Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7743  |
ERB 100-Word Drabbles
OCTOBER V Edition :: Days 1-15
by Robert Allen Lupton
Next Week Go to Days 16-31 at ERBzine 7743a
With Collations, Web Page Layout and ERBzine Illustrations and References by Bill Hillman
LEFT TURN REQUIRED
October 1, 2023: On this day in 1932, Argosy Weekly published the third installment of “Pirates of Venus.” Argosy serialized the novel in seven parts. Only the first part had a cover illustration, but Samuel Cahan drew one interior illustration for each installment. While “Pirates of Venus” didn’t get the cover illustration for the October 1st issue, Edgar Rice Burroughs’s name was featured prominently on the cover. The illustration by Paul Stahr was for part one of “The Red Scalp,” by J. E. Grinstead. J. Allen Dunn and Lowell Thomas also had stories in the issue.
The publishing history for the novel, several cover illustrations, many other illustrations and the entire EText of the book is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0748.html
Pirates is the first novel in the “Venus / Carson Napier” series and the drabble for today, “Left Turn Required,” was inspired by that novel. Carson Napier developed a space ship and set out for Mars, but he didn’t allow for the moon’s gravitational forces and he went the wrong way and ended up on Venus. Thanks to Chuck Jones for the help.Carson Napier was shocked to see the planet, Mars, shrouded with clouds, but had no choice but to land. After a rapid, uncontrolled, and perilous descent, he crashed onto the surface. LEFT TURN REQUIRED
He crawled from the craft and rested against a tree with reddish bark.
A creature tunneled toward him, forcing the soil upward as it neared. Carson drew his pistol.A rabbit-like creature emerged, bit into some type of orange tuber, and said, “What’s up, Doc?”
“Is this Mars? I wanted to go from Earth to Mars.”
“No, this is Venus. You should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque.”
JUNGLE JUICE
October 2, 2023: On this day in 1962, actor Joe Lara, who starred in “Tarzan: The Epic Adventures,” and “Tarzan in Manhattan,” was born in San Diego, California. He died in a tragic airplane crash on May 29, 2021 near Smyra Tennessee.
Lara also appeared in a number of action films including “Steel Frontier,” Final Equinox,” “Warhead,” “Operation Delta Force 4: Deep Fault,” and “Starfire Mutiny.”
On television he appeared on ”Baywatch,” “Conan the Adventurer,” and “The Magnificent Seven.”
For details about "Tarzan: The Epic Adventures: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0014a.html
He stopped acting in 2002, planning to become a country singer. In 2009, he married Gwen Shamblin, a Christian author and pastor in 2018. The couple and other family members were killed in a plane crash on May 29, 2021. The FFA concluded that Lara, in spite of rumors to the contrary, was both medically and type certified to pilot the aircraft. The report blamed the accident of pilot disorientation in heavy cloud cover.
The drabble for today is “Jungle Juice,” and it was inspired by the television series, “Tarzan The Epic Adventures."Lydie Denier, sat down and rested. “Joe,” she said, “This is your second time as Tarzan. You made, Tarzan in Manhattan,” and now you’re filming a television series.” JUNGLE JUICE
“You, too. You played Jane to Wolf Larson’s Tarzan a few years ago.”
“Yes, first I was Lady Greystoke. This time I’m a countess. What’s the biggest difference for you?”
“Better food in Manhattan.”
“So you miss a good delicatessen?”
“Yes, and there isn’t a decent barista for a hundred miles. I’d love a good cuppa jamoke.”
“Why Mr. Lara, you mean a cuppa of joe.”
“I hope you’re ashamed of yourself.”
COWBOY DOLLARS
October 3, 2023: On this day in 1912, Edgar Rice Burroughs began writing a western short story, “For the Fool’s Mother.” He finished the story on October 6, 2023. The story waited 89 years to be published and was included in the book, “Forgotten Tales of Love and Murder,” published by my old friends from New Orleans, John Guidry and Pat Adkins in 2001. The book’s dust jacket was by Danny Frolich and publication was limited to 1045 copies, many of which are still stored somewhere near New Orleans, still sealed and unsold. I have no idea how to find them.
