Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7873a  |
ERB 100-Word Drabbles
JUNE VI Edition :: Days 16-30
by Robert Allen Lupton
BACK to Days 1-15 at ERBzine 7873
With Collations, Web Page Layout and ERBzine Illustrations and References by Bill Hillman
I CAN FLY THAT
June 16: On this day in 1967, Reginald Leigh Dugmore, known professionally as Reginald Denny, The Oakdale Affair, died in the same place he was born, Richmond, United Kingdom. Denny appeared in several films including Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “The Oakdale Affair,” where he played a Frank Stockbridge.
He was a gunner and observer during the WW1 for the Royal Airforce and toured the US as stunt pilot in the 1920s. He loaned his Sopwith Snipe biplane to Howard Hughes for the film, “Hell’s Angels.” He designed radio controlled aircraft that were used as target drones by the Army Air Corps during WW2.
His film career with 196 acting credits included Cat Ballou, Batman: The Movie, Rebecca, Around the World in 80 Days, Topper, and several Bulldog Drummond films.
Details about “The Oakdale Affair” abound at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0765a.html
The drabble for today is “I Can Fly That,” and it was inspired by Reginald’s love career and his meeting with Howard Hughes.“Please to meet you, Reginald. Nice flying. That’s a beautiful aircraft, a Sopwith Snipe, is it not? Where will your flying circus perform next?” I CAN FLY THAT
“It is and Oakdale, California, not that it’s any of your affair.”
“Relax. I’m making a film and would like to rent your airplane.”
“Who’s going to fly it?”
“I will.”
“Ever flown a Snipe?”
‘No, but I approach flying like I approach life. Always pay attention. Take nothing for granted.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Well, everything’s fine until it isn’t. You can soar so well, but the second you relax, you come down fast and hard.
FILE COPIES
June 17: On this day in 1914, was the official publication date of the First edition of “Tarzan of the Apes” by A. C. McClurg. McClurg published four editions of the novel and then it was reprinted by A.L. Burt and after that, Grosset and Dunlap. The novel spawned several sequels, comic books, films, radio shows, cartoons, toys, and imaginations. It’s been in print almost constantly and as I write this, if you search Amazon for Tarzan of the Apes, you get hundreds of options.
Publishing details are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0483.html
The novel had me at the opening sentence. “I had this story from one who had no business to tell it to me, or to any other.”
Some years after the publication, Burroughs realized that he didn’t own a first edition of his own book and was shocked to learn that they were selling for as much as $25.00. He eventually found a copy.
The fictional drabble for today, “File Copies,” inspired by the publication of “Tarzan of the Apes.”Emma Burroughs said, “Ed, your copy of “Tarzan of the Apes” arrived today. The cover was torn and it must have been rained on during shipping.” FILE COPIES
“Just throw it out.”
“We should buy several copies. They could become quite valuable.”
“Emma, they cost $1.30 each. Ten copies is thirteen dollars.”
“I read that people in New York pay as much as ten dollars for editions of “Huckleberry Finn” or “The Mysterious Island.” Your book could be a great investment.”“I’m happy for them, but I don’t write to buy my own books. I’ll invest in a nice pot roast instead.”
FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE
June 18: On this day in 1912, Actor and athlete Glenn Morris was born in Simla, Colorado. Morris wan the decathlon at the 1936 Olympics in Germany. Hitler was so impressed that he offered Morris $50,000 to stay in Germany and appear in sports films directed by Leni Riefenstahl. Morris declined. In her autobiography. Riefenstahl claimed to have had an affair with Morris.
Morris returned to America and received the Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete. In 1938, he became the fourth athlete to portray Tarzan, in the film “Tarzan’s Revenge.” He had only one other small film role in “Hold That Co-ed” before leaving the industry and signing with the Detroit Lions, but that career was soon ended by injury. He played in four games in 1940 and returned one interception for twenty yards.
