Hollywood & Vines: The Movie Magic of Tarzan

Presented by the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Hosted by Craig Barron & Ben Burtt

In two unique presentations, Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Craig Barron and Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burtt explore some of the secrets behind the making of Tarzan and His Mate (1934) and Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939). Both programs include rare, behind-the-scenes photos revealing how certain technologies were used in making the films. The program will also examine the MGM rear-projection technique used to create the illusion of a charging rhino.

Sound effects played an enormous role in these films. Tarzan and His Mate is one of those rare action films in which no music score was added; instead, the filmmakers relied on the power of sound effects alone to magnify the drama. Burtt will perform live audio demonstrations to illustrate why this was successful, and he will reveal the secret of how the classic Tarzan yell was created (as well as other fun, quintessential Tarzan sounds).

Tarzan Finds a Son!
New 35mm print courtesy of Warner Bros.
Presented by Craig Barron & Ben Burtt
(Matinee prices do not apply to this program)
When a plane flying to Cape Town crashes over the jungle, the only survivor- a baby boy- is rescued by Tarzan's chimpanzee Cheeta. Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) adopt "Boy" (John Sheffield) and raise him as their own, but the new family is threatened when a search party arrives five years later looking for the child, who happens to be the heir to a fortune worth millions.