The production team chose this location primarily because the dense foliage, cypress trees, hanging Spanish moss, and waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin provided a lush, primordial backdrop that mimicked a thick jungle environment on black-and-white film stock. Why Morgan City Was Chosen
The production utilized several specific sites in and around the city to create the world of Tarzan: Lake End Park
: Local lore suggests that several monkeys escaped into the Atchafalaya swamp during filming, and legends persist of their descendants living there today, though this is unverified. Hollywood History
The crew constructed a massive, elaborate African tribal village right on the banks of the Louisiana bayou. Hundreds of local Morgan City residents—including many African American locals—were hired as extras to portray the tribal villagers and members of the safari expedition. The Animals where was the first tarzan movie filmed top
Located in downtown Morgan City, this store was utilized by the crew to build costumes and sets. Behind-the-Scenes and Legend
Notable production facts
However, the “top” filming location wasn’t Africa—as most audiences assumed—but the American South. Let’s swing through the vines of cinema history to uncover why this location was chosen, how it became the “top” jungle on screen, and why it remains a pilgrimage site for silent film buffs. The production team chose this location primarily because
The movie "Tarzan of the Apes" was based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel of the same name, published in 1914. The story follows John Clayton, a British nobleman who grows up in the African jungle, raised by gorillas after his parents' death. He becomes Tarzan, a wild but kind-hearted hero who ultimately returns to civilization.
: The production required a large number of extras for "native" roles. Morgan City's
This article explores the unique, "top-tier" location choice for the very first Tarzan movie, Morgan City, Louisiana, and how it brought the legendary character to life. 1. Morgan City, Louisiana: The Unexpected Jungle Let’s swing through the vines of cinema history
At a time when Hollywood was just beginning to explore location filming, producer William Parsons chose this area for its dense vegetation and moss-covered trees, which served as a convincing stand-in for the African jungle described in Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels. Key Filming Locations in Morgan City Lake End Park Morgan City, LA, United States
Located just outside Los Angeles, this area was used for simpler jungle trekking scenes to save money.