Synopsis:
When Boy (Johnny Sheffield) is taken to New York by a circus owner (Charles Bickford), Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and Jane (Maureen O’Sullivan) travel to rescue their son — but will the law of the city be on their side?

Genres:

• Africa
• Carnivals and Circuses
• Charles Bickford Films
• Jungles
• Maureen O’Sullivan Films
• New York City
• Search
• Tarzan Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary notes that this “enjoyable” “last of the six Johnny Weissmuller-Maureen O’Sullivan Tarzan films produced by MGM” features a “fairly adult script that gave [O’Sullivan] a chance to wear fashionable clothes and appear in a familiar, non-exotic setting”. He writes that Tarzan — “uncomfortable in his double-breasted suit:

… finding modern conveniences to be ridiculous:

… and having trouble dealing with the values of civilization and articulating his own pure philosophy” — comes across as a “savage” in the courtroom:

but redeems himself once “he finds his niche… at the circus, where animals (including his longtime friends, the elephants) are held captive.”

It’s refreshing if awkward to see the series taking such a different route, and there are some notable highlights — specifically Tarzan’s epic escape across New York (amazing stunt work!).

However, this one is only must-see for fans following the series closely.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• The exciting New York escape scene
  

Must See?
No; you can skip this one unless you’re a Tarzan completist.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• Moria Review
• NY Times Original Review
• Spinning Image Review
• TCM Article