For fans of vintage adventure, the 1966 film Tarzan and the Valley of Gold holds a unique place in the franchise’s long history. It was the first—and, as it turned out, only—theatrical Tarzan movie to star former football player and model Mike Henry, who took over the role of the Lord of the Apes from the more famous Johnny Weissmuller and Gordon Scott.
The film follows Tarzan as he leaves his jungle home to rescue a kidnapped boy from a maniacal would-be conqueror in the legendary (and aptly named) “Valley of Gold.” While the plot is classic B-movie pulp, the film is notable for its location shooting in Mexico (giving it a sun-scorched, rugged look) and its catchy, big-band jazz score by Lalo Schifrin, who would later become famous for the Mission: Impossible theme.
Why the Internet Archive? Because of a lapse in copyright renewal, Tarzan and the Valley of Gold has entered the public domain in the United States. This means it is completely free to download, share, and stream. The Internet Archive is a primary destination for this film.
What to expect on the Archive:
How to find it:
archive.org"Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" 1966A note for collectors: If you enjoy the film, be aware that official DVD/Blu-ray releases exist from boutique labels (like Warner Archive’s 2009 DVD), which offer restored picture and sound. However, for the casual viewer or the public domain purist, the Internet Archive provides a free, legal, and instantly accessible way to watch Mike Henry’s sole turn as Tarzan.
Disclaimer: While the film is public domain in the U.S., its copyright status may vary in other countries. The Internet Archive hosts it under fair use and public domain guidelines.
You can’t find this version of Tarzan on Netflix. It rarely appears on Disney+ (which now owns the rights to much of the Tarzan library, but not all of these odd foreign co-prods). Even physical media is a hunt.
But the Internet Archive (archive.org)—a non-profit digital library—holds a beautiful, grainy, public-domain-adjacent print of the 1966 film. And that’s where the magic happens.
Search for “Tarzan 1966” on the Archive, and you’ll likely find a scan of a 16mm print. The colors are washed. The audio has a warm hiss. You’ll see reel-change cues flash in the corner. It feels less like streaming a movie and more like borrowing a worn film reel from a retired projectionist in 1983.
In the golden age of television, few characters swung as mightily—or changed as dramatically—as the Lord of the Apes. While audiences fondly remember Johnny Weissmuller’s cinematic yodels or the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1970s, a fascinating transitional relic often gets lost in the underbrush: the 1966 Tarzan television series.
For decades, finding high-quality, legal, or even viewable copies of this specific iteration was a quest worthy of the jungle itself. That was until the rise of the Internet Archive (archive.org)—the digital library that has become a sanctuary for lost media. Today, using the keyword "Tarzan 1966 Internet Archive" unlocks a treasure trove of vintage action, cheesy scriptwriting, and cultural history.
But what exactly is the 1966 Tarzan series? Why is it significant? And how can you ethically navigate the Internet Archive to view it? Let’s cut through the digital vines.
One of the best features of the Internet Archive is direct downloading. Once you find the Tarzan collection:
The 1966 Tarzan most people mean is the Ron Ely TV series (aired 1966–68). It marked a deliberate “modernized” Tarzan: literate, articulate, and no longer defined by the Jane relationship; production shot early episodes in Brazil then moved to Mexico; it ran 57 hour-long episodes and kept familiar elements like the Tarzan yell and Cheeta.
What you’ll find on the Internet Archive
How to search effectively on archive.org
Rights, quality, and reliability notes
Context and why it matters
Quick practical tips
If you’d like, I can:
The 1966–1968 NBC Tarzan series starring Ron Ely is preserved on the Internet Archive, featuring video episodes, audio recordings, and related print materials. The collection highlights a departure from previous iterations by focusing on an educated Tarzan who chose to return to the jungle. Explore the collection directly on the Internet Archive. Tarzan page 1 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming
DOWNLOAD OPTIONS * 2.4M. Episode 1 download. * 2.0M. Episode 2 download. * 2.5M. Episode 3 download. * 2.4M. Episode 4 download. * Internet Archive
The "interesting story" behind the 1966 Tarzan series, which fans often rediscover via the Internet Archive, is the sheer physical toll it took on its star, Ron Ely.
