Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7594a  |
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Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7594a |
CAPTIVE CONFUSION
November 16: (2022 this is the 1600th article/post in this series. On this day in 1926, Edgar Rice Burroughs began writing “The Tarzan Twins.” He dedicated the juvenile book to his children. “To Joan, Hulbert and Jack, who were brought up on the Tarzan stories, this volume is affectionately dedicated by their father.”
The adventures of Dick and Doc were originally published by P. F Volland in October of 1927 with artwork by Douglas Grant. Robert B. Zeuschner identifies nine Volland editions of the book in “Edgar Rice Burroughs The Bibliography.” A Big Little Book was published by Whitman with a cover by Hal Arbo and 189 interior illustrations by Juanita Bennett. The Tarzan Twins has been published is several more editions in the United States and abroad. The novel was adapted as a daily comic strip, a comic book, and a graphic novel version is available online from ERB Inc.
Details about the novel, several illustrations, and an electronic version of the story are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0498.html
The two boys, Dick and Doc, arent’t really twins. They’re cousins, and not identical cousins, this isn’t a jungle version of the Patty Duke Show.
The drabble for today is “Captive Confusion,” and it was inspired by “The Tarzan Twins.”Captured by cannibals, Dick, and Doc, the Tarzan Twins were captives with the pygmy, Ukundo, who said, “You can’t be twins, you have differently colored hair.” CAPTIVE CONFUSION
“We’re actually cousins,” said Dick. “I’m Tarzan’s nephew so we’re the “Tarzan Twins.”
“Which of you is most like the other?”
“We’re equally alike and unlike each other.”
“If twin girls married twin boys their children could be identical cousins. Right!”
Dick said, “But it we aren’t twins, we just call ourselves that.”
“Why call yourself what you’re not,” said the pygmy. “Calling myself a giraffe, won’t make me more than three feet tall.”
HER DANGEROUS PATH
November 17: On this day in 1899, silent film actress and wife of Mervyn Leroy, Edna Murphy was born in New York City. Edna played Betty Greystoke, Tarzan’s sister in Jim Pierce’s “Tarzan and the Golden Lion.” according to Wikipedia and IMBD. Who knew Tarzan had a sister?
Elizabeth Edna Murphey appeared in 80 films between 1918 and 1933. Murphy was voted "Most Photographed Movie Star of 1925" by Screenland Magazine. Her films included “Over the Hills to the Poorhouse,” “The Branded Woman,” “Wives at Auction,” and “Clothes Make the Pirate.” Leroy abandoned her in 1932. The reasons for Leroy leaving her was ever made public, but her alleged off-screen romance with her co-star, Jim Pierce, while filming “Tarzan and the Golden Lion” might have something to do with it.
Rumours at the time were that Edna was a busy busy girl.
Read about the film, view several stills, and even watch a fifty-nine minute version of the film at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0591.html.
The 100 word drabble for today is “Her Dangerous Path,’ and it was inspired by Edna’s film career. Eighteen titles of her films, not counting the title of this drabble, are in the text. How many can you find?”“Mervyn left you.” HER DANGEROUS PATH
Yes, Dearie. I got caught bluffing about stolen kisses. Oh, what a night. Mervyn learned about the midnight adventure and I got burnt fingers.”“He never tolerated cheating blondes.”
“His fault. My man spent several nights with the dancing sweeties at the bachelor’s club.”“I managed my behavior with kid gloves. No finger prints. Now I’m a branded woman and he’s free to chase cheating blondes and lying wives.”
“You blaming him?”
“No, I’m the sap and got caught ridin’ wild. Career’s over. Now it’s over the hill to the poorhouse. Future will be quite the ordeal.”
