Fifth actor to portray Tarzan on film (1893-1966). He worked as a stuntman, doubling for Elmo Lincoln in the 1921 Adventures of Tarzan. His first starring role was in Perils of the Jungle; the director of that movie offered him the job of Tarzan when the man who already had the job (Joe Bonono, already billed as "the greatest of all Tarzans") fractured his leg and broke his contract. Merrill invented the vine-swinging techniques used in later Tarzan films and the Tarzan yell, played on a record accompanying a "semi-sound" version of this second Tarzan movie. Ironically, his voice was thought unsuitable for talkies and he retired from film. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Merrill in a shirt and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To my friend Gertrude, Sincerely, Frank Merrill, Tarzan.” Accompanied by a vintage unsigned photo of Merrill as Tarzan. In very good condition, with missing lower right corner tip, signature and inscription a shade light, and scattered silvering to darker areas of image and background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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