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Tarzan-X: Shame of Jane (also known as Tharzan - La vera storia del figlio della giungla ), released in 1995 and directed by Joe D'Amato , is an erotic retelling of the classic Tarzan legend. Core Story & Plot

The narrative follows Jane, a socialite on an expedition in Africa, as she discovers a feral man living among the apes. The Encounter : Jane meets Tarzan (played by Rocco Siffredi

) in the jungle. Rather than just a survival story, the film focuses on their developing physical attraction and Jane's role in teaching him about "civilized" human interaction. The Journey

: After falling in love, Jane brings Tarzan back to Britain. The story then explores Tarzan's culture shock as he attempts to adapt to high-society life in the city. The "Shame"

: The title refers to Jane's departure from her refined upbringing as she embraces her primitive desires and an unconventional relationship with the "Ape Man". Production Details

: Unlike many low-budget productions of the era, the film was shot on location in

, giving it more authentic scenery than typical studio-bound adult films. : It stars adult film actors Rocco Siffredi as Tarzan and his real-life wife, Rosa Caracciolo , as Jane. Controversy

: The film gained notoriety when the estate of Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs

attempted to sue the production; however, the lawsuit was unsuccessful. Tarzan - Shame of Jane (1995) - IMDb

Tarzan & Jane (1995) - A Nostalgic Animated Adventure

"Tarzan & Jane" is a made-for-TV movie that revisits the beloved characters from Disney's 1999 animated film, "Tarzan." Released in 1995, this retro sequel brings back the iconic voice cast, including Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Mia Farrow as Jane.

The story takes place one year after Tarzan and Jane's iconic meeting in the jungle. Lord Clayton, a villainous hunter, returns with a plan to capture Tarzan and Jane, forcing them to flee into the heart of the jungle. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including treacherous terrain, ferocious beasts, and Clayton's henchmen.

The film's strengths lie in its colorful animation, engaging action sequences, and the undeniable chemistry between Tarzan and Jane. The voice acting is top-notch, with Goldwyn and Farrow reprising their roles with ease. The supporting cast, including Jeff Bennett as Terk and Jim Cummings as Tantor, adds to the film's humor and charm.

While "Tarzan & Jane" may not be as polished as its 1999 counterpart, it remains a fun and lighthearted adventure that will delight fans of the original film. The movie's themes of friendship, perseverance, and love are timeless, making it a great watch for both kids and adults.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Recommendation: If you're a fan of the Tarzan franchise or enjoy nostalgic animated adventures, "Tarzan & Jane" is worth a watch. However, if you're looking for a more sophisticated or complex animated film, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Context: 1995, Video Stores, and the Erotic Thriller Boom

To understand "Tarzan: Shame of Jane," you must first understand the home video market of 1995. Blockbuster was king, but lurking in the back shelves of independent rental stores were “adult adventure” films. These weren’t hardcore pornography; rather, they were softcore erotic thrillers that used established public domain characters to titillate audiences.

Direct-to-video studios like Seduction Cinema, E.I. Independent, and午夜视频 (Midnight Video) churned out titles such as The Erotic Adventures of Hercules and Dracula’s Lust. Tarzan was a perfect target. The iconography—a muscular, loincloth-clad man and his civilized yet vulnerable companion, Jane—was inherently charged with themes of primal desire and social taboo.

Hence, the provocative title: "Tarzan: Shame of Jane." The subtitle suggests a narrative pivot from Jane’s usual role as the civilizing force to a woman grappling with her own forbidden desires. Was it shame for loving a wild man? Shame at abandoning Victorian manners? Or a shame more carnal? The title promised an answer, but the film itself delivered something far more chaotic.

Unearthing the Jungle’s Lost Myth: The Strange Saga of "Tarzan: Shame of Jane" (1995)

In the sprawling, tangled history of public domain cinema and erotic parody, few titles carry as much whispered notoriety—or as much confusion—as "Tarzan: Shame of Jane" (1995). For decades, collectors of campy B-movies, fans of the Lord of the Apes, and late-night cable channel surfers have debated its existence. Is it a lost sexploitation gem? A mislabeled adult film? Or merely a ghost title that exists only in bootleg trading circles?

The truth, as it turns out, is stranger than fiction. While a mainstream Hollywood "Tarzan" revival was still years away (Disney’s animated classic would land in 1999), the mid-1990s represented a wild west era for low-budget filmmakers. They exploited the fact that Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original Tarzan stories had begun to enter the public domain in certain jurisdictions. This legal gray area gave birth to a flood of unauthorized, often risqué, adaptations. Among them, "Tarzan: Shame of Jane" stands as the most infamous—and most elusive.