Unlike many actors before him, Ely insisted on performing his own stunts—a decision that led to a legendary list of "battle scars" that would make any modern insurance company faint. The Man Who Refused a Stunt Double
While the 1966 series was a hit on NBC, it is remembered in Hollywood lore as one of the most dangerous productions ever filmed . By the end of the show's two-season run, Ron Ely had suffered: Two broken shoulders Multiple lion bites A fractured back
Numerous torn muscles from swinging on real vines (which are significantly more abrasive than movie props) The "Ape" Who Wasn't an Ape
The Internet Archive also preserves the specific 1966 shift in Tarzan's character. For the first time on screen, Tarzan was portrayed as an educated, sophisticated man—John Clayton, Lord Greystoke—who chose to return to the jungle after becoming fed up with "civilized" society . This was a major departure from the "Me Tarzan, You Jane" monosyllabic versions of the past. Why the Internet Archive Matters for Fans
Because the 1966 series faced complex licensing issues for decades, it was rarely seen in syndication or on high-quality DVD sets. The Internet Archive became a digital sanctuary for the show, hosting fan-uploaded episodes that allow viewers to see:
Cheetah the Chimpanzee: Who was actually played by several different chimps, some of whom were notoriously difficult to work with.
The Cinematic Quality: The show was filmed entirely on location in Brazil and Mexico, giving it a lush, gritty look that set it apart from studio-bound dramas of the time.
Nostitundum: Rediscovering the 1966 Tarzan on the Internet Archive
In the vast, dusty digital attic that is the Internet Archive, amidst the grainy newsreels and abandoned shareware, lies a collection of film reels that transport the viewer back to the primeval jungles of 1960s television. The 1966 Tarzan series, starring former NFL linebacker Ron Ely, represents a fascinating pivot point in the character's history. While the Internet Archive is often lauded for its preservation of public domain films and forgotten media, the presence of this particular series highlights not just the accessibility of retro content, but the enduring appeal of a more innocent, athletic, and surprisingly introspective version of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ legendary ape-man.
To understand the significance of finding the 1966 series on the Archive, one must first understand the context of the character’s evolution. By the mid-1960s, Tarzan was in danger of becoming a caricature. The legacy of Johnny Weissmuller had defined the character for decades as a monosyllabic strongman. The 1966 series, produced by Sy Weintraub, sought to correct this course. In the episodes available for streaming on the Internet Archive—often uploaded in varying qualities by dedicated patrons of the platform—viewers can witness Ron Ely’s interpretation, which harkened back to Burroughs' original literary vision. Ely’s Tarzan was articulate, educated, and polyglotal. He was a thinking man’s action hero, a version that is strikingly apparent when viewing these episodes in high concentration.
The Internet Archive serves as an unintentional curated museum for this specific era of television. Unlike modern streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, which prioritize high-definition restorations and current hits, the Archive presents the 1966 Tarzan in its raw, often commercial-free state. This rawness adds to the experience. Watching an episode like "The Ultimate Weapon" or "The Day of the Golden Lion" through the Archive’s browser player feels akin to finding a syndicated rerun on a UHF channel at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday. It preserves the broadcast aesthetic—the grain of the film stock, the practical effects, and the vibrant, oversaturated colors of the era.
One of the distinct pleasures of revisiting this series through the Archive is the appreciation of its production values. Ron Ely, who passed away recently in 2024, performs many of his own stunts in these episodes, a fact that is prominently noted in the show’s credits. Watching these sequences, digitized for posterity, one gains a respect for the physical danger inherent in 1960s television production. There is no CGI to smooth over the edges; when Tarzan swings from a vine or wrestles a "beast" (often an elephant or a big cat that looks far too real for comfort), the tension is palpable. The Internet Archive preserves not just the story, but the labor of the actors, keeping Ely’s athleticism alive for new generations.
