Tarzan the Ape Man

Jane Parker travels to Africa to find her father, James, an explorer who has spent years searching for a mythical white ape. Joining his expedition, she repeatedly encounters the wild man the jungle holds, and the two form a bond that grows as she is drawn further from her father's world. When members of the party fall into the hands of a hostile tribe, Tarzan intervenes. The story is told largely from Jane's perspective, and the romance between her and Tarzan occupies much of the film.

This 1981 American production was directed by John Derek, the first of two features he made; his second, Bolero, followed in 1984. Bo Derek produced and stars as Jane, with Richard Harris as her father, John Phillip Law as the photographer Harry Holt, and Miles O'Keeffe in the title role. Supporting parts include Wilfrid Hyde-White as a club member.

Made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer with Svengali Productions, the film runs 115 minutes and mixes adventure and comedy. It took about 37 million dollars worldwide, a solid return for its time. Audiences have been far less enthusiastic: on IMDb it holds 3.5 out of 10 from roughly 6,600 votes, and on TMDB 4.1 out of 10 from 113 votes. A critics' rating of 3.3 out of 10 from 22 reviews places it in line with those audience scores.