The New Adventures of Tarzan: Chapter 2 – Crossed Trails (1935) Director: Edward A. Kull, Wilbur F. McGaugh Studio: Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises / Ashton Dearholt Productions Starring: Herman Brix (Tarzan), Ula Holt (Ula Vale), Ashton Dearholt (P.B. Raglan), Frank Baker, Lewis Sargent Release Date: May 1935 Runtime: ~20 minutes (Chapter 2) Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound | Serial | Live Action Country: United States Language: English Genres: Adventure | Jungle Serial | Action | Classic Pulp Summary: In Chapter 2 of The New Adventures of Tarzan, titled "Crossed Trails," Tarzan continues his perilous expedition into the Guatemalan jungle in pursuit of the mystical artifact known as the Green Goddess. As rival explorers and mercenaries close in, alliances fray and treacherous jungle terrain puts all at risk. Tarzan and his allies must brave dangerous wildlife, sabotaged camps, and mysterious attacks as the race for the ancient idol intensifies. "Crossed Trails" deepens the intrigue, escalating the action while revealing betrayals and hidden motives among the expedition team. Tarzan’s primal strength and sharp instincts are tested as he uncovers the dark forces tracking his every move. Background: The New Adventures of Tarzan was a 12-chapter sound serial produced independently by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan’s creator), aiming to present a more faithful version of the jungle hero—literate, intelligent, and noble, unlike the grunting, animalistic portrayals in other films of the era. Shot on location in Guatemala, the serial features exotic scenery and real jungle hazards, which added authenticity but made production difficult. Olympic athlete Herman Brix (aka Bruce Bennett) was cast for his physique and ability to perform stunts. Unlike many contemporaneous Tarzan films, this version is closer to the character as written in Burroughs’ novels. Trivia: Herman Brix (later known as Bruce Bennett) was a silver medalist in shot put at the 1928 Olympics. The serial was shot on location in Guatemala—rare for the time—and crew faced tropical illnesses and equipment failures. This Tarzan speaks fluent English, reflecting Burroughs’ original characterization. The serial was later condensed into a feature film titled Tarzan and the Green Goddess (1938). Many chapters, including "Crossed Trails," entered the public domain and are available in classic serial collections. The series’ villain, Raglan, was played by Ashton Dearholt, who co-produced the serial and was briefly married to Ula Holt. Hashtags: #NewAdventuresOfTarzan #TarzanSerial #CrossedTrails #HermanBrix #1930sAdventure #ClassicTarzan #JungleSerial #EdgarRiceBurroughs #PublicDomainSerial #GoldenAgeAdventure #TarzanAndTheGreenGoddess #PulpCinema #VintageAction #JungleHero #GuatemalaFilming #SerialChapter2 #ClassicCinema #AdventureFilmHistory #OldHollywoodAdventure #TarzanFans