Furthermore, the Archive allows for a critical look at the show’s setting. Filmed on location in Mexico and Brazil, the series utilized lush, real-world jungles rather than studio backlots. The digital preservation of these landscapes serves as an environmental time capsule. The episodes available on the Archive showcase a world before the Amazon was ravaged by the scale of deforestation seen today, offering a verdant, albeit romanticized, view of the natural world that stands in stark contrast to modern green-screen productions.
However, viewing the series on the Internet Archive also forces a confrontation with the colonial and racial attitudes inherent in the genre. The "natives" are often portrayed with the reductive stereotypes typical of 1960s Hollywood. While the Archive does not edit or censor these elements, its role as a preservationist institution allows viewers to engage with these problematic aspects historically rather than ignoring them. It serves as a lesson in the evolution of cultural representation in media.
Ultimately, the existence of the 1966 Tarzan on the Internet Archive is a triumph of digital archiving. In a media landscape where rights issues often lead to content being vaulted or memory-holed, the Archive ensures that Ron Ely’s contribution to the Tarzan mythos remains accessible. It is a resource that transforms the act of watching TV into an act of historical research. For the casual viewer, it is an adventure; for the scholar, it is a text. In the digital stacks of the Archive, the Lord of the Jungle continues to swing, ensuring that the yell of Ron Ely echoes through the internet, preserved forever against the ravages of time.
The 1966 Tarzan television series, starring Ron Ely, represents a pivotal shift in the character's cinematic history, moving away from the "monosyllabic" portrayal popularized by Johnny Weissmuller toward the sophisticated, educated figure originally written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. tarzan 1966 internet archive
On the Internet Archive, this collection serves as a vital preservation project for fans of classic adventure television. Content Overview
The Premise: This version features a Tarzan who has returned to the jungle after being educated in the West. He is a sophisticated man who chooses to protect the African wilderness from modern encroachers, accompanied by his chimpanzee sidekick, Cheeta, and a young orphan named Jai (Manuel Padilla Jr.).
Production Value: Filmed largely on location in Brazil and Mexico, the series stands out for its lush, authentic scenery, which provides a level of realism often missing from the backlot-heavy Tarzan films of the 1940s and 50s.
Stunt Work: Ron Ely famously performed many of his own stunts, leading to numerous real-life injuries during production. This physicality is evident on screen, giving the action a gritty, high-stakes feel. Internet Archive Viewing Experience
Availability: The Archive hosts various uploads of the series, ranging from individual episodes to full-season compilations.
Visual Quality: As is common with public domain or community-uploaded content, the quality is variable. Most files are sourced from syndicated television broadcasts or older DVD transfers. Expect some "softness" in the image and occasional film grain, which adds a nostalgic, vintage aesthetic.
Accessibility: The episodes are typically available to stream directly in the browser or download in formats like MP4 and OGG, making it an excellent resource for researchers or fans without access to physical media. Why It’s Worth Watching
Character Depth: This is widely considered the first "modern" take on Tarzan, bridging the gap between the pulp roots and the more psychological interpretations seen in later decades.
Guest Stars: The series featured an impressive roster of guest talent, including Ossie Davis, James Earl Jones, and Diana Ross.
Historical Significance: It remains a definitive example of mid-60s "jungle adventure" TV, capturing the transition from black-and-white tropes to full-color location shooting.
(Blog Title: Celluloid Jungle / Subtitle: Swinging Through the Stacks)
Title: From Simpson to the Stacks: Revisiting the Peculiar 1966 ‘Tarzan’ on the Internet Archive
There’s a specific moment in film history—roughly 1966—where the studio system was gasping its last breath, television was eating the matinee market, and adventure heroes were trying to find their footing in a psychedelic, Bond-inflected world. Enter Tarzan (1966).
No, not the Johnny Weissmuller serials. Not the Disney cartoon. Not even the later Bo Derek spectacle. I’m talking about the little-discussed, often-mocked, yet strangely fascinating Tarzan 1966—a film that, thanks to the Internet Archive, is now swinging out of obscurity and back into the sunlight for anyone with a browser and an open mind.
