Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Robert Day

Writers:

Edgar Rice Burroughs (characters)
Clair Huffaker (screenplay)

Release Date:

July 1966 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure

Plot:

The international criminal Vinaro enjoys sending explosive wristwatches to his enemies. Here he kidnaps...

Plot Keywords:

Tarzan | Lost City | Beefcake | Beautiful Woman | Jungle

Cast

Mike Henry	...	Tarzan
David Opatoshu	...	Augustus Vinero
Manuel Padilla Jr.	...	Ramel
Nancy Kovack	...	Sophia Renault
Don Megowan	...	Mr. Train
Enrique Lucero	...	Perez
Eduardo Noriega	...	Insp. Talmadge (as Edwardo Noriega)
John Kelly	...	Captain Voss
Francisco Riquerio	...	Mango
Frank Brandstetter	...	Ruiz
Carlos Rivas	...	Romulo
Jorge Beirute	...	Rodriguez
Oswald Olvera	...	Antonio

Also Known As:

Tarzan '65 (USA) (working title)
Tarzan '66 (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA | Switzerland

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Norway:16 | Finland:K-16

Filming Locations:

Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Company:

Allfin A.G.

Trivia:

Sharon Tate was the original casting pick for the female lead. There are photographs in existence from 1965 of her with Mike Henry along with a lion at a press conference that was held to promote the two newcomers. Martin Ransohoff who had the starlet under exclusive contract changed his mind about having this being her first film and the role was recast with Nancy Kovack.

Quotes:

Tarzan: I'll need a good rope, a hunting knife, and a soft piece of leather.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Groovy 1960s Tarzan adventure with a dash of James Bond thrown in.

Ex-L.A. Rams linebacker Mike Henry makes his debut as Tarzan in this 1960s adventure. His arrival in Mexico wearing a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase is quite jarring, as is his subsequent "James Bond style" gunfight. But, not to fear, this is just to show us that this Tarzan is handy with modern weapons and is at ease in any environment. He does go into the jungle(in his loincloth)accompanied by a couple of wild animals and this is where the film gets interesting. He has to find the legendary Valley of Gold and protect its citizens from greedy villain Vinaro(David Opatashu) and his well organized(not to mention armed-to-the-teeth) army. The story is a little hokey at times, and seeing Tarzan use guns, grenades and a tank is a little hard to take, but overall the characterizations are good and the Mexican scenery is nothing short of spectacular(especially the Aztec pyramid city).Opetashu is perfect as the smooth, slick villain who sends his enemies exploding wristwatches. Henry is a little serious as Tarzan but he does excel in the action sequences. On the whole a groovy movie experience( jazzy musical score and all).