James Pierce is one of the lesser-known film Tarzans, partly because this picture -- his debut as an actor -- has apparently been lost, and partly because it was his only starring role. He is a fairly significant Tarzan, however, because his association with author Edgar Rice Burroughs led to a romance with Burroughs' daughter, Joan. Pierce and Joan wed, and the union lasted 40 years. This
Tarzan film was one of the better late-'20s productions from low-budget filmmaker
J.P. McGowan. Here, Tarzan is the master of a golden lion and ruler of the jungle, including the natives who have an amazing diamond mine. Estaban (
Fred Peters) learns of the "city of diamonds" and in his attempt to get his hands on the gems, he kidnaps Ruth (
Edna Murphy) and a guide. Tarzan, his lion, and the natives come to the rescue. Ruth is restored to her sweetheart, Burton (
Harold Goodwin), while Tarzan goes home to his wife, Jane (
Dorothy Dunbar). ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide