This particular Tarzan movie (made by the Metro Goldwyn Mayer studio) has long had a very bad reputation, which may explain why Turner Classic Movies (which has free access to all the older MGM movies) seldom shows it. Is the movie really deserving of its bad reputation? Pretty much so, in my opinion. Made during the start of the long decline of the studio, it's really obvious that the top brass did not give the filmmakers adequate funds or resources. For example, the movie is jam-packed with stock footage, even having the gall to showcase some stock footage that was originally filmed in black and white while the newly shot footage was shot in color. Things aren't much better when it comes to the newly shot footage. The newly shot footage often looks cheap, with (among other things) tacky set dressing and poor special effects. There's also no feeling of great adventure, or even awe and wonder. Instead, scene after scene seems to have been shot with great haste without considering if the scenes would grab an audience. This may explain why the actors seem to be going through the motions. This includes the title character, who comes more like a lucky doofus instead of someone who has skill and knowledge about how to conquer every challenge and danger in the jungle. And believe it or not, Tarzan pretty much comes across as a secondary character instead of being up front and center! It's then a real surprise that Tarzan in this movie doesn't keep letting out a loud shout of pain instead of his familiar yell.
