Tarzan Movie Filmed Top - Where Was The First

The silent film starring Elmo Lincoln (the first official Tarzan) was produced by the National Film Corporation of America. To create the dense, untamed wilderness required for the story, the production team chose the areas surrounding Baton Rouge, specifically:

When asking about the "first Tarzan movie," it’s crucial to clarify which one you mean. While Edgar Rice Burroughs’ legendary ape-man first appeared in print in 1912, his leap to the silver screen happened twice in the silent film era.

However, most historians and film archives recognize 1918’s Tarzan of the Apes as the very first feature-length Tarzan movie. And its exotic "African" jungle wasn't filmed in Africa at all—it was shot deep in the humid swamps and woodlands of Louisiana.

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).

The first Tarzan movie was not filmed in Africa. Instead, the production chose the swamps, bayous, and dense woodlands of the American South.

The principal filming location for Tarzan of the Apes (1918) was along the Teche River near Morgan City, Louisiana, as well as the surrounding areas of St. Mary Parish.

If you are a die-hard Tarzan fan or a film history buff, you can visit Morgan City, Louisiana. Here is a quick guide to the “top” spots:

Pro tip: Visit in the fall. The summer humidity is exactly as miserable (and authentic) as the actors endured in 1918.

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.

Before Tarzan of the Apes, no American film had successfully depicted a dense, treacherous jungle. The success of the Louisiana shoot proved that filmmakers could “fake” exotic locations with creative cinematography. This paved the way for later jungle epics like King Kong (1933), which also famously used rear-projection and studio swamps.

Title: Where Was the First Tarzan Movie Filmed? The Surprising Location

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When we think of Tarzan, we usually imagine the dense jungles of Africa. However, if you are looking for the filming location of the very first Tarzan movie, you won't find it on that continent.

The first film adaptation, Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Why Louisiana? At the time, it was much cheaper and safer to film in the Louisiana swamps than to travel internationally. The production team utilized the Atchafalaya Basin to stand in for the fictional African jungle. In fact, the film was a massive success and put Morgan City on the map as a premier filming destination for early Hollywood.

Quick Facts for your content:

The first Tarzan movie, "Tarzan of the Apes," was released in 1918, directed by William A. Seiter and starring Gordon Griffith as Tarzan. The film was a silent movie, and it's considered a lost film, as no complete copies have survived to the present day.

However, I can take you on a journey to explore the possible filming locations of this pioneering movie.

The Quest for the Authentic Jungle

In the early 1910s, the filmmakers behind "Tarzan of the Apes" sought to create an authentic jungle experience for their audience. They scouted various locations, finally settling on the tropical regions of Florida, USA.

Escondido, Florida: The Birthplace of Tarzan

The primary filming location was Escondido, a small town in central Florida, about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. At the time, Escondido was a rural area with abundant tropical vegetation, making it an ideal substitute for the African jungle.

The film's production team set up a makeshift studio in Escondido, constructing a jungle set, complete with trees, vines, and exotic plants. The area's mild climate and natural scenery provided an authentic backdrop for the film's jungle scenes.

The St. Johns River: A Majestic Waterway

Some scenes were also filmed along the St. Johns River, which flows through Escondido and nearby cities. The river's tranquil waters and lush surroundings doubled as the African jungle's majestic waterways.

The Story Behind the Film

The movie "Tarzan of the Apes" was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel of the same name, published in 1914. The story follows John Clayton, a British nobleman who grows up in the African jungle, raised by gorillas after his parents' death. He becomes Tarzan, a wild but kind-hearted hero who ultimately returns to civilization.

The Cinematic Pioneers

Gordon Griffith, the actor who played Tarzan, was a well-known performer of the silent film era. He brought a rugged charm to the role, which helped establish the character's enduring appeal. The film's director, William A. Seiter, was a veteran of the early film industry, having worked on numerous productions since 1912. where was the first tarzan movie filmed top

The Lost Film

Despite its significance, "Tarzan of the Apes" is now considered a lost film, meaning that no complete copies have survived to the present day. However, still images and promotional materials from the film have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the early days of cinema and the birth of the Tarzan legend.

