So, where was the first Tarzan movie filmed? In the swampy, mossy, subtropical wilderness of Louisiana, primarily along the Teche River near Morgan City. The 1918 film Tarzan of the Apes did not go to Africa. Instead, it brought a convincing, low-budget version of Africa to the American South.
This choice, born of necessity and practicality, gave the first cinematic Tarzan an authentic, gritty, and dangerous feel—one that remains a fascinating footnote in both film history and Louisiana’s cultural heritage. The next time you watch a Tarzan movie, remember: the very first vine he swung from was likely dangling over a Louisiana bayou.
movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana
. Producers chose this location because the lush vegetation, bayous, and waterways served as a natural stand-in for the African jungle. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City Lake End Park
: A major shooting site used for many of the "palmetto hut" scenes. Avoca Island
: One of the specific areas where cameras were set up during the nine-week shoot. Downtown Morgan City
: A local hardware store served as the production's prop shop for building costumes and sets. Historical Significance First On-Location Blockbuster
: It was one of the first major motion pictures to film on location outside of the Los Angeles or New York areas. Casting Milestones
: It was the first film to cast Black actors to play Black characters, rather than using white actors in blackface. Box Office Success
: The film was a massive hit, becoming one of the first in history to earn $1 million at the box office. Other Notable "Firsts" in the Series
While the very first movie was in Louisiana, other "first" entries in later iterations of the franchise used different locations: Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
: The first sound film starring Johnny Weissmuller was shot at Silver Springs, Florida Lake Sherwood, California Botanical Garden of Hamma in Algiers, Algeria. Tarzan’s Peril (1951)
: This was the first film in the series to actually film portions on location in (specifically Kenya). documentary
that explores the making of this film in the Louisiana swamps?
Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?
The very first Tarzan film to ever hit the big screen, the 1918 silent classic Tarzan of the Apes, was primarily filmed in the lush, moss-covered swamps of Morgan City, Louisiana. While many modern viewers associate Tarzan with Hollywood studio sets or African landscapes, this original production chose the American South for its distinctive, jungle-like vegetation and accessible infrastructure. The Surprising Birthplace: Morgan City, Louisiana
In 1917, director Scott Sidney and his crew arrived in Morgan City to begin shooting. The location was chosen for several practical and aesthetic reasons:
The Atchafalaya Basin: The vast, prehistoric-looking swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle.
Spanish Moss: Filmmakers utilized the region's famous moss-draped cypress trees to create an atmospheric, wild environment, even though Spanish moss is not actually found in Africa.
Lake End Park: Many of the film’s iconic "hut scenes" were shot at this waterfront site, where the production team built a primitive village of palmetto huts.
Logistics and Diversity: Morgan City offered easy rail access for heavy equipment and a local population that provided both extras and a prop shop out of a downtown hardware store. Historical Significance of the 1918 Shoot
The production of Tarzan of the Apes in Louisiana was groundbreaking for several reasons:
First Major Location Shoot: It was one of the first major U.S. motion pictures filmed on location outside of California or New York.
Box Office Milestone: It was the first silent film to earn over $1 million at the box office, becoming an overnight sensation.
Casting Breakthroughs: The film was among the first in Hollywood history where Black actors portrayed Black characters on screen, moving away from the then-standard practice of using white actors in blackface. Other Notable Early Tarzan Locations where was the first tarzan movie filmed top
While Morgan City holds the title for the first film, subsequent early Tarzan movies explored other "jungles":
Louisiana Tarzan - Home to the First King of the Jungle Movie
The first Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent film titled Tarzan of the Apes, was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana .
The production chose this location in late 1917 because the moss-draped swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin provided a convincing stand-in for the African jungle described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' original novel . Key Filming Locations in Morgan City
Lake End Park: A waterfront area filled with moss-covered cypress trees used for many of the "jungle" and coastal scenes .
Atchafalaya Basin: The vast swamp region served as the primary backdrop for the "wild" African landscape .
Avoca Island: Another local swamp site used for location shooting .
Shannon Hardware: This downtown hardware store in Morgan City served as the production's prop shop and studio for building costumes and sets . Additional Filming Details
Cast & Crew: The production featured Elmo Lincoln as the adult Tarzan . Many of the "apes" were portrayed by gymnasts from the New Orleans Athletic Club wearing costumes .
Historical Significance: This was one of the first major Hollywood productions to film entirely on location outside of California or New York . It was also a massive commercial success, becoming one of the first films to gross over $1 million at the box office .
