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Why Was Tarzan Banned in Germany?

Published in Film Censorship 3 mins read

Tarzan was banned in Germany by the National Socialist Party primarily because the film Tarzan and His Mate (1934) depicted a Nordic man in "primitive" surroundings, which conflicted with the party's ideological beliefs about racial purity and superiority.

The Specific Reason for the Ban

The National Socialist Party, which controlled Germany during the 1930s and 1940s, implemented strict censorship policies to align all media with their racial and cultural doctrines. The film Tarzan and His Mate (1934) was deemed problematic because its titular character, Tarzan, was portrayed as a man of Nordic physical characteristics living in an uncivilized, wild environment.

This portrayal directly contradicted the Nazi regime's ideology, which glorified the "Aryan" or "Nordic" race as inherently superior, civilized, and culturally advanced. To depict a member of this supposedly superior race in a "primitive" state was seen as undermining their propaganda and racial doctrines, suggesting a regression rather than an advancement of the race.

Context: The National Socialist Party's Ideology

The National Socialist Party's censorship was deeply rooted in its racial ideology, which sought to control public perception and enforce a specific worldview. Key aspects that influenced their decision to ban Tarzan and His Mate included:

  • Racial Purity: The belief that the "Nordic" race was pure and should not be associated with or seen as existing in a less developed, "primitive" state.
  • Superiority Complex: The promotion of the "Aryan" race as the peak of human evolution and civilization, making any depiction that suggested otherwise unacceptable.
  • Propaganda Control: Ensuring that all forms of media, including films, supported the party's narrative and reinforced its ideological tenets.

The presence of a character embodying the ideal Aryan physique in a wild, untamed setting was perceived as an insult to the constructed image of the master race and therefore posed a threat to the party's ideological framework.

Global Reception vs. German Censorship

Despite the ban in Germany, Tarzan and His Mate was a significant international success. Its adventurous plot, iconic jungle scenes, and the chemistry between its stars resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its status as a highly popular film of its era. This stark contrast highlights the extreme and ideologically driven nature of the National Socialist Party's censorship, which often diverged sharply from global artistic and popular trends.

Key Details of the Ban

Here's a summary of the specifics regarding the ban:

Aspect Detail
Film Title Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
Banning Authority The National Socialist Party (Nazi Party)
Primary Reason Depiction of a Nordic man in "primitive" surroundings
Ideological Conflict Contradicted Nazi racial theories regarding Aryan/Nordic superiority and civilization
International Context The film was a huge international success despite the German ban