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Tarzan Goes to India

Name: Tarzan Goes to India
Director: John Guillermin
Released: 1962
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Minimal

1962

Approved

Director

John Guillermin

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tarzan Goes to India is a traditional adventure story that emphasizes physical action over addressing multiple aspects of identity. The film relies on established clichés of the Western hero, limiting its engagement with diverse identities. The story structure reinforces traditional hierarchies. While the setting is Indian, the narrative remains centered on a Western perspective, positioning the protagonist as the main force of change in a foreign environment. Overall, the film does not aim to challenge social or identity-based hierarchies. It presents a typical hero-versus-villain conflict without providing a systemic critique or meaningful representation of underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tarzan Goes to India have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It follows traditional conventions without any queer subtext or challenges to the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Tarzan Goes to India portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on masculine characters, particularly Tarzan and his opponent. An Indian princess starts the plot, but she mainly serves as a catalyst rather than having her own independent role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tarzan Goes to India?

Fair

The narrative centers on a Western protagonist exploring a foreign land. Although local characters are featured, the power dynamics reflect a colonialist framework where the Western hero intervenes in local issues.

How does Tarzan Goes to India represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film portrays the central conflict as a personal struggle between the hero and the villain. It does not deeply critique Western industrialism or challenge the dominance of Western culture.

Does Tarzan Goes to India include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of disabilities, either visible or invisible. Characters are shown primarily based on their physical abilities needed for the adventure genre.

Present on Screen

Includes local characters and an Indian setting to advance the plot.
Avoids obvious ethnic stereotypes in its depiction of the setting.

Limited or Absent

Female characters lack independent roles and often serve merely as plot catalysts.
Maintains a colonialist framework by centering a Western hero in a foreign land.
Does not represent LGBTQ+ or disabled individuals.
Focuses on personal heroics rather than a systemic critique of industrialism or capitalism.

Official Synopsis

Summoned by an Indian princess, Tarzan travels to India where hundreds of wild elephants are in danger. A company is building a hydroelectric dam and the contractors have only a few weeks to finish the job. The building of the dam will flood the valley surrounded by mountains. There is one pass through which the elephant herd can escape but that is being closed. Tarzan comes up against an old nemesis, Bryce, the chief engineer. Bryce undertook a similar dam project in Africa and had a penchant for shooting elephants. It's up to Tarzan to organize the move before Bryce manages to close the pass.

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