I actually count this as a "7" as a genre movie (as opposed to the serious "A" list stuff that gets the Oscar nominations every year) because it has a lot of heart, some pretty good casting and performances (you gotta love Woody Strode when he plays a heavy), and a lot of nice touches in the screenplay. (I especially enjoyed the "test of wisdom" challenge, where Tarzan gives a very clever and witty answer to the monks' puzzler.)
As a kid I was a bit taken back by how skinny the "new" Tarzan seemed to be compared to the beefcake idols who preceded him, but knowing that poor Jock Mahoney was dealing with dysentery and dengue fever during the shooting of the film explains a lot. Even so, "Tarzan" was still lithe and agile looking, and the character seemed to have a wisdom and wit that was missing from previous movies (Lex Barker was great, but his character was still somewhat pre-verbal.)
This made for an interesting change in the movie. Normally Tarzan is the primal Alpha Male in a Tarzan movie, and the outcome is never really in doubt. However,it was obvious from the beginning that for all his sinew and courage and resourcefulness, Tarzan might be outmatched this time by the Woody Strode character. It made for a genuinely suspenseful climax when the two finally locked horns. Or swords, or whatever.
In short, for what it was "Three Challenges" was a fine movie. I'd love to see it again some time soon.
As a kid I was a bit taken back by how skinny the "new" Tarzan seemed to be compared to the beefcake idols who preceded him, but knowing that poor Jock Mahoney was dealing with dysentery and dengue fever during the shooting of the film explains a lot. Even so, "Tarzan" was still lithe and agile looking, and the character seemed to have a wisdom and wit that was missing from previous movies (Lex Barker was great, but his character was still somewhat pre-verbal.)
This made for an interesting change in the movie. Normally Tarzan is the primal Alpha Male in a Tarzan movie, and the outcome is never really in doubt. However,it was obvious from the beginning that for all his sinew and courage and resourcefulness, Tarzan might be outmatched this time by the Woody Strode character. It made for a genuinely suspenseful climax when the two finally locked horns. Or swords, or whatever.
In short, for what it was "Three Challenges" was a fine movie. I'd love to see it again some time soon.