The Untold Story Of Elmo Lincoln: 7 Surprising Facts About The 1st Tarzan Of The Silver Screen

The legend of Tarzan is over a century old, and while many remember the iconic yell of Johnny Weissmuller, the true pioneer who first brought the Ape-Man from the pages of Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel to the silver screen is often forgotten: Elmo Lincoln. As of late 2025, film historians and collectors are celebrating this original cinematic milestone, with recent 2K restorations and Blu-ray releases breathing new life into the 1918 silent film that started it all.

This article dives deep into the life of the "barrel-chested" actor who was the first to swing across the jungle, exploring his forgotten career, the groundbreaking film, and the surprising facts that define the legacy of the original Lord of the Jungle. The film, *Tarzan of the Apes*, was a massive hit in its time, proving the enduring appeal of the jungle hero and setting the stage for every adaptation that followed.

The Forgotten King of the Jungle: Elmo Lincoln's Complete Biography

Elmo Lincoln was not the muscle-bound Olympian that later actors would be, but a rugged, powerful stage and film veteran whose physical presence defined the first cinematic Tarzan. He was a foundational figure in the silent film era, working alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Otto Elmo Linkenhelt
• Born: February 6, 1889, in Rochester, Arkansas, U.S.
• Died: June 27, 1952 (aged 63), in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Stage and Film Actor
• Years Active: 1913–1952 (spanning the silent and sound eras)
• Notable Pre-Tarzan Work: Appeared in D.W. Griffith’s monumental 1915 film, *The Birth of a Nation*, and *Intolerance* (1916).
• First Tarzan Film: *Tarzan of the Apes* (1918)
• Other Tarzan Roles: *The Romance of Tarzan* (1918) and the serial *The Adventures of Tarzan* (1921).
• Post-Stardom Career: After the height of his Tarzan fame, he was largely relegated to smaller, uncredited roles, including a cameo in the 1949 film *Tarzan's Magic Fountain*.

The Groundbreaking Production of *Tarzan of the Apes* (1918)

Released on January 27, 1918, *Tarzan of the Apes* was more than just an adventure film; it was a cinematic phenomenon that cemented the character's status as a global icon. The film was an immediate commercial success, reportedly earning over one million dollars—a staggering sum for the era.

The production itself was a technical and logistical challenge for its time. Unlike later Tarzan films shot in Hollywood backlots, parts of the 1918 film were shot on location in the swamps and forests of Morgan City, Louisiana, which lent an authentic, rugged feel to the jungle setting.

The Surprising Cast and Crew Facts

The success of the film hinged on a dedicated cast and crew who brought Edgar Rice Burroughs' vision to life, often under difficult conditions. The creative team made several key decisions that are still discussed by film historians today:

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• Elmo Lincoln Was the Second Choice: The role of the adult Tarzan was initially played by actor Stellan Windrow, but he left the production shortly after filming began to serve in the military. Lincoln was brought in as a replacement, and his powerful build—a contrast to the slighter Windrow—defined the role.
• The First Jane Porter: The role of Jane Porter, the character who discovers Tarzan and brings him back to civilization, was played by actress Enid Markey. Markey was a prominent figure in early Hollywood and is credited as the first actress to portray Jane on screen.
• Two Tarzans in One Film: The film is notable for introducing Gordon Griffith, who played the role of the boy Tarzan, "Tantor." Griffith's performance as the feral child was a critical component of the story, covering Tarzan's early life before Lincoln took over the adult role.
• The Director: The film was directed by Scott Sidney, who successfully navigated the adaptation of a complex novel into the silent film format, relying heavily on visual storytelling and title cards.

7 Ways Elmo Lincoln’s Tarzan Changed Cinema History

Elmo Lincoln’s portrayal of Tarzan, though often overshadowed by the later, more polished sound-era adaptations, was revolutionary. It established the cinematic blueprint for the jungle adventure genre and the character's enduring appeal. His performance laid the foundation for every subsequent Tarzan actor, from Johnny Weissmuller to Alexander Skarsgård.

1. It Was the First Million-Dollar Blockbuster: The film's massive box office success proved that feature-length adventure films based on popular literature could be hugely profitable, influencing studios to invest in similar adaptations.
2. The First Screen Yell Was Silent: While the famous Tarzan yell is synonymous with the character, Lincoln's version, being a silent film, relied on a powerful, primal scream conveyed through intense physical acting and dramatic title cards. This raw, guttural interpretation was a key part of his performance.
3. He Was the "Barrel-Chested" Tarzan: Unlike the lean, athletic look of later actors, Lincoln was known for his husky, powerful build. He was a man of strength, not just speed, which was a more faithful interpretation of the powerful, jungle-raised man described in Burroughs' novel.
4. It Introduced the Concept of the Feral Child: The film was the first to visually depict the origin story of Tarzan, showing the death of his parents and his adoption by the great apes, which was a crucial element that captivated audiences.
5. It Launched a Franchise: The success of the 1918 film immediately led to a sequel, *The Romance of Tarzan*, released the same year, and a popular serial, *The Adventures of Tarzan* (1921), establishing one of the longest-running film franchises in history.
6. A Modern 2K Restoration Exists: In recent years, the film has been subject to a 2K restoration and re-release by companies like Film Masters and Cinedigm. This preservation effort ensures that modern audiences can experience the original film in the best possible quality, keeping Lincoln's legacy alive.
7. A Precursor to the Action Hero: Lincoln’s physical, stunt-heavy performance in the silent era, where he performed many of his own stunts, established a template for the cinematic action hero who relies on brute strength and agility to overcome obstacles.

The Post-Jungle Career and Final Years

Despite his status as the original Tarzan, Elmo Lincoln’s career trajectory after the character was one of diminishing returns. He was one of many silent film stars who struggled to transition into the "talkies" era of sound film.

While he continued to act until his death in 1952, appearing in over 100 films, his roles became smaller and often uncredited. He took on various odd jobs to make ends meet, a common fate for many silent film pioneers. However, his connection to the jungle lord was never completely severed. He made a memorable, albeit brief, return to the franchise with a cameo in the 1949 film *Tarzan's Magic Fountain*, a nod to his legendary past.

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Elmo Lincoln’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the ephemeral nature of early Hollywood stardom. He was the first to swing, the first to roar, and the first to prove that Edgar Rice Burroughs' creation was perfect for the new medium of cinema. His legacy is now being celebrated anew through the restoration of his original masterpiece, allowing a new generation to discover the true, original king of the jungle.