During WW2, he was a Navy officer commanding amphibious landing craft, but was wounded and spent months in a naval hospital. He never really recovered his health and died in the Palo Alto veteran’s hospital in 1974.
Details about Tarzan’s Revenge are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0619.html
The fictional drabble for today, “Fool Some of the People,” was inspired by athlete, actor, and Naval Officer, Glenn Morris.Edgar Rice Burroughs said, “Mr. Morris, You’re a perfect Tarzan. I hope you’ll make more films.” FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE
“I don’t think so. The Detroit Lions made me an offer. If that doesn’t work, I’ll join the Navy. When I was in Germany, I sensed a war coming.”“What made you think that?”
“That Hitler guy. He’s using an old trick. If you get everyone to hate each other, nobody hates you. You create a problem and then step in to solve it and everyone thinks you’re the hero.”“Surely, that won’t work.”
“Sadly, Ed. It always has and it probably always will.”
SCORECARD
June 19: Willie Mays died yesterday on this date in 2024 at age 93. An idol of my childhood and an ambassador for baseball. In the words of the song, The Last Cowboy Song” by Ed Bruce – “Another piece of America is lost." Say Hey, Willie.
When Mays played for manager Leo Durocher and the New York Giants, he became friends with Durocher and his wife, actress Laraine Day, who appeared in Tarzan Finds A Son.” I found it appropriate use part of a previous post today.
Laraine Day was an actress, radio and television commentator, author, and former MGM contract star. She had her own television and radio shows and was known as the “First Lady of Baseball.” She was married to NY Giants manager, Leo Durocher.
She, her husband Leo Durocher, and Willie Mays, a close family friend and baseball star, posed for a Sports Illustrated cover in 1955. Laraine had her hand on Willie’s shoulder and the picture caused a racially inspired scandal at the time.
Today’s drabble, ‘Scorecard,” was inspired by her career as a sportswriter and stolen in most part from an Abbott and Costello routine.“Mrs. Durocher, they say you know more about baseball than anyone.” SCORECARD
“Call me, Laraine, and I do write a lot about the Giants.”
“So, Whitey Lockman’s plays first.”
“No, Who’s on first.”
“And Stankey plays second base.”
“He does not. What’s on second.”
‘You’re the expert, Loraine. Why are you asking me? I know Alvin Dark plays short and Willie Mays, centerfield, but who’s on third.”“I don’t know. Pay attention Who’s on first. What’’s on second and third base, I don’t know.”
“Are you making fun of me?”
“How could I. I don’t even know what we’re talking about.”
HERE KITTY, KITTY
June 20: On this day in 1914, Edgar Rice Burroughs completed “A Carthoris Story,” which was published as Thuvia, Maid of Mars. The novel was serialized by All-Story Weekly in three installments in April 1916. The first edition was published by A. C. McClurg on October 30, 1920 and it used the same painting by P. J. Monahan for the dust wrapper that All-Story Weekly used for the April 8, 1916 cover. I hope Monahan got paid twice. J. Allen St. John drew ten interior illustrations for the first edition.
Publishing details for Thuvia, Maid of Mars: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0425.html
The novel featured Carthoris, the son of John Carter and Dejah Thoris, and Thuvia, a beautiful maiden who could control banths with her thoughts. Banths are one of the apex predators of Barsoom. Think lions on steroids.
The 100 word drabble for today, “Here Kitty, Kitty,” was inspired by the novel.Hortan Gur, the leader of a barbaric Green Martian horde, brandished his long sword at Thuvia and struck her across the face. HERE KITTY, KITTY
“Woman, your man’s too far away to help you. I’ll kill you before he comes closer.”
Thuvia spit blood and said, “I don’t need a man to help me.”
Hortan Gur laughed. “You don’t have a sword.”
“Don’t need a sword. I have a pet.”
“Is a little sorak, a kitten, going to scratch me?”
She mentally called a ten-legged maned monster with teeth like knives. “No, my big banth is going to eat you.”And it did.
