Trivia / Tarzan, the Ape Man (1981)

• California Doubling: Sri Lanka doubled for the African jungle, replete with geographically-inaccurate wildlife.
• Creator Backlash:
  • The Edgar Rice Burroughs estate were appalled at the very notion of this film's existence and (unsuccessfully) tried to sue MGM twice to ensure that the movie never got released.
  • Bo Derek, Miles O'Keeffe, Richard Harris, and John Phillip Law are all not terribly fond of this film, though they all seem to agree that the shoot was an enjoyable one. For O'Keeffe, it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States.
• On-Set Injury: During a scene involving Jane attempting to get away from Tarzan, Miles O'Keeffe found himself face-to-face with a full grown lion. The lion, escaping his holding pen, dove into the fray, apparently more intent on protecting Bo Derek than attacking O'Keeffe. The handler was on the scene almost immediately and stopped the incident. Although neither human star was injured, rumor had it that Miles O'Keeffe thereafter made a habit of checking the security of the holding pen whenever other scenes of "violence" toward Bo Derek were done.
• The Other Marty: Ex-boxer Lee Canalito, best known for starring opposite Sylvester Stallone in Paradise Alley, was originally cast as Tarzan, but three weeks into filming he was let go (either due to an on-set injury or Bo Derek not liking his physique, stories differ). His stuntman, Miles O'Keeffe, took over the part in what would be his acting debut. Canalito still appears in a few wide shots.
• Troubled Production: Bo Derek reportedly fired 15 of the 23 crew members from the Sri Lankan shoot.
• Urban Legend of Zelda: Contrary to popular belief, Richard Harris was not drunk during filming, as he'd become a teetotaler a few weeks prior to principal photography. His apparent intoxicated delivery was (apparently) just acting.
• What Could Have Been:
  • An early choice for Tarzan was Treat Williams, but he dropped out to do Prince of the City. It proved to be a good decision for him, while Tarzan was critically-panned, Prince was widely acclaimed and earned Williams a Golden Globe nomination.
  • Oliver Reed was cast as James Parker, but had to pull out at the last minute due to a Screen Actors Guild strike. Bo Derek offered Robert Mitchum the role, but passed on it.
• Working Title: Me, Jane, reflecting the film's focus on Jane Parker over Tarzan.
• You Look Familiar: Jock Mahoney, who played Tarzan in the 1960s, served as stunt coordinator.

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