Very First Tarzan Still Packs A Mighty Punch
Anthony Crnkovich | Chicago, Illinois | 08/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The fact that this film was made in 1918 and is silent doesn't matter a bit. It's actually more faithful to Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional jungle hero than the Tarzans that followed. Elmo Lincoln strikes an impressive figure, looking very much like the way Frank Frazetta's later illustrations depict the character. Lincoln, who did all of his own stunts in this film, was the only actor to play Tarzan who actually killed a lion when the animal unexpectedly attacked him while filming a scene. The actor stayed in character by putting one foot on the lion's carcass and letting out a triumphant cry, and this amazing scene remains in the film.
Alpha's DVD is the most complete version available and the quality, which can be hit or miss with Alpha, is consistently very good throughout - definitely the best you're apt to see on this title. If you're a Tarzan and silent movie buff this is a must-have disc, plain and simple."