• 05-05-2025 - on This Moment in Film History

  • May 5 2025
  • Length: 2 mins
  • Podcast

05-05-2025 - on This Moment in Film History

  • Summary

  • On May 5, 1934, the film "Tarzan and His Mate" was released, which was the second Tarzan film to feature Johnny Weissmuller as the titular character. This film is significant in cinema history for several reasons.

    Firstly, it was one of the first films to feature extensive nudity, with actress Maureen O'Sullivan appearing in several scenes wearing only a loincloth. This caused controversy at the time and led to several scenes being cut from the film before its release.

    Secondly, the film is known for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly in the scenes where Tarzan and Jane swim underwater. These scenes were filmed in a specially constructed tank at MGM Studios and required the actors to hold their breath for extended periods of time.

    The film also features a scene where Jane is attacked by a lion, which was a real lion that had been trained for the film. This scene was considered extremely dangerous at the time and required several safety precautions to be put in place.

    "Tarzan and His Mate" was a massive success at the box office and helped to cement Johnny Weissmuller's status as a Hollywood icon. The film's success also led to a series of sequels, with Weissmuller and O'Sullivan reprising their roles in several more Tarzan films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

    Overall, "Tarzan and His Mate" is a significant film in cinema history for its groundbreaking special effects, controversial nudity, and its role in establishing the Tarzan franchise as a major Hollywood property.
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