ICE CREAM WONDERLAND
June 21: On this day in 1935, the New Yorker Magazine, Talk of the Town column by Russell Maloney and Harold Ross was about Lily-Tulip Corporation’s new product, the “Tarzan Ice Cream Cup.”
More than 50,000,000 Tarzan Ice Cream Cups were sold. Both Foremost Dairies and Beatrice Cream
ery (Meadow Gold) were licensed to produce the cups. The lids could be saved and sent Whitman Publishing (Big Little Books) for prizes.
The fictional drabble for today, “Ice Cream Wonderland,” is inspired by the Tarzan Ice Cream Cups.
Publishing (Big Little Books) for prizes: ERBzine Eclectica: 2019.07. . . Tarzan Like Ice Cream (and Other Treats)Jane said, “This is wonderful ice cream, but I wonder why Mr. Burroughs allowed a Tarzan Ice Cream product." ICE CREAM WONDERLAND
Tarzan replied, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream. That’s almost the same thing.”
“A day without ice cream is a day wasted.”
Cheetah reached into the ice chest and grabbed three more ice cream cups before anyone could stop him.Jane said, “Oh, dear! Cheetah has eaten at least a dozen cups. I hope he won’t be sick. That’s too much!”
“No, Jane. Even a chimpanzee knows that there’s no such thing as too much ice cream.”
BLADDER LATE THAN NEVER
June 22: On this day in 1941, ERB’s doctor advised him to return to the hospital. His bladder condition needed additional treatment. Burroughs ignored the advice and went to a baseball game: Ed had been admitted to the hospital for the infection on June 12 and sent home for bedrest on June 13th.
Not only did Ed refuse to go to the hospital on June 22, 1941 and go to a baseball game, he self-medicated with alcohol. He was readmitted to the hospital on June 25th and remained there for 13 days. He left the hospital prematurely on July 2. The problem reoccurred in both July and August resulting in additional hospital stays. The doctor told Ed to stop drinking. Didn’t happen.
The fictional drabble for today, “Bladder Late Than Never,” was inspired by the situation.“Ed,” said the doctor. “This bladder infection won’t away until you change your behavior. You have to stay in bed and take the medicine. You have to quick drinking alcohol.” BLADDER LATE THAN NEVER
“Alcohol is a disinfectant. It kills germs and bacteria. Cuts are treated by swabbing them with alcohol to stop infection. I’m doing the same thing. The more alcohol I drink, the better it will clean by bladder of any residual infection.”
“Ed, it doesn’t work like that. The only thing in your body that drinking alcohol kills is your brain cells.”
“Only the weak ones, doctor. Only the weak ones.”
TARGET AUDIENCE
June 23: On this day in 1926, Argosy All-Story Weekly published the sixth and final installment of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, “Apache Devil.” The novel is the sequel to “The War Chief.” Both novels are about the life of Shoz-Dijiji, the Black Bear, an Apache War Chief. The novels are written from the perspective of the Native Americans and unlike prevalent Western novels, it is sympathetic to Native Americans and critical of their treatment.
The issue of Argosy All-Story Weekly featured a cover for a more traditional western story, “Heartbreak Trail,” by Joseph Ivers Lawrence. The artist was Walter Beach Humphrey, who had less than a dozen covers to his credit. Lawrence was quite prolific and wrote over one hundred stories and novels for the pulps. His work has never been collected and I didn’t find a single one of his novels published in book form. Roger B. Morrison drew one interior illustration for this installment of “Apache Devil.”
Just for the record, the cover of the first edition was painted by Studley Oldham Burroughs, ERB’s nephew. It’s my favorite Burroughs cover. Details about the novel, an EBook version, publishing history, and several illustrations: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0775.html
ERB had been stationed in Arizona with the U. S. 7th Cavalry and used that experience in writing this book. He cited several reference books that he used when writing this novel. Here are three of them.
