In Search of Tarzan with Jonathan Ross

A look at the history and cultural impact of Tarzan.

The glorious and tragic story of American athlete and actor Johnny Weissmuller (1904-84), Olympic swimmer, water polo player and the only true Tarzan, an archetypal character and myth of cinema, that of the original Hollywood blockbusters (1932-48).

The history of the Tarzan films is presented through behind-the-scenes footage and scenes from the Jungle King’s many classic movies.

Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle is a documentary focusing on the first six sound Tarzan films produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan. Written and directed by John Rust, the documentary features interviews with film historians Rudy Behlmer and Scott Tracy Griffin, who discuss the films' literary antecedents and behind-the-scenes production details.

In this exciting jungle adventure the esteemed archaeologist, Dr Singleton, and his daughter, Mary, travel to mystical Africa in search of an ancient artifact: the fabled Blue Stone of Heaven. Imbued with the unfathomable power to bestow its holder with immense strength, the statuette attracts corrupt Colonel Tatakombi, who, blind with greed, intends to spark an uprising, and turn the natives against Tarzan. Can mighty Tarzan avert the jungle rebellion?

Tarzan is summoned to Brazil by an old friend to stop an evil tribal cult from destroying native villages and enslaving the survivors. The Lord of the Jungle is accompanied on his quest by a pretty blonde doctor, a boy and a grizzled sea captain.

Charley, hoping to find cultured people in his ancestry in order to be suitable to Muriel's family, is tricked by his rival Ronnie into believing himself a descendant of Tarzan. Conked on the head, Charley suddenly believes he IS Tarzan.

Re-edited, feature film version of the 1933 serial, Tarzan the Fearless, sold to television in the mid-1960's.

James Parker and Harry Holt are on an expedition in Africa in search of the elephant burial grounds that will provide enough ivory to make them rich. Parker's beautiful daughter Jane arrives unexpectedly to join them. Jane is terrified when Tarzan and his ape friends abduct her, but when she returns to her father's expedition she has second thoughts about leaving Tarzan.

An explorer, Stanley, leads a woman to meet her brother, who is in a jungle place waiting to leave in search of King Solomon's mines. Tarzan joins as a guide for the group.

After a ruler dies, tradition dictates the new ruler must accomplish a series of harrowing challenges whilst competing with other aspirants. One of them, Nasu a young prince, engages in the contest, but evildoers plan the young prince's demise. Tarzan protects him while ensuring he meets the tests