Tarzan The Mighty
Posted By thecircusblog on July 8, 2009
The young Melvin Koontz in this photo doubled for Frank Merrill as Tarzan. The movie was called “Tarzan The Mighty”. This movie began filming April 12,1928. The studio only shot one other movie with Merrill which was” Tarzan the Tiger.” Why…….. who’s knows he had every thing going for him. He was 6 ft, muscular and 200lbs, as well as a true athlete. He competed and won a championship on the Roman Rings. In his Tarzan movies Merrill did not wear a loin cloth as did Johnny Weissmuller. Merrill wore a Leopard skin around his hips and over his left shoulder. The lion is Jackie who was trained by Melvin Koontz specifically for motion picture work. Melvin also doubled for Victor Mature in “Demetrius and the Gladiator.” Another Tarzan was Herman Brix who later changed his name to Bruce Bennett because he was German and the second world war had started. Also there was Elmo Lincoln who was in the silent film area. I am searching now for a photo of Frank Merrill. I hopefully will find one for you to see.
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thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
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A friend of mine just emailed me one of your articles from a while back. I read that one a few more. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks
As Bruce Bennett, he became a highly successful leading man, including playing the first husband of MILDRED PIERCE, played to the 1945 Oscar by Joan Crawford. In this character, after the film’s intriguing turmoil, it was Bennett who Mildred came back to for the fade-out.