Tarzan Goes to India

Tarzan Goes to India is a captivating action-adventure film from 1962 that sees the jungle hero taking on a mission across the globe. This movie marks the twelfth film of the celebrated Tarzan series produced by Sy Weintraub and features Jock Mahoney in his debut role as the titular character, following Gordon Scott's departure from the series. Directed by John Guillermin, whose famed contributions to the adventure genre include the iconic 1976 version of King Kong, the film is distinct for being the first Tarzan film to be shot outside of its conventional African setting.

In this installment of the Tarzan series, Mahoney, a distinguished actor and former stuntman, grandly embodies the role of the legendary jungle man, delivering a performance that is both physically impressive and emotionally engaging. Looking towards the supporting roles, we see Leo Gordon as Bryce, the primary antagonist who is set on constructing a massive dam in India, and Mark Dana as the civil engineer, O'Hara, whose reluctance towards the project forms part of the central conflict.

The plot of Tarzan Goes to India follows the fearless jungle man, as he is summoned to India by a young maharajah. The young ruler seeks Tarzan’s help to save hundreds of elephants threatening to be drowned by the filling of a new reservoir. These elephants are trapped in a valley, and the construction of a new dam threatens to flood their home. As Tarzan struggles against nature's wrath to create a pathway for the elephants' safe migration, he must also face human threats. Bryce, played menacingly by Leo Gordon, is dead-set on preventing any delays in his dam-building project, even if it means putting the lives of hundreds of creatures in jeopardy, setting the stage for man versus nature drama that forms the crux of the film.

Tarzan Goes to India uses its unique setting to its fullest advantage, offering spectacular views and benefiting from a type of exoticism that adds interest and depth to the setting. From grand palaces to hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes, the film captures the vibrant colors of India while communicating a respectful portrayal of its cultural nuances.

One of the film's notable features is its animal scenes, conveying a compelling sense of realism that further draws the audience into Tarzan’s world. The scenes of Tarzan communicating with various animals, including elephants and monkeys, reinforce the character's extraordinary ability to bridge the gap between humans and the animal kingdom. Jock Mahoney's background as a stuntman served him well in these scenes, as he performed many of the demanding physical activities involved in his role himself, thereby amplifying their authenticity.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting as it beautifully captures the scale of the project at hand while delivering thrilling action sequences. Viewers get a full scope of what Tarzan is up against in his mission to save the animals from their impending doom. This perspective, combined with the film's gripping narrative and the intense performances by the lead actors, makes for an engaging viewing experience.

Tarzan Goes to India, albeit being a part of a popular franchise, manages to stand on its own as a well-crafted adventure film. Such a movie contains almost everything that fans of the genre and the Tarzan series can hope for: a charismatic protagonist, an intimidating villain, a lot of action-adventure and a gripping storyline all within a refreshing new setting. The phenomenal portrayal of Tarzan by Jock Mahoney, paired with the brilliant infusion of Indian culture and scenic beauty, undoubtedly makes Tarzan Goes to India an essential addition to the franchise, and a must-watch for lovers of classic action-adventure cinema.