The 1966 Tarzan series is more than just a old TV show. It is a time capsule of 1960s action-adventure, a monument to stuntwork before safety regulations, and the definitive bridge between the cinematic Tarzan and the modern superhero.
Thanks to the Internet Archive, this lost jungle lord has been rescued from the vaults and given a second life online. By searching for the keyword "Tarzan 1966 Internet Archive", you are not just finding entertainment—you are participating in a digital preservation movement that ensures Ron Ely’s yodel echoes through the internet for centuries to come.
So, chrome your spear (or just open a new browser tab). Visit archive.org. Listen for the yell. The jungle is waiting.
Further Resources:
Swing Into Nostalgia: Rediscovering the 1966 Tarzan Series on the Internet Archive
For many of us, the definitive image of the "Lord of the Jungle" isn't a cartoon or a big-budget CGI spectacle—it’s the rugged, athletic presence of in the 1966
television series. While modern streaming platforms often overlook these vintage gems, the Internet Archive
has become a vital sanctuary for preserving this iconic piece of TV history. What Makes the 1966 Series Special?
Unlike earlier iterations that portrayed Tarzan as an uneducated "primitive" speaker, the 1966 NBC series returned to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original vision of an articulate, educated man who chose to return to the wild. Ron Ely’s Dedication:
Ely famously performed his own stunts, resulting in numerous real-life injuries that added a layer of gritty authenticity to the show. On-Location Filming:
The lush backdrops of Brazil and Mexico gave the show a scale and vibrant color palette that stood out during the silver age of television. The Dynamic Duo: The chemistry between Tarzan and his chimpanzee sidekick, , remains a highlight for fans of all ages. How to Find It on the Internet Archive Internet Archive
serves as a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, and software. Because many episodes of the 1966 series have entered the cultural commons or are preserved by dedicated collectors, you can often find high-quality transfers there. Search Tip: Head to the Internet Archive homepage
and use the search bar to look for "Tarzan 1966" or "Tarzan Ron Ely." Filter by Media Type: On the left-hand sidebar, select to narrow down the results to full episodes and clips. Check the Metadata: Review the
(title, date, and description) to find specific episodes or season compilations. Why Preservation Matters
Digital archives are more than just a way to watch free content; they are "powerful information preservation services" that protect primary sources of our culture from being lost to time. While the first thirteen books are now in the public domain
, television series like the 1966 run rely on archives to ensure that future generations can experience the jungle adventures that defined an era. Tacoma Community College Library Are you ready to revisit the jungle?
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious about classic TV, the 1966 series is just a few clicks away. optimize this post with specific SEO keywords or add a section on how to download episodes for offline viewing? Citing Sources: Citing Internet Archive, Wayback Machine
Swinging Through History: Rediscovering Tarzan (1966) on the Internet Archive
If you’re a fan of vintage adventure and classic television, there is a hidden gem waiting for you in the digital vaults of the Internet Archive . The 1966 Tarzan television series
, starring Ron Ely, remains one of the most iconic interpretations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' legendary character.
While many versions of the Ape Man have graced the screen, the 1966 series stands out for its unique take on the lore and its rugged, authentic production. Here is why you should take a digital trip back to the jungle. The Ron Ely Era: A Different Kind of Tarzan
Unlike the "me Tarzan, you Jane" versions of the past, the 1966 series featured an educated, articulate Tarzan who had returned to the jungle after years in civilization. Ron Ely performed many of his own stunts, bringing a physical authenticity that is rare to see today. The show traded the soundstages of Hollywood for the lush, real-world locations of Brazil and Mexico, giving every episode a cinematic feel. What You'll Find in the Archive
The Internet Archive’s Tarzan collection is a treasure trove for preservationists and casual fans alike:
Episode Library: You can find dozens of full episodes available for streaming or download, allowing you to binge the series just like it's 1966.