A Legacy Revived

The 1918 film "Tarzan of the Apes" laid the groundwork for future Tarzan movies, including the 1932 sound film starring Johnny Weissmuller, which catapulted the character to international stardom. Today, Tarzan remains an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, sequels, and reinterpretations.

The story of the first Tarzan movie serves as a testament to the early days of cinema, when filmmakers bravely ventured into the unknown to create something truly magical. The mystique of the jungle, combined with the allure of a wild, yet relatable hero, has captivated audiences for generations, ensuring Tarzan's place in the annals of cinematic history.

The first Tarzan movie, titled Tarzan of the Apes (1918) , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana

. This production marked the birth of the Louisiana film industry and is considered one of the first major Hollywood films shot on location outside of California or New York. Core Filming Locations in Morgan City

The production utilized the region's unique landscapes to simulate the African jungle:

Atchafalaya Basin Swamps: The moss-draped cypress trees and dense waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin provided the "jungle" atmosphere. Lake End Park

: A waterfront area used for key scenes, including the construction of native palmetto huts. Avoca Island : Another specific location near Morgan City used for exterior jungle shots. Costello Hotel

: Served as the base of operations and lodging for the cast and crew. Supporting Locations in Los Angeles

While the bulk of the "jungle" footage was captured in Louisiana, additional production took place in California: Griffith Park : Used for secondary exterior shots. : Provided a controlled environment for animal scenes. E&R Jungle Film Company : A studio facility used for specialized production needs. Why Morgan City Was Chosen Producers selected Morgan City for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

Natural Landscape: The "moss-covered branches" described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels were perfectly matched by the Louisiana bayous. Logistics

: The city offered a railway-serviced wharf, making it easy to transport heavy film equipment and exotic animals from California.

Casting: The production required a large number of extras for "native" roles. Morgan City's

large Black population was hired for these parts, making it one of the first films where Black people portrayed Black characters instead of using white actors in blackface.

Specialized Talent: Approximately 20 gymnasts from the New Orleans Athletic Club were hired to portray Tarzan's adoptive ape family in costumes. The Legacy of the Shoot

The 1918 film was a massive success, becoming one of the first silent films to earn over $1 million at the box office. It also left behind local legends, most notably the rumor that monkeys escaped or were released into the Louisiana swamps after filming concluded, though no scientific evidence supports this.

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

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

. Production took place in 1917, utilizing the lush swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin as a stand-in for the African jungle. Primary Filming Location: Morgan City, Louisiana Filming in Morgan City

lasted approximately nine weeks during August and September 1917 Atchafalaya Swamps:

The moss-covered cypress trees and bayous provided the "jungle" atmosphere. Lake End Park: Used for many of the village and hut scenes. Avoca Island: Another key wilderness location used for outdoor filming. Shannon Hardware:

This downtown building was used as a prop studio to build sets and costumes. Costello Hotel:

Served as the headquarters and housing for the production crew during their stay. Secondary Filming Locations After completing location work in , the production moved to California for remaining scenes. The Heart of Louisiana Los Angeles Interior scenes and additional work were filmed at Griffith Park and the E&R Jungle Film Company Used for scenes requiring specific animals. Key Production Details Extras & Actors:

The film was notable for using hundreds of local African-American residents as extras. The "apes" were actually gymnasts from the New Orleans Athletic Club dressed in costumes. The "Monkey Myth": Local legend in Morgan City

suggests that monkeys used in the film escaped or were released into the Atchafalaya Basin and that their descendants still live there today. Historical Significance:

This silent film was one of the first in Hollywood history to earn over $1 million. Visiting Today While original sets no longer exist, visitors to Morgan City swamp tours

through the same bayous seen in the film. The city also occasionally hosts the Tarzan Festival to celebrate its cinematic history. Expand map Louisiana Locations California Locations Morgan City that visit these specific historical filming sites? The silent film starring Elmo Lincoln (the first

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?

