Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes

In the heart of the 19th century, a tumultuous sea storm ravages a ship, stranding a young couple in the unforgiving depths of Africa. As fate would have it, the woman is on the cusp of giving birth, and in a desolate treehouse, she brings forth a tiny son. The young family is soon confronted by a group of apes who, having discovered the secluded treehouse, become violent in a desperate bid to protect their home. In the ensuing chaos, the parents meet their untimely demise, leaving behind their infant child. The scene shifts to a powerful and nurturing female ape, who upon witnessing the tragic death of her own infant child, is overcome with grief. Seeing the tiny human baby as a suitable replacement for her own lost son, she decides to take him under her wing, raising him as one of her own. The ape, whom the baby will come to know as Kala, dedicates herself to providing for the young human, raising him alongside her own ape kin. As years pass, the young boy, now calling himself Tarzan, grows into a strong and agile individual, perfectly adapted to life in the jungle. However, despite his unique upbringing, deep within him lies a lingering sense of humanity that refuses to be extinguished. The arrival of a group of apes who speak through a sign language they had learned from Tarzan's late father awakens a glimmer of hope in the young man, hinting at the fact that Tarzan's past is perhaps more complex than he initially thought. It is during this time that Captain Philip D'Arnot, a seasoned adventurer, stumbles upon the remnants of the treehouse in which Tarzan grew up. Recognising the faint resemblance to a family crest on the treehouse door, he becomes convinced that Tarzan is the long-lost heir to the title of Earl Greystoke. Convinced that he has found the direct descendant of the Greystoke lineage, D'Arnot makes it his duty to return Tarzan to the comforts of civilised society. Upon learning of his supposed heritage, Tarzan is torn between embracing his jungle roots and indulging in the luxuries of his newfound identity. The discovery of a faded photograph of his deceased father adds credence to D'Arnot's claims, forcing Tarzan to confront the reality of his situation. As Tarzan navigates the complexities of his dual identity, the line between man and beast becomes increasingly blurred, raising questions about what it truly means to be human. As D'Arnot takes Tarzan on a journey back to England, the young man is confronted with the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and customs of the world beyond the jungle. Tarzan struggles to adjust to the conventions of civilisation, where the rules of etiquette and social norms govern every aspect of life. D'Arnot, understanding Tarzan's plight, proves to be a supportive guide, introducing him to his aunt and uncle, who are the remaining members of the Greystoke family. Torn between his desire to cling to his jungle upbringing and his duty to assume his rightful place within the aristocracy, Tarzan embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His struggles are compounded by the arrival of the ruthless explorer, Captain Clayton, who seeks to exploit the riches of the Greystoke estate for his own gain. This new threat further exacerbates Tarzan's internal conflict, leading him to question the validity of his supposed aristocratic status. In the end, Tarzan's loyalty is tested as he is forced to choose between his jungle roots and his claimed heritage. With loyalty and duty to his ape family weighing against the obligations he has towards his supposed family, the young man comes to a realisation that his true identity lies not in his aristocratic lineage but in the lessons he has learned from Kala. Despite his newfound status, Tarzan knows that his heart will always remain in the jungle, and so he sets out to claim his rightful place within the Greystoke estate, all while keeping his jungle roots and the lessons he learned from Kala close to his heart.