The entire story may be read at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag53/5359.html
The 100 drabble for today, “Cowboy Dollars,” is the first two paragraphs from that short story as written by Edgar Rice Burroughs one hundred and eleven years ago."Kid" Turner was going home. In his pocket was a check for eleven hundred odd dollars that represented the savings from three years' wages. And in his head were the pleasant dreams of the things that eleven hundred odd dollars would permit him to do back in the little Illinois village that was home to him. COWBOY DOLLARS
As his tired pony shuffled down the dusty trail that led out of the foot hills the "Kid" strained his eyes for the first glimpse of the shabby cluster of shacks that squatted like frowzy squaws beneath the shimmering mid-day heat of southern Arizona.
COCKNEY ACCENT
October 4, 2023: On this day in 1920, the play, “Tarzan of the Apes,” which was scheduled to open in London, was previewed for audiences in Brixton, England, UK. The play was booked for an additional ten weeks in other outlying English theatres. Starring Ronald Adair as Tarzan, the play was well received in Brixton. Reviewer Curtis Brown reported, “The jungle scenes were effective and proved distinctly to the taste of the audience. The parts of Tarzan and Kala were both played extremely well. Kala being particularly good.”
Few people realize that the first Tarzan to appear on stage, was Gwen Evans, a young girl who played Tarzan at age ten. Leon Du Bois was Kerchak and Edward Sillward was Kala. Actress Ivy Carlton was Jane. Shockingly little information is available about the London production I wasn’t able to find anything, including photographs of Gwen Evans or Ivy Carlton. Hopefully, some of the British Tarzan aficionados can provide some information.
For information about the play: https://www.erbzine.com/mag15/1568.html
The play eventually made its way to the United States. It opened on Broadway on September 1, 1921. It had a very short run. Adair and Sillward repeated their roles, but the rest of the British cast was replaced.
The drabble for today is a fictional 100 word encounter between George Broadhurst, owner of the Broadhurst Theater, and Tarzan actor Ronald Adair.George Broadhurst, producer and owner of the Broadhurst Theater in New York, met with Ronald Adair. “Ronald, my boy. I’d like you to reprise your role of Tarzan, here on Broadway.” COCKNEY ACCENT
“I’d love to, Mr. Broadhurst. Will any of the London cast be joining me?"
“Only Eddie Sillward, who plays your ape mother. Ivy Carlton has other work and the girl, Gwen Evens, is back in school.”“I see. What about my friend, Leon Du Bois, he played Kerchak, an ape.”
“Can’t use him I afraid. Americans won’t understand him. He chatters and pounds his chest with a cockney accent.”
VOICE OVER
October 5, 2023: On this day in 1995, voice actress Linda Gary died. She voiced Jane on television’s “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle” animated series. She was born as Linda Gary Dewoskin in Los Angeles, California.
She voiced characters for several Hanna-Barbara series, including Scooby Doo, The Smurfs, Top Cat, and others. She voiced characters on Scruffy, “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Magic Flute” for “The ABC Weekend Special" series. She worked regularly with Disney, doing voice over appearances on “Darkwing Duck,’ “Duck Tales,” “TaleSpin,” and “The Little Mermaid.” She voiced several characters on “Transformers” and Aunt May on the first season of the 1994-1998 animated “Spider-Man.” She voiced several characters on “He-Man’ and She-Ra,” and the “Land Before Time” movie franchise. Her voice was featured on numerous other animated features.
She died of brain cancer on October 5, 1995. Archival recordings of her voice work continue in use today.
The drabble for today, “Voice Over,” was inspired by Linda and her work.Linda Gary walked onto the sound stage and introduced herself. The director replied. “Linda, I’ve never worked with you before, but you’re not what I expected.” VOICE OVER
“I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
“Sorry, I’d didn’t mean to be rude. Sometimes you sound taller, sometimes shorter. Your Aunt May on Spider-Man sounds old, but you were young and strong on She-Ra.”“Okay, that’s sounds suspiciously like a compliment. I’ve read through my only episode and I binge watched twelve Tarzan films this weekend. I think I’ve got this.”
“Shall we begin recording?”
“You bet. You director, me Jane.”
GYPSIES, TRAMPS, AND THIEVES
October 6: On this day in 1919, the film, The Oakdale Affair,’ was released. The Red Book Corporation returned the filming rights to Edgar Rice Burroughs for $1000.00. Burroughs then sold those rights to the World Film Corporation on August 9, 1918. No known copy of the film is known to exist.
The film had an excellent cast, although most of their names haven’t withstood the test of time. Evelyn Greely, Reginald Denny, Frank Joyner, Al Hart, Eddie Sturgis, and Eric Mayne. Filming was in New Jersey and the director was Oscar Apfel. Besides, who doesn’t love a film that has a mysterious gypsy woman who owns a dancing bear.
