Tarzan, My Father (Paperback)

~ Johnny Weissmuller Jr. (Author), William Reed (Author), (Author), Danton Burroughs (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Johnny Weissmuller-he was a great Tarzan." -- Roger Moore --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

An authoritative biography of the first Tarzan—Olympic swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller—this account offers an intimate look at the actor's life, from Olympic triumphs and failed marriages to his life in Hollywood and television career. Penned by Weismuller’s only son, this definitive chronicle is a sensitive yet unsentimental portrayal of the man who was Tarzan to movie fans around the world.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Ecw Press (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155022834X
• ISBN-13: 978-1550228342
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #768,669 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MGM -You made a Big Mistake !, June 29, 2004

By	J. F Kopeck "jkopeck9" (Parkville, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Tarzan, My Father (Hardcover)

My daughter gave me a copy of this book for Father's Day this year along with the last MGM Tarzan movie that I was missing " Tarzan Escapes". This book is loaded with all kinds of good stuff written by Weissmullers son, Johnny Jr..It has some great pictures in it too. For Folks like myself who grew up watching (or just wanting to watch) Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and knowing that nothing either before or after his movies was worth it's weight in Dog Dung then you also will really enjoy this book! My kids were raised hearing phrases like "That used to be a full grown man" or "Ma-ha-wani Sleep,Ma-ha-wani Sleep" or better yet "That was a close one, we almost lost the rifles". Yes there was only one REAL Tarzan and folks from my generation know that his name was Johnny Weissmuller. Boy did MGM screw up when they stopped making Tarzan Movies and let Johnny go to RKO, If only they knew how big his movies would become in the future! When Tarzan answered Jane as he was feeding a bottle to Boy and said "Him no choke",I'm certain MGM did a lot of choking in years to come. It was kind-a like SUN RECORDS selling Elvis Presly's contract to RCA for 50 grand a real no-brainer. This book tells the whole Hollywood story and how so many stars of that day really turned Hollywood into "SIN CITY" but Johnny was one of very few who kept to clean living and avoided all the garbage! This book is a real good deal! "ENJOY"

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Written & Researched Book. First Rate., January 26, 2003

By	Champawat Pictures "Mick LaSalle" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Tarzan, My Father (Hardcover)

Most books are mediocre. And I say this based upon a lifetime of reading everything. This book is wonderful, well-written, well-researched, well-published. I simply could not stop reading it, and when I'd finished, I really truly felt I knew the great Johnny Weissmuller, my childhood idol. I also came to know Johnny, Jr., and have enormous empathy for this fellow, who has managed to carve a successful life for himself, against large odds, it would seem, and with little guidance. The book is amazingly candid and very moving, and virtually un-put-down-able. If you have even the slightest interest in humanity, Tarzan, or John Weissmuller, buy this excellent book. RM

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best Weissmuller bio yet!, December 19, 2002

By	Bruce Scivally "Author, Superman On Film, Tel... (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Tarzan, My Father (Hardcover)

As a film buff and life-long Johnny Weissmuller fan, I thought I knew all there was to know about the Olympic swimming champion who became the most beloved of all movie Tarzans. I was wrong. TARZAN, MY FATHER is the inside story of Johnny Weissmuller, told from the point-of-view of the ultimate insider - his son and namesake, Johnny Jr. This incredible book is neither a scandalous tell-all nor hero-worshipping hagiography, but rather a respectful and honest account of the life of the legendary actor/athlete. With many facts revealed for the first time, and hypocryphal stories refuted once and for all, this book is the definitive account of the life of Johnny Weissmuller, from his humble origins to his Olympic victories to his sad and tragic end. Though written without cloying sentiment, the book is still moving and heartfelt. It's the ideal book for sports fans, movie buffs or anyone interested in reading a fascinating biography of a remarkable man. Highly recommended!