The Marvellous Country: Three Years in Arizona and New Mexico, the Apache's Home by Samuel Woodworth Cozzens 1873
Geronimo's Story of His Life by S.M. Barrett, 1907
Life Among the Apaches by John Carey Cremony
The fictional drabble for today is “Target Audience,” was inspired by the novel and its reception.The publisher said, “Ed, I’m not getting a lot of positive feedback about “Apache Devil.” TARGET AUDIENCE
“If you’d have published it the way I wrote it, maybe you would have.”
“Folks like western movies and stories, but they want cowboys to be the heroes. They want trumpets and the cavalry riding to the rescue.”“I was there. It wasn’t like that. The Apache mostly wanted to be left alone.”
“Folks want Hopalong Cassidy, Tom Mix, and William S. Hart.”
Burroughs replied, “Those people aren’t real cowboys. I’d rather write the truth.”
“I’d rather sell magazines.”
“And that, sir, is the problem.”
TOUGH CROWD
June 24: On this day in 1944, the Rex Maxon daily Tarzan story arc, “A Dance in the Jungle,” concluded. The story arc ran for eighteen episodes. The entire story is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5449.html
Jane befriended a ballet dancer, Sonia and loaned her a horse to ride on the Greystoke Estate. Sonia ignored Jane’s warnings and rode into the jungle. She encountered a troop of gorillas and angered them. She calmed them down by dancing, but whenever she stopped the gorillas threatened her again.
Terrified, she kept dancing, but no one can dance forever.
When Sonia didn’t return, Tarzan went after her and saved her.
The drabble for today, “Tough Crowd,” was inspired by the short story arc, “A Dance in the Jungle.”Jane said, “Sonia, I so glad you’re okay. The gorillas can be dangerous. However did you survive?” TOUGH CROWD
“I danced “The Enchanted Forest,” a Russian ballet by Ivanov and Drigo. It’s only one act and I danced it four times before Tarzan came for me.”
‘You must have been exhausted.”
“I was, but whenever I stopped, the gorillas growled and threatened me. I told myself they wanted an encore and started over.”“Nevertheless?”
“It wasn’t so bad. I performed Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in London. That’s one tough audience. After London, the gorillas were a piece of cake.”
BEACHFRONT PROPERTY
June 25, 2024, the 2200th article/ post in this series. On this day in 1940, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote a letter from Hawaii to his best friend, Bert Weston. Burroughs mentioned that his wife, Florence was unhappy with living on a budget, discouraged by the condition of their home, and hated sharing the house with scorpions, rats and mice. Kind of makes me think of ‘Green Acres.”
Ed and Florence were living in a beach house on Kailula Bay, Lanikai, Oahu. The conditions were a step down from the luxury apartment at 716 North Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills. Read Ed's entire letter to Bert in ERBzine at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag10/1049.html#june%2027
The 100 word drabble for today, “Beachfront Property,” is a fictional conversation between Ed and his fictional landlord, Mr. Nakamura.Mr. Nakamura, I have the August rent. There’re some problems. The roof leaks.” BEACHFRONT PROPERTY
“It does. This is the beach. Wind blows, rain falls, roof leaks. Paradise. Part of the rustic charm.”“The property is infested with scorpions, rats, and mice.”
“Beachfront property. No extra charge for the little creatures.”
“My wife wants the vermin gone. You need to do something about them.”
“Sorry, no can do. Vermin live here. You just visiting for a little while. This is their home. They’ll be here after you’re gone.”“At least stop the leaks.”
“I can’t. The mice and rats need water too!”
A WOMAN KNOWS
June 26: On this day in 1930, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote Blue Book Magazine informing them he was writing a western, which became “The Deputy Sheriff of Comanche County.” Blue Book didn’t buy the story, which underwent other titles along the way including “The Terrible Tenderfoot,” “That Damned Dude,” and “The Brass Heart.” The novel was finally published as “The Terrible Tenderfoot” by “Thrilling Adventures” magazine in 1940.
