Tarzan’s New York Adventure

Tarzan’s New York Adventure

Year: 1942

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Thorpe

ActionAdventure

Circus owner Buck Rand kidnaps Boy to force him into his traveling show, compelling a reluctant pilot to transport him, Boy, and his animal trainer out of the dense jungle. Determined, Tarzan and Jane pursue the party, racing through the bustling streets of New York City to rescue the youngster.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Africa, New York City

The story begins on Tarzan’s African escarpment, with the jungle environment and wildlife as the backdrop. It then shifts to the bustling streets and iconic landmarks of New York City, illustrating a dramatic culture shift for Tarzan and Jane. The film contrasts the wild, natural world of Africa with the crowded, gadget-filled urban landscape of the modern city, culminating in a rooftop chase and a courtroom showdown.

🌍 Jungle setting 🗽 Urban metropolis

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:22

Main Characters – Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)

Meet the key characters of Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tarzan (Johnny Weissmüller)

Raised in the jungle, Tarzan is noble, physically formidable, and possessive of his family. He is curious about civilization yet remains instinctively protective, using his jungle skills to outwit threats. His awe of human gadgets and skepticism of modern life create both humor and tension as he fights to keep Boy safe.

🦁 Jungle protector 🧭 Explorer

Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan)

Jane embodies courage and loyalty, supporting Tarzan while navigating unfamiliar urban rules. She becomes a key ally in the custody battle, strategizing alongside Tarzan and remaining hopeful about reclaiming Boy. Her resilience helps bridge the gap between wilderness wisdom and city life.

👩‍🦰 Protective partner 🧭 City observer

Boy

Tarzan and Jane's adopted son, a central figure who inspires the actions of both the jungle and the metropolis. His talents with elephants catch Buck Rand’s eye, catalyzing the conflict that drives the courtroom drama and the eventual rescue.

🧒 Adopted child 🐘 Elephant ally

Buck Rand

Head of a US circus, Buck Rand sees Boy as a potential act and becomes entangled in the legal and moral complexities surrounding custody. His pursuit of opportunity creates the antagonistic force against Tarzan and Jane’s bid to keep Boy.

🎪 Circus leader 💰 Opportunist

Cheeta

Tarzan and Jane’s chimp companion, Cheeta helps spark the rescue by awakening Tarzan and guiding the plan to save Boy amid danger. A loyal sidekick whose actions underscore the animal empathy woven through the story.

🐒 Loyal ally 🧭 Jungle helper

Gould Beaton

The unscrupulous lawyer who manipulates the courtroom by pressuring Jane into admitting Boy’s jungle birth, triggering Tarzan’s dramatic response. His tactics highlight the legal maneuvering that complicates the custody dispute.

⚖️ unscrupulous lawyer 🗡️ Manipulative

Blake Norton (Tarzan's Lawyer)

Tarzan’s legal ally in the courtroom, Norton represents the family’s interests within the city’s legal system. He assists in navigating the dramatic custody fight and supports Tarzan’s attempt to reclaim Boy.

⚖️ Lawyer 🗺️ City courtroom

Judge Abbotson

The judge presiding over the custody case, who weighs Tarzan and Jane’s claims and ultimately grants them full custody of Boy. His decision frames the conclusion of the legal battle and the family’s future.

⚖️ Judge 🧭 Custody decision

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:22

Major Themes – Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)

Explore the central themes of Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Family & Custody

The core of the narrative centers on Tarzan and Jane fighting to legally custody of their adopted son, Boy. The courtroom becomes a battleground where Tarzan's jungle upbringing clashes with legal arguments about birth and legitimacy. Trust, belonging, and what makes a family are tested as the protagonists defend their parental rights. The resolution reinforces the idea that family bonds can transcend origins.

🗽 Culture Clash

Tarzan's naïve wonder at New York's modern life highlights the stark contrast between the wilderness and civilization. His comments about clothing, opera, and city life underscore a humorous yet poignant misunderstanding of urban society. The film uses this clash to explore themes of adaptation, prejudice, and the universal desire for belonging. It also satirizes contemporary urban norms through the eyes of a 'noble savage' navigating a world of gadgets.

🧭 Adventure & Rescue

From a perilous safari to a cinematic rescue, the film follows a high-stakes journey to reclaim Boy. Tarzan summons elephants and leverages jungle instincts to overthrow the antagonists, transforming captivity into liberation. The narrative emphasizes ingenuity, courage, and the relentless pursuit of family safety. Throughout the escapade, the sense of adventure drives the characters toward a dramatic, action-filled conclusion.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:22

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Narrative Summary

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urgenthopefuladventurousearnestexhilaratingfamily bondrescue

Narrative Summary

The plot is triggered by a kidnapping or capture, sending the protagonists on a direct and fast-moving journey. The story is straightforward, focusing on the pursuit rather than complex subplots. Obstacles are physical and logistical, culminating in a final confrontation and a heartfelt reunion that affirms the strength of family.

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These movies are grouped by their shared structure of a linear rescue mission and their consistent tone of urgent, hopeful adventure. They combine medium-intensity action with a light emotional core, ensuring the stakes feel real but the outcome is ultimately uplifting and feel-good.

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Tarzan’s New York Adventure Summary

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Tarzan’s New York Adventure Summary

Tarzan’s New York Adventure Timeline

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Tarzan’s New York Adventure Timeline

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