Where Was The First Tarzan Movie Filmed Top • Trusted Source
To summarize, the first Tarzan movie, Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was filmed in two main locations:
The first-ever Tarzan movie, Tarzan of the Apes (1918) , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana
. This silent film used the lush, moss-covered vegetation of the South Louisiana bayous as a stand-in for the African jungle. Primary Filming Locations in Morgan City
The production spent about five weeks on location in 1917, utilizing several specific areas in and around the city: Atchafalaya Basin Swamps
: The dense, exotic-looking swampland served as the primary backdrop for the jungle scenes. Lake End Park
: A waterfront area with numerous moss-covered trees where many of the "jungle" sequences were shot. Avoca Island
: One of the specific island locations used for filming within the surrounding waterways. Local Hardware Store : A building in downtown Morgan City
served as the production's prop shop for building sets and costumes Supplemental Filming Locations Morgan City
was the main location, additional scenes were completed elsewhere Griffith Park, Los Angeles
: Used for additional filming after the crew returned to California. E&R Jungle Film Company
: Studios in Hollywood used for supplemental production work. Morgan City Producers chose this location for its lush vegetation convenient logistics
, such as railway-serviced wharves and nearby hotels like the Costello Hotel
, which housed the cast and crew. The area also provided a large number of local residents who were hired as extras. Expand map Louisiana Locations California Locations local legends
involving monkeys left behind in the Louisiana swamps after filming wrapped?
Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?
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.
The first-ever Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent classic Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana where was the first tarzan movie filmed top
. This location served as a stand-in for the African jungle due to its lush vegetation, bayous, and moss-draped cypress trees. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City
While much of the original set was temporary or has since changed, several specific sites in the area were instrumental to the production: Lake End Park
: This waterfront area served as the backdrop for many of the film's "jungle" scenes. The production team built native palmetto huts here, some of which were dramatically burned for the movie's climax. Avoca Island : Located south of Morgan City
, this private island was used for various jungle and wilderness sequences. Atchafalaya Basin
: Aerial shots and wider landscapes were filmed across this massive swamp basin, which is the largest in North America. Shannon Hardware (Front Street)
: Now a local landmark, this downtown hardware store functioned as the film's prop shop and production office. Atchafalaya River Banks
: The untamed riverbanks were used to simulate the African coastline and waterways. Secondary Locations
After five weeks of location shooting in Louisiana, the production moved to California
for the remaining nine weeks to complete the film. These scenes were "stitched together" so seamlessly that audiences of the era reportedly could not distinguish between the two states. Why Morgan City ?
Producers chose this specific Louisiana town for several practical and aesthetic reasons:
Exotic Appearance: The moss-covered trees closely matched the "moss-covered branches" described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' original novel.
Infrastructure: The town offered necessary amenities for a large film crew, including hotels, a railway-serviced wharf, and local storage warehouses.
Casting: Producers recruited hundreds of local residents as extras, including members of the local Black population to portray natives—marking one of the first times Black actors played Black characters in a major film instead of using blackface. Visiting Today
If you're looking to explore this cinematic history, you can visit the Cajun Coast
, where self-guided movie location driving tours are occasionally organized. While the original sets are gone, Lake End Park
remains open to the public, offering the same mossy vistas seen in the 1918 blockbuster. Expand map Outdoor Filming Sites Production History
Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?
Title: Location as Character: The Filming Sites of the First Tarzan Movie (1918)
Abstract The first cinematic adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan of the Apes was a silent film released in 1918. While the fictional jungle of “West Africa” serves as the story’s setting, the actual filming locations were confined to the United States. This paper identifies the primary filming site as Morgan City, Louisiana, with additional sequences shot in Chicago, Illinois.
Introduction The 1918 film Tarzan of the Apes, directed by Scott Sidney and starring Elmo Lincoln as the titular character, holds the distinction of being the first Tarzan feature film. Determining its filming location is crucial for film historians, as it marks the beginning of a century-long tradition of using exotic locales (or their substitutes) to represent the African jungle.
Main Findings
Production Context The choice of Louisiana over California or actual African locations was driven by early cinema’s logistical constraints. The filmmakers prioritized:
Conclusion To answer the query directly: The first Tarzan movie was filmed primarily in Morgan City, Louisiana (USA) , with studio interiors done in Chicago, Illinois (USA) . No footage was shot in Africa. This precedent established a trend for early Hollywood jungle films: substituting American Southern swamps or studio backlots for the African continent.
