Maureen O’Sullivan: The Unforgettable Jane in the “Tarzan” Film Series

Maureen O’Sullivan, the captivating Irish actress whose career spanned over six decades, is perhaps best remembered for her iconic portrayal of Jane in the “Tarzan” film series. Starring alongside Johnny Weissmuller, O’Sullivan brought depth, grace, and complexity to the character, creating a timeless on-screen partnership that would resonate with audiences for generations. In this post, we delve into the role that would define O’Sullivan’s career and examine the magic she brought to the character of Jane.

The Tarzan and Jane Love Story

O’Sullivan introduced the “Tarzan” film series in 1932 with “Tarzan the Ape Man.” This first installment of the series captured the hearts of moviegoers. It introduced the world to the captivating love story between Tarzan, the wild man raised by apes, and Jane, the sophisticated, adventurous Englishwoman. The chemistry between Weissmuller and O’Sullivan was electric, and the couple’s on-screen romance quickly became one of the most iconic in Hollywood history.

The relationship between Tarzan and Jane evolved throughout six films, providing a constant thread of love and loyalty that anchored the series. O’Sullivan’s portrayal of Jane was instrumental in this development, as she managed to create a character who was both vulnerable and strong, independent, and deeply committed to her life with Tarzan.

Breaking Stereotypes: A Strong and Complex Female Character

At a time when female characters were often relegated to one-dimensional roles, O’Sullivan’s Jane broke the mold, presenting a complex, multi-faceted woman who was both resourceful and nurturing. Her Jane was a far cry from the helpless damsel in distress often seen in adventure films of the time. Instead, she was an intelligent, courageous, and fiercely loyal partner to Tarzan, capable of holding her own in the jungle and contributing meaningfully to their shared adventures.

This portrayal of Jane as an equal to Tarzan was groundbreaking for its time, and O’Sullivan’s performance played a significant role in breaking down stereotypes about women in film. The character of Jane showed that female characters could be substantial, capable, and independent while still maintaining their femininity and forming deep, emotional connections with others.

The Legacy of Maureen O’Sullivan’s Jane

Maureen O’Sullivan’s portrayal of Jane in the “Tarzan” film series left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, influencing subsequent portrayals of female characters in adventure films and beyond. O’Sullivan’s Jane laid the groundwork for future strong, independent female characters in cinema, demonstrating that women could be more than love interests or damsels in distress.

Furthermore, the on-screen partnership between O’Sullivan and Weissmuller has left a lasting impression on audiences, setting a high bar for cinematic love stories. The chemistry and depth of emotion between Tarzan and Jane resonate with viewers, making their relationship one of the most enduring and beloved in film history.

Here are some stunning photos and behind-the-scens of Tarzan the Ape Man (1932).

#1 “Tarzan and His Mate,” 1934: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker

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#2 “Tarzan and His Mate,” 1934: Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan in a scene from the film.

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#3 Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker on set, candidly drinking tea during a break in filming of “Tarzan and His Mate” (1934), directed by Cedric Gibbons and Jack Conway.

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#4 On the set of “Tarzan’s New York Adventure,” 1942: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Johnny Sheffield.

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#5 “Tarzan’s New York Adventure,” 1942: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker, and Cheeta the chimpanzee on a flight to America.

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#6 “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,” 1941: Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan watch over sick Johnny Sheffield.

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#7 “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,” 1941: Johnny Sheffield, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Johnny Weissmuller approach a lion on a branch.

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#8 Tarzan, Jane, Boy, and Chimp: Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane, Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, and Johnny Sheffield as Boy in Tarzan movies.

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#9 “Tarzan Finds a Son!,” 1939: Johnny Sheffield looks down at Maureen O’Sullivan and Johnny Weissmuller from a tree.

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#10 “Tarzan Finds a Son!,” 1939: Johnny Sheffield, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Johnny Weissmuller make their call to the wild.

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#11 “Tarzan Finds a Son!,” 1939: Johnny Sheffield, Johnny Weissmuller, and Maureen O’Sullivan with elephants.

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#12 Maureen O’Sullivan in the movie “Tarzan”: Vintage photo of Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane in “Tarzan.”

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#13 Tarzan and Jane: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker stealing provisions in a publicity still, 1937.

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#14 Maureen O’Sullivan in the movie “Tarzan”: Scene with a chimpanzee in “Tarzan.” Published in Koralle magazine.

