Eleven films after Lex Barker made his final Tarzan appearance in Tarzan and The She Devil, he made this Western in which he again appeared similarly clothed but this time as an Apache Indian in War Drums 1957. It was filmed in Colour and also starred Ben Johnson and Joan Taylor

There was an action packed climatic sequence that was really exciting and very well done.

On the bill above War Drums was the main feature – OR as we used to say ‘the big picture’

Joan Taylor who was top billed here is nowadays best remembered for two Sci-fi films from the 1950s:  Earth vs. the Flying Saucers  (1956) and 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957).   Both of these films were made at a similar time to this Western.

Lex Barker’s son Zan – pictured above in England – had this to say about his famous father

It always amazes me that he made such an impact in his role of Tarzan, and that people primarily remember him for portraying the jungle hero. I’ve met countless people whose lives were improved because of him, for example, there is a gentleman who lived in South Africa and who as a boy played in the jungle with friends, was even swinging from vines. He was in great shape and still followed dad’s instructions on isometrics to this day — employing isometrics in the early films of the fifties. These were exotic for their days.

I think one of my favourite films starring my father is War Drums with Ben Johnson and Joan Taylor.

Below Larry Chance with Lex Barker in War Drums 1957

Tarzans Peril 1951 also know as Tarzan and the Jungle Queen – Lex Barker relaxes during filming in Africa

Lex Barker ABOVE in War Drums 1957

Lex Barkers son Christopher had these touching words on the occasion of his Father’s Birthday

Christopher Barker:

1. I am glad to see that my father is still present on the screen and that he is well remembered by a lot of people all over the world. He left the legacy of a great body of memorable work, but mainly the image of a kind and gentle hero, defending right against wrong — a symbol of an era where these notions were still clearly defined. I miss him personally and because of what he meant for so many people!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! Much Love from your children and grandchildren.

2. I like watching my father on the screen and, of course, I have a few favourite parts that he played. Among those are the part of Chief Mangas Coloradas, Tarzan, or Old Shatterhand, maybe because they represent the ideal of tolerance and freedom among the people of our world. Also, his part as the writer in Woman Times Seven, as it fits his personality in real life!

3. I have fond memories of my father (I prefer to let the sad ones slip away). I remember his amazement at the feat of having landed men on the moon and that he said, somehow he would never look at it the same way again; or his kind and warm look full of love when I was sick on his yacht. Also, his look of pride at teaching me how to dive with a spear to catch fish (…and his subsequent disappointment that the fish I caught was so small!). I can almost relive those moments as if they happened yesterday! Time stands still and my father is very much a part of me now… I will always treasure those memories.