Tarzan and the Lost Safari 1957

Adventure

Runtime

86 mins

Language

English

Directed by

H. Bruce Humberstone

Made by

Solar Films Productions

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Tarzan and the Lost Safari Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Tarzan and the Lost Safari Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Plane crash and Tarzan rescue

An airplane crashes in the jungle of the Kenya Colony in 1956, stranding five travelers: Gamage Dean, Diana Penrod, Doodles Fletcher, Carl Kraski, and Dick Penrod. The wreck slides into a gorge, leaving the survivors fighting to stay alive in the dense terrain. Tarzan arrives and rescues the group, promising to lead them back to civilization through the perilous jungle.

1956 Kenya Colony, British East Africa (jungle)

Tarzan leads the castaways back toward civilization

Tarzan takes responsibility to guide the survivors toward civilization, relying on his knowledge of the wild. He leads them through the jungle, negotiating rivers, predators, and fatigue while earning their wary trust.

immediately after crash Kenya jungle

Diana is kidnapped by Oparians

Diana Penrod is seized by warriors from Opar under Chief Ogonooro, intended as a sacrifice to the lion god. Her kidnapping raises the stakes for the party and forces Tarzan to accelerate his plan to reach safety.

after kidnapping Opar, jungle

Diana recovered by Tarzan and Hawkins

Tarzan, aided by hunter Tusker Hawkins, recovers Diana from captivity. The rescue underscores Hawkins' boldness and the volatile alliance between Tarzan and his companions.

soon after kidnapping Opar jungle

Hawkins pursues Diana; she rebuffs him

Hawkins makes advances toward Diana, but she rebuffs his advances and remains focused on survival. Her rejection sows doubt about Hawkins and foreshadows his ulterior motives.

after recovery Tarzan's encampment near Opar

Hawkins revealed to be in league with Oparians

Secretly, Hawkins aligns with the Oparians and plots to sell the castaways to the natives for a fortune in ivory. The treachery becomes a dangerous reality that could doom the group.

after advances Opar region

Tarzan suspects and exposes treachery

Tarzan senses Hawkins' duplicity and confronts him, trying to prevent a catastrophe for the group. The confrontation confirms Hawkins' betrayal to the others.

after discovery Tarzan's camp

Hawkins helps capture the castaways

With Hawkins now openly aiding the natives, the hunter helps them take the white party captive while Tarzan is away. The capture tightens the danger for the survivors.

Tarzan away Opar village

Tarzan returns to save them; Cheeta acts

Tarzan returns to rescue the group, fighting through the attackers and freeing the party before the sacrifice. His chimpanzee ally Cheeta sets fire to the village to create a diversion and aid their escape.

upon Tarzan's return Opar village

Survivors reach safety in a nearby settlement

Tarzan leads the survivors to the safety of a nearby settlement, away from the danger of the Oparians and their traps. The journey demonstrates Tarzan's resolve to return them to civilization.

after rescue nearby settlement

Hawkins meets his fate

Hawkins is killed by the Oparians as punishment for his double-dealing. The betrayal's consequences unfold in the harsh jungle justice of Opar.

after capture Opar

Tarzan reveals the deception with jungle drums

Tarzan signals the villain's double-dealing to the natives by a creative use of jungle drums. The act exposes Hawkins' treachery and seals the survivors' fate in the area.

after Hawkins' death Opar

Tarzan and the Lost Safari Characters

Explore all characters from Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Tarzan (Gordon Scott)

Tarzan leads the rescue effort after the crash and guides the survivors toward civilization. He is cautious of Hawkins, sensing deceit and acting decisively to protect the group, drawing on his jungle expertise and leadership.

🦸 Hero 🧭 Jungle Expert 🛡️ Protector

Gamage Dean (Yolande Donlan)

One of the plane survivors rescued by Tarzan; she endures the kidnapping threat in the jungle and remains an essential member of the group as they seek safety.

🧭 Survivor 🌿 Jungle Dweller 🤝 Alliance

Diana Penrod (Betta St. John)

A passenger who is kidnapped by the Oparians and rebuffs Hawkins' advances. She becomes a central figure in the group’s struggle to remain united and survive the ordeal.

🧭 Survivor 🗺️ Courage 🤝 Resistance

Dick Penrod (Peter Arne)

Another passenger who navigates the crisis alongside the others, contributing to the group’s efforts to stay coherent and find a path to safety.

🧭 Survivor 🛡️ Loyal 🗺️ Navigator

Carl Kraski (George Coulouris)

A pragmatic member of the castaways whose demeanor helps maintain order and plan the group’s next steps amid captivity and escape attempts.

🧭 Strategist 🛡️ Protector 🤝 Collaborator

Tusker Hawkins (Robert Beatty)

A hunter who initially appears as an ally but is secretly in league with the Oparians to profit from the castaways. His double-dealing drives much of the plot’s tension until Tarzan exposes him.

🗡️ Deception 🤝 Betrayal 🧭 Manipulator

Oparian Chieftain Ogonoore (Orlando Martins)

Leader of the Oparians who intends to use the castaways as sacrifices for their lion god, creating the central antagonistic force against Tarzan and the survivors.

🗺️ Indigenous Leader 🕊️ Conflict ⚔️ Sacrifice

Doodles Fletcher (Wilfrid Hyde-White)

A fellow survivor whose presence adds to the group’s dynamic as they endure the crash and the dangers that follow, aiding in keeping morale and coordination.

🧭 Survivor 🛡️ Support 😌 Resilience

Tarzan and the Lost Safari Settings

Learn where and when Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1956

The events occur in 1956, during the late colonial era in East Africa. Air travel and jungle navigation define the perilous landscape of the story. The era's colonial dynamics frame the outsiders' encounter with indigenous groups and local authorities.

Location

Kenya Colony, British East Africa

Set in the Kenyan jungle within the Kenya Colony of British East Africa, the film unfolds amid dense tropical wilderness. The remote environment drives the castaways' struggle for safety against natural hazards and hostile encounters. The colonial frontier context colors interactions with local communities and adds tension to the adventure.

🌿 Jungle setting 🗺️ Colonial Africa 🐾 Safari atmosphere

Tarzan and the Lost Safari Themes

Discover the main themes in Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🧭

Survival

Castaways must improvise shelter, ration supplies, and navigate treacherous terrain after the plane crash. Trust is tested as hidden motives surface among group members, notably Hawkins. Tarzan's jungle savvy and alliances help them secure safety and progress toward civilization. The theme centers on resilience and ingenuity when civilization is stripped away.

🕵️

Betrayal

Hawkins' apparent benevolence masks a plan to profit from the captives by selling them to the Oparians. The revelation of loyalty shifts and double-dealings intensifies the danger. Tarzan detects the treachery and acts to outmaneuver him, preserving the group's safety. The narrative uses betrayal to heighten suspense and moral conflict.

🦸

Heroism

Tarzan embodies leadership, courage, and practical skill, guiding the group through uncertainty. Doodles, Gamage, Diana, and Dick rely on his strength and quick thinking to survive. Cheeta the chimpanzee plays a symbolic and practical role, helping disrupt the captors' village and aiding the escape. The climactic rescue showcases collective bravery and Tarzan's commitment to protecting the vulnerable.

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