Where Was The First Tarzan Movie Filmed Top May 2026

Where the first Tarzan movie was filmed

The first Tarzan film, Tarzan of the Apes (released 1918), shot its “jungle” scenes in southern Louisiana and its studio scenes in the Los Angeles area. Production began in 1917: director Scott Sidney and a crew spent several weeks filming on location in the Atchafalaya Basin around Morgan City, Louisiana (notably Lake End Park and nearby cypress swamps) to stand in for Edgar Rice Burroughs’s moss-draped jungle. The company then moved to California—using Hollywood sets and the Griffith Park/Selig-era facilities and stock footage—to complete the picture.

Why Louisiana?

The Atchafalaya Basin’s Spanish-moss–draped trees matched Burroughs’s description and provided striking visuals.
Easy rail access to Morgan City made transporting equipment and props practical.
Local labor supplied many of the extras the production needed, including Black performers used in principal scenes (notably unusual for the era).
The production could combine authentic swamp location footage with California studio work and African travelog stock footage to create a convincing “African” setting.

Notable production facts

The film was produced by the National Film Corporation of America and starred Elmo Lincoln (adult Tarzan) and Enid Markey (Jane); multiple actors—including a child actor and stunt performers—portrayed Tarzan at different ages.
Many ape roles were played by circus acrobats in costumes rather than real apes; some wildlife inserts came from travelogues.
Tarzan of the Apes was one of the first major U.S. features filmed outside New York/California and became an early box-office hit.

Legacy

Morgan City claims an important place in early Hollywood history: the film is credited as the first major feature shot on location in Louisiana and helped establish the practice of mixing location and studio footage.
Lake End Park and the Atchafalaya swamps remain the most frequently cited real-world stand-ins for the movie’s jungle sequences.

Sources consulted: contemporary film histories and location accounts documenting the 1917 Morgan City shoots and the Los Angeles studio work for Tarzan of the Apes (1918).

The first Tarzan movie, the 1918 silent film Tarzan of the Apes , was primarily filmed in and around Morgan City

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

. This silent film used the lush, moss-covered vegetation of the South Louisiana bayous as a stand-in for the African jungle. Primary Filming Locations in Morgan City

The production spent about five weeks on location in 1917, utilizing several specific areas in and around the city: Atchafalaya Basin Swamps

: The dense, exotic-looking swampland served as the primary backdrop for the jungle scenes. Lake End Park

: A waterfront area with numerous moss-covered trees where many of the "jungle" sequences were shot. Avoca Island

: One of the specific island locations used for filming within the surrounding waterways. Local Hardware Store : A building in downtown Morgan City

served as the production's prop shop for building sets and costumes Supplemental Filming Locations Morgan City

was the main location, additional scenes were completed elsewhere Griffith Park, Los Angeles

: Used for additional filming after the crew returned to California. E&R Jungle Film Company

: Studios in Hollywood used for supplemental production work. Morgan City Producers chose this location for its lush vegetation convenient logistics

, such as railway-serviced wharves and nearby hotels like the Costello Hotel

, which housed the cast and crew. The area also provided a large number of local residents who were hired as extras. Expand map Louisiana Locations California Locations local legends

involving monkeys left behind in the Louisiana swamps after filming wrapped?

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. where was the first tarzan movie filmed top

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:

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.
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:

Logistical challenges: Transporting equipment and personnel to remote locations was a significant undertaking, especially given the limited infrastructure available at the time.
Weather conditions: The team had to contend with unpredictable weather, including heat, rain, and dust, which could damage equipment and disrupt filming.
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.

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. Where the first Tarzan movie was filmed The

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?

The very first Tarzan film to ever hit the big screen, the 1918 silent classic Tarzan of the Apes, was primarily filmed in the lush, moss-covered swamps of Morgan City, Louisiana. While many modern viewers associate Tarzan with Hollywood studio sets or African landscapes, this original production chose the American South for its distinctive, jungle-like vegetation and accessible infrastructure. The Surprising Birthplace: Morgan City, Louisiana

In 1917, director Scott Sidney and his crew arrived in Morgan City to begin shooting. The location was chosen for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

The Atchafalaya Basin: The vast, prehistoric-looking swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle.

Spanish Moss: Filmmakers utilized the region's famous moss-draped cypress trees to create an atmospheric, wild environment, even though Spanish moss is not actually found in Africa.