The novel contains several of ERB’s favorite plot devices. The hero disguising himself as a villain, love confused by the same issue. It some ways western version of some of ERB’s European romances.
Publishing details, cover illustrations and an electronic version of the novel are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0777.html
The drabble for today is “A Woman Knows,” inspired by The Deputy Sheriff of Comanche County.The sheriff said, “Kay, that Bruce Marvel dude is a bad man. He’s a kidnapper and a murderer. You’d best steer clear of him.” A WOMAN KNOWS
:”You’re wrong, Sheriff. Don’t let this news jar you, but there is no Bruce Marvel. He’s actually your deputy, Buck Mason, in disguise.”
“Miss Kay, that’s just not possible. Deputy Mason has a white hat. Marvel has a black one. Mason carries a colt and Marvel wears twin Smith & Wessons. I know my guns.”
“I’ve kissed him, Sheriff. I can assure you that no matter what hat’s on his head, the lips are the same.”
THAT'S A CORKER
June 27: On this day 130 years ago in 1894, Actor Forrester Harvey, who appeared in “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932) and “Tarzan and his Mate,” was born in County Cork, Ireland. Harvey appeared in over 120 films during his career, including “The Invisible Man,” “The Wolf Man,” “Moulin Rouge.” “Great Expectations,” “Mrs. Miniver,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and “Captain Blood.”
In “Tarzan the Ape Man, with Johnny Weissmuller, he played Beamish, one of the members of the safari, a role he reprised in “Tarzan and his Mate.” As Herbert, the innkeeper in “The Invisible Man,” he stole the show.
For details about Tarzan the Ape Man: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0611.html
And for “Tarzan and his Mate: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0615.html
The fictional drabble for today is “That’s a Corker,’ inspired by Forrester Harvey.Forrester Harvey handed Maureen O’Sullivan a cup of coffee. “We’re just a couple happy Irelanders making a Tarzan movie in California. Where’s home in the Old Country?” THAT'S A CORKER
‘I’m from Boyle in County Roscommon. Small place, barely 2000 people.”
Forrester replied, “From County Cork myself, but I know County Roscommon well. Lovely place. The Curlew Mountains are a joy to behold.”
“Nice of you to say so. Your entrance was late for the last take and we’ll have to do it again.”
“Alas, Maureen, nobody’s perfect so they say.” He twinkled his eyes. “But being from County Cork is close enough!”
DON'T SNIPE AT ME
June 28: On this day in 1987, the Gray Morrow / Don Kraar Sunday comic story arc, A Jungle of Concrete and Steel, concluded. The story began on April 12, 1987 and ran for sixteen weeks.
The story began when a famous ornithologist, Professor Samuel T. Philander arrived in New York City where he was immediately beset by hoodlums. Tarzan and Jane intervened. The Professor has come to New York to stop an unsavory real estate developer with connections with organized crime. My favorite part story is when Tarzan confronts the developer and in a scene reminiscent of the Incredible Hulk television series, says, “My name is John Clayton. I”m also known as Lord Greystoke. But right now what you have to worry about is not making Tarzan of the Apes Angry.” Tarzan didn’t say, “You won’t like me when I’m angry,” but it was implied. Think “Tarzan’s New York Adventure” on steroids. Great writing and artwork.
You can read the entire story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag35/3520.html
The 100 drabble for today, “Don’t Snipe at Me, was inspired by “A Jungle of Concrete and Steel” and especially by Professor Samuel T. Philander, ornithologist extraordinaire and his confrontation with unscrupulous people.The old skinny professor defended himself valiantly against the hoodlums. One of them said, “Who is this turkey?” DON'T SNIPE AT ME
“Silly goose, defeating me won’t be a lark,” said the professor. I’m an ornithologist, not a chicken. I don’t quail when in danger.”
“Punch the old boobie in the face. We’ve got him.”