California Scenes: While the bulk of the "jungle" action was shot in Louisiana, some additional production work, including some stunt sequences and the filming of the sequel The Romance of Tarzan, took place in Hollywood at locations like Griffith Park and the Selig Zoo .
Later, more famous Tarzan films, such as those starring Johnny Weissmuller in the 1930s, were famously shot in locations like Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs, Florida .
Louisiana Tarzan - Home to the First King of the Jungle Movie
To answer correctly, we must distinguish between the first appearance of Tarzan in a motion picture and the first feature-length film.
The decision to film the first Tarzan movie in Louisiana established a template that would be followed for decades. Subsequent silent Tarzan films, including The Romance of Tarzan (1918) and The Son of Tarzan (1920), also used Louisiana and other Southern locations (like Florida’s Silver Springs) as jungle stand-ins.
It wasn’t until the sound era, particularly the Johnny Weissmuller films of the 1930s and 40s, that Tarzan movies began using more exotic locations like Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán or California’s Sherwood Forest. And it took until the 1980s and 90s for major productions to occasionally film on actual African soil (e.g., Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan was shot in Cameroon and Kenya).
Before we dive into the location, it is crucial to identify the correct film. Many people mistakenly believe that the 1932 Tarzan the Ape Man starring Johnny Weissmuller was the first. It was not. The very first adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character was a silent film titled Tarzan of the Apes, released in 1918.
This film was a massive gamble. Burroughs’ novel (published in 1912) was wildly popular, but translating its African jungle setting to the screen in 1918 was a logistical nightmare. Filming in Africa was impossible due to cost, colonial travel restrictions, and the lingering effects of World War I. The producers needed a location that looked exactly like the Congo or Gabon—but was within a train ride of Hollywood.
That search led them to the bayous of Louisiana.
If you are a die-hard Tarzan fan or a film history buff, you can visit Morgan City, Louisiana. Here is a quick guide to the “top” spots:
Pro tip: Visit in the fall. The summer humidity is exactly as miserable (and authentic) as the actors endured in 1918.
Interestingly, a secondary location was used for specific interior and studio-bound scenes: Universal City, California. The film’s production company, the National Film Corporation of America, also used Universal’s backlots for controlled jungle sets and close-up work with the actors portraying apes.
| Film | Year | Primary Filming Location | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | First Feature-Length Tarzan Movie | 1918 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana (swamps & Ramshorn Plantation) | | First Sound-Era Tarzan (Weissmuller) | 1932 | Hollywood, California & Sherwood Forest, CA |
So, while the king of the jungle is a son of Africa, the very first film to capture his adventures was born and bred in the sultry, alligator-filled bayous of Louisiana, USA. So, where was the first Tarzan movie filmed
The Origins of Tarzan on the Big Screen: Uncovering the Location of the First Film
The iconic character of Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has been a staple of popular culture for over a century. The first Tarzan movie, released in 1918, marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that would captivate audiences worldwide. But have you ever wondered where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top? Let's embark on a journey to uncover the origins of this cinematic phenomenon.
The First Tarzan Movie: A Brief History
The first Tarzan movie, titled "Tarzan of the Apes," was a silent film directed by William A. Seiter and produced by the Screen Development Company. The movie premiered on June 18, 1918, at the Rialto Theater in New York City. The film starred Elmo Lincoln as Tarzan and Enid Markey as Jane Porter.
The movie was a groundbreaking production, bringing to life the story of a man raised by gorillas in the African jungle. The film's success was a testament to the enduring appeal of Burroughs' character, and it paved the way for numerous sequels, remakes, and adaptations.
Filming Locations: The Search Begins
So, where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top? After extensive research, it appears that the film was shot on location in Southern California, USA. The production team chose the Los Angeles area for its diverse landscapes, which offered the perfect backdrop for the African jungle.
The Top Film Location: Lake Piru, California
The primary filming location for the first Tarzan movie was Lake Piru, a large reservoir located in Ventura County, California. The lake's serene surroundings and lush vegetation provided an ideal setting for the film's jungle scenes. The production team took advantage of the lake's proximity to Los Angeles, which made it an accessible location for filming.
Additional Filming Locations
In addition to Lake Piru, other locations in Southern California were used for filming. These included:
The Challenges of Filming on Location
Filming on location in the early 20th century presented several challenges. The production team faced difficulties such as:
The Legacy of the First Tarzan Movie
The first Tarzan movie marked the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon that would span over a century. The film's success paved the way for numerous adaptations, sequels, and spin-offs, cementing Tarzan's place in popular culture.
