Unlike earlier film iterations featuring Johnny Weissmuller, Ron Ely’s Tarzan was highly educated. Having returned to civilization, he grew tired of its hypocrisy and returned to the African jungle where he was raised. He spoke fluent, articulate English instead of the famous "monosyllabic grunt" style. Groundbreaking Stunt Work
hosts a significant 237MB collection of daily and Sunday strips originally published between 1960–1961 and 1966–1969. Available Digital Content Comic Strips (1966–1969)
If you let me know what you are looking for, I can find specific episode lists or cast bios.
Debuting on NBC in September 1966, Tarzan brought the Jungle Lord into the color television era. Produced by Sy Weintraub, who had already modernized the character in a series of successful theatrical films starring Gordon Scott and Jock Mahoney, the show sought to redefine Tarzan for a sophisticated, mid-century audience.
Navigate to archive.org and use precise search terms such as "Tarzan 1966" , "Ron Ely Tarzan Complete" , or "Tarzan 1966 TV Series" .
Because this is an exclusive at risk of removal (rights holders could theoretically change their minds), the Archive encourages preservation.
: While the earliest Tarzan books (published through 1929) are in the public domain worldwide, later works and certain television rights remain under copyright.
While the Ron Ely television series is the primary focus for many, 1966 was a banner year for Tarzan on all fronts. It also saw the release of a major theatrical film: Tarzan and the Valley of Gold , which introduced former NFL player Mike Henry as the new movie Tarzan.
Marking criteria: thesis clarity (6), use of primary/secondary evidence (8), critical analysis (8), organization and prose (4), citations and archival awareness (4).
What truly set the 1966 series apart was its grueling production and commitment to realism. Rather than filming on Hollywood backlots or using cheap rear-projection techniques, Weintraub moved the entire production on location. The first season was filmed in the dense jungles of Brazil around Rio de Janeiro and Belém, while the second season relocated to the ancient ruins and lush landscapes of Mexico. Ron Ely: The Ultimate Practical Action Hero
The pilot episode sets the tone for the entire series. It introduces Tarzan’s animal companions, including the chimpanzee Cheetah and the lion Jai, and establishes the show's signature mix of wilderness survival and political intrigue. "The Ultimate Weapon" (Season 1, Episode 26)
| | Title | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | "Tarzan and the River of Gold" | Tarzan discovers a hidden river of gold in the jungle | | 2 | "Tarzan and the Lost City" | Tarzan explores a lost city deep in the jungle | | 3 | "Tarzan and the Leopard" | Tarzan faces off against a leopard in a battle for survival |
The 1966–1968 television series starring Ron Ely is featured on the Internet Archive, highlighting an educated version of the character that broke from traditional tropes. This collection includes episodes, radio programs from the same era, and related 1960s comic strips. Explore these archival materials at Internet Archive Internet Archive Tarzan page 1 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming
As described in ERBzine's detailed coverage , the series was a significant effort to bring the "Lord of the Jungle" to a weekly, primetime audience with high-quality production, mirroring the adventure thrills of movies within a weekly episodic format. Conclusion
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Beyond video, users have uploaded scanned shooting scripts, press kits, and behind-the-scenes production photography. Key Episodes Highlighted in the Collection