed by David Snell

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tarzan Evolution in Movies & Cartoons

Ever wondered how the Tarzan character evolved over the years? This video takes you through all the different versions, including the classic Johnny Weissmuller era this movie belongs to – it’s pretty neat to see the history!

The Poor Last Years of Johnny Weissmuller: Heartbreaking Ending

Go beyond the vine swing! This video looks at the life of the legendary Johnny Weissmuller, the man who *was* Tarzan in this movie, and explores his later years – it’s a bit of a poignant look at a true icon.

The Strange and Sad Ending of Maureen O’Sullivan – Jane in Johnny Weismuller’s Tarzan

What about Jane? Maureen O’Sullivan was a fantastic actress, and this video shares details about her life story. It’s interesting to learn more about the people who made these classic characters come alive!

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