The film's impact extends beyond the screen, influencing the development of the adventure genre and inspiring countless filmmakers, including the renowned director, Werner Herzog, who cited the film as an influence on his work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first Tarzan movie was filmed top in Southern California, with Lake Piru serving as the primary filming location. The production team's choice of location provided the perfect backdrop for the film's jungle scenes, and the movie's success marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that continues to captivate audiences today.
The story of the first Tarzan movie serves as a testament to the power of cinema to transport audiences to new worlds and to the enduring appeal of iconic characters like Tarzan. As we look back on the film's history, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cinematic heritage and the need to continue exploring new ways to bring these timeless stories to life.
FAQs
Q: Where was the first Tarzan movie filmed? A: The first Tarzan movie was filmed in Southern California, USA, with Lake Piru serving as the primary filming location.
Q: Who played Tarzan in the first movie? A: Elmo Lincoln played Tarzan in the first movie, released in 1918.
Q: What was the title of the first Tarzan movie? A: The first Tarzan movie was titled "Tarzan of the Apes," released in 1918.
Q: When was the first Tarzan movie released? A: The first Tarzan movie was released on June 18, 1918, at the Rialto Theater in New York City. To answer correctly, we must distinguish between the
movie, titled Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana
. Production took place in 1917, utilizing the lush swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin as a stand-in for the African jungle. Primary Filming Location: Morgan City, Louisiana Filming in Morgan City
lasted approximately nine weeks during August and September 1917 Atchafalaya Swamps:
The moss-covered cypress trees and bayous provided the "jungle" atmosphere. Lake End Park: Used for many of the village and hut scenes. Avoca Island: Another key wilderness location used for outdoor filming. Shannon Hardware:
This downtown building was used as a prop studio to build sets and costumes. Costello Hotel:
Served as the headquarters and housing for the production crew during their stay. Secondary Filming Locations After completing location work in , the production moved to California for remaining scenes. The Heart of Louisiana Los Angeles Interior scenes and additional work were filmed at Griffith Park and the E&R Jungle Film Company Used for scenes requiring specific animals. Key Production Details Extras & Actors:
The film was notable for using hundreds of local African-American residents as extras. The "apes" were actually gymnasts from the New Orleans Athletic Club dressed in costumes. The "Monkey Myth": Local legend in Morgan City
suggests that monkeys used in the film escaped or were released into the Atchafalaya Basin and that their descendants still live there today. Historical Significance:
This silent film was one of the first in Hollywood history to earn over $1 million. Visiting Today While original sets no longer exist, visitors to Morgan City swamp tours
through the same bayous seen in the film. The city also occasionally hosts the Tarzan Festival to celebrate its cinematic history. Expand map Louisiana Locations California Locations Morgan City that visit these specific historical filming sites?
The first Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana
. While later versions, such as the 1932 film starring Johnny Weissmuller, used locations like Silver Springs, Florida
, the original production transformed the Louisiana swamplands into a stand-in for the African jungle . Primary Filming Locations in Morgan City
The production utilized several specific sites in and around the city to create the world of Tarzan: Lake End Park
: This waterfront site served as the primary location for "jungle" scenes, where the crew built palmetto huts for the production Atchafalaya Basin
: The vast, moss-draped swamps of the basin provided the "wild" aesthetic required for the film's outdoor and aerial sequences Avoca Island
: Additional jungle and swamp scenes were shot on this island near the city Shannon Hardware
: Located in downtown Morgan City, this local hardware store was used as a prop studio to build sets and costumes . Supplementary Locations California : After filming for nine weeks in , the production moved to California to complete the remaining scenes, including work at Griffith Park and the in Hollywood . New Orleans : Some filming took place at the New Orleans Athletic Club , particularly involving acrobats who played the apes . Why Morgan City Was Chosen Filmmakers selected Morgan City for several practical and aesthetic reasons:
The story of where the first Tarzan movie was filmed is a fascinating journey through early Hollywood history, a time when the line between reality and the backlot was often blurred by the magic of cinema. To answer the question of "where" regarding the very first adaptation, we must look not to the jungles of Africa, but to the swamps and studios of the United States.
Here is a detailed look at the filming locations of the first Tarzan movie.
Caption:
jungle call echo 🌿🐵 Ever wondered where the legend of Tarzan began on the silver screen?
It wasn’t the jungles of Africa! 🌍 The very first Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes, was actually filmed in the lush, wild landscapes of Louisiana, USA! 🎬🐊
Specifically, the production set up camp along the banks of the Morgan City area. At the time, the film was one of the most expensive ever made, and they chose the Louisiana bayous to double for the African jungle.
Did you know this movie fact? Let me know in the comments! 👇
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