James Parker (C. Aubrey Smith) and Harry Holt (Tarzan) (Neil Hamilton (actor)) travel in Africa on a quest for the legendary elephant burial grounds and their ivory. They are joined by Parker's daughter Jane Porter (Tarzan) (Maureen O'Sullivan). Holt is attracted to Jane, and tries somewhat ineffectively to protect her from the jungle's dangers. He notably fails to prevent her abduction by the jungle's guardian, the mysterious Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and his ape allies.