When I was a kid, I enjoyed the Jungle Jim Movies starring Johnny Weissmuller. I actually saw them when they were first made, and I saw them in the movie theaters that had “kiddie matinees.”
Then, I saw a re-release of “Tarzan the Ape Man” (made in 1932). I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I did not know that the actor who played Tarzan was the young Johnny Weissmuller.
The Tarzan I was used to was Lex Barker. Be that as it may I have seen all the Tarzan movies through the years. Do you know what stays with me beyond Tarzan as just another action hero, and what may have contributed to the long-lasting appeal of this character?
Tarzan protected the jungle from destruction by outsiders. He especially protected the elephants from ivory hunters. He was really an environmentalist and way ahead of his time. Boy, do we need him today!
By Anthony F. Yacullo