“Who hatched this fowl plot? I’m not puffin up, owl duck your punches. This will be your swan song.”“The loon thinks that he can fight us all.”
Philander hit him with his umbrella and crowed. “Toucan play this game, you cuckoo. Swiftly started is swiftly finished, I say.”
OPPORTUNITY WON'T WAIT
June 29: On this day in 1944, actress Jeeven Kala, Bollywood films, “Tarzan & Circus.” “Toofani Tarzan,” and “Tarzan Comes to Delphi,” was born in Poona, India. As is common in the Bollywood film industry, she is married to writer director Ram Kelkar. He daughter is actress Manisha Kelkar and one of her sons is actor / editor / director Hemant Khelkar.
She has seventy–eight film credits including “The Thief of Bagdad.” Jeveenkala (Jeveen Kala) appeared in 95 films and performed 60 songs on screen, mostly during the 1960s and 1970s. Jeevankala was born June 29, 1944 in Pune (Poona) and educated in Bombay. She was an only child and was raised in luxury. Finding that she had an aptitude for dancing, her parents taught her all styles of Indian dances. She mastered the Kathak style. (Kathak is one of the main genres of ancient Indian classical dance and is traditionally regarded to have originated from the travelling bards of North India referred as Kathakars or storytellers. She studied dance under Baba Saheb Gokhale (Kathak) and Bharat Natyam. She was hired as an assistant dance teacher at Bharat Vidya Bhavan in Bombay where she taught Kathak. She was noticed by film producer K. Amarnath. He was so impressed that he quickly got her started in films with a role in Kal Hamara Hai in 1959.
`Several articles of mine about Bollywood Tarzan films are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag67/6730.html
The drabble for today, Opportunity Won’t Wait,” is a quotation by Javeena Kala.Devotion to work and confidence are essential if an artiste wants to come up to the front rank. Though I started my career as a dancer, produces and directors have enough confidence to give me featured roles. It’s up to me to prove the confidence they’ve placed in me is not misplaced. I don’t believe in luck as many seem to think. One’s future lies in one’s own hands. When opportunity comes it’s wise to utilize it to one’s advantage and benefit. An opportunity lost is lost forever. There’s no use regretting later on that producers haven’t given proper chances. OPPORTUNITY WON'T WAIT
Dragomen Don’t Dance
June 30: On this day in 1891, author, songwriter, editor, and literary agent, Otis Adelbert Kline was born in Chicago, Illinois. Kline, who was Robert E. Howard’s literary agent, was also a novelist and short story writer.
Often accused of copying Edgar Rice Burroughs, Kline's work included “Jan of the Jungle,” “The Call of the Savage,” “The Swordsman of Mars,” “The Outlaws of Mars,” “Maza of the Moon.” And three novels set on Venus.
The feud theory was originally set forth in a fan press article, "The Kline-Burroughs War," by Donald A. Wollheim (Science Fiction News, November, 1936), and afterward given wider circulation by Sam Moskowitz in his book Explorers of the Infinite (1963). Wollheim later admitted, when questioned on the source of his own information: "I made it up!"
Kline wrote several Dragoman short stories and was suspected of writing or at least completing the Robert E. Howard novel “Almuric.”
For a great deal of information about Kline, visit: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0036.html
The drabble for today is “Dragomen Don’t Dance,” and it was inspired by Otis Adelbert Kline.Otis Adlebert Kline’s brother Allen, said, “I’ve finished writing my part of “The Secret Kingdom.”
Otis replied, “Excellent. I’ll go through again. Amazing Stories is buying it sight unseen. We’ll make $400.00 each.”
“Great. What’s a dragoman?”
“A dragoman is a guide or interpreter. "
“Why does he limp?”
“He limps because his feet were beaten. He isn’t a man of action, but a man of words. He has to talk himself out of trouble.”“That works well enough with humans, but you can’t talk wild animals into leaving you alone.”
“True, Allen. Did I mention that he limps quite swiftly?”