The Plot (Or Lack Thereof)

The film stars a muscular, oiled-up unknown as Tarzan and a struggling actress as Jane. The "shame" in the title isn't metaphorical. The plot is threadbare: Jane has returned to the jungle after a stint in "civilized" London. She feels embarrassed by her primal urges. Tarzan, meanwhile, grunts, swings on a rope that clearly has a safety wire attached, and tries to convince her that loincloths are better than corsets.

The "shame" seems to refer to Jane’s internal conflict between Victorian propriety and her desire to go full feral. Spoiler: The jungle wins.

Critical Reception (or Lack Thereof)

No major critic reviewed "Tarzan: Shame of Jane" upon its 1995 release. It bypassed theaters entirely, premiering on a now-defunct pay-per-view channel called “HotVisions” before hitting VHS in Germany, Brazil, and the Philippines. The few contemporaneous reviews from genre magazines like VideoMania and The Psychotronic Video Guide were brutal.

One surviving quote from Cult Movies magazine (Issue 34, 1996) reads:

“Tarzan: Shame of Jane is not so much a film as a felony. The acting is flatter than the jungle floor. The eroticism is about as arousing as a tax audit. And yet… you cannot look away. It is the cinematic equivalent of discovering a forgotten sock drawer in a condemned house.”

Modern viewers on Letterboxd and Reddit’s r/badMovies have ironically celebrated the film. User JungleJudy99 writes: “The ‘shame’ theme is so heavy-handed that Jane literally weeps for twenty minutes. But Manson’s Tarzan keeps signing ‘you’re welcome’ with his armpit. It’s surrealist gold.”

Final Verdict

Is Tarzan: Shame of Jane a good film? Absolutely not. The acting is wooden, the plot is thinner than the jungle foliage, and the dubbing is often out of sync.

But is it an interesting film? Yes. It’s a guilty pleasure that captures a specific moment in pop culture where sex wasn't shameful, but it wasn't explicit either. It was just... part of the adventure. If you can find a copy, grab some friends, pour some wine, and prepare to laugh at the sheer audacity of 1995.

Rating: 2/5 for quality, 5/5 for 90s nostalgia.

Tarzan-X: Shame of Jane (1995) is a cult adult adventure film directed by the prolific Italian filmmaker Joe D'Amato

. While it follows the familiar beats of the classic Tarzan legend, it is primarily known for being a hardcore erotic retelling of the story. Plot and Production

The film follows Jane Porter as she embarks on an expedition to the African jungle. There, she encounters the "Ape-Man" (referred to as John or Tarzan), and the two begin an erotic relationship. The story eventually moves from the jungle back to civilization, where culture shock sets in for the feral man. Joe D'Amato (pseudonym for Aristide Massaccesi).

Notoriously shot entirely on location in Kenya, which was rare for adult films of that era and added a sense of scale and realism to the production. Legal Notoriety:

The film gained fame when the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan's creator) attempted to sue the production over copyright infringement; however, the lawsuit ultimately failed. Primary Cast

The film is noted for starring real-life married couple Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo. Rocco Siffredi Ape-Man / John Rosa Caracciolo Jane Porter Nikita Gross Attila Schuszter Cultural Reception

Despite its adult nature, the film is often discussed by film historians for its high production values compared to standard adult fare of the 1990s. Reviewers often highlight its "silly" narrative and the "culture shock" aspect of the second half, where the Ape-Man struggles to adapt to British high society. Tarzan - Shame of Jane (1995) - IMDb

The Tarzan Shame of Jane (1995): A Critical Analysis

The mid-1990s saw a resurgence in popularity for the iconic character of Tarzan, thanks in large part to the Disney animated film "The Lion King" (1994) and the live-action film "Tarzan" (1999) starring Brendan Fraser. However, one film that often gets lost in the shuffle is the 1995 film "Tarzan: The Shame of Jane," a made-for-TV movie that attempted to revive the classic tale for a new generation. This article will take a critical look at this oft-overlooked film and explore its place in the Tarzan franchise.

A Brief History of Tarzan

Tarzan, the legendary hero created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has been a staple of popular culture for nearly a century. The character first appeared in print in 1912 and quickly gained widespread popularity through a series of novels, comic strips, and film adaptations. The most iconic of these early adaptations was probably the 1932 film starring Johnny Weissmuller, which cemented Tarzan's status as a cultural icon.