DON'T DO, WRITE
November 18: On this day in 1933, Liberty Magazine published the second of nine installments of their serialization of “Tarzan and the Lion Man.” Interior artwork is credited to Ray Dean, a pseudonym for Stockton Mulford. While the Great Depression was in full swing, Stockton Mulford was able to supplement his income by producing additional illustrations under the pen-name "Ray Dean." This work was published through an art agency with Adventure Magazine, Star Western, and most memorably, Liberty Magazine, where "Ray Dean" illustrated serialized chapters of "Tarzan And The Lion Man" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Mulford drew the cover illustrations for the pulp publications of “Tarzan and the Ant Men” and “The Moon Men.”
He never used the name again after 1935.
The cover illustration for “What Price Armistice” by Adela Rogers St. John is credited to Gaspano Ricca. Interestingly, the issue contains the article, “Will Japan Commit Suicide?” by fellow named Leon Trotsky, aka Lev Davidovich Bronshtein. You might have heard of him.
Details about the publication of “Tarzan and the Lion Man” may be found at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0726.html
The drabble for today is “Don’t Do, Write,” and was inspired by one of the scenes in “Tarzan and the Lion Man,” in which Stanley Obroski, a Tarzan lookalike, is the actor chosen to play the “Lion Man.”The film director said, “Obroski, a native war party is nearby. You’re dressed like the Lion Man, the King of the Jungle. How about you go ahead and scare them away.” DON'T DO, WRITE
“How about you scare them yourself, or better yet, get the man who wrote this to go one-on-hundreds all by himself. Where is he? I’ll stay here why he whips the natives.”
The writer is home, in California I think. He’s never been to Africa."
“Smart on him to sit safely at home and write about dangers that never come his way personally. Would that I were with him!”
SPEAK NOW
November 19: On this day in 1928, the final chapter in the fifteen episode film serial, “Tarzan the Mighty” graced theatre screens and thousands of adults and children sat in the dark auditoriums to watch the final confrontation, “The Reckoning,” between Black John (Al Ferguson) and Tarzan (Frank Merrill).
Tarzan was lost at sea when the episode began and Mary Trevor was being forced into an unwanted wedding with Black John at the Greystoke estate in England. The reigning Lord Greystoke had lost his memory and believed Black John to be his heir, not Tarzan.
However, Tarzan had been rescued by a fishing boat and miraculously taken to the English coast. He made his way inland and interrupted the ceremony. Tarzan’s appearance restored Lord Greystoke’s memory and the frail old man denounced Black John as an imposter. Tarzan and Mary were married. If you think about that, all the folks who complained that Tarzan was never married were wrong again. He married Jane in “Son of Tarzan” and Mary Trevor in “Tarzan the Mighty.” Could be a problem there!
Chapter summaries, several photos and posters, and more details about the film and the novel adaption by Arthur B. Reeve are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0592.html You can read the adaption at ERBzine, buy and old copy of issue 33 of the first series of the Burroughs Bulletins, or buy a hardback or paperback of the adaption at any of several online book sellers.
The 100 word drabble for today is “Speak Now,” and it was inspired by the final episode of the serial, “The Mighty Tarzan.”Tarzan burst into the forced wedding ceremony between Black John and Mary Trevor. “Stop the wedding,” he shouted. “Black John is an imposter. Mary and I love each other and should marry.” SPEAK NOW
Black John snarled. “You can’t marry her. You already married Jane Parker in the film serial, “The Son of Tarzan.”
Lord Greystoke, who’d be suffering from amnesia, regained his memory. “Silence, you scoundrel. The marriage between Tarzan and Jane isn’t valid here because it took place in a ‘First National Pictures’ film and this is a Universal Production. Minister, consider the FNP marriage a dress rehearsal and proceed.”
WAMPAS REVISITED
November 20: On this day in 1931, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote a humorous poem, “The Wampas,’ for the Western Associated Motion Picture Advertisers group’s breakfast club meeting. Not only was WAMPAS the acronym for the group, it was the name given to a group of young starlets selected by the group as upcoming stars. A long-time family friend of the Burroughs’s, Rochelle Hudson was selected as the WAMPAS Baby Star of 1931. Winners in other years were Tarzan actresses, Louise Lorraine, Natalie Kingman, Eleanor Holm, and Jacqueline Wells.
