Robbins BarstowTarzan and the Rocky Gorge (1936)

Sixteen year old Robbins Barstow, an Amateur Cinema League member and a fan of Johnny Weissmuller's Tarzan movies, rounded up his siblings and friends and led them into the wilds of Granby, Connecticut for this epic tale of a journey into Edgar Rice Burroughs' Africa.

Also available with commentary by the filmmaker on the DVD "Living Room Cinema: Films From Home Movie Day, Vol. I".

This item is part of the collection: Home Movies

Producer: Robbins Barstow
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Keywords: home movie; Barstow Travel Adventure.
Contact Information: RobbinsB@aol.com

Creative Commons license: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0

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Reviewer: Campfire - - January 7, 2008
Subject: Better than some of the "studio" Tarzans!

Hey, Johnny Weissmuller has nothing on this guy! And it's still fresh and entertaining after 70 years!

Reviewer: Domaine - - October 12, 2007
Subject: Adorable

Sweet and fun! Wonderful quality film, it almost does look like a studio made it. If you've got more home movies, please post them.

Reviewer: danthewhaleman - - October 4, 2007
Subject: Saga Missed By 1936 Oscar Committee

Another sprawling saga by Director Barstow. This film, portrays a style sure to get the attention of the greatest directors. DeMille, Capra, Ford and Allen take note.

Almost unbelievable that the script was developed ad hoc and the filming done in superb fashion. An effort requiring millions of dollars and eight months for a major studio was accomplished in just eight hours. Hartford, CT must be very proud. In the interest of full disclosure: Mr. Barstow is not just an acquaintance, but a friend.

Reviewer: rgarrey - - October 4, 2007
Subject: Greatest Tarzan Epic

I am thrilled to see this version of Tarzan is finally getting the recognition it deserves. I had the pleasure of seeing this epic tale of Tarzan years ago and now through this website I can share it with my friends and family. Congratulations to Robbins Barstow, one of the greatest filmakers of all time.

Reviewer: Robbins Barstow - - October 2, 2007
Subject: Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge

This is an epic, teen-age adventure film made in 1936, just for the fun of it, by members of the Robbins Barstow family, living in Hartford, Connecticut. It was filmed in 16mm in one day, at a wooded location in the wilds of Granby, Connecticut. The story line was developed on the spot, and it has entertained hundreds of friends and relatives over the years. Now 87 years old, the filmmaker would welcome additional comments from internet archive viewers, addressed to "RobbinsB@aol.com" Naturally, I give it a highest rating for home movies!