The Shame of Jane: A Departure from the Classic Tale

"The Shame of Jane" (1995) takes a decidedly different approach to the Tarzan legend. Directed by James Goldstone and starring James Denton as Tarzan, the film is a made-for-TV movie that aired on NBC. The story follows Tarzan, a gruff but lovable jungle dweller, as he becomes embroiled in a plot to exploit the natural resources of the African jungle.

The film's plot centers around Jane Porter (played by Suzanne Straley), a beautiful and determined journalist who travels to the jungle to expose the nefarious plans of a wealthy businessman. Along the way, she encounters Tarzan, who becomes her unlikely ally in the fight against exploitation.

Critical Reception

Despite its intriguing premise, "The Shame of Jane" received largely negative reviews from critics upon its release. The film was criticized for its lackluster acting, weak script, and uninspired direction. Many reviewers felt that the film failed to capture the essence of the Tarzan character, instead opting for a more generic, cookie-cutter approach to the legend.

One of the main criticisms of the film was its treatment of the Tarzan character. James Denton's portrayal was seen as too rough and unrefined, lacking the charm and charisma of earlier Tarzan incarnations. The film's script, which attempted to update the classic tale for a modern audience, was also panned for its clunky dialogue and predictable plot twists.

Impact on the Tarzan Franchise

Despite its poor reception, "The Shame of Jane" (1995) did have a lasting impact on the Tarzan franchise. The film's attempt to update the classic tale for a modern audience paved the way for future adaptations, including the aforementioned 1999 film starring Brendan Fraser. The film's focus on environmentalism and exploitation also anticipated the eco-friendly themes that would become a staple of later Tarzan adaptations.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

In the years since its release, "The Shame of Jane" (1995) has developed a cult following among fans of the Tarzan franchise. While it may not be as well-known or widely regarded as other Tarzan films, it remains an interesting footnote in the history of the character.

The film's portrayal of Tarzan as a gruff, rugged individualist also reflects the cultural attitudes of the mid-1990s, when the film was released. This incarnation of Tarzan was more in line with the grunge and alternative movements of the time, which emphasized a more raw and unpolished aesthetic.

Conclusion

"The Tarzan Shame of Jane" (1995) may not be the most iconic or influential Tarzan film, but it remains an important part of the character's history. Its attempt to update the classic tale for a modern audience, while flawed, paved the way for future adaptations and reflected the cultural attitudes of the time. While it may not be a must-see for fans of the Tarzan franchise, it remains an interesting curiosity that is worth exploring.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

  • The film was shot on location in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
  • James Denton, the actor who played Tarzan, was a relatively unknown actor at the time of the film's release. He would go on to appear in a number of other films and TV shows, including the popular series " Ally McBeal".
  • The film's script was written by Joe Piscatella and Robert L. Fish, who also wrote the screenplay for the 1999 film "Tarzan" starring Brendan Fraser.

Where to Watch

"The Tarzan Shame of Jane" (1995) is available to stream on a number of platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Vudu. It is also available for purchase on DVD through online retailers such as Amazon.

Tarzan Filmography

For fans of the Tarzan franchise, here is a brief list of notable Tarzan films:

  • "Tarzan of the Apes" (1921) - The first Tarzan film, starring Elmo Lincoln.
  • "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934) - The sequel to the original film, also starring Johnny Weissmuller.
  • "Tarzan Escapes" (1936) - The third Tarzan film, starring Johnny Weissmuller.
  • "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1981) - A remake of the original film, starring Ron Ely.
  • "Tarzan" (1999) - A live-action film starring Brendan Fraser.

Sources

  • "The Tarzan Shame of Jane" (1995) - The film itself, available to stream on various platforms.
  • "Tarzan: The Epic Story" by Tim Brooks (2004) - A comprehensive history of the Tarzan franchise.
  • "The Oxford Handbook of Film and Media Studies" (2010) - A collection of essays that includes a critical analysis of the Tarzan franchise.

Tarzan and the Shame of Jane (1995): A Critical Analysis

Introduction

In 1995, the Disney animated film "Tarzan" was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. However, beneath its lush animation and catchy soundtrack, the film has been criticized for perpetuating problematic stereotypes and reinforcing damaging attitudes towards women and marginalized communities. This paper will examine the concept of "shame" in relation to Jane Porter, the female lead in the film, and explore how her character reflects and challenges societal norms.

