Good movie but grossly overrated

Don't listen to the negative reviews

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Gritty, violent (mostly suggestively), well-made and adult in tone (there is even an attempted rape, and hints of perversity in Betta St. John's character), but with a few too many slow spots. Gordon Scott is rock-solid (literally!) as Tarzan, and Jock Mahoney (the following Tarzan!) is a worthy antagonist; their climactic fight is exhausting. **1/2 out of 4.

Tarzan the Magnificent (1960) *** (out of 4) Tarzan (Gordon Scott) must try and escort criminal Coy Banton (Jock Mahoney) and a group of people through the jungle to try and turn him over to authorities. Not only is Tarzan forced to drag these people through the dangerous jungle but he also has to deal with Banton's crazy father (John Carradine) and brothers who plan on getting him back. This was the sixth and final time that Scott would play Tarzan and this is clearly the best of his pictures and I'd probably say that overall this is the best Tarzan film since TARZAN AND HIS MATE. This film pretty much has everything you'd hope for in a Tarzan movie and that includes action, drama, a strong story, a terrific setting, great villains and of course of strong Tarzan. Scott was clearly in charge here as he delivers a wonderful performance as the ape man. There's no question that his physical ability was fine for the role but he also managed to make Tarzan a human and pull off the actual performance. As was the case in the previous film, this one here features a terrific supporting cast. Mahoney, who would take over the role of Tarzan in the next film, is perfect as the bad guy. What's so great about Mahoney is the way he really doesn't say much but instead you can see his evil thoughts simply by looking into his eyes. The two large men are perfectly matched against one another and especially the end sequence, which ranks among one of the best fight scenes of the series. Carradine is terrific as always playing the cold-blooded father and we also get strong support from Betta St. John, Lionel Jeffries, Alexandra Stewart and Earl Cameron. The final line from the opening credits lets viewers know that this film was shot in Africa and the on location shooting certainly helped build up some terrific atmosphere. The jungle looks really good and the various wild life really helps bring this film to life. The entire film is pretty much a chase sequence because we have Tarzan trying to get these people through the jungle with one issue coming up after another and on top of all of this he has to deal with the crazy family following. The action scenes are extremely well done and I'd say they're some of the most suspenseful of the series. This is especially true during a scene where Tarzan and Coy fall into some quicksand and must struggle to get out. TARZAN THE MAGNIFICENT is without question one of the best films in the series and even those non-fans should be able to enjoy this one.

This is 'real action, adventure' (the way it was meant to be) !!! Gordon Scott WAS Tarzan (no one has approached his characterization of this 'mythic figure'). Once again, we see an actor with 'a background' (i.e. 'life experience'); bringing it to the big screen (see Steve Mcqueen,Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, etc...). No 'method acting' here - just solid performance. A must see for action/adventure fan's !!! Mr. Scott was a military policeman, judo expert, laborer; among other things ! This sort of acting is fast disappearing (as more 'emotional' actors/directors appear). Gordon Scott did not 'leave' this role - the producers of this 'genre' felt a more 'kinder/gentler' (see 'civilized'), Tarzan was needed (oh, brother !!!). Mr. Scott went to Europe to make 'sword and sandal' epics (Hercules, Machiste, Goliath, etc..). What a pity he wasn't given more A-list roles. He was quite the man !!!

For a Tarzan movie, this is about as good as you're going to get. Gordon Scott does an excellent job in this film, as he did in the previous "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure". Unlike previous Tarzan actors, Scott's version of the Ape Man speaks good English and is quite intelligent. The story in "Tarzan the Magnificent" is well-written and mature. Again, for this type of genre, "Tarzan the Magnficicent" and "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure" are as good as you're going to get.