Jim della jungla

Jungle Jim was Johnny Weismuller's vehicle after he became too old to play Tarzan, and passed the mantle to younger actors. As Jungle Jim, he stays in his African milieu, dons safari clothes and has a series of numbskull adventures mostly saving ladies in distress. This is the first of the series, in which Jungle Jim helps a lady scientist discover a cure for polio (remember that Jungle Jim is made in 1948 before the discovery of the Salk vaccine). In this, it may be ahead of its time; first having a smart female character, and second, finding cures to disease in tropical plants. The villain is played by the pre-Superman George Reeves.

Where Jungle Jim is behind the times is its portrayal of Africans, in this case Masai, who look like white people, and the idiotic portrayal of wildlife. Nonetheless, it's a laugh. But if you're looking for something serious pass it by.

I Don't know about you, but I am tired of all the flak given to Johnny Weissmuller for gaining a few pounds in the latter Tarzan and Jungle Jim films. like all of us...he got older...so get over it and just be glad he graced our lives doing these entertaining movies. Nuff said!

Oh, how I enjoyed the Jungle Jim movies and television show when I was a youngster. Action, adventure, a far away location, wild animals and well trained and entertaining pet animals - what more could a kid ask for? The shows were perfect entertainment. Of course, now I see a lot of stock footage, silly plot, unbelievable fight scenes, and stereotypical characters. And, of course, Johnny Weismuller has to be the most famous bad actor. But his Tarzan and Jungle Jim characters were so affable, so good, and so competent who cares he couldn't act? This series entry was fun for three reasons: the antics of the marvelously well trained crow (Caw Caw) and the dog, Skipper; 2) it features a woman searching for a cure for polio - played by the always good actress Virginia Grey and 3) the chance to see Superman George Reeves as a villain. A harmless, pleasant diversion that brings back fond childhood memories. I like Jungle Jim still.

Don't worry about the orangutans Don't worry about the Indian elephants with artificial African elephant ears glued to them. Don't worry about the fact that the Maasai look more like Polynesians. Just enjoy the nostalgia. Great to see George Reeves in something other than the superman suit. Lots of fun for this baby boomer.

The first JUNGLE JIM entry is a fun vehicle and good introduction to the character.Johnny Weissmuller at 44,was still fit and rugged,but a little too hefty to play Tarzan anymore.The part of JUNGLE JIM was as close as he could get to playing Tarzan and being able to age a bit.The JIM films were made at Columbia studios,so they have that low-budget look that 3 Stooges fans are used to seeing.A lot of stock footage,scenes from earlier films repeated and even some of the Stooges' sound effects make these films very campy and silly.JIM was always more interested in battling the crooks and making the Jungle safe,but he always had some pretty starlets along for the adventure.In this entry Virginia Grey plays a lady scientist and Lita Baron plays a sexy native girl.(Acquanetta,Tarzan's nemesis in LEOPARD WOMAN was originally offered the part.)Also along for the ride are Rick Vallin as Kolu,the native guide(He would repeat this part in future entrys)and JIM has a pet dog and crow for comedy relief(later Tamba the chimp would appear).JIM takes time out for a swim and shows off his still impressive physique. The villain is played by George Reeves(soon to play Superman on TV).All in all,a fun introduction to the adventures of JUNGLE JIM.