Spikeopath OK! The mermaids of the title here are actually pearl divers who require Tarzan's help to topple their evil leader. Oh and said evil leader has set himself up as a false God, thus enslaving the islanders with religious fervour.Filmed at Churubusco Studios in Mexico, Mermaids is the final appearance of Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan. It's no great send off for the man who had worn the loin cloth with distinction. It's standard fare, with the franchise looking as tired as its iconic lead actor. However, it moves along at a good clip, introduces us to the lovely Linda Christian and director Robert Florey inserts enough under water battles (with men and creature) and cliff diving escapades to keep the pic zippy. Boy is away in England studying, but Jane (Brenda Joyce) is around looking delicious and not at all jealous of Tarzan bringing home Mara (Christian) after she escapes a planned marriage to evil false deity guy. While Cheeta, bless her, auditions for the role of Duane Eddy. Harmless lord of the apes fluff all told, but instantly forgettable into the bargain. 6/10

BA_Harrison Fed up with scientists, hunters, leopard women, Amazon warriors and Nazis ruining their peace and quiet, Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller) and Jane (Brenda Joyce) have upped sticks and moved to a riverfront property, where they hope to spend their days relaxing, fishing and enjoying a little privacy now that Boy has finally flown the coop (gone to school in England, apparently, although I reckon actor Johnny Sheffield saw the proposed plot for this film and ran a mile!).This seemingly idyllic locale still has its drawbacks though: not only do the couple now have a really irritating new neighbour in the form of calypso-singing mail-man Benji (John Laurenz), but only a few short vine swings down the river, trouble is brewing in the taboo coastal realm of Aquatania, where a pair of wicked con artists (George Zucco and Fernando Wagner) are posing as living deity Balu to trick the locals out of a fortune in pearls. After giving refuge to a young Aquatican woman who has escaped from a forced marriage to the false god by swimming upriver, Tarzan decides that if he is ever going to get some well earned rest and relaxation (and judging by Weissmuller's haggard appearance, he really could do with some), he must first sort out the unrest in Aquatania (although personally I would begin by throttling Benji!).The twelfth and final outing for Johnny Weismuller as Edgar Rice Burrough's ape-man, Tarzan and the Mermaids is easily the weakest of the whole series, with a star who looks like he's been partying way too hard between shooting (stubble and a paunch is not a great look), a poor script that favours musical numbers, lighthearted aquatic frolics, scenic panoramas over decent action and adventure, and a thoroughly unconvincing Mexican filming location (an Aztec temple, the unmistakable cliffs of Acupulco, and a supporting cast of Hispanic performers don't exactly give off that African vibe). Director Robert Florey's tepid direction does little to help matters, with even an attack by giant octopus proving to be a big disappointment.Weissmuller enthusiasts will no doubt want to check out 'Mermaids' for the sake of completion, but be warned, this ain't a great way to end an era.

JoeKarlosi Last of the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan films and a good thing too, as this is easily the worst of the 12 films he made over a period of 16 years. No mermaids are featured here either as a beautiful island woman tries to escape the clutches of her people, who worship a god and try to force her to be its bride. She finds Tarzan and Jane, who try to protect her. George Zucco is present as a potentially villainous High Priest but isn't used to his full advantage. Also on hand and worthy of mention is a hugely annoying guitar player/singer who goes into song every so often. Even the "great" Robert Florey can't aid this one.*1/2 out of ****

pwrusselluk I've seen thousands of films (I was practically brought up in the cinema as my mum worked in the Granada, Acton when I was growing up) and this is quite simply the worst I've ever seen. Perhaps it's because I was working as an usher one hot summer in the sixties and was subjected to this film 12 times! The acting is terrible, storyline ridiculous, music painful and design kitsch. Maybe it's about expectations? It's not even so bad that it becomes compulsive viewing in the way that some B movies are? If they lose the negative for this one, the history of cinema will remain intact!!