Keywords: Tarzan of the Apes (1918), Elmo Lincoln, silent film, filming location, Morgan City, Louisiana cinema history
The first Tarzan movie ever made, the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes
, was primarily filmed in the lush swamps and bayous surrounding Morgan City, Louisiana
At a time when Hollywood was just beginning to explore location filming, producer William Parsons chose this area for its dense vegetation and moss-covered trees, which served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City Lake End Park Morgan City, LA, United States
This waterfront area, known for its iconic moss-draped trees, was used to film many of the movie's hut scenes. Atchafalaya Basin Louisiana, USA
The surrounding swamps provided the wild, untamed backdrop for the jungle adventures. Production Stories & Local Lore The Original Tarzan Drafted Stellan Windrow
was originally cast as the lead and filmed several tree-swinging stunts in the Louisiana canopy. However, he was drafted for World War I shortly after production began and was replaced by Elmo Lincoln
, whose powerful physique became legendary. Much of Windrow's aerial footage was still used in the final film. Acrobats as Apes : Actors from the New Orleans Athletic Club
and circus acrobats were hired to portray the "apes". They reportedly struggled in the intense August heat of the Louisiana swamp while wearing thick, non-breathable primate costumes. Escaped Monkeys
: Local legend suggests that monkeys brought in for the production escaped into the Atchafalaya swamp, and some residents believe their descendants still live there today. Economic Impact : The production hired approximately 300 local residents
to play "natives," choosing a filming schedule that didn't conflict with the local sugarcane harvest.
Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?
The first-ever Tarzan movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918) , was primarily filmed in and around Morgan City, Louisiana
. The lush, untamed bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle. Top Filming Locations in Morgan City Atchafalaya Basin
The primary location for the film's "jungle" scenes, chosen for its dense, moss-draped vegetation and wild waterways. Lake End Park ClosedMorgan City, LA
A scenic waterfront site (located at 2300 LA Hwy 70) used for many of the hut scenes. The crew built palmetto huts here that were famously burned for the film's climax. Shannon Hardware Morgan City Hardware store ClosedMorgan City, LA To summarize, the first Tarzan movie, Tarzan of
Located in downtown Morgan City, this hardware store acted as the production’s prop studio, where the crew built sets and costumes for the nine-week shoot.
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:
While Morgan City is the primary answer to “where was the first Tarzan movie filmed,” the production did use two other top locations for specific sequences:
However, more than 80% of the movie was shot in Louisiana. So, for the “top” answer in your search, Louisiana is the definitive winner.
The primary location unit for the jungle scenes was dispatched to the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. This is perhaps the most surprising fact for modern viewers; the "African" jungle that Tarzan swung through was actually the largest swamp in the United States.
The production team chose Louisiana because it offered the dense, humid, and tangled vegetation that the script demanded. At the time, traveling to Africa for a film shoot was logistically impossible and far too expensive for a burgeoning Hollywood studio. Louisiana provided a convincing double for the equatorial regions, with its hanging Spanish moss, cypress knees, and murky waters.
During the filming in the basin, the cast and crew faced genuine hardships. The environment was not a set; it was a living, breathing, and dangerous swamp. Reports from the set indicate that the actors were frequently attacked by mosquitoes, had to contend with real alligators, and suffered through the intense humidity. This authenticity translated to the screen, giving the 1918 film a gritty, realistic texture that studio backlots could not have replicated.
It is interesting to note that the choice to film in Louisiana set a precedent for early Tarzan productions. While later films, such as the Johnny Weissmuller era in the 1930s and 40s, would rely heavily on the famous "Los Angeles Arboretum" and sound stages with stock footage of African animals, the 1918 film relied on the genuine, untamed wildness of the American South.
The contrast between the Atchafalaya Basin and the Los Angeles studios highlights the adventurous spirit of early silent filmmakers. They did not have the luxury of computer-generated imagery or easy international travel. Instead, they found "Africa" in the bayous of Louisiana, creating a piece of cinema history that is still studied for its ambitious use of location today.
| 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.
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
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
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-ever Tarzan movie, Tarzan of the Apes
: 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 first Tarzan movie, "Tarzan of the Apes," was released in 1918, directed by William A. Seiter and starring Gordon Griffith as Tarzan. The film was a silent movie, and it's considered a lost film, as no complete copies have survived to the present day.
However, I can take you on a journey to explore the possible filming locations of this pioneering movie.