Details about the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0765a.html
The 100 drabble for today, Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves,” is from Playbill, published by Mercury Film Service, Leeds, England in 1917. Thanks to Cher for help with the drabble title.The Oakdale Affair" is a mystery play made for the average theatre patron. It affords real entertainment. The action is rapid and fast-moving. It gets the audience right at the start and holds them tense all the time the picture is being screened! GYPSIES, TRAMPS, AND THIEVES
Gail Prim runs away from home, taking with her her jewels and some money. She joins a band of tramps and poses as a criminal. Her father believes that she has been kidnapped by the thieves who robbed her jewel case.
With an excellent cast, headed by Evelyn Greeley, this is one of the best pictures yet!
DREARY MORNING MURDER
October 8: On this day in 1932, Rob Wagner’s Script Magazine published the Inspector Muldoon mystery, “Terrance Drive Murders.” The short story, along with the rest of the Inspector Muldoon mysteries wasn’t published in book form until its inclusion in “Forgotten Tales of Love and Murder,” published in 2001 by Guidry and Adams.
Spellcheck is making me crazy this morning. When I type Muldoon, it changes it to mudroom.
The solution to the mystery was published a week later, on September 15, 1932. The Inspector Muldroon mysteries were written where about 90% of the story is dialogue, not unlike the radio and television series “Dragnet.” “Just the facts, ma’am.” The narrator in the story, like Dr. Watson, is the writer, Edgar Rice Burroughs, although unlike Watson, his name isn’t revealed.
No spoilers in this article, but you can read the entire story and the solution at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0046.html
The drabble for today, Dreary Morning Murder,” was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It’s 100 words taken from the opening of the story, “Terrance Drive Murders.”I was idling with my violin on a grey November morning, the sort of blue, depressing morning that offers no incentive to creative work, and wishing that something would happen that would shift the responsibility for shirking from my conscience, when the telephone bell jangled insistently. DREARY MORNING MURDER
It was Muldoon. "Hello, old man!" he greeted me. "Feel like a murder this morning?"
"I feel like murdering the weather man."
"This murder’s already been committed. If the victim is the weather man, you're too late. I think it may have possibilities. I'll pick you up; it's in your neck of the woods."
HORSING AROUND
October 9: On this day in 1912, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote a letter to Thomas Metcalf, his editor at the Munsey Corporation. ERB thanked Thomas for a newspaper clipping from “The World.” ERB was on pins and needles waiting to hear about the acceptance or rejection of “The Gods of Mars.” It was accepted.
ERB commented about the newspaper article and jokingly pointed out that ‘we are becoming famous.' He said the pinnacle of fame is to have a race horse named after you.
Almost 100 years later, ERB got his wish and Tarzan, a thoroughbred racehorse was born in Australia in 2012 All thoroughbreds are officially born on January first, but his actually foal date was November 2, 2012. His sire was Drumbeats and his dam was Babinda Belle. Tarzan made 44 starts, winning 16 times and finishing second 9 times. Not too bad. Read details about the horse at: https://www.racingandsports.com.au/
There was another equine Tarzan. Actor Ken Maynard bought Tarzan around 1925 for $50 in Newhall, California.
Ken named his prize steed Tarzan after the fictional hero of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novels. This angered Burroughs, who sued Maynard. Ken settled out of court on the condition that his stallion be called Tarzan, The Wonder Horse.
Tarzan, The Wonder Horse was prominently listed on posters, lobby cards and in comic books for the next 15 years.
Tarzan's film career began in earnest with the 1927 production of "Somewhere in Sonora" and lasted until his death in 1940. His last role was in "Lighting Strikes the Range." When Tarzan died, Ken was overwhelmed and his career, already confined to poverty row movies, took a nosedive. Tarzan was buried in a defunct stable in Hollywood Hills. His grave was lost to development, but his star will always shine bright. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224044/bio/
The 100 drabble for today, “Horsing Around,” is the letter from ERB to Thomas Metcalf. It and several more letters are faithfully reproduced at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag28/2834.htmlDear Mr. Metcalf: HORSING AROUND
Thanks for clipping from "World". We're getting quite famous. The pinnacle however remains to be attained in the naming of a race horse after Tarzan.How did you like The Gods of Mars? I forgot to name the chapters for you as I fully intended to do. Shall I?
I was talking with a commission man here last night whom you would never imagine read damphool stories but he had recently finished Under the Moons of Mars and was very keen for the sequel.
