Following his parents' death in Africa, John Clayton was raised by apes and known as Tarzan. Now living in England with his wife Jane Porter, he is persuaded to return to Africa after being asked by King Leopold to inspect what has been done there in the name of progress. Accompanied by George Washington Williams, who suspects atrocities and slavery, Clayton travels back to the jungle, where he and Jane are captured by Leon Rom. He escapes with Washington's help and sets out to rescue Jane.