If a successful film gets sequel which is equally good or better, it is usually the next part in the series that starts the inevitable decline in quality. This happened to the Classic Hollywood series of Tarzan films starring Johnny Weissmuller. At least this is an impression you might get when Tarzan Escapes, 1936 film directed by Richard Thorpe, is compared with previous two.
The film begins where two previous film have begun – at trade station in Africa. Eric (played by William Henry) and Rita (played by Benita Hume) have arrived from England trying to find their cousin Jane Parker (played by Maureen O’Sullivan) and bring her back to civilisation. They plan to woo her with the tale of rich inheritance they would lose if Jane isn’t back in England to sign the necessary papers. Professional hunter Captain Fry (played by John Buckler) volunteers to help them and organises huge safari, although he has an agenda of his own. The safari manages to get to Mutia escarpment and enter territory led by Jane’s mate Tarzan (played by Johnny Weissmuller), “white ape” and the lord of the jungle. After initial misunderstanding, Tarzan welcomes newcomers before Jane very reluctantly agrees to temporarily leave jungle. Captain Fry uses the opportunity to capture Tarzan in hope of displaying him in England for money, but his plans are wrecked when the deal with vicious tribe goes sour.
Like with previous two films, production of Tarzan Escapes was long and difficult, with number of directors taking the helm during various stages (with only Richard Thorpe officially credited). The biggest problem was the content, which appeared to be too gruesome and violent for the audience during test screening in 1935. MGM bosses decided to reshoot entire film and add character of Captain Fry’s associate Rawlins (played by very good character actor Herbet Mundin) to serve as comic relief and make the whole film less dark. Major impetus for those changes was recent full implementation of notorious MPAA Production Code, but the censors were, like in later years, less troubled with violent than sexual content. Although the violence is little bit toned down in comparison with previous two films, characters – both nameless black natives and those credited in titles - still die in some rather unpleasant ways. The more noticeable change is Jane wearing more modest costume and absence of explicitly erotic images. Weissmuller, on the other hand, has accumulated enough experience in previous two films to handle more demanding acting job in scenes that show Tarzan emotionally devastated by Jane’s departure. But this appears the only major improvement of the series, that would soon turn towards predominantly family-oriented content. Tarzan Escapes, like some of the later instalments, features recycling of the scenes from previous two films, including famous underwater fight of Tarzan with large crocodile from Tarzan and His Mate. Script by Cyril Hume, on the other hand, is solid and team of directors (which included John Farrow, future husband of Maureen O’Sullivan) keeps tight pace and fits the film within easily digestible hour and half. Although hardly a classic, Tarzan Escapes delivers the goods for the fans of the series.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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