Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7999  |
ERB 100-Word Drabbles & Events
November VI Edition :: Days 1-15
by Robert Allen Lupton
Next Go to Days 16- 30 at ERBzine 7999a
With Collations, Web Page Layout and ERBzine Illustrations and References by Bill Hillman
REVENGE FOR DINNER
Definitely a film to watch. Du Toit’s Tarzan is very true to the books. The story isn’t Well worth your time. Du Toit’s done a half dozen or so of these beautiful films. Here’s hoping he does another one soon.
The drabble for today, “Revenge For Dinner,” was inspired by the film, although scenes described in the drabble aren’t all from the production.
REVENGE FOR DINNERJane said, “Tarzan, you look like you had a bad day.”
“I did. Encountered mercenaries. They slaughtered elephants and rhinos.”
“So you had them arrested?”
“No. the ghosts of the dead spoke to me and demanded revenge. A death for a death. I killed them all.”
“Today? What about the best revenge is living well and revenge is a dish best served cold?”
“Civilized crap. The best revenge is making sure those you revenge against don’t live at all, and as for served cold, no, revenge should be served in hot blood. Now, let me wash up. What’s for dinner?”
November 2: On this day in 1938, silent film actress, Actress Corene Uzzell, who played Gioja, the gypsy with a trained bear, in the film, “The Oakdale Affair,” died. She had fifteen silent film credits including, “Seven Keys to Baldpate,” “Thunderbolts of Fate,” and “The Invisible Ray.”
EVERYONE'S A PERFORMER
Prior to her film career, she was a stage actress with the Murray and Mack company and toured in the farce “English Dasies,’ among others. A review of that play was published in the Quad-City Times of Davenport, Iowa on February 13, 1905 and to quote, “Miss Uzzell ppoved herself to tbe one of the best ‘daisies’ and her personality embodies all the beauty, wit, and humor characteristic of the true Southern Girl,” More about the Oakdale Affair film in ERBzine at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0765.html
The drabble for today is, “Everyone’s a Performer,” and it’s inspired by Corene’s role as a traveling gypsy with a performing bear.
EVERYONE'S A PERFORMERYoung Gail Prim stumbled into a campsite near a brightly painted trailer. A gypsy woman and a trained bear sat near the fire. “Hello, my name’s Gail. I’m cold and hungry. May I join you.”
Gioja, the gypsy, nudged the bear, who moved over. “Sit and eat. Everyone needs help sometimes.”
“What does you bear do?”
“He dances, juggles, and does tricks.”
“Why?”
“For money and food.”
“Seems wrong a bear should have to perform to survive.”
“Honey, it’s the way of the world. Everyone does tricks to survive. Salesmen sell. Painters Paint. Policemen police. And performing bears, they perform.”
NICE CALL
The drabble for today, “Nice Call,” and it was inspired by the rejection of Tarzan of the Apes by three of the most successful publishing companies.”
NICE CALLMr. Bobbs said to Mr. Merrill. “That Tarzan book has sold over a million copies. Why don’t we publish anything that successful.”
“We could have, but you sent the writer a scathing rejection.”
“I did.”
“You did after you had drinks with Reilly from Reilly and Britton and Mead at Dodd Mead and Company. You bet on who could write the meanest rejection.”
“I don’t remember that. Call Burroughs and ask him to send us something.”
“I did. He told me he’d rather sell pencil sharpeners again.”
“Just what does that mean.”
“I’m pretty sure it means no, thank you.”
November 4: On this day in 2012, the Tarzan Centennial Conference concluded at Bridgewater College in Virginia. The play, You Lucky Girl, was performed daily at the conference. The conference examined the impact of the life and writings of Edgar Rice Burroughs. The host was Professor Stan Galloway. A remastered version of the 1918 film, Tarzan of the Apes, was shown along with other films. Several presentations were made by ERB historians and others, including Tarzan actor, Denny Miller.
ACCIDENTAL TARZAN
Details about the historic event are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag39/3939.html
The drabble for today is “Accidental Tarzan,” and it is excerpted from an article published in The Daily Eagle, a local newspaper. The article focused on former Tarzan, Denny Miller.
ACCIDENTAL TARZAN“I got started in this business by pure accident,” Miller told an audience at Bridgewater College Thursday morning, during a visit for the Tarzan Centennial Conference now under way at the college.
