Tarzan's Three Challenges (1963)

The spiritual leader of an oriental country is dying. The leader's evil brother Khan is plotting to prevent Kashi, the youthful heir, from assuming his rightful position. Tarzan is summoned... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Day

Writers:

Edgar Rice Burroughs (characters), Robert Day

Stars:

Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jock Mahoney	...	Tarzan
Woody Strode	...	Khan / Dying Leader
Tsu Kobayashi	...	Cho San, Prince's Nursemaid
Earl Cameron	...	Mang
Anthony Chinn	...	Tor
Jimmy Jamal	...	Hani
Robert Hu	...	Nari
Christopher Carlos	...	Sechung
Ricky Der	...	Kashi

Storyline

The spiritual leader of an oriental country is dying. The leader's evil brother Khan is plotting to prevent Kashi, the youthful heir, from assuming his rightful position. Tarzan is summoned to protect Kashi and, in doing so, he must face Khan in three tests of strength. The final test is a sword fight which takes place on a wide-mesh net stretched over cauldrons of boiling oil. Jeweled elephants lead grand processions, and a thousand girls perform the "dance of the candles". A baby elephant named Hungry replaces Cheetah in the humor role.

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Plot Keywords:

tarzan | heir | sword fight | boiling oil | net | 

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Taglines:

TARZAN'S MOST FABULOUS FEATS!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 1963 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los tres desafíos de Tarzán

Filming Locations:

Thailand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Banner Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the filming, Jock Mahoney decided to show off his physical prowess by swimming across one of Thailand's biggest rivers. Co-star Woody Strode warned Mahoney that the river was one of the dirtiest, most polluted waterways in the world, but Mahoney wanted to save face and swam anyway. He made it, but contracted a severe case of amoebic dysentery and dengue fever, and finally pneumonia, going from 220 to 175 pounds before finishing the film. According to Strode (and to an interview Mahoney gave to Merv Griffin in the 1970s), it took him more than 18 months to recover and he was not the same man he was before. Though he continued acting, his physical stamina was dramatically decreased and he had to pass on many physical parts he might once have jumped at.

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Connections

Follows Tarzan Goes to India (1962)

User Reviews

Jock Mahoney and Woody Strode on the Ropes

In a far eastern country, dying chieftain Woody Strode (as Tarim) wants pre-teen son Ricky Der (as Kashi) to take over as successor, but Mr. Strode's wicked brother Kahn (the main role played by Strode) has other plans. From Africa, jungle king Jock Mahoney (as Tarzan) is summoned to sort out the mess. "Tarzan's Three Challenges" was the better of Mr. Mahoney's two outings as Tarzan. He was an older Tarzan, and reportedly quite sick for a couple of scenes, but remains tough. The Thailand location is used well by director Robert Day and the crew. Mahoney's strength test, the raging fire, and a sustained pace keep it above average. There are several suspenseful sequences, topped by a grand finale featuring Mahoney and Strode dueling on a giant net.

****** Tarzan's Three Challenges (6/63) Robert Day ~ Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Ricky Der, Earl Cameron