A Burroughs neighbor during childhood, Rochelle often rode to school with Jack and Hulbert. During WWII, ERB frequently visited with Rochelle and her husband in Hawaii.
Rochelle never appeared in a Tarzan film, but she starred in the 1932 film, The Savage Girl,” playing a jungle goddess protected by a fierce gorilla. She had over 100 film credits including “Imitation of Life,” and “Rebel Without A Cause.”
Details about Rochelle Hudson's ERB connection are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag27/2757.html and you can watch The Savage Girl film on Amazon Prime or on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=YeaJZsayHoU
As for the Edgar Rice Burroughs poem, “THE WAMPAS,” my searching hasn’t turned up a copy. The 100 word drabble for today is a poem, WAMPAS REVISITED,” and it wasn’t written by Edgar Rice Burroughs.WAMPAS REVISITED
Today we honor the young and restless
To choose the most beautiful, our test is
To choose among starlets who’ve come from afar.
In motion pictures they’re hoping to star.
They dress to the nines with their makeup divine
And strive to look perfect, most of the time.
Dancing lessons and acting classes
Are de rigueur for these pretty young lasses.
Wardrobes and lodging, and Brown Derby dinner
Though they never much, they want to look thinner
As they fight, claw, and climb to the top of the hill
Bless them all, but I’m happy I don’t pay the bill.
POINT OF VIEW
November 21: On this day in 1931, Edgar Rice Burroughs began writing “Tarzan and the City of Gold.” He finished the story on January 7, 1932. Working titles were “Tarzan and the Lion People,” “Tarzan the Courageous,’ and “Tarzan Courageous.”
The novel was serialized in Argosy Magazine beginning March 12, 1932. The first installment’s cover was by Paul Stahr. Each issue had an interior illustration by Samuel Cahan. A beautiful edition of the novel is currently available from ERB Inc. at: https://edgarriceburroughs.com/store/product-category/print-books/authorized-library/
Publishing details, reviews, and several illustrations are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0725.html
In the novel, Tarzan encounters the lost cities of Athne and Cathne (The cities of Gold and Ivory). He later revisits them in “Tarzan the Magnificent.” The only other ‘lost civilization’ Tarzan visits more than once is Opar.
The 100 word drabble for today, “Point of View,” and it was inspired by “Tarzan and the City of Gold” and the plight of elephants in our world today.Tarzan befriended Valthor, who said “There are two cities in this valley, Athne, City of Ivory, and Cathne, City of Gold. They’ve fought for years.” POINT OF VIEW
Tarzan said, “I don’t take sides.”
“The cities have beautiful queens. They’ll both like you, although they can be quite difficult at times.”“Beauty and wise don’t always grow on the same vine.”
“I’m from Athne. We’ll eventually win. Once Cathne mines all their gold, they won’t have the funds to keep fighting us. We rely on Ivory. Ivory grows on elephants. It’s a renewable resource.”
“That’s wrong. Ivory’s not renewable if you’re an elephant!”
NOW YOU SEE ME
November 22: On this day in 1940, Edgar Rice Burroughs finished writing the final installment of “Invisible Men of Mars,” the concluding section of “Llana of Gathol.” Invisible Men was originally published in Amazing Stories October 1941. The cover and two interiors were by J. Allen St. John.
The drabble for today, “Now You See Me,” was inspired by “Invisible Men of Mars,” and my belief that invisibility isn’t all that one would hope.John Carter and his granddaughter, Llana, returned to Helium and told Dejah Thoris about their encounter with invisible men. NOW YOU SEE ME
“Grandmother, a man could be t behind you and you’ve never know. I’d like to be invisible. I’d never have to do my hair or even use makeup.”
Dejah observed. “Invisibility is a curse, not a blessing. If I can’t see my feet I’d always be tripping. Probably stick food up my nose instead of in my mouth. How could I trim my nails? Someone could stab me without even knowing it. Better to see and be seen, thank you very much.”
