Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966)

hyped garbage

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Released in 1966, "Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" stars Mike Henry as the ape man who travels to Mexico and tussles with international criminal Vinaro (David Opatoshu), who enjoys ridding his enemies in explosive ways. Vinaro kidnaps a boy, Ramel, whom he thinks will lead him to a lost city of gold. Nancy Kovack is on hand as the requisite babe while Don Megowan plays the intimidating Mr. Train.This movie has a lot of good elements. For starters, former NFL-player Mike Henry is arguably the best actor to play Tarzan ever, at least as far as looking/acting like Burroughs' character goes. Here Tarzan doesn't speak in monosyllables, like the Weissmuller films or early Gordon Scott ones. He's articulate, intelligent and noble.Released at the height of the mid-60's James Bond craze, this movie could've been called "The Man from A.F.R.I.C.A.," which is an actual line in the movie. It's akin to 007 in a loincloth with various friendly animals (a chimp, a lion and a jaguar). Speaking of which, it's amazing what you see Henry and the boy do with the latter two (the boy actually rides the lion!).Other positives include the last act's inclusion of the incredible Mesoamerican ruins of Teotihuacán in central Mexico, highlighted by the huge Pyramid of the Sun. Today, the sequence would've been done with cartoony CGI, but here it's all authentic locations and quite impressive.You might remember the stunning Kovack from the 1968 Star Trek episode "A Private Little War" where she played the flirtatious and orgasmic Nona. She also had a good role in 1963's "Jason and the Argonauts." Unfortunately, while she has some quality screen time, not enough is done with her.I've heard the argument that Tarzan belongs in mythical Africa not mythical central America, but Burroughs had Tarzan globetrotting a bit, particularly back-and-forth from Europe to Africa, but the story in one book -- "Tarzan and the Foreign Legion" -- takes place on the island of Sumatra and another -- "Tarzan and the Castaways" -- takes place on a Pacific island inhabited by the remnant of a lost Mayan civilization, which isn't far removed from what he experiences in "Tarzan and the Valley of Gold." One book (probably more) he's in the friggin' desert. Basically, as long as Tarzan's in action, fighting evil/corruption and hanging out with nature & animals it's Tarzan.All the above positives almost compel me to give "Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" a marginal thumbs up, but something holds it back. For one, there's a semi-goofy kiddie animal section in the second act, which seems incongruous with the serious air of the proceedings. I can live with this flaw, however. So what's the major problem? There's just something off with the script that prevents the movie from being compelling. The reason all the James Bond films of the 60s through mid-80s were hits is because the producers hired great writers who knew how to make a story flow and keep the movie entertaining. Not so here, but it's okay and worth catching if the positives trip your trigger.The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in Mexico.GRADE: C+

this movie is fine!it is filmed in mexico,which makes it special!mike henry is the best tarzan actor of them all!he is very sexy running in his loincloth barefooted!his well buit body is fine!!he puts a full nelson on the bad guy,he never stops,untill he snaps his neck. at the end the gold is safe!this movie is a perfect 10!

The movie is enjoyable in a Saturday-matinee sort of way. What makes it notable, however, is the appearance of Mike Henry in his first Tarzan role. Henry's personality is hardly charismatic and his acting ability is, at best, limited, but in terms of sheer physicality, he's probably the best Tarzan the movies have ever seen. (And what "Jane" wouldn't love to run barefoot over those pecs!).

Ex-L.A. Rams linebacker Mike Henry makes his debut as Tarzan in this 1960s adventure. His arrival in Mexico wearing a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase is quite jarring, as is his subsequent "James Bond style" gunfight. But, not to fear, this is just to show us that this Tarzan is handy with modern weapons and is at ease in any environment. He does go into the jungle(in his loincloth)accompanied by a couple of wild animals and this is where the film gets interesting. He has to find the legendary Valley of Gold and protect its citizens from greedy villain Vinaro(David Opatashu) and his well organized(not to mention armed-to-the-teeth) army. The story is a little hokey at times, and seeing Tarzan use guns, grenades and a tank is a little hard to take, but overall the characterizations are good and the Mexican scenery is nothing short of spectacular(especially the Aztec pyramid city).Opetashu is perfect as the smooth, slick villain who sends his enemies exploding wristwatches. Henry is a little serious as Tarzan but he does excel in the action sequences. On the whole a groovy movie experience( jazzy musical score and all).