Lake End Park: Many of the film’s iconic "hut scenes" were shot at this waterfront site, where the production team built a primitive village of palmetto huts.

Logistics and Diversity: Morgan City offered easy rail access for heavy equipment and a local population that provided both extras and a prop shop out of a downtown hardware store. Historical Significance of the 1918 Shoot

The production of Tarzan of the Apes in Louisiana was groundbreaking for several reasons:

First Major Location Shoot: It was one of the first major U.S. motion pictures filmed on location outside of California or New York.

Box Office Milestone: It was the first silent film to earn over $1 million at the box office, becoming an overnight sensation.

Casting Breakthroughs: The film was among the first in Hollywood history where Black actors portrayed Black characters on screen, moving away from the then-standard practice of using white actors in blackface. Other Notable Early Tarzan Locations

While Morgan City holds the title for the first film, subsequent early Tarzan movies explored other "jungles":

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

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.

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, 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 .

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

. While later versions, such as the 1932 film starring Johnny Weissmuller, used locations like Silver Springs, Florida

, the original production transformed the Louisiana swamplands into a stand-in for the African jungle . Primary Filming Locations in Morgan City

The production utilized several specific sites in and around the city to create the world of Tarzan: Lake End Park

: This waterfront site served as the primary location for "jungle" scenes, where the crew built palmetto huts for the production Atchafalaya Basin

: The vast, moss-draped swamps of the basin provided the "wild" aesthetic required for the film's outdoor and aerial sequences Avoca Island

: Additional jungle and swamp scenes were shot on this island near the city Shannon Hardware

: Located in downtown Morgan City, this local hardware store was used as a prop studio to build sets and costumes . Supplementary Locations California : After filming for nine weeks in , the production moved to California to complete the remaining scenes, including work at Griffith Park and the in Hollywood . New Orleans : Some filming took place at the New Orleans Athletic Club , particularly involving acrobats who played the apes . Why Morgan City Was Chosen Filmmakers selected Morgan City for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

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Specific Shooting Locations in Louisiana

Morgan City: The town served as the production’s base camp. Scenes featuring the Fuwalda (the ship on which Tarzan’s parents are marooned) were shot along the banks of the Teche River.
Weeks Island and Avery Island: These salt dome islands, with their dense, untamed woodlands, were used for scenes involving the ape tribe and Tarzan’s treehouse.
The Teche River: Many river and jungle-bank sequences were filmed directly on this slow-moving bayou, with native pirogues (small boats) standing in for African canoes.

Interestingly, a secondary location was used for specific interior and studio-bound scenes: Universal City, California. The film’s production company, the National Film Corporation of America, also used Universal’s backlots for controlled jungle sets and close-up work with the actors portraying apes.

2. It Launched Elmo Lincoln’s Career

Lincoln, a former bodybuilder and actor, became the first “screen Tarzan.” He returned to Morgan City decades later for a cameo in a 1949 Tarzan serial, proving the location’s lasting connection to the character.

1. The Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana (The Jungle)

The primary location unit for the jungle scenes was dispatched to the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. This is perhaps the most surprising fact for modern viewers; the "African" jungle that Tarzan swung through was actually the largest swamp in the United States.

The production team chose Louisiana because it offered the dense, humid, and tangled vegetation that the script demanded. At the time, traveling to Africa for a film shoot was logistically impossible and far too expensive for a burgeoning Hollywood studio. Louisiana provided a convincing double for the equatorial regions, with its hanging Spanish moss, cypress knees, and murky waters.

During the filming in the basin, the cast and crew faced genuine hardships. The environment was not a set; it was a living, breathing, and dangerous swamp. Reports from the set indicate that the actors were frequently attacked by mosquitoes, had to contend with real alligators, and suffered through the intense humidity. This authenticity translated to the screen, giving the 1918 film a gritty, realistic texture that studio backlots could not have replicated.

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:

Summary

To summarize, the first Tarzan movie, Tarzan of the Apes (1918), was filmed in two main locations: Notable production facts

The Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana: Used for the dense jungle scenes and natural environment.
Los Angeles, California: Used for studio shots, interiors, and coastal scenes.

Does Any Footage Still Exist?

Yes, but not in its original full form. For decades, Tarzan of the Apes (1918) was considered a lost film. However, incomplete prints have surfaced in film archives. The UCLA Film and Television Archive and the George Eastman Museum hold partial reels. What remains shows the Louisiana landscape clearly doubling for Africa—cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss standing in for towering African hardwoods.