JUNGLE RULES
November 23: On this day in 1972, the Daytona Beach Morning Journal published an article with the header, “TARZAN STRONGER THAN EVER TARZAN ENJOYING NEW WORLDWIDE INTEREST. The byline appears to be Jerry K. Buck in Tarzana, California. The first four paragraphs read as follows:
Tarzan is 60 years old and going stronger than ever.
The Edgar Rice Burroughs creation of the ape man is in the midst of a rivival (sic) that started in France, spread to other European countries, to Japan, and back to the United States.
New reprints of the 26 Tarzan books in 16 languages, an art book edition of "Tarzan of the Apes," comic strips, merchandising, toys and advertising gimmicks will push the royalty payments for Burroughs' heirs to several million dollars this year. In addition, numerous magazines are published by Tarzan cultists.
The 1972 income will be the highest ever since the first Tarzan book in 1912, said Bob Hodes, general manager of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., located in a section of Los Angeles named for the ape man in 1930.
I’d never heard anyone refer to Burroughs’ aficionados as ‘Tarzan Cultists’ before, but if the vine is strong enough, swing on it.
The entire article is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0701.html
The two illustrations show the difference between Tarzan and the “Back to Nature Movement” of the 1970s. Can you tell which photo is of Tarzan?
The drabble for today, “Jungle Rules,” is an excerpt of the article quoting Bob Hodes, the general manager at ERB Inc. at the time.“The myth of Tarzan, and Burroughs' concept of a man living at peace with nature are striking a responsive chord around the world. JUNGLE RULES
"He's the man we'd all like to be," He's become a myth rather than superman because we know that we can’t be superman. Many people today are trying to be like that and they’re trying to find to a new meaning for civilization and living in accordance with the laws of nature.
"Tarzan never tried to change nature to fit his desires. He looked for his own place. That's what's happening to a lot of people today."
NEW ADVENTURES OF THE GREEN GODDESS IN 1935
November 24: On this day 98 years ago in 1934, Ashton Dearholt and the cast and crew of the serial, “The New Advertures of Tarzan,” were aboard the liner, “Seattle.” The good ship departed for Guatemala that day. It arrived in Guatemala in December in the midst of a large storm, but eventually managed to moor safely and offload the film makers.
The film, aka “Tarzan and the Green Goddess” and “Tarzan’s 1935 Adventure” was “Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises Production. The advertisement for the film says that two more ERB productions are forthcoming, “The Mad King,” and “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle.” Alas, Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises never produced those films.
Details about the film, its production, links to where it can be watched, stills and production photos are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag2/0287.html
The drabble for today is, “New Adventures of the Green Goddess in 1935,” and it was inspired by the three versions of the same film. I’m sure you can see the pun.At a meeting of the stockholders of Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises, Ashton Dearholt said, “The serial isn’t getting good reviews. Attendance is lousy. Let’s recut it and retitle it.” NEW ADVENTURES OF THE GREEN GODDESS IN 1935
Burroughs said, “Chopping badly cooked steak, putting it in gravy, and calling it stew, doesn’t change the fact that it tastes bad!”
“I want to call it, “Tarzan and the Green Goddess” to play up Ula’s role.”
“Ashton, Green Goddess dressing on wilted salad is still inedible.”
“You should have gone to Guatemala and helped with the production, Nobody likes a Monday morning quarterback.”“No, I prefer to stay home on my ranch!”
THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT
November 25: On this day in 1929, Edgar Rice Burroughs answered a letter from Mrs. Margorie C. Harrison. Mrs. Harrison, who lived in Tribe Hills, New York wanted to know when “The Efficiency Expert” would be published in book form.
ERB replied that his publishers limited him to two books a year and that several of his stories might not be published until after his death. Very prophetic. The Burroughs Bibliophiles published “The Efficiency Expert” in a pamphlet format in 1966. Charter Paperbacks released a paperback edition in 1979.
