Tarzan Shame of Jane was shot on location in lush, tropical environments, utilizing professional camera work, complex lighting schemes, and an original musical score. D'Amato approached the project not merely as a collection of explicit scenes, but as a feature-length cinematic parody of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic pulp hero. The film's aesthetic closely mirrored mainstream adventure cinema of the era, contributing significantly to its novelty and appeal. Plot Outline and Narrative Structure
: Jane leads an expedition into Africa where she discovers the legendary "Ape Man".
Jane Porter arrives in Africa on a scientific expedition. She separates from her group, faints from exhaustion, and is rescued by the "Ape Man" (referred to as John). An intense physical romance sparks free from societal constraints.
Tarzan-X: Shame of Jane (also known as Tharzan - La vera storia del figlio della giungla ) is a 1995 Italian adult film directed by Joe D'Amato. It is a hardcore retelling of the classic Tarzan story, notably shot on location in Kenya rather than a studio. Production Details Joe D'Amato (Aristide Massaccesi). Release Date: June 16, 1995 (United States). Runtime: Approximately 98 minutes. Genre: Adult / Adventure / Drama. Key Cast Members
The film follows the classic skeleton of Edgar Rice Burroughs' original tale but with a satirical, adult-leaning twist.
Within the context of the 1990s, the film represents a specific trend in the European market where directors attempted to produce "feature-length" erotic dramas with higher budgets. It remains a point of reference for film historians studying the evolution of the adult film industry and the career of Joe D'Amato, who was a central figure in Italian exploitation and independent cinema for several decades.
The Cult of : A Look Back at the 1995 " Shame of Jane When you hear the name "Tarzan," you probably think of Disney's animated classic or the original Edgar Rice Burroughs novels. But in 1995, Italian director released a version that definitely wasn't meant for Saturday morning cartoons: Tarzan-X: Shame of Jane (also known as Tharzan - La vera storia del figlio della giungla ).
: Jane meets the primal, uninhibited Apeman (played by Rocco Siffredi).
In the landscape of 1990s adult cinema, few titles blended high-production values with pop-culture parody quite like (1995). Directed by renowned Italian auteur Joe D’Amato, this adult fantasy adventure, often listed under the alternative title Tharzan - La vera storia del figlio della giungla , is considered a landmark in the "XXX-rated mainstream" genre. It reimagines the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs tale with a focus on erotic exploration and the exotic allure of the jungle. The Production and Background
The film stands out in adult cinema history due to its high production value, real wildlife backdrops, and a high-profile legal battle with the Burroughs estate. Key Information Overview Joe D'Amato (Aristide Massaccesi) Release Date June 16, 1995 Running Time 2 hours and 16 minutes Primary Stars Rocco Siffredi (Tarzan/John), Rosa Caracciolo (Jane) Filming Location Kenya, East Africa The Plot: From Primal Jungle to Repressed Society
The movie takes place several years after Tarzan's initial adventures in the jungle. He is now married to Jane Porter, but their happiness is short-lived as Jane becomes the target of a villainous plot by a wealthy and power-hungry man. Tarzan must navigate the dangers of the jungle and confront his own insecurities to rescue his beloved wife.
The second half of the movie introduces a heavy dose of culture shock. Jane decides to bring Tarzan back with her to aristocratic British civilization. Once in the UK, Tarzan's complete disregard for etiquette—paired with his raw magnetism—disrupts the rigid, repressed local high society. He treats the civilized world with the same unchained approach as the jungle, resulting in an episodic series of encounters with the household staff and Jane's acquaintances. Production Elements and Real Locations
The movie's pacing is slow, and the action scenes are underwhelming. The film's climax, which features Tarzan facing off against the main antagonist, is overly simplistic and lacks tension.
While James Berardinelli brings a likable charm to the role of Tarzan, the film's overall quality is marred by a predictable and unengaging storyline. The supporting cast, particularly the actress playing Jane, lacks chemistry with Berardinelli, making their romance feel forced.
The technical details of the project highlight its unique place in 1990s international adult cinema:
(Rózsa Tassi), whose performance is frequently cited by viewers as having more emotional depth than typical for the genre. Production and Notoriety Legal Battles : The film achieved notoriety when the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs unsuccessfully attempted to sue the production. Audio Theft
The Italian actress delivered a performance that required significant non-verbal acting, transitioning from a rigid, terrified aristocrat to a feral jungle inhabitant. Her real-life chemistry with her co-star heavily influenced the intensity of the scenes.
Analyzing : The Infamous Cult Classic
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