The first Tarzan movie ever made, the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes

, was primarily filmed in the lush swamps and bayous surrounding Morgan City, Louisiana

At a time when Hollywood was just beginning to explore location filming, producer William Parsons chose this area for its dense vegetation and moss-covered trees, which served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City Lake End Park Morgan City, LA, United States

This waterfront area, known for its iconic moss-draped trees, was used to film many of the movie's hut scenes. Atchafalaya Basin Louisiana, USA

The surrounding swamps provided the wild, untamed backdrop for the jungle adventures. Production Stories & Local Lore The Original Tarzan Drafted Stellan Windrow

was originally cast as the lead and filmed several tree-swinging stunts in the Louisiana canopy. However, he was drafted for World War I shortly after production began and was replaced by Elmo Lincoln

, whose powerful physique became legendary. Much of Windrow's aerial footage was still used in the final film. Acrobats as Apes : Actors from the New Orleans Athletic Club

and circus acrobats were hired to portray the "apes". They reportedly struggled in the intense August heat of the Louisiana swamp while wearing thick, non-breathable primate costumes. Escaped Monkeys

: Local legend suggests that monkeys brought in for the production escaped into the Atchafalaya swamp, and some residents believe their descendants still live there today. Economic Impact : The production hired approximately 300 local residents

to play "natives," choosing a filming schedule that didn't conflict with the local sugarcane harvest.

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

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 Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in and around Morgan City Pro tip: Visit in the fall

. This production marked the birth of Louisiana's film industry and was the first major Hollywood feature shot on location outside of California or New York. Primary Filming Locations

The production spent nine weeks in Louisiana during the late summer of 1917, utilizing the local landscape as a stand-in for the African jungle: Lake End Park

: This waterfront site in Morgan City served as the main location for the hut scenes. The crew built many palmetto huts there, some of which were later burned for dramatic effect on camera. Atchafalaya Basin

: The film utilized the lush vegetation, waterways, and moss-draped cypress trees of the basin—the largest overflow swamp in America—to create a "jungle" atmosphere. Avoca Island

: Another specific local site used for jungle and outdoor sequences. Shannon Hardware

: Located in downtown Morgan City, this hardware store functioned as the production's prop shop and studio for building costumes and sets. Costello Hotel

: The cast and crew stayed here during their time in Morgan City.

California Locations: After wrapping in Louisiana, the remainder of the filming was completed in Hollywood at Griffith Park , the E&R Jungle Film Company , and the old . Morgan City was Chosen

Producers selected the area for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

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

The first-ever Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent classic Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in Morgan City, Louisiana

. This location served as a stand-in for the African jungle due to its lush vegetation, bayous, and moss-draped cypress trees. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City

While much of the original set was temporary or has since changed, several specific sites in the area were instrumental to the production: Lake End Park

: This waterfront area served as the backdrop for many of the film's "jungle" scenes. The production team built native palmetto huts here, some of which were dramatically burned for the movie's climax. Avoca Island : Located south of Morgan City

, this private island was used for various jungle and wilderness sequences. Atchafalaya Basin

: Aerial shots and wider landscapes were filmed across this massive swamp basin, which is the largest in North America. Shannon Hardware (Front Street)

: Now a local landmark, this downtown hardware store functioned as the film's prop shop and production office. Atchafalaya River Banks

: The untamed riverbanks were used to simulate the African coastline and waterways. Secondary Locations

After five weeks of location shooting in Louisiana, the production moved to California

for the remaining nine weeks to complete the film. These scenes were "stitched together" so seamlessly that audiences of the era reportedly could not distinguish between the two states. Why Morgan City ?

Producers chose this specific Louisiana town for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

Exotic Appearance: The moss-covered trees closely matched the "moss-covered branches" described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' original novel.

Infrastructure: The town offered necessary amenities for a large film crew, including hotels, a railway-serviced wharf, and local storage warehouses.

Casting: Producers recruited hundreds of local residents as extras, including members of the local Black population to portray natives—marking one of the first times Black actors played Black characters in a major film instead of using blackface. Visiting Today

If you're looking to explore this cinematic history, you can visit the Cajun Coast

, where self-guided movie location driving tours are occasionally organized. While the original sets are gone, Lake End Park

remains open to the public, offering the same mossy vistas seen in the 1918 blockbuster. Expand map Outdoor Filming Sites Production History

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