The Quest for the Authentic Jungle
In the early 1910s, the filmmakers behind "Tarzan of the Apes" sought to create an authentic jungle experience for their audience. They scouted various locations, finally settling on the tropical regions of Florida, USA.
Escondido, Florida: The Birthplace of Tarzan
The primary filming location was Escondido, a small town in central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. At the time, Escondido was a rural area with abundant tropical vegetation, making it an ideal substitute for the African jungle.
The film's production team set up a makeshift studio in Escondido, constructing a jungle set, complete with trees, vines, and exotic plants. The area's mild climate and natural scenery provided an authentic backdrop for the film's jungle scenes.
The St. Johns River: A Majestic Waterway
Some scenes were also filmed along the St. Johns River, which flows through Escondido and nearby cities. The river's tranquil waters and lush surroundings doubled as the African jungle's majestic waterways.
The Story Behind the Film
The movie "Tarzan of the Apes" was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel of the same name, published in 1914. The story follows John Clayton, a British nobleman who grows up in the African jungle, raised by gorillas after his parents' death. He becomes Tarzan, a wild but kind-hearted hero who ultimately returns to civilization.
The Cinematic Pioneers
Gordon Griffith, the actor who played Tarzan, was a well-known performer of the silent film era. He brought a rugged charm to the role, which helped establish the character's enduring appeal. The film's director, William A. Seiter, was a veteran of the early film industry, having worked on numerous productions since 1912.
The Lost Film
Despite its significance, "Tarzan of the Apes" is now considered a lost film, meaning that no complete copies have survived to the present day. However, still images and promotional materials from the film have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the early days of cinema and the birth of the Tarzan legend.
A Legacy Revived
The 1918 film "Tarzan of the Apes" laid the groundwork for future Tarzan movies, including the 1932 sound film starring Johnny Weissmuller, which catapulted the character to international stardom. Today, Tarzan remains an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, sequels, and reinterpretations.
The story of the first Tarzan movie serves as a testament to the early days of cinema, when filmmakers bravely ventured into the unknown to create something truly magical. The mystique of the jungle, combined with the allure of a wild, yet relatable hero, has captivated audiences for generations, ensuring Tarzan's place in the annals of cinematic history.
The first Tarzan movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana. The Birth of "Hollywood South"
Long before Louisiana earned the nickname "Hollywood South," Morgan City's lush bayous and moss-covered cypress trees served as a stand-in for the African jungle. Filming took place in 1917, and the production chose the area for several practical reasons:
Aesthetics: The dense vegetation and waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin provided a convincing primitive backdrop.
Logistics: Easy rail access made it cheaper and faster to transport heavy equipment from California compared to other tropical-looking locations.
Facilities: The city offered necessary infrastructure like the Costello Hotel for cast and crew, and hardware stores that served as prop shops. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City
While many sets are long gone, specific sites are still recognized for their role in the movie:
Lake End Park: This waterfront site was used for many of the "hut scenes" and featured moss-draped trees where palmetto huts were built and later burned for the camera.
Avoca Island: Located just outside the city, this island was used for various jungle sequences.
Shannon Hardware: Located in downtown Morgan City, this store was utilized by the crew to build costumes and sets. Behind-the-Scenes and Legend
The production was massive for its time, becoming one of the first films to gross over $1 million. It featured a sizable African-American cast from the local population as extras, which was a historic break from the era's common practice of using white actors in blackface.
Local lore even suggests that during filming, monkeys escaped into the swamps; while there is no scientific evidence of a breeding population today, the story remains a popular part of Morgan City's "Tarzan" identity. Following nine weeks in Louisiana, the production shifted to California to complete filming at Griffith Park and the Selig Zoo in Los Angeles. Expand map
Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?
To answer correctly, we must distinguish between the first appearance of Tarzan in a motion picture and the first feature-length film.
Why did the filmmakers choose Morgan City, Louisiana, as the top filming location? Three reasons: Geography, Vegetation, and Water.
Morgan City, located about 80 miles west of New Orleans, sits in the heart of the Atchafalaya Swamp—the largest river swamp in North America. In 1918, this area was virtually untouched by modern development. The landscape featured:
The specific “top” spot within Morgan City was the Teche Bayou and the surrounding woodlands near Avery Island. Today, visitors can still take a “Tarzan Tour” through parts of the region, though much of it has been reclaimed by private land or conservation efforts.
When people search “where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top,” they often see conflicting answers. Let’s correct them: