Where Was The First Tarzan Movie Filmed Top May 2026

The first Tarzan movie ever made, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana

. Shot in 1917, the production utilized the lush, moss-covered vegetation of the South Louisiana bayous to serve as a stand-in for the African jungle. Primary Filming Locations

The production spent roughly five to nine weeks on location in before finishing additional scenes in California Atchafalaya Basin & Swamps

: The main setting used for the "African" jungle scenes due to its dense, exotic-looking landscape. Avoca Island

: A specific location near Morgan City used for outdoor shooting. Lake End Park : A waterfront site in Morgan City

where the production built and eventually burned "cannibal village" hut sets Morgan City Downtown

: Local establishments were used for production needs; for instance, Shannon Hardware served as a prop studio to build costumes and sets. California Locations

: Additional scenes, including some studio work, were completed at Griffith Park E&R Jungle Film Company in Los Angeles. Why Morgan City Was Chosen

Filmmakers selected this region for several logistical and aesthetic reasons:

: The moss-draped cypress trees and waterways closely matched the "moss-covered branches" described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' original novel. Transportation Morgan City

had a railway-serviced wharf and easy rail access, which was crucial for shipping heavy cameras, equipment, and live animals (including a lion and monkeys) Local Cast

: The production required a large number of extras. It was one of the first major films to use local African American residents to play African tribe members rather than using white actors in blackface. Fun Facts & Legends The Monkey Myth

: Local lore suggests that several monkeys escaped into the Atchafalaya swamp during filming, and legends persist of their descendants living there today, though this is unverified. Hollywood History

: This shoot is historically significant as one of the first times a major Hollywood feature film was shot on location outside of California or New York. Morgan City to commemorate this film history? Expand map Louisiana Locations California Locations

The first-ever Tarzan movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918) , was primarily filmed in and around Morgan City, Louisiana

. The lush, untamed bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle. Top Filming Locations in Morgan City Atchafalaya Basin

The primary location for the film's "jungle" scenes, chosen for its dense, moss-draped vegetation and wild waterways. Lake End Park ClosedMorgan City, LA

A scenic waterfront site (located at 2300 LA Hwy 70) used for many of the hut scenes. The crew built palmetto huts here that were famously burned for the film's climax. Shannon Hardware Morgan City Hardware store ClosedMorgan City, LA

Located in downtown Morgan City, this hardware store acted as the production’s prop studio, where the crew built sets and costumes for the nine-week shoot.

The first Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent film titled Tarzan of the Apes, was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana .

The production chose this location in late 1917 because the moss-draped swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin provided a convincing stand-in for the African jungle described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' original novel . Key Filming Locations in Morgan City

Lake End Park: A waterfront area filled with moss-covered cypress trees used for many of the "jungle" and coastal scenes .

Atchafalaya Basin: The vast swamp region served as the primary backdrop for the "wild" African landscape . where was the first tarzan movie filmed top

Avoca Island: Another local swamp site used for location shooting .

Shannon Hardware: This downtown hardware store in Morgan City served as the production's prop shop and studio for building costumes and sets . Additional Filming Details

Cast & Crew: The production featured Elmo Lincoln as the adult Tarzan . Many of the "apes" were portrayed by gymnasts from the New Orleans Athletic Club wearing costumes .

Historical Significance: This was one of the first major Hollywood productions to film entirely on location outside of California or New York . It was also a massive commercial success, becoming one of the first films to gross over $1 million at the box office .

California Scenes: While the bulk of the "jungle" action was shot in Louisiana, some additional production work, including some stunt sequences and the filming of the sequel The Romance of Tarzan, took place in Hollywood at locations like Griffith Park and the Selig Zoo .

Later, more famous Tarzan films, such as those starring Johnny Weissmuller in the 1930s, were famously shot in locations like Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs, Florida .

Louisiana Tarzan - Home to the First King of the Jungle Movie

The first Tarzan movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana. The Birth of "Hollywood South"

Long before Louisiana earned the nickname "Hollywood South," Morgan City's lush bayous and moss-covered cypress trees served as a stand-in for the African jungle. Filming took place in 1917, and the production chose the area for several practical reasons:

Aesthetics: The dense vegetation and waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin provided a convincing primitive backdrop.

Logistics: Easy rail access made it cheaper and faster to transport heavy equipment from California compared to other tropical-looking locations.

Facilities: The city offered necessary infrastructure like the Costello Hotel for cast and crew, and hardware stores that served as prop shops. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City

While many sets are long gone, specific sites are still recognized for their role in the movie:

Lake End Park: This waterfront site was used for many of the "hut scenes" and featured moss-draped trees where palmetto huts were built and later burned for the camera.

Avoca Island: Located just outside the city, this island was used for various jungle sequences.

Shannon Hardware: Located in downtown Morgan City, this store was utilized by the crew to build costumes and sets. Behind-the-Scenes and Legend

The production was massive for its time, becoming one of the first films to gross over $1 million. It featured a sizable African-American cast from the local population as extras, which was a historic break from the era's common practice of using white actors in blackface.

Local lore even suggests that during filming, monkeys escaped into the swamps; while there is no scientific evidence of a breeding population today, the story remains a popular part of Morgan City's "Tarzan" identity. Following nine weeks in Louisiana, the production shifted to California to complete filming at Griffith Park and the Selig Zoo in Los Angeles. Expand map

Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?

movie, the silent film Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana

. Producers chose this location because the lush vegetation, bayous, and waterways served as a natural stand-in for the African jungle. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City Lake End Park

: A major shooting site used for many of the "palmetto hut" scenes. Avoca Island The first Tarzan movie ever made, the silent

: One of the specific areas where cameras were set up during the nine-week shoot. Downtown Morgan City

: A local hardware store served as the production's prop shop for building costumes and sets. Historical Significance First On-Location Blockbuster

: It was one of the first major motion pictures to film on location outside of the Los Angeles or New York areas. Casting Milestones

: It was the first film to cast Black actors to play Black characters, rather than using white actors in blackface. Box Office Success

: The film was a massive hit, becoming one of the first in history to earn $1 million at the box office. Other Notable "Firsts" in the Series

While the very first movie was in Louisiana, other "first" entries in later iterations of the franchise used different locations: Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)

: The first sound film starring Johnny Weissmuller was shot at Silver Springs, Florida Lake Sherwood, California Botanical Garden of Hamma in Algiers, Algeria. Tarzan’s Peril (1951)

: This was the first film in the series to actually film portions on location in (specifically Kenya). documentary

that explores the making of this film in the Louisiana swamps?

Did you know the first Tarzan movie was filmed in Morgan City?

The Origins of Tarzan on the Big Screen: Uncovering the Location of the First Film

The iconic character of Tarzan, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has been a staple of popular culture for over a century. The first Tarzan movie, released in 1918, marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that would captivate audiences worldwide. But have you ever wondered where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top? Let's embark on a journey to uncover the origins of this cinematic phenomenon.

The First Tarzan Movie: A Brief History

The first Tarzan movie, titled "Tarzan of the Apes," was a silent film directed by William A. Seiter and produced by the Screen Development Company. The movie premiered on June 18, 1918, at the Rialto Theater in New York City. The film starred Elmo Lincoln as Tarzan and Enid Markey as Jane Porter.

The movie was a groundbreaking production, bringing to life the story of a man raised by gorillas in the African jungle. The film's success was a testament to the enduring appeal of Burroughs' character, and it paved the way for numerous sequels, remakes, and adaptations.

Filming Locations: The Search Begins

So, where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top? After extensive research, it appears that the film was shot on location in Southern California, USA. The production team chose the Los Angeles area for its diverse landscapes, which offered the perfect backdrop for the African jungle.

The Top Film Location: Lake Piru, California

The primary filming location for the first Tarzan movie was Lake Piru, a large reservoir located in Ventura County, California. The lake's serene surroundings and lush vegetation provided an ideal setting for the film's jungle scenes. The production team took advantage of the lake's proximity to Los Angeles, which made it an accessible location for filming.

Additional Filming Locations

In addition to Lake Piru, other locations in Southern California were used for filming. These included:

1. The Paramount Ranch, a popular film location in Agoura Hills, California. The ranch offered a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and a lake, which were used to create the film's jungle scenery.
2. The Warner Bros. Studio, where interior scenes were filmed. The studio, located in Burbank, California, provided a controlled environment for filming scenes such as Tarzan's treehouse and the jungle village.

The Challenges of Filming on Location

Filming on location in the early 20th century presented several challenges. The production team faced difficulties such as:

1. Logistical challenges: Transporting equipment and personnel to remote locations was a significant undertaking, especially given the limited infrastructure available at the time.
2. Weather conditions: The team had to contend with unpredictable weather, including heat, rain, and dust, which could damage equipment and disrupt filming.
3. Safety concerns: The cast and crew faced risks associated with filming in the wilderness, including encounters with wild animals and treacherous terrain.

The Legacy of the First Tarzan Movie

The first Tarzan movie marked the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon that would span over a century. The film's success paved the way for numerous adaptations, sequels, and spin-offs, cementing Tarzan's place in popular culture.

The film's impact extends beyond the screen, influencing the development of the adventure genre and inspiring countless filmmakers, including the renowned director, Werner Herzog, who cited the film as an influence on his work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first Tarzan movie was filmed top in Southern California, with Lake Piru serving as the primary filming location. The production team's choice of location provided the perfect backdrop for the film's jungle scenes, and the movie's success marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that continues to captivate audiences today.

The story of the first Tarzan movie serves as a testament to the power of cinema to transport audiences to new worlds and to the enduring appeal of iconic characters like Tarzan. As we look back on the film's history, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cinematic heritage and the need to continue exploring new ways to bring these timeless stories to life.

FAQs

Q: Where was the first Tarzan movie filmed? A: The first Tarzan movie was filmed in Southern California, USA, with Lake Piru serving as the primary filming location.

Q: Who played Tarzan in the first movie? A: Elmo Lincoln played Tarzan in the first movie, released in 1918.

Q: What was the title of the first Tarzan movie? A: The first Tarzan movie was titled "Tarzan of the Apes," released in 1918.

Q: When was the first Tarzan movie released? A: The first Tarzan movie was released on June 18, 1918, at the Rialto Theater in New York City.

Legacy: Why This Matters

The decision to film the first Tarzan movie in Louisiana established a template that would be followed for decades. Subsequent silent Tarzan films, including The Romance of Tarzan (1918) and The Son of Tarzan (1920), also used Louisiana and other Southern locations (like Florida’s Silver Springs) as jungle stand-ins.

It wasn’t until the sound era, particularly the Johnny Weissmuller films of the 1930s and 40s, that Tarzan movies began using more exotic locations like Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán or California’s Sherwood Forest. And it took until the 1980s and 90s for major productions to occasionally film on actual African soil (e.g., Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan was shot in Cameroon and Kenya).

Why This Location Matters Today (The SEO “Top” Factor)

Understanding where the first Tarzan movie was filmed is not just trivia—it’s a window into early cinematic ingenuity. Here is why this location remains at the “top” of film history lists:

3. Preservation Efforts

The original 1918 film was thought lost for decades. A surviving print was found in a film archive in the 1970s. Today, the Morgan City Archives holds a small exhibit on the filming, including photographs of the production crew wading through the bayou with massive 1918-era cameras.

Where Was the First Tarzan Movie Filmed? Unveiling the Top Location That Started a Century-Long Legacy

If you have ever found yourself typing “where was the first Tarzan movie filmed top” into a search engine, you are likely looking for the definitive answer—quickly, but with rich historical context. You want the name of the location, the reason it was chosen, and perhaps some trivia to satisfy your curiosity.

The short answer is: The first Tarzan movie, Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was filmed primarily in the humid, exotic swamps and woodlands of Morgan City, Louisiana, specifically along the Bayou Teche and around Avery Island.

However, the “top” filming location wasn’t Africa—as most audiences assumed—but the American South. Let’s swing through the vines of cinema history to uncover why this location was chosen, how it became the “top” jungle on screen, and why it remains a pilgrimage site for silent film buffs.

The First Screen Adaptation: Tarzan of the Apes (1918)

While many people might think of Johnny Weissmuller or the 1980s Greystoke film as the early days, the very first time Tarzan appeared on screen was in the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes. The movie starred Elmo Lincoln as the Ape Man and Enid Markey as Jane Porter.

The production of this film was a massive undertaking for the time, and its locations were split between two vastly different environments: the wilds of Louisiana and the controlled sets of California.