Tarzan the Fearless

Tarzan the Fearless 1933 is achapter American PreCode film serial starring Buster Crabbe in his only appearance as Tarzan. It was also released as a 71minute feature film which consisted of the first four chapters of the serial version. Actress Jacqueline Wells costarred she later changed her name to Julie Bishop. The serial was produced by Sol Lesser, written by Basil Dickey, George Plympton and Walter Anthony based on the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and directed by Robert F. Hill. The film was released in both formats on August 11, 1933.

Tarzan goes in search of Mary, and soon all are captured by the people of Zar and brought before Eltar, their high priest. Jeff and Nick are killed, but the others are free to go, provided they never return. Mary and her father decide to stay with Tarzan instead of returning to civilization with Bob Hall.Producer Sol Lesser had acquired the rights to five Tarzan films that Edgar Rice Burroughs had optioned to an independent producer in 1928. That producer went bankrupt and the contract was thought to have lapsed. However, due to the wording of the contract the courts found in Lessers favour and held that it was still valid. Lesser announced his own Tarzan production a few weeks into the filming of MGMs Tarzan the Ape Man. MGM paid Lesser to delay production until their film was released. Tarzan the Fearless was the first of Sol Lessers Tarzan productions. Lesser never made another serial with his options, moving to feature films instead. Burroughs had assured MGM that their contract was exclusive, so the rival production was an embarrassment. However, despite their initial problems, Lesser and Burroughs became friends and later worked out a five picture deal at one per year. ........

Source: Wikipedia