Some sources report Jack Conway directed most of the picture; however Maureen O’Sullivan has said James C. McKay actually directed the film. His official credit on the picture was Animal Director. McKay (1894-1971) had a resume full of various credits, and he jumped back and forth between the jobs of director and editor. McKay had received a Production Assistant credit on "Trader Horn" (1931) directed by W. S. Van Dyke. McKay was initially given the director's chair for the sequel, "Tarzan Escapes" (1936), indicating M.G.M must have been happy with the work he did on "Tarzan and His Mate"; however there would be many changes to the cast and crew on that film too (including Elmer Sheeley replacing Cedric Gibbons as art director!).