Tarzan and the Mermaids

Last of the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan films and a good thing too, as this is easily the worst of the 12 films he made over a period of 16 years. No mermaids are featured here either as a beautiful island woman tries to escape the clutches of her people, who worship a god and try to force her to be its bride. She finds Tarzan and Jane, who try to protect her. George Zucco is present as a potentially villainous High Priest but isn't used to his full advantage. Also on hand and worthy of mention is a hugely annoying guitar player/singer who goes into song every so often. Even the "great" Robert Florey can't aid this one. *1/2 out of ****

The filmmakers behind Tarzan and the Mermaids seem to have been more interested in making a travel/beach movie than another traditional Tarzan picture. There just isn't as much action this time around. There's some wonderful swimming in this one though. Tarzan makes a spectacular dive off a very high cliff. Brenda Joyce and Weissmuller are very charming. George Zucco makes a great villain. The "God" that Tarzan must confront can be rather creepy. The film's soundtrack is certainly elaborate. The scenery is very nice. Cheetah delivers some fun gags. There's a giant octopus too! All of these keep things moving along, but it's still pretty mellow for a Weissmuller Tarzan movie. The movie even has several songs in it! I think they should have called this one "Tarzan Takes A Vacation". It's different, but certainly not bad. It's a good "chill out" movie to enjoy with a cold beverage after a stressful day. It works very well that way.

Before watching this I'd read that some considered TARZAN AND THE MERMAIDS to be "the worst" of the Weissmuller series. That made me nervous but I gave it a try. I'm happy to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. MERMAIDS might be "the worst" of the Weissmuller series but that doesn't make it a bad film at all. Taking Tarzan away from the jungle for an exotic aquatic romp makes this an unusual entry in the series so prepare yourself for a change of pace. I like it! MERMAIDS is well worth adding to one's Tarzan collection if you can find it. I wish they would release all of Johnny's Tarzan movies on DVD.

We begin with some background information about the plot, which concerns false god "Balu" and his native followers. Employing hocus-pocus, high priest George Zucco (as Palanth) wants "Balu" to become the bride of luscious Linda Christian (as Mara). She would rather have handsome Gustavo Rojo (as Tiko). "Tarzan and the Mermaids" features no mermaids, but Ms. Christian is referred to as one. Intermittent singer John Laurenz (as Benji) brings news explaining the absence of "Boy", who is studying in England. This was the last appearance of Johnny Weissmuller (as Tarzan) in the series. Clearly growing too old for the role, Mr. Weissmuller turned in his loincloth and signed on for the more appropriate "Jungle Jim" series. All of this is secondary to the lush Acapulco location and photography, which makes this a pleasant film in spite of itself. ***** Tarzan and the Mermaids (3/29/48) Robert Florey ~ Johnny Weissmuller, Linda Christian, Gustavo Rojo, John Laurenz