- Actors: Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron, Anthony Chinn
- Directors: Robert Day
- Writers: Robert Day, Berne Giler, Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Producers: Sy Weintraub
- Format: Colour, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language English
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 2.35:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Unrated (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: Warner Archives
- DVD Release Date: 20 April 2010
- Run Time: 92 minutes
- ASIN: B003JCUGYQ
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 85,673 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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6 reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Best...and Worst...Mahoney Tarzan Experience!
13 May 2010
Format:DVD-R
1963's "Tarzan's Three Challenges" is, by far, the best 'Tarzan' film of Jock Mahoney, exciting, colorful, and very entertaining...but the production, filmed in Thailand, also resulted in Mahoney contracting amoebic dysentery, dengue fever, and pneumonia, losing nearly 45 pounds during production, and requiring nearly two years to recover! It would, needless to say, be his last screen appearance as Tarzan...
Directed by Robert Day (who'd helmed 1960's "Tarzan the Magnificent", with Mahoney as the villain), the film balances producer Sy Weintraub's desire for an 'up-to-date' Tarzan (parachuting into the country), with a timeless, classic plot (in a mythic, Tibet-like realm, Tarzan must protect the child successor to the throne until his ordination, while the dead king's brother schemes to kill the child and take the throne for himself, and later, his son). Woody Strode, complete with slanted eyes, a dubbed voice, and a Herculean physique, is perfect in the villainous role, both commanding and impulsive.
The 'Three Challenges' of the title actually appear quite early in the film, as Tarzan is tested to determine his worthiness to protect the boy king. The challenges provides the film's iconic image, as Tarzan, in one test, must withstand two buffaloes attempting to pull him apart, for five gongs. Obviously filmed early into the production, Mahoney looks spectacular, his trim muscles strained to the limit!
While illness took an obvious toll during the filming (Mahoney became tired and worn, looking increasingly emaciated), he still performed his own stunts, and 'carried his load', earning the respect of the cast and crew. His climactic fight with Strode still packs a wallop, despite the differences in their physical condition. It's a very well-staged sword fight, and a high point in the film.
Despite a very short tenure as Tarzan, Jock Mahoney was quite good, and "Tarzan's Three Challenges" is definitely worth owning!
Directed by Robert Day (who'd helmed 1960's "Tarzan the Magnificent", with Mahoney as the villain), the film balances producer Sy Weintraub's desire for an 'up-to-date' Tarzan (parachuting into the country), with a timeless, classic plot (in a mythic, Tibet-like realm, Tarzan must protect the child successor to the throne until his ordination, while the dead king's brother schemes to kill the child and take the throne for himself, and later, his son). Woody Strode, complete with slanted eyes, a dubbed voice, and a Herculean physique, is perfect in the villainous role, both commanding and impulsive.
The 'Three Challenges' of the title actually appear quite early in the film, as Tarzan is tested to determine his worthiness to protect the boy king. The challenges provides the film's iconic image, as Tarzan, in one test, must withstand two buffaloes attempting to pull him apart, for five gongs. Obviously filmed early into the production, Mahoney looks spectacular, his trim muscles strained to the limit!
While illness took an obvious toll during the filming (Mahoney became tired and worn, looking increasingly emaciated), he still performed his own stunts, and 'carried his load', earning the respect of the cast and crew. His climactic fight with Strode still packs a wallop, despite the differences in their physical condition. It's a very well-staged sword fight, and a high point in the film.
Despite a very short tenure as Tarzan, Jock Mahoney was quite good, and "Tarzan's Three Challenges" is definitely worth owning!
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
AS GOOD AS IF NOT BETTER THAN I REMEMBERED IT TO BE! FINALLY ON DVD!
3 Aug 2010
Format:DVD-R
I was always more of a monster kid growing up in the 60's than a Tarzan kid, but there were Saturdays when horror films were no where to be found and Tarzan was a most enjoyable substitute! I grew up watching Johnny Weissmuller(my personal favorite), but I saw many films with the different incarnations of the "Lord of the Apes" in them.
