AMC The New Adventures of Tarzan

The 1935 film, AMC The New Adventures of Tarzan, developed by Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises, is an intriguing blend of action, adventure, and early filmmaking craftsmanship that genuinely brings the classic character of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan to life in the form of the conspicuous actor Bruce Bennett. This film seizes one's attention right from the start, with its exciting plotline, alluring locales, ageless characters, and cutting-edge special effects for its era.

In this film, Bruce Bennett (credited as Herman Brix in this classic adventure movie), a former Olympian, assumes the role of Tarzan, the audacious jungle hero with a heart of gold. Notably, Bennett's portrayal of Tarzan stands out from the characteristic monosyllabic character popularized in mainstream entertainment; instead, he breathes life into a sophisticated and intelligent Lord Greystoke, illustrating Burroughs original concept of Tarzan in his novels.

Set predominantly in the dense and untamed jungles of Guatemala, the movie follows Tarzan on a thrilling adventure as he fiercely encounters both man and beast in his quest for a mysterious artifact. This adventure, far from the typical rescue and protect missions Tarzan is popularly known for, showcases his wits, bravery, and endurance as the character evolves through the film.

The talented Ula Holt co-stars as the valiant and adventurous Ula Vale, whose paths entwine with Tarzan's during her pursuit to recover an ancient relic that holds significant value for her. Their mutual quest throws them into an intense unfolding of events that remain etched in the viewer's mind even after the end credits roll. Holt brings a refreshing and essential female aspect to the film, working symbiotically with Bennett's performance to add an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the overall plot.

Completing the main cast is Ashton Dearholt playing the part of the relentless and determined Major Martling. Dearholt convinces the audience of his character's resolution and intensity, serving to escalate the plot's tension and anticipation. This actor's compelling rendition of his character is highly dramatic, flamboyant, and suited for the adventure at hand.

Embracing the cinematic scope of an adventure story, the film is set in an array of exotic locations, chiefly within Central America's vast wilderness and historical sites, maneuvering through realistic fauna and flora. For the 1930's audience, these settings are immersive and visually stimulating, crafting a cinematic experience that would remain unparalleled even for several years to come.

Apart from its gripping narrative and vibrant locations, the story of The New Adventures of Tarzan is extraordinarily complemented by solid supporting characters and an abundant array of wild animals that impart a realistic feel to Tarzan's wild home. The film-makers' efforts in successfully incorporating such animals into the film in a time when special effects were minimal and primitive cannot be overstated.

Circling back to the narrative, without giving away too much, it suffices to say that the film is packed with action from start to finish. Tarzan and his cohorts face numerous challenges, including predatory beasts, hostile tribes, film’s villains, and a series of perilous natural hazards within the dense jungles. Each element contributes to a captivating progression of the storyline, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats during the film's runtime.

In retrospect, simply labeling The New Adventures of Tarzan as just an action-adventure film would be an immense disservice to its legacy. It is also a grand cinematic exhibition of early filmmaking prowess, and more importantly, it was one of the faithful interpretations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan seen on screen in that era. Indeed, AMC's The New Adventures of Tarzan from 1935 is a must-watch for both fans of classic cinema and admirers of the iconic jungle hero - it is an artful depiction of Tarzan's character while offering a gripping tale of high adventure.