The conference is one of many taking place across the country commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tarzan’s appearance in print. “I’m so happy to do this and have a chance for Edgar Rice Burroughs to get more recognition,” said Stan Galloway, a Bridgewater English professor and expert on Tarzan and Burroughs. Denny appeared in many television shows of our childhood or of the rerun channels over many decades.”
November 5: On this day in 1965, the unauthorized Bollywood film, “Tarzan and King Kong, was released. In the film, a jungle queen captures the survivors of a plane crash. She plans to sacrifice them to the goddess, Bali. Tarzan intervenes and he becomes romantically involved with one of the passengers. The film features Sardar Singh Randhawa as Tarzan.
HARDER THEY FALL
Another Bollywood Tarzan, Sardar’s brother, Dara Singh, also appears in the film.
My detailed article on the film is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag67/6737.html
The film is available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qRMity-jlg .
The drabble for today is “Harder They Fall,” and it was inspired by the Bollywood film “Tarzan and King Kong.” Credit to vice- presidential candidate, Lloyd Benson.
HARDER THEY FALLTarzan interceded and stopped the evil queen from sacrificing the survivors from a plane crash. The angry queen called her Prime Minister and he released his trained battle ape, King Kong, after ordering it to kill Tarzan.
King Kong confronted Tarzan, who noticed that the ape was larger than most, but still only about eight feet tall.
Kong pounded his chest and roared.
Tarzan pounded his chest and said, “I’m Tarzan. Bundolo. I kill.”
Kong replied, “I’m King Kong. Bundolo. I’ll kill you.”
Tarzan snarled. “No, you’re not. I knew King Kong and you, my friend, are no King Kong!”
November 6: On this day in 1931, Edgar Rice Burroughs finished writing, “Pirates of Venus.” The first book in the Venus series was serialized by Argosy Weekly beginning on September 17, 1932 with a cover by Paul Stahr. ERB Inc. published the first edition with a J. Allen St. John Cover in February 1934. It was also serialized in “Passing Show Magazine,” in Great Britain.
FIRST COURSE
Burroughs' story features interplanetary travel by a space ship created by an Earthman and interstellar telepathy. It also features landing on the wrong planet and Venus, which is populated by winged people, beautiful princesses, and exotic beasts and plants, mostly carnivorous.
The entire series seems a little more tongue in cheek to me than the Barsoom or Tarzan novels. Good stuff. Give it a read.
Details about the publication history and several illustrations are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0748.html
The drabble for today, “First Course,” inspired by the novel.
FIRST COURSECarson Napier landed on Venus where he promptly fell into unrequited love with the Princess, Duare. To her annoyance, she ended up wandering with Carson, a particularly inept hero, through unexplored forests.
She saved him from a carnivorous vine and then stopped him before he walked into a giant spider web.”
“Goodness, “said Carson. “Everything on this planet except you trying to kill me?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Well, I’ll try to be more careful. At least you’re on my side.”
“Not exactly true. I’m counting on you to be bait. I can escape while the forest primeval is eating you.”
November 7: On this day in 1916, Edgar Rice Burroughs received membership card # 1 in the Tribe of Tarzan, a club formed in Stanton, Virginia. Details about the Tribe of Tarzan are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag3/0392.html
IT'S ALL TRIBAL
The club was endorsed by Edgar Rice Burroughs and All-Story Weekly. It never caught on and had a very short life.
All- Story reported: “The boys of Staunton, Virginia, have organized the first Tribe of Tarzan. They would like to hear from boys in other cities and towns who are interested in forming tribes in their own jungles. The men of Staunton are helping the boys of Stuanton. The latter have a Tribe Room where they hold their meetings; they have grass ropes, bows and arrows, hunting knives, and the author of "Tarzan of the Apes" is having medallions struck for them symbolic of Tarzan's diamond-studded golden locket. Boys who are interested are invited to write to HERMAN NEWMAN, Acting Chief of THE FIRST TRIBE OF TARZAN, 113 North Jefferson Street, Staunton, Virginia.”
The drabble for today is “It’s All Tribal,” and it is All-Story endorsement of the organization.
IT'S ALL TRIBALThe editors of the All-Story extend their heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Herman Newman and the Tribe, and assure them they will do all in their power to make the organization such a brilliant success that, it shall rival, in membership and popularity even, the Boy Scouts. It is the earnest hope and belief that in a few years Tribes of Tarzan will exist in every city and town in the United States, and will have become, not only a source of keen joy and amusement to the youth of the country, but also a powerful influence for good.
