Tarzan the Magnificent (1960) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Tarzan decides to take Coy to Kairobi to claim the $5,000 reward. His motivation is to use the money to help Wyntors' widow, since the policeman died trying to bring Coy to justice. This explains why Tarzan, typically a jungle loner, becomes involved in a human conflict.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Tarzan appears when Wyntors is killed, showing he is already invested in seeing justice done.

• tarzan
• coy banton
• reward
• kairobi
• wyntors widow

The people of Mantu suspect neither the Bantons nor Tarzan to be trustworthy. They have no reason to aid a stranger escorting a captured outlaw, especially given the Bantons' violent reputation. Their refusal leaves Tarzan without local support for his journey.

Foreshadowing: The summary notes that the Bantons' earlier raid on the pay office left the town shaken, explaining why the villagers remain fearful and unhelpful.

• mantu
• villagers
• suspicion
• bantons

The Bantons ambush and destroy the riverboat Tarzan planned to use, forcing the passengers into the water and stranding them. This forces Tarzan to switch to an overland trek to Kairobi, which becomes the main body of the film as the group faces jungle dangers while being pursued.

Foreshadowing: The Bantons' earlier attack on Wyntors shows their determination to free Coy at any cost.

• boat ambush
• bantons
• river
• kairobi
• journey

Coy manipulates Fay by exploiting her disdain for her husband's racism. He promises her something in return, likely protection or a share of whatever loot he imagines. This manipulation works while the group sleeps, and she frees him from captivity.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Coy uses Fay's feelings toward her husband to his advantage during the journey.

• fay ames
• coy banton
• escape
• manipulation

During the roving battle between Tarzan and Coy, a ricochet from Coy's own rifle kills Abel Banton. The bullet strikes him unexpectedly, ending his life as he is caught in the crossfire of his own son's weapon. This satisfies the theme of the Bantons being undone by their own violence.

Foreshadowing: The Banton family has used guns and violence throughout the film to pursue their goals, making this ironic death fitting.

• abel banton
• death
• ricochet
• coy
• final battle

Tarzan ensures that the reward money reaches Wyntors' widow as intended. After defeating Coy and handing him over to the Kairobi police at the border, Tarzan arranges for the money to go to her, fulfilling his original promise to honor the dead policeman.

Foreshadowing: Tarzan's primary motivation from the start was to help the widow, making this resolution essential to his character.

• reward money
• wyntors widow
• kairobi
• police
• justice

After recapturing Coy, Tarzan hides both himself and Coy in a quicksand pit. This clever hiding spot allows them to remain invisible while the Bantons scatter searching for them. The quicksand serves as a natural trap that works to Tarzan's advantage in the jungle environment.

Foreshadowing: The jungle has been established as a setting full of natural dangers the group must navigate.

• quicksand
• hiding
• tarzan
• coy
• bantons search

Martin Banton observes his father Abel's legacy of theft and murder throughout the journey. After witnessing the violent deaths of his brothers and seeing the destructive path they have followed, Martin finally decides to abandon his father. This marks a moral turning point for a member of the criminal Banton clan.

Foreshadowing: Martin's presence throughout the film shows him witnessing each brother's death, building toward his decision.

• martin banton
• abel banton
• family
• leaving
• moral choice

The Bantons threaten anyone who would help Tarzan. They pause their pursuit specifically to shoot Dr. Blake, who has been sharing information with the group. This brutal act demonstrates their willingness to eliminate anyone who opposes them and intimidate others from assisting Tarzan.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, the Bantons threaten to kill anyone aiding Tarzan, showing they mean business.

• dr blake
• bantons
• death
• threats
• information

The group is captured by natives angry about the Bantons' earlier raid. The chief's wife is experiencing a difficult breach birth, and Conway, a doctor by trade, uses his medical skills to successfully deliver the baby. Moved by his help, the chief releases the travelers instead of harming them.

Foreshadowing: The Bantons' earlier raid on the settlement created enemies among the local people.

• conway
• natives
• birth
• chief
• village rescue

After Fay releases Coy and they escape together, Tarzan later finds Fay's scarf in the jungle. The implication is that a lioness has killed her, as the scarf is the only trace left behind. This marks a tragic end for the character who made the fateful decision to free Coy.

Foreshadowing: Tarzan warned the group that the jungle would test them with dangers, foreshadowing such tragedies.

• fay ames
• death
• lioness
• jungle
• coy escape

Tarzan intervenes during the confrontation where the Bantons attempt to rescue Coy from Wyntors. In the ensuing clash, Tarzan kills Ethan Banton. This establishes Tarzan as a force opposing the Banton family's criminal violence and sets him on his path to bringing Coy to justice.

Foreshadowing: The Bantons' violent raid on the pay office establishes them as dangerous criminals deserving of such an outcome.

• ethan banton
• tarzan
• death
• intervention
• wyntors