The entire letter is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0719.html and publishing details for “The Efficiency Expert and the entire text of the magazine version of the story are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0768.html
The drabble for today, “Patience, Margorie,” is an excerpt from ERB’s letter, which explains why some of his stories weren’t published as books for so many years. I hope Margorie lived long enough to see “The Efficiency Expert published.THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT has not yet been published as a book and when it will be is problematical. The reason for this is that I’ve been a very prolific writer and the policy of my book publishers restricts us to two titles a year, so there are a number of my stories that haven’t appeared in book form and may not until I stop writing or after my death. THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT
It’s believed the public prefers my highly imaginative fiction and, therefore, my other stories, such as THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT, are being deferred until my other type of story has been exhausted.
MISSION COMPLETED
November 26: On this day in 1929, actress Betta St. John was born in Hawthorne, California. Her birth name was Betty Jean Striegler. A star of stage and screen, she was on Broadway in Carousal for two years and created the role of Liat in South Pacific. Her twenty plus film appearances include, “Dream Wife,” “Destry Rides Again,” “Jane Eyre,” “The Robe,” and two Tarzan features. She played Fay Ames in “Tarzan the Magnificent” and Patricia Penrod in “Tarzan and the Lost Safari.” As a child she worked with Shirley Temple in the Meglin Kiddies ensemble. Her career began in 1939. She retired in 1965.
For a more detailed history of the actress, read my article at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag71/7146.html
The drabble for today is, ‘Mission Completed,” and it contains the titles of fourteen films and television shows that featured Betty St. John. How many can you find?Seducing the student prince was a dangerous mission for an international detective. He pretended was one of the four just men in Europe, but he was the third man, a spy, the invisible man. I acted the dream wife, but in the naked dawn, I took his Saracen blade, and killed him. Outside our beach house, it would be high tide at noon. Back inside I put on my robe, and left the house a horror hotel. I found the snorkel on the porch, and waited for ocean to wash the corridors of blood. I swam to my next rendezvous. MISSION COMPLETED
PALACE OF DIAMONDS
November 27: On this day in 1927, the Mansfield News in Mansfield, Ohio published a positive review about the film that would be screened at the Park Theater that evening. “Tarzan and the Golden Lion” opened on that Sunday and ran through Wednesday. The film was released theatrically on March 20, 1927, but in those days of physical reels of film, it took a while for a stack of the canisters to find their way to Mansfield.
The Mansfield News merged with the Mansfield Journal in 1932. The Mansfield News Journal still publishes as a daily newspaper.
The entire newspaper article and several more are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag11/1196.html
The drabble for today is, ‘Palace of Diamonds” and it is excerpted from that article.The film adaption of the novel, "Tarzan and the Golden Lion," deals with Tarzan's life on his plantation in central Africa, with his wife, and their niece, Ruth Porter. One of the first exciting moments in the picture is the arrival of an escaped slave from the Palace of Diamonds in a hidden city. He’s brought a bag of diamonds with him. Thrills and romance are woven in the adventurous quest which ends happily in spite of all obstacles. J. P. McGowan is responsible for the masterful direction while credit for the adaptation and continuity go to William R. Wing. PALACE OF DIAMONDS
USE MY NAME
November 28: On this day in 2012, The Los Angeles Times published an article titled, “Hollywood Books: 'Tarzan The Centennial Celebration' is wild for him.” The article written by Susan King leads with the statement, “Scott Tracy Griffin will sign his coffee-table book about Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Lord of the Jungle, ‘Tarzan The Centennial Celebration,’ on Saturday at the Aero Theatre at a screening of ‘John Carter.’