Vintage Comic Strips: Beyond the show, the archive also hosts classic Tarzan comic strips from the 1960s, which captured the character's adventures in a different medium during the same era. Swinging into the Public Domain: Tarzan and the
Free Accessibility: As a nonprofit library, the Internet Archive ensures these cultural artifacts remain accessible to everyone for free, preserving the legacy of Ron Ely’s performance for future generations. Why It Still Matters Watching Tarzan
in 2026 offers a fascinating look at mid-century action television. It’s a mix of pulp adventure, environmental themes, and a hero who relies on his wits as much as his muscles. Whether you’re a researcher of TV history or just looking for some classic weekend entertainment, this collection is a must-visit.
To find the 1966 Tarzan TV series (starring Ron Ely) on the Internet Archive, you can search for collections that include the show's 57 episodes. While the series is commercially available via the Warner Archive Collection, several community-uploaded versions and historical artifacts exist on the platform. 1. Finding the Series
Search Terms: Use the Internet Archive Search Bar and enter phrases like "Tarzan 1966 TV", "Ron Ely Tarzan", or "Tarzan Season 1".
Collection Types: Look for items under the Movies or Community Video sections.
Key Identifiers: The 1966 series is distinguished by Ron Ely's portrayal of a well-educated, articulate Tarzan who returns to the jungle after living in civilization. 2. Available Content and Formats Episodes: There are 57 total episodes across two seasons.
Video Formats: Archived videos are typically available in MPEG4 (.mp4) or h.264 formats.
Related Artifacts: You can find vintage TV Guide scans from 1966 and behind-the-scenes footage, such as the Texas Archive of the Moving Image's clip of a 1966 cast reunion. Finding and Accessing Online Resources: Internet Archive
Guide to Tarzan 1966 on Internet Archive
Introduction
The 1966 film "Tarzan" starring Ron Ely is a classic adventure movie that can be streamed for free on the Internet Archive. This guide provides an overview of the film, its plot, cast, and technical details, as well as instructions on how to watch it online.
Film Details
Plot Summary
The film is a retelling of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, with Ron Ely starring as Tarzan, the legendary jungle hero. The movie follows Tarzan as he navigates the dangers of the African jungle, battles poachers, and falls in love with a beautiful woman named Jane.
Cast
Technical Details
How to Watch on Internet Archive
Tips and Variations
Conclusion
The 1966 film "Tarzan" starring Ron Ely is a fun and adventurous movie that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. With this guide, you're ready to watch the film online for free on Internet Archive. Enjoy!
The rhythmic thumping of the ceiling fan was the only sound in the cluttered basement, a steady heartbeat against the oppressive summer heat. Elias squinted at the glowing monitor, his eyes gritty from hours of scrolling. He was deep in the digital stacks of the Internet Archive, hunting for a specific kind of gold: television history that had slipped through the cracks of corporate preservation.
His white whale was Tarzan (1966), the Ron Ely series.
Most people remembered the movies or the cartoons, but Elias was obsessed with this specific live-action incarnation. It was the one where Tarzan didn’t just swing on vines; he was a lithe, articulate guardian of the jungle who fought poachers with a stoic intensity. The problem was that the series had been notoriously difficult to find in high quality. It was a "orphaned" show—loved, but left behind by the studios.
Elias took a sip of lukewarm coffee and hit Enter on a new search query: “Tarzan 1966 Internet Archive color.”
The page loaded. Usually, this yielded a grainy, 240p transfer from a worn VHS tape, the colors bleeding into a muddy brown mess. But tonight, the top result was different.
Item: Tarzan_NBC_1966_Pilot_35mm_Scan_Unrestored. Uploader: JungleGhost_99. Date: 2 hours ago.
Elias’s heart skipped a beat. 35mm scan? That was film stock quality. That was the holy grail.
He clicked the link. There was no description, no metadata tags. Just a single .mkv file sitting in the player window. He checked the "Share" stats. It had zero views. He was the first.
