How was Rex chosen?
Why was Rex Harrison imported for this the first of his US films?
Did all other US actors reject the role?
I think he did a good job and was totally believable in the role. In the Trivia section, a few of the other actors who were considered are mentioned. While there are a few I like, I can't imagine them in the role. However and whoever picked him they got the right guy to play the part.
In regards to looking Asian, I don't see how it makes any difference. In those days the studios would never have cast an actual Asian man in the role. Whichever actor was cast, he would have had to wear makeup to look Asian too. It's just how it was.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]
^
Ah, thank you. I don't think I noticed that.
Robert Montgomery, (whoever he is) I'm sure would have been hopeless. But I reckon the silky, handsome James Mason might have been better than Harrison.
He played some Mongol character in Genghis Khan in the 60s,