Hope that I shall hear from you soon - this suspense is awful.
CGI APEMAN
October 10: On this day in 2013, the Constantin computer animated film. Tarzan, aka Tarzan 3D was released in Germany. It was released a week later, October 17, 2013 in Russia.
Links to film trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28LU4D8z7Xs&feature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded...
The film grossed 44 million worldwide and starred Kellen Lutz as Tarzan and Spencer Locke as Jane. It took a lot of liberties with the novel. Tarzan is raised by mountain gorillas. William Clayton is CEO of Greystoke Energies. The energy company, complete with mercenaries, seek a meteor of power.
The meteor ignites a volcano destroying Clayton and his crew. Tarzan and Jane escape vowing to protect the forest.
Links to articles about the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag41/4138.html
The drabble for today, “CGI Apeman.” is taken from Peter Debruge’s February 26, 2014 very unflattering review in “Variety.”Tarzan wears his trademark loincloth while the actor playing him sports a full-body motion-capture suit in Constantin Film’s clunky-looking riff on the ERB character, which gives literature’s most organic hero a robotic, pre-“Polar Express” appearance. Targeted at a generation raised on CGI and the idea that men don’t grow body hair, this English-language reboot gambles on big set-pieces, hoping the spectacle will disguise shortcuts taken in the design department. “Tarzan” is an eyesore for anyone above the age of 10 — literally, for those opting to see it in badly miscalibrated 3D — and will lean on heavy marketing for modest returns. CGI APEMAN
ACCEPTING NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
October 11: On this day in 1924, Argosy All-Story Weekly published the fifth of six installments of “The Bandit of Hell’s Bend.” The cover for the issue was for the novel, “Buccaneer Blood,” by Kenneth Perkins. The illustration was by frequent ERB cover artist, Stockton Mulford. As for Perkins, he wrote over one hundred pulp adventures: westerns, seafaring, prospecting, romance, and whatever else he thought would sell. His first story appeared in 1921 and his last, “Abe and the Golden Apples,” in Blue Book in 1947.
Read publication details, the novel, and see several illustrations at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0771.html
The drabble for today, “Accepting New Responsibilities,” was inspired by “The Bandit of Hell’s Bend.”Colby, the bandit, tried to force himself on Diana Henders. Bull, who loved Diana, heard screaming, broke down the door, and confronted Colby, who hid behind Diana. ACCEPTING NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
Bull said, “You sidewinder. You’re a murdering bandit and horse thief. Didn’t take you for no rapist.”
“I’m diversifying my portfolio. Stay back or I’ll kill her.”
Diana ducked and Bull shot Colby graveyard dead.
Diana smiled. “Didn’t know you was a vigilante.”
“Didn’t either. It was sorta forced on me, but like Colby, I thought I’d branch out.”
I hope it works better for you than it did for him.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
PLAY IT AGAIN
October 12: On this day in 2018, the second season of computer animated series, “Tarzan and Jane” debuted on Netfilx. All five episodes were released that day. The first episode, reminding us that this series takes place in South America, was “That Day in Rio,” followed by “Into the Rainforest,” “Too Much Monkey Business,” “The Ruins,” and “Return of the King.”
Tarzan was voiced by Giles Panton and Jane Porter by Rebecca Shoichet.
Netflix gives the premise of the series as: “Saved from a plane crash and given supernatural powers, a teenaged Tarzan joins forces with a brave city girl called Jane Porter to protect his jungle home from threats.”
The series too much of a departure from the books for me. South America didn’t seem appropriate and Tarzan gaining superpowers after a plane crash didn’t work.. With only 13 episodes, apparently the series didn’t resonate with the audience as well.
The 100 word drabble for today, “Play it Again,” was inspired by the Netflix series, Tarzan and Jane, with a little help from Rick, Elsa, and Captain Louis and maybe a last minute edit from Scarlett.Tarzan and Jane left Rio after celebrating Carnival. They followed a logging company executive and a crooked politician into the rainforest. PLAY IT AGAIN
The politician said, “Illegal rainforest logging? Shocking. Round up the usual suspects.”
Tarzan and Jane decided to attack the well-defended logging camp and destroy it.
Tarzan said, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
Jane replied, “Looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
“If we don’t survive, we’ll always have Rio.”
“Tarzan, kiss me as if it were the last time. If we live, where shall we go tomorrow, what shall we do?”
“I never make plans that far ahead.”