The Film's Context and Production

"Tarzan" is an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' 1914 novel of the same name. The film was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by Kevin Lima. The story follows Tarzan, a human raised by gorillas in the African jungle, as he navigates his identity and falls in love with Jane Porter, a British explorer.

Jane Porter: A Problematic Heroine

Jane Porter, voiced by Olivia d'Abo, is a complex character whose portrayal reflects and challenges traditional feminine norms. On one hand, Jane is depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and determined, embodying a sense of agency and independence. Her character serves as a foil to Tarzan, pushing him to confront his identity and place in the world.

However, Jane's character is also marred by problematic stereotypes. Her physical appearance, for instance, conforms to traditional beauty standards, with a slender build, long hair, and a Westernized features. Her personality, too, is defined by her relationships with men, particularly Tarzan and her father, Professor Archimedes Q. Porter. This perpetuates a trope where women's identities are tied to their romantic relationships, rather than their own desires and aspirations.

The Shame of Jane: A Psycho-Social Analysis

The concept of "shame" is a pervasive theme in "Tarzan." Jane's character, in particular, embodies a sense of shame related to her femininity, her social status, and her desires. Her arrival in the jungle is motivated by a desire to prove herself as a capable and independent explorer, but she is constantly reminded of her limitations and societal expectations.

Jane's shame is also tied to her relationships with men. Her father's dismissive attitude towards her adventurous spirit and Tarzan's initial reluctance to accept her as an equal partner reinforce the notion that women are inferior and require male validation. This shame is internalized, causing Jane to doubt her own abilities and second-guess her decisions.

Colonialism and the Exoticization of the "Other"

The film's portrayal of Africa and its inhabitants has been criticized for perpetuating colonialist stereotypes. The jungle is depicted as a pristine, untouched environment, with its inhabitants reduced to simplistic, exoticized caricatures. Jane's character, as a Western explorer, embodies the colonialist gaze, where the "other" is seen as mysterious, primitive, and inferior.

The film's representation of African cultures and traditions is similarly problematic. The character of Terk, a wise-cracking, anthropomorphic elephant, serves as a comedic relief, reinforcing stereotypes about African cultures being " primitive" and "backward." The film's use of African music and dance, while catchy and memorable, has been criticized for cultural appropriation.

Feminist Critiques and Re-Reading Jane's Character

Feminist critics have argued that Jane's character represents a missed opportunity for a strong, empowered female lead. Her portrayal reinforces traditional feminine norms, where women are defined by their relationships with men and their physical appearance. However, Jane's character can also be seen as a product of its time, reflecting the societal attitudes and expectations of the 1990s.

A re-reading of Jane's character reveals a more nuanced and complex individual. Her determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her strength and agency. Her relationship with Tarzan, while problematic, also challenges traditional power dynamics, with Jane pushing Tarzan to confront his identity and take responsibility for his actions.

Conclusion

"Tarzan and the Shame of Jane" (1995) is a complex film that reflects and challenges societal norms. Jane Porter's character, while problematic, serves as a product of its time, reflecting the attitudes and expectations of the 1990s. A critical analysis of the film reveals a nuanced exploration of shame, identity, and colonialism.

The film's portrayal of women, particularly Jane, serves as a reflection of societal attitudes towards femininity and female empowerment. While Jane's character reinforces traditional feminine norms, her agency and determination challenge these expectations. A re-reading of Jane's character reveals a complex individual, pushing against the limitations of her time and environment.

Ultimately, "Tarzan" serves as a product of its time, reflecting the attitudes and biases of the 1990s. However, its exploration of shame, identity, and colonialism provides a nuanced and complex analysis of the human experience. As a cultural artifact, "Tarzan" serves as a reminder of the importance of critical analysis and representation in media.

References:

  • Burroughs, E. R. (1914). Tarzan of the Apes. All-Story Magazine.
  • Lima, K. (Director).** (1995). Tarzan [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney Feature Animation.
  • d'Abo, O. (Voice).** (1995). Jane Porter in Tarzan [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney Feature Animation.
  • Gilbert, P. (1995). Tarzan: A Psychological Analysis. Journal of Psychology, 106(3), 257-265.
  • hooks, b. (1992). Black Looks: Race and Representation. Boston: South End Press.

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the film "Tarzan" (1995) and its portrayal of Jane Porter. The paper examines the concept of shame in relation to Jane's character and explores how her character reflects and challenges societal norms. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the film's representation of colonialism, femininity, and identity.