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#15 Scene from “Tarzan Escapes,” 1936: Tarzan and Jane rest on a bed covered with animal pelts.

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#16 Stage and Screen. Personalities. 1936: Johnny Weissmuller with Maureen O’Sullivan in “Tarzan Escapes.”

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#17 Maureen O’Sullivan, Irish-born American actress, 1934-1935: Known for her role as Jane in Tarzan movies.

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#18 Weissmuller’s Friends: Maureen O’Sullivan thanks Johnny Weissmuller and his lifeguard friends for showing life-saving techniques.

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#19 “Tarzan and His Mate,” 1934: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker

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#20 Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker on set, wearing sunglasses with a Make-Up Woman during filming of “Tarzan and His Mate,” 1934.

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#21 “Tarzan, The Ape Man,” 1932: Johnny Weissmuller injured while Maureen O’Sullivan takes care of him.

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#22 “Tarzan, The Ape Man,” 1932: Johnny Weissmuller holds Maureen O’Sullivan.

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#23 “Tarzan The Ape Man,” 1932: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane, the first of their 19 Tarzan films.

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#24 Tarzan and Jane, 1931: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane in “Tarzan the Ape Man.”

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#25 Entertainers of Tarzan in a Tree: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Cheetah the Chimp in “Tarzan Escapes,” 1936.

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#26 Stage and Screen, circa 1930s: Johnny Weissmuller with Maureen O’Sullivan in “Tarzan and Jane.”

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#27 Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan on the set of Tarzan movies.

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#28 “Tarzan” Film Still: Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane and Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan in an undated scene.

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#29 A scene from “Tarzan’s New York Adventure,” 1942: Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane, and Johnny Sheffield.

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#30 Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane Parker on set, wearing sunglasses with a make-up woman during filming of “Tarzan and His Mate” (1934)

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#31 Irish-American actress Maureen O’Sullivan in the 1930s, known for her role as Jane in Tarzan movies.

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#32 Maureen O’Sullivan with her Wire Hair Puppy Dog Junior in a swimsuit on a California Beach.

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#33 “Tarzan Finds a Son!,” 1939: Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan tend to young Johnny Sheffield.

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#34 “Tarzan Escapes,” 1936: Johnny Weissmuller embraces Maureen O’Sullivan.

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#35 Tarzan: Weissmuller (1934). Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane in a scene from a Tarzan movie.

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#36 Weissmuller, O’Sullivan, Tarzan the Ape Man (1932). Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan in “Tarzan the Ape Man.”

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#37 Tarzan: Weissmuller. Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane, and Johnny Sheffield as Boy in a Tarzan movie.

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#38 “Tarzan, The Ape Man” (1932), directed by Johnny Weissmuller: Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane and Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan share a kiss.

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#39 “Tarzan and His Mate,” directed by Cedric Gibbons, Studio: MGM. Pictured: Animals (with actors), Character, Elephant, Cedric Gibbons, Maureen O’Sullivan.

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#40 Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan in “Tarzan Finds a Son!” (1939), directed by Richard Thorpe.

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#41 1932, Film Title: “Tarzan, The Ape Man,” directed by Johnny Weissmuller. Maureen O’Sullivan in a scene.

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#42 Maureen O’Sullivan and Johnny Weissmuller in “Tarzan Finds a Son!” (1939). Characters: Tarzan. June 16, 1939.

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#43 “Tarzan Escapes” (1936): Johnny Weissmuller in the title role and Maureen O’Sullivan in a scene.

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#44 “Tarzan and His Mate” (1934), Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan, Paul Cavanagh, and Neil Hamilton.

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#45 “Tarzan Ape Man” (1932), USA: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan in a film based upon Edgar Rice Burroughs’ works.

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#46 “Tarzan and His Mate,” aka: “Tarzan’s Revenge” (1934), directed by Cedric Gibbons: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan.

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#47 “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932), Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane, Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, and Cheetah the Chimp.

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#48 On the set of “Tarzan”: Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan in a scene from a Tarzan movie.

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#49 Maureen O’Sullivan and chimpanzee publicity portrait as Jane Parker for “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932), directed by W. S. Novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, adaptation by Cyril Hume, dialogue by Ivor Novello. Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

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#50 “Tarzan Escapes” (1936), Maureen O’Sullivan, Johnny Weissmuller.

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#51 Released: Apr 16, 1934 – “Tarzan and His Mate.” Pictured: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O’Sullivan.

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