November 9: On this day in 1980, the Gil Kane / Archie Goodwin Tarzan Sunday comic story arc, The Super Race, began. The story ran for thirteen weeks and ended of February 1, 1981. Read the entire comic story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag34/3498.html
REQUIEM FOR THE REICH
In the story, Tarzan reencountered Mildred March, a grandmotherly looking anthropologist. She convinced Tarzan to accompany her to South America seeking a lost race. The racewas the descendants of Nazis who had hidden in the jungle after WW2. The ‘Super Race” people are larger than the South American natives and the plan is to re-establish Hitler’s Third Reich.”
Tarzan sees things differently an puts and end to their plans of conquest.
The drabble for today, “Requiem for the Reich” is based on the story arc.
REQUIEM FOR THE REICHTarzan visited South America with anthropologist Mildred March seeking a race of giants. They found a tribe of young Aryans who were being trained by Oberfuhrer Wulf Todstrom to re-establish the Third Reich.
The Oberfuhrer said, “My elite warriors will kill you if you don’t leave us alone.”
Tarzan said, “I fought your misguided principles during the War. I’ll fight you now.”
“We cannot be defeated. We are a Super Race, we will emerge from this jungle and rule mankind.”
“Speaking with conviction doesn’t make it true. Ethnocentrists and their beliefs are doomed. Today you die.”
And Mildred shot him.
November 10: On this day in 1945, the Rex Maxon written and illustrated Tarzan daily comic strip story arc, “Prisoners of the Past,” concluded. The story arc had run for 66 days. Maxon illustrated the Tarzan daily comic from June 10, 1931 until August 30, 1947. He was on hiatus for about 1 ½ years during 1936-1938. He also wrote most of the stories. he illustrated.
SHIPPING PROBLEM
You can read the entire story at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5483.html
Tarzan and Nkima find a cave and inside the descendants of a pirate ship and its captive British ship survived a storm and took refuge in the cave where they’ve lived for several years. The pirates keep the British as slaves. Tarzan decides to set them free. The results are predictable.
The drabble for today is “Shipping Problem,” inspired by the story arc.
SHIPPING PROBLEMTarzan discovered a crew of ruffians holding several slaves in a cave. The leader said, “I’m Captain. We’re pirates.”
“Where’s your ship?”
“Don’t need no stinking ship.”
“Where’s your grog?”
“Don’t need no grog.”
“All Pirates have ships and they’re the reason for the term, drunken sailor. You’re troglodytes, not pirates.”
“Avast there, we’ ain’t troglodytes. We’re pirates.”
“Doesn’t matter what you tell yourselves. Pirates don’t hide in caves, they stand up, take what they want, and challenge the world to stop them.”
“We have slaves, shelter and all the food we want.”
“You did. I’m going work on that.”
November 11: On this day in 1942, the Honolulu Observer published Ed’s article, "Saturday Night in Honolulu, Dull."
SATURDAY NIGHT IN HONOLULU
The article is quite short, only 96 words and it’s included here in its entirety with the title added to make it exactly 100 words.. You can read the entire article and several more at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0001.html
SATURDAY NIGHT IN HONOLULUBernard Clayton, Life Magazine representative in Hawaii, and I accompanied Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Green, executive to the Military Governor, on tour of Honolulu front line civilian defenses Saturday night.
However, there was absolutely no activity in the front line trenches, the enemy "Demon Rum" having practically run out of ammunition.
(The trio toured the city from 7:30 to 11:30 P.M., visiting the Red Cross stations, first aid units, telephone censors, auxiliary police -- all hard at work.)
And so to bed, taking with me an increased admiration for my fellow Americans -- God bless 'em.
November 12: On this day in 1951, author Geary Gravel, who wrote, John Carter of Mars: Gods of the Forgotten, was born. This truly excellent novel which is meticulously reaserched is available at: https://edgarriceburroughs.com/store/product/john-carter-of-mars-gods-of-the-forgotten/
FORGOTTEN LORE
Geary is also the author of the novella, “John Carter of Mars: Swords of the Mind,” which is included in the book, “A Princess of Mars: Shadow of the Assassins,” available at: https://edgarriceburroughs.com/store/product/a-princess-of-mars-shadow-of-the-assassins/
Here’s hoping he has another book coming soon. Happy birthday, Geary.