ROUGH AND READY
October 13: On this day in 1918, the film “The Romance of Tarzan.” opened at the Strand Theatre in Ney York City. Wikipedia gives the opening date as September 16, 1918. The silent film, directed by Wilfred Lucas, starred Elmo Lincoln and Enid Markey. No copy of the film is known to have survived.
The film begins with flashbacks to the film Tarzan of the Apes. After that the Porter expedition prepares to return to civilization, but is attacked by natives. Tarzan’s cousin, William Clayton lies and tells the rest of the expedition that Tarzan is dead.
Tarzan isn't dead and he makes his way to America. He doesn’t fit in, but when Jane is kidnapped by outlaws, he once more rises to the occasion and rescues her. Clayton lies to Jane and tells her that Tarzan loves someone else. The heartbroken Tarzan returns to Africa. Jane learns the truth, goes to Africa and is reunited with Tarzan, where they live happily ever after – at least until the next film.
Countless details about the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0504.html
The drabble, “Rough and Ready,” for today is taken from a film review published in “Exhibitor’s Trade Review” dated October 26, 1918.The Romance of Tarzan" was designed under the prevalent conception that the feminine contingent likes sweethearts rough and that brute strength is a decided asset in a mate and a fascinating thing to watch. The feature consists chiefly of feats of strength and deeds of daring performed by Tarzan, reared by the apes to a combination of Hercules, John L. Sullivan and Little Lord Fauntleroy. It’s a lively, romantic drama with thrilling situations. ROUGH AND READY
Elmo Lincoln is Tarzan and makes the figure a powerful one physically as well as giving a likable character study. Enid Markey is pleasing as the heroine.
NIGHT PATROL
October 14: On this day in 1904, Edgar Rice Burroughs resigned his position as a railroad policeman for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. He was assigned to the Salt Lake City Depot. Attached is a scan of a document certifying that he was employed form May 9, 1904 until October 14, 1904 and that his conduct, services, and capabilities were satisfactory. Also attached is a photo of the future author in uniform, his annual pass from the railroad, and aerial view of Salt Lake City at the time.
The Oregon Short Line Railroad was organized on April 14, 1881, merged with the seven other railroads to form the “Oregon Short Line and Utah Northern Railway in 1889, and became controlled Union Pacific in 1898. The Oregon Short Line operated under a lease from Union Pacific until December 30, 1987, when it was fully merged into the Union Pacific.
Some details and photos from this part of ERB’s career: https://www.erbzine.com/wildwest/
The drabble for today is, “Night Patrol,”, and it was inspired by ERB’s brief stint as a Railroad policeman.ERB’s brother. George said, “Ed, why’d you quit your cushy job as a railroad cop.” NIGHT PATROL
“I hated it. I expected to send my days chasing train robbers like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”“I’d have thought you’d be happy to go home every day.”
“The work was soul and body numbing. I spent my nights patrolling the train yard to ensure that no poor bindlestiff crawled into a boxcar keep warm.”“That doesn’t seem so bad.”
“No, but I was always cold and hungry. Whenever I found such a wretch, I inevitably gave him my lunch and my gloves.”
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
October 15: On this day in 1932, Argosy Weekly published the fifth installment of six installments of ‘The Pirates of Venus.” Samuel Cahan drew one black and white interior illustration for each issue. The cover illustration by frequent ERB artist, Paul Stahr, was for the Erle Stanley Gardner story, “The Danger Zone.” Other contributors to the issue were Lowell Thomas, George Allan England, and Sookie Allen. The two part story, “Golden Doom,” by Frank Morgan Mercer concluded in this issue. Golden Doom is widely considered to be a plagiarism of “Madagascar Gold” by H. Bedford Jones. Mercer had one other story published in Argosy, “Flame of the East,” which plagiarized “The Golden Woman of Kelantan” by James Francis Dwyer.
Details about “The Pirates of Venus, the entire EBook, and several illustrations: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0748.html
The 100 word drabble, “Situational Awareness,” for today was inspired by “The Pirates of Venus.”Carson Napier, an Earthman on Venus, fled through the jungle with Duare, a princess. A flock of Klangan, flying humans, landed in a tree above them. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Duare said, “They’ll find us and kill us. Take this club and kill them.”
Carson looked at the wooden club and then at the dozen armed warriors. Carson pounded the tree trunk with the club and screamed in a passable imitation of a targo, a gigantic flesh-eating spider.The Klangan flew away. Duare said, “Are you afraid to fight?”
“No, but more battles are won by cunning than are ever won with a cudgel.”