The article continues with an interview with Tracy and today’s drabble, Just “Use My Name,” is 100 words from that article about why ERB used a pseudonym for his first story, ‘Under the Moons of Mars,’ aka ‘A Princess of Mars. Here’s Tracy’s take. The entire article may be read at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag40/4017.html The book is available from Amazon, among other places: https://www.amazon.com/Tarzan-Centennial.../dp/1781161690He was shy. He felt writing was a silly profession for a big, vigorous outdoorsman, as he fancied himself, having been in the cavalry, a cowboy and a railroad cop. He was a modest man. He thought writing was sort of a lark, He didn't want to be known for that unless he was successful. He wanted to be known as Normal Bean for “A Princess of Mars.” But the copy editor messed up and it said Norman Bean. Burroughs told the editor when Tarzan was coming out, "You messed up the pseudonym, so run this one under my name." USE MY NAME
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
November 29: On this day in 1911, Edgar Rice Burroughs submitted the manuscript for “The Outlaw of Torn,” to Thomas Metcalf at All-Story Magazine. Metcalf was not enthralled.
After buying “Under the Moons of Mars, Metcalf had advised ERB to write a story like “The Outlaw of Torn. "I was thinking last night, considering with how much vividness you described the various fights, whether you might not be able to do a serial of the regular romantic type, something like, say Ivanhoe, or at least of the period when everybody wore armor and dashed about rescuing fair ladies.”
Burroughs complied, but Metcalf wasn’t happy with the story and the 100 word drabble for today is, “Missed Opportunities,” taken directly from Metcalf’s comments about the story. Burroughs disagreed with Metcalf. He refused a nominal payment and extensive rewrites by others, and said, that he was from a long-lived family and would see the story published. (It was published by New Story Magazine and A. C. McClurg.) In later years he wrote to Maurice Simons, an editor at McClurg "I think it is the best thing I ever wrote, with the possible exception of Tarzan of the Apes.” Read the letter from Metcalf to Burroughs in ERBzine at:Here’s part of what Metcalf had to say:
“I am very doubtful about the story. The plot is excellent, but I think you worked it out altogether too hurriedly. You really didn't get the effect of the picturesqueness of Torne. Opportunities for color and pageantry you have entirely missed. The worth of some of the figures of which you might make a great deal, you don’t seem to realize. As, for instance, the old fencer whom you use for about three chapters and then ignore entirely until the very end of the story. In him you have a kind of malevolent spirit who might pervade the whole book.” MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
MIRROR IMAGE
November 30: On this day in 1972, the Japanese edition of “Tarzan the Terrible” was published with a cover illustration by Motoichiro Takebe, who illustrated 21 Tarzan novels, twelve John Carter novels, the four Venus novels, eight Pellucidar novels, and ten other standalone novels, for a total of fifty-one covers. He also illustrated a movie poster for At the Earth’s Core.
Takebe had a wildly enthusiastic following for his exotic, detailed and lyrical portrayals of Sci-Fi heroes and heroines in the 1960s and 70s. After winning critical acclaim for his illustrations and covers of children's picture books in the 1950s, he became a pioneer in the field of Sci-Fi illustration with the 1965 publication of "Princess of Mars." He also illustrated five of Andre Norton’s “Witch World” books.
CONTENTS PAGE FOR ALL the JAPANESE ART FOR ERB PLANET NOVELS -- BARSOOM COVERS AND INTERIORS:
https://www.erbzine.com/mag58/5843.html
COVER ART FOR ERB TARZAN JAPANESE EDITIONS Illustrated by Motoichiro Takebe
https://www.erbzine.com/mag58/5842.html
Takebe illustrated the stories using characters with distinct Japanese features, hairstyles, and even clothing when he could.
EBay has listings for art books of his priced for $350.00 to $800.00. It would be great if someone collected and published an American edtion of his books.
The drabble for today is “Mirror Image,” and it was inspired by the art of the great Motoichiro Takebe.The editor said, “Takebe, we’ll be publishing science fiction and fantasy novels from the United States and Europe. I want you to do the illustrations.” MIRROR IMAGE
“I’d love to. I especially like the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs.”
“Most writers create heroes and heroines from their own culture. I want you to make your cover illustrations look Japanese. People want their heroes and their gods to be in their own image.”“If that’s what you want.”
“I do. An American writer, Robert Heinlein, never described his protagonists in detail. That way every reader can put his own face on the hero.”
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