Tarzan the Ape Man facts for kids

Tarzan the Ape Man is an exciting jungle adventure Tarzan movie from 1932. It is based on the famous book Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. This film was the very first of six Tarzan movies made by MGM that starred Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane. A cool fact about this movie is that Tarzan's famous yell was heard for the first time here. Also, the funny ape character named Cheeta was created just for this film!

The Story of Tarzan the Ape Man

The movie's story begins with an African expedition led by a man named James Parker. He is searching for a legendary place called the elephant burial grounds. His daughter, Jane, joins him on this exciting but dangerous journey.

One day, Jane gets separated from the group and is captured by Tarzan. At first, Jane is very scared of this wild man who lives in the jungle. But as they spend more time together, she starts to understand him. She even begins to like him.

Jane wants Tarzan to come back to London with her, to live in her world. However, Tarzan loves his home in the jungle and chooses to stay there.

Later, the expedition group, including Jane's father, is captured by a group of pygmies. Jane quickly sends Tarzan's clever ape friend, Cheeta, to get help. Tarzan hears the call and swings in to rescue them all. Sadly, Jane's father dies during the adventure. After everything that happens, Jane decides to stay in the jungle with Tarzan, choosing a wild and free life over her old one.

The MGM Tarzan Movie Series

Tarzan the Ape Man was the start of a popular series of movies. Johnny Weissmuller played Tarzan, and Maureen O'Sullivan played Jane in all these films. Here are the movies in the series:

• Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
• Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
• Tarzan Escapes (1936)
• Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939)
• Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941)
• Tarzan's New York Adventure (1942)