"Okay," Elias whispered to the silence. "Let's see what you got."
He hovered the mouse over the play icon. The thumbnail was black. He clicked.
The static of the film reel filled his speakers—a crisp, mechanical popping sound that VHS tapes never had. Then, the NBC Peacock fanned its tail in vibrant, living color. It wasn't the washed-out pastel of 1960s TV broadcasts; this was deep, saturated technicolor.
The episode began. It was "Eternal Savage," the pilot. Elias leaned forward, mesmerized. He had seen screenshots, but seeing the jungle in 1080p was like opening a window. He could see the texture on Ron Ely’s leather tunic, the individual beads of sweat on his forehead, and the distinct species of ferns in the background.
But at the four-minute mark, something strange happened.
In the show, Tarzan was supposed to be tracking a rogue elephant. In the standard version, he spots the beast, climbs a tree, and surveys the valley. But in this file, the camera lingered. The shot held for ten seconds, then twenty. It was a static frame of the jungle canopy.
Elias frowned. "A glitch in the scan," he muttered, reaching to drag the progress bar forward.
But the progress bar wouldn't move. It was stuck. Yet, the video wasn't frozen. The leaves were rustling in the wind. A bird flew across the frame—a bird that wasn't a prop.
This wasn't a paused frame. This was raw, uncut B-roll footage.
Then, faintly, a voice came through the speakers. It wasn't an actor. It was clipped, authoritative, and coming from behind the camera.
"Steady on the pan. Keep the focus tight on the ridge line. He's coming out." Multiple versions: You will find several uploads, ranging
Elias pulled his headphones tighter. It was the director, maybe? But the voice didn't sound like it was giving direction to actors. It sounded like a documentary crew.
On screen, the foliage parted. Ron Ely emerged, looking grim. But he wasn't looking at the camera. He was looking past it, toward the ridge. And in the high definition of the 35mm scan, Elias noticed something he had never seen in the grainy VHS rips.
In the far background, behind the rubber tree prop, there was a blur of motion. It was gray, massive, and moving with a fluidity that defied the physics of a man in a suit.
Elias took a screenshot. He opened the image in an editing program and cranked the exposure.
His breath hitched. It wasn't a man in a gorilla suit. The musculature was too defined, the eyes too intelligent. It looked like... a silverback mountain gorilla. But the show was filmed on the backlot of a studio in California. They used actors in suits for the apes. They didn't bring in real silverbacks.
He went back to the video. The scene continued. Tarzan raised his hand, signaling stop. In the show, he was supposed to whistle. But instead, Ely froze. He looked genuinely unsettled.
The camera jostled violently. Dust motes danced in the sharp sunlight.
"Cut! Get the wranglers!" the voice on the audio track shouted. "It's on the loose! Secure the perimeter!"
The video cut to black, then abruptly switched to another reel. This
For fans of classic adventure, the 1966 Tarzan TV series represents a unique turning point for the legendary Lord of the Jungle. Starring Ron Ely, this version of Tarzan moved away from the "me Tarzan, you Jane" monosyllabic grunts of earlier films, presenting an articulate, well-educated hero who chose to return to the jungle after becoming disillusioned with civilization.
Today, the Internet Archive serves as a vital digital sanctuary for this series, offering a way for new audiences and nostalgic fans alike to rediscover its 57-episode run. The Ron Ely Era: A New Kind of Hero
When the show premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966, it introduced a Tarzan who was closer to the original vision of creator Edgar Rice Burroughs.
The Intelligent Tarzan: Unlike the versions popularized by Johnny Weissmuller, Ron Ely’s Tarzan spoke perfect English and possessed a sharp, tactical mind.
No Jane: In a significant departure from tradition, the show featured no Jane. Instead, Tarzan was often accompanied by an orphan boy named Jai (played by Manuel Padilla Jr.) and the ever-present chimpanzee, Cheeta.