The drabble for today, “Forgotten Lore,” was inspired by the title of the two stories.
FORGOTTEN LOREThe beautiful Dejah Thoris talked to her husband, John Carter the Warlord of Mars. “John, religions have changed. People worship new ideas and new gods. What happened?”
“Are you asking me what happened to the old gods?”
“I am. I know you destroyed Issus and Tur, but weren’t there others?”
“My love, I’ve forgotten?”
“You’ve forgotten the old gods?”
“Maybe, but maybe I’ve forgotten the people who worshiped the old gods. It’s so confusing.”
“I thought your mind was a sharp as a longsword. It seems time has dulled the blade.”
“Perhaps, but your tongue is still sharper than ever.”
November 13: On this day in 1928, Edgar Rice Burroughs completed writing the novel, “Tanar of Pellucidar.” He dedicated the book to his granddaughter, Joan Burroughs Pierce II. The novel was serialized in Blue Book Magazine and all six issues had covers by Frank Hoban.
COMING SOON
The first edition was published by Metropolitan on May 29, 1930 with a wraparound cover by Paul F. Berdanier. Grosset & Dunlap reprinted the novel several times and Canaveral Press published an edition in 1962 with a cover by Mahlon Blaine.
Illustrations, reviews, publishing history and an electronic version of the novel are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0743.html
The drabble for today, “Coming Soon,” was written by an unknown editor at Blue Book Magazine to announce the upcoming serialization of ‘Tanar of Pellucidar.”
COMING SOONEdgar Rice Burroughs, the author of the Tarzan and John Carter stories and of “Tanar of Pellucidar” which begins in the next issue is a regular fellow. He lives on a ranch, Tarzana Ranch, in California, and devotes his spare time to raising hogs and blooded horses. But chiefly he is occupied in producing the extraordinary and fascinating romances which have won for him a unique place among the most respected and popular writers of the world. And it is the best of these which leads to our next story in the March issue under the title, “Tanar of Pellucidar.”
November 14: On this day in 1982, the Mike Grell written and illustrated Tarzan Sunday newspaper comics story arc, “Space War,” concluded. The story began in August and ran for twelve weeks. As would be expected the story and the art are magnificent.
I'M ON MY SIDE
Read the entire story and several more complete Sunday comic stories at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2292.html
An American space shuttle, the Phoenix, crashed in Africa. The Russians and Americans both scrambled to find the mostly intact ship. They fought. Tarzan intervened, mostly to protect his jungle. The story has one of the best lines ever, “I am Tarzan. This is my jungle. Take your war somewhere else.”
The drabble for today, “I’m On My Side,” was inspired by the story arc.
I'M ON MY SIDETarzan surveyed the American Army encampment and then the Russian one. Both groups had firearms, tanks, and cannon. He knew their fight would destroy countless acres and wildlife. He captured both commanders.
“Gentlemen, I’m Tarzan. This is my jungle. You may choose to fight, but only on a different battlefield.”
The American Colonel said, “This isn’t your fight. You don’t give me orders.”
The Russian said, “I’m not afraid of you.
“You should be. My land, my fight," said Tarzan. “Your mutual animosity doesn’t give you the right to kill the innocent. Fight here and I promise, you’ll both lose!”
November 15: On this day in 1915, New York Evening World Newspaper published the first installment of The Man-Eater. This was the first and only publication of the story, also known as “Ben, King of Beasts, until an unauthorized version was published by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach’s Fantasy Press in 1955. , 300 copies. Science Fiction and Fantasy Press published the story in hardcover (1957) combined with “Beyond Thirty.” Fantasy House reprinted the story in Fantasy Reader #5 in 1974.
A FINER NOVEL
Details about the publishing history, illustrations, and an electronic version of the story are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0762.html
The drabble for today, “A Finer Novel,” is taken from prepublication advertisements that appeared in the “New York Evening World Newspaper.
A FINER NOVELThe man who wrote ‘Tarzan of the Apes,” the most popular newspaper serial ever published, has just written for “The Evening World,” a finer novel of the African jungle. “The Man-Eater,” and his new story is even better in many ways than was “Tarzan of the Apes.’
“The Man-Eater is the name of this new story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It is romance of jungle and of wild beasts. All of the thrilling elements that made “Tarzan” so popular are found in The Man-Eater.” Serial publication of “The Man-Eater” will begin in the Evening World on November 25. Read it.
