Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge 1936
Long before the digital age, sixteen-year-old Robbins Barstow traded Hollywood scripts for leafy Connecticut backyards to craft his own jungle epic.
Director: Robbins Barstow
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge (1936) about?
Sixteen-year-old Robbins Barstow and his siblings reenact a Tarzan-style adventure across the woods of Granby, Connecticut. Inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' African tales, the siblings embark on a quest that blends homegrown action with the thrill of early filmmaking. The short captures youthful imagination and the spirit of exploration in just twelve minutes.
Who directed Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge?
Robbins Barstow directed this 1936 adventure short. As a young cinephile, he channelled his love for Tarzan into creating a DIY jungle epic with family and friends.
Who stars in Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge?
The cast includes Robbins Barstow, John Barstow, and Paul Barstow, with siblings and friends rounding out the adventure crew.
Is Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge (1936) worth watching?
With its vintage charm and ambitious spirit, Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge offers a fascinating glimpse into early amateur filmmaking and the timeless allure of jungle adventures. While not a polished studio release, its raw energy and nostalgic appeal make it a curiosity worth discovering for fans of classic cinema and homegrown cinema alike.
How long is Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge?
Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge runs for 12 minutes.
About Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge (1936) — The 12-Minute Homemade Jungle Epic You've Never Seen
Long before the digital age, sixteen-year-old Robbins Barstow traded Hollywood scripts for leafy Connecticut backyards to craft his own jungle epic. Under the direction of Barstow himself, this 1936 micro-adventure sent his band of siblings and friends on a heroic trek across Granby's woods, imagining themselves as explorers stepping into the pages of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Africa. Shot in black-and-white and clocking in at just twelve minutes, the film captures the spirit of 1930s serials and amateur film culture, blending childhood wonder with the lush atmosphere of vintage adventure. The result is a charming, homegrown ode to Tarzan and the untamed spirit of discovery.
Tarzan and the Rocky Gorge (1936) is less a polished studio picture and more a testament to early filmmaking ingenuity. With Robbins Barstow at the helm alongside his brothers John and Paul, the movie thrives on raw enthusiasm and homemade cinematic flair. Themes of exploration, camaraderie, and the lure of the unknown weave through every frame, evoking both the romance of classic jungle sagas and the innocent thrill of kids playing hero behind the camera.