Authentic Danger: Ron Ely famously performed many of his own stunts, which led to numerous real-life injuries, including lion bites and broken bones, adding a gritty authenticity to the series. Finding "Tarzan" (1966) on the Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a treasure trove for finding episodes, promotional materials, and even the iconic theme song of the 1966 series. Users can typically find:
Episodes: Various collections, such as the Tarzan Page 1 collection, host digitized versions of episodes from both seasons.
Audio and Music: The Tarzan - 1966 - Theme Song is available for streaming, capturing the adventurous spirit of the mid-60s.
Historical Context: You can also find scans of Old Comic Strips from the 1966–1969 period, which mirrored the television show's aesthetic. Production and Legacy
Filming for the series began in the lush jungles of Brazil before production relocated to Mexico. Despite only running for two seasons (1966–1968), the show became a staple of global syndication for decades.
Ron Ely in Tarzan Ron Ely is best known for his portrayal ... - Facebook
The 1966 Tarzan television series, starring Ron Ely, is a cult classic known for its more sophisticated take on the character—depicting Tarzan as an educated man who returned to the jungle. Several high-quality collections of this era are available on the Internet Archive. Available 1966 Content on Internet Archive
Full TV Series Episodes: You can find various uploads of the 1966–1968 NBC series. Some collections, like the Tarzan page 1 collection , offer free streaming and downloads of individual episodes from the Ron Ely era.
Vintage Comic Strips: For fans of the visual art from that year, the Old Comic Strips - Tarzan (1960 - 69) collection includes scanned archives of the daily and Sunday newspaper strips, capturing the specific artistic style of the mid-60s.
Old Time Radio (OTR) Backlog: While the TV show was airing, the Internet Archive also preserved Tarzan Radio Episodes from earlier decades that were often rebroadcast or recirculated during the 60s. Why This Version Matters
The 1966 series was a turning point for the franchise. Unlike previous "ape-man" versions who spoke in broken English, Ron Ely's Tarzan was:
Articulate and Well-Educated: He was portrayed as Lord Greystoke, a man who had seen civilization and chose to return to nature.
Stunt-Heavy: Ron Ely famously performed many of his own stunts, leading to numerous real-life injuries that added a raw, physical authenticity to the show.
Filmed on Location: Much of the series was shot in Brazil and Mexico, providing lush, cinematic backdrops that were rare for 1960s television. How to Access
To view these items, visit the Internet Archive and search for "Tarzan 1966" or "Ron Ely Tarzan." Most files are available in MP4 for video or PDF/CBR for comics, allowing for easy viewing on modern devices.
Swinging Through History: The 1966 Tarzan TV Series on Internet Archive If you’re a fan of classic adventure, the 1966 Tarzan TV series
is a fascinating piece of television history that has found a second life for digital archivists. This version of the jungle hero was a departure from the "monosyllabic savage" often seen in earlier films, presenting an educated and articulate Lord Greystoke who chose to return to the jungle. For those looking to revisit these episodes, the Internet Archive
serves as a vital repository for this and other vintage media. Why the 1966 Series is Unique
The show, which ran on NBC from 1966 to 1968, was noted for its high production values and its "new look" for the character: The "Civilized" Tarzan
: Unlike the Johnny Weissmuller era, Ron Ely's Tarzan was a well-educated man who had attended the finest schools before returning to his roots. No Jane, More Action
: The series famously excluded Jane, focusing instead on Tarzan's adventures with the orphan boy (played by Manuel Padilla Jr.) and the chimpanzee Stellar Guest Stars
: The show was a magnet for talent, featuring appearances by icons like James Earl Jones Diana Ross and The Supremes (playing nuns!), and Ethel Merman Real Danger
: Ron Ely was known for performing many of his own stunts, which led to numerous injuries during the show's two-season run. Finding Tarzan on the Internet Archive Internet Archive
is a goldmine for fans of this era. While copyright for the series itself can be complex—as the Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
estate is notoriously protective of the trademark—various archival materials are available:
Full text of "Vintage TV Guide Magazines" - Internet Archive Video * Animation & Cartoons. * Television. Internet Archive