This is another one of the MGM produced Tarzan films starring Johnny Weissmuller. The film begins with Boy (Johnny Sheffield) discovering gold nuggets while swimming. When Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) tells him about the things people in the civilized world do with that gold, Boy decides to head to the city to buy something with his new treasure. Unfortunately, the kid is naive and doesn't realize that men will do just about anything for the rocks. So, when he meets up with four men from a scientific expedition, he doesn't realize that two of them will get gold fever and threaten to destroy this jungle family. At the same time, a real fever (plague) strikes. Can these evil men be defeated and goodness reign supreme?
While this is a very well-written episode, it also worked well because of the wonderful supporting cast. All four of the white men in the expedition are well-established MGM supporting actors (Reginald Owen, Barry Fitzgerald, Tom Conway and Philip Dorn) and their experience add a bit of class and quality to the film. The only negatives, and I noticed them because I recently watched ALL the MGM Tarzan films, is that several of the scenes (such as the crocodile fightand the vicious way the natives murder the porters) were recycled from earlier films in an effort to save money. Still, it was enjoyable and once again proves that people really can be jerks!
While this is a very well-written episode, it also worked well because of the wonderful supporting cast. All four of the white men in the expedition are well-established MGM supporting actors (Reginald Owen, Barry Fitzgerald, Tom Conway and Philip Dorn) and their experience add a bit of class and quality to the film. The only negatives, and I noticed them because I recently watched ALL the MGM Tarzan films, is that several of the scenes (such as the crocodile fightand the vicious way the natives murder the porters) were recycled from earlier films in an effort to save money. Still, it was enjoyable and once again proves that people really can be jerks!