I saw Tarzan's Three Challenges in a theater back in the 60's because my local theater would show films that were a few years old at matinees on Saturdays. This was great news for me as I was able to see films like 'King Kong VS Godzilla', 'Jack The Giant Killer', 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad' and 'The Planet of the Apes' a year to several years after their initial theatrical release in a movie theater!
Tarzan's Three Challenges is one of the most enjoyable of all Tarzan films with a straightforward storyline, great use of exotic locations and some well staged action. Jock Mahoney always reminded me a little of Weissmuller and I thought he made a very good Tarzan. This DVD is one of many that Warner Archives has released through their website. I've bought several rare titles through them and have been pleased overall.
I have had a few defective discs that Warner quickly replaced. The titles come with no frills, but the films look very good....no re-mastering has been done. This film looks very clean although after watching the trailer(which is included on this release), it is obvious that this film could look great if restored as the trailer has much brighter color than the film itself.
Regardless the picture looks fine and it is a treat to see this one again. If you like Tarzan films this one is a must see.
I saw Tarzan's Three Challenges in a theater back in the 60's because my local theater would show films that were a few years old at matinees on Saturdays. This was great news for me as I was able to see films like 'King Kong VS Godzilla', 'Jack The Giant Killer', 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad' and 'The Planet of the Apes' a year to several years after their initial theatrical release in a movie theater!
Tarzan's Three Challenges is one of the most enjoyable of all Tarzan films with a straightforward storyline, great use of exotic locations and some well staged action. Jock Mahoney always reminded me a little of Weissmuller and I thought he made a very good Tarzan. This DVD is one of many that Warner Archives has released through their website. I've bought several rare titles through them and have been pleased overall.
I have had a few defective discs that Warner quickly replaced. The titles come with no frills, but the films look very good....no re-mastering has been done. This film looks very clean although after watching the trailer(which is included on this release), it is obvious that this film could look great if restored as the trailer has much brighter color than the film itself.
Regardless the picture looks fine and it is a treat to see this one again. If you like Tarzan films this one is a must see.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A modernized and more human Tarzan
24 Oct 2011
Format:DVD-R
This 92 minute 1963 Tarzan movie stars 44 year old Jock Mahoney, the oldest actor to play the part of the African strongman. It is the second and the last Tarzan film that Mahoney will make. Rather than transpiring in Africa, the action takes place in Thailand. Tarzan has been summoned to Thailand to help a dying king who wants Tarzan to protect his son who he wants to succeed him. The king's son is being threatened by his uncle, the king's brother, who is determined to assume the throne at any cost. Before being allowed to protect the youngster, Tarzan needs to perform three tests which show that he is strong, adept at using weapons, and smart enough to protect the boy. Tarzan goes through many difficulties to bring the son to the royal palace. Once there, the boy also needs to pass tests, but these require magical intuition.
The story line is more complex and interesting than most Tarzan films, and has better acting. There is more drama and the events that occur are not the same well-worn happenings from prior Tarzan films that are repackaged. There is no Tarzan yell, or Jane or Boy causing Tarzan to stumble into trouble against his better judgment, as usually happens in this genre, or elephants rushing pell mell with determined faces, reassuring grunts, and trampling feet to save him. Mischevious Chetta is absent and an adorable, loving baby elephant takes its place and offers humorous interludes accompanied by happy and playful background music. There is, of course, no great depth to the plot line, but none is expected in Tarzan films, which are simply enjoyable adventure tales. Mahoney plays a Tarzan who speaks perfect English. Viewers will enjoy the film.
The story line is more complex and interesting than most Tarzan films, and has better acting. There is more drama and the events that occur are not the same well-worn happenings from prior Tarzan films that are repackaged. There is no Tarzan yell, or Jane or Boy causing Tarzan to stumble into trouble against his better judgment, as usually happens in this genre, or elephants rushing pell mell with determined faces, reassuring grunts, and trampling feet to save him. Mischevious Chetta is absent and an adorable, loving baby elephant takes its place and offers humorous interludes accompanied by happy and playful background music. There is, of course, no great depth to the plot line, but none is expected in Tarzan films, which are simply enjoyable adventure tales. Mahoney plays a Tarzan who speaks perfect English. Viewers will enjoy the film.
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