Tarzan the Tiger

[Shonokin]

Nice rundown and episode synopsis for Tarzan the Tiger from ERBZine.

Based on the book Tarzan the the Jewels of Opar, Tarzan is tricked into guiding a rogue to the lost city of Opar in order to plunder the treasures only Tarzan knows the location of. Little does the rogue know that there is still the reminents of an Altantian civilization in Opar and they need a sacrifice!


I'm watching this now and I'm completely stunned, this is probably one of the better serials I've seen. Given that I am very into pulps, this to me seems like a pulp come to life. The art direction, sets, costumes, directing, editing and acting all come together to look like a pulp cover in the flesh, as it were. The pace is snappy and gets through the story in a breeze without being hyperactive. Special effects such as the "Simoon" winds are impressive and the lost City looks great.

The original score and sound effects are wonderful as well. Even in silents that retain an original musical score I think it is rare that they reflect what is on screen as well at this serial does.

One funny thing is the cliffhanger ending on ep 1 and starting ep 2 it seems the "cat" Tarzan is fighting has a Glenn or Glenda thing going on as it looks to me as if there is a lion from one angle and a lioness from the actual "fight" angle. Also I was surprised to see Ford Beebe's name in the credits (for "Titles"), that was one busy guy.

[Xenorama ™]

sounds very cool to me- where didja get it?

dang, i forget how good that site is. i have to bookmark it, for sure!

[Shonokin]

Found it on archive.org all 15 chapters are there in relatively good condition. There's a DVD from Alpha but read that it isn't a great transfer and has thier logo stuck all over it. I'm on ep 14 now. Yup, been watching it aaall day.

[Torgaman]

Wasn't this edited into a few movies?

I also heard that the Burroughs himself may have had a hand in getting the serial done,presumably as a financial backer but also as a writer or consultant.

[Shonokin]

That was actually The New Adventures Of Tarzan, which ERB co-produced and went on location with the crew in Guatemala. It was made into two movies, 'New Adventures' and 'Green Goddess'. I think David has a thread about it. Even though that had ERB directly involved, personally I feel Tarzan the Tiger is way better. Much better pace with a lot more going on.

To confuse matters there was a 1921 serial called "The Adventures of Tarzan" (not 'NEW Adventures") which is also an adaptation of "Jewels of Opar". Haven't seen that yet but the Serial Squadron put out a nice restored DVD a while back.