Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute and Weekly Webzine Site Since 1996 ~ Over 15,000 Webpages in Archive Volume 7786  |
ERB 100-Word Drabbles
JANUARY VI Edition :: Days 1-15
by Robert Allen Lupton
Go to Days 16-31 at ERBzine 7786a
With Collations, Web Page Layout and ERBzine Illustrations and References by Bill Hillman
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
January 1: On this day in 1916. All-Story Magazine published the fourth installment of “The Son of Tarzan,” the fourth Tarzan novel. Neither the installment nor the author received a cover mention. The cover by W. Fairchild illustrated the beginning of “The Sea Demons” by Victor Rousseau (Emmanuel), who wrote dozens of adventure stories from around 1905 until the late 1930s. This issue also featured the conclusion of “Polaris of the Snows” by Charles B. Stilson and the beginning of the serialization of “The Great Legend” by Rex Stout.
Publishing details and more about "The Son of Tarzan." https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0487.html
The 100 word drabble today, “Like Father, Like Son,” was written by some unknown editor working for Ballantine Books when they published the paperback edition of the book. For clarity, Paulvitch was the lackey/assistant of Tarzan’s enemy, Nikolas Rokoff.Paulvitch still lived and sought vengeance against Tarzan. He lured Tarzan's young son from London. But the boy escaped with the aid of the great ape Akut. They fled to the savage African jungles. There the civilized boy had to learn to meet the great beasts and face the dangers only his father had ever conquered. He grew in time into Korak the Killer, almost as mighty as Tarzan. Korak found a friend in Meriem, whom he rescued from a raiding Arab band. Then he discovered that the dangers of the jungle were nothing compared to those devised by men. LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
RIDE, BORIS, RIDE
January 2: On this day in 1916, All-Story Magazine purchased H. R. H. the Rider, which was serialized in the magazine in December 1918. George Brehm drew the cover art for the first issue.
The novelette is a story of European intrigue, mistaken identity, crime, love, and redemption. The crown price disguises himself as the injured highwayman. That’s a lot to cram into a 38,000 word story, but Burroughs was a master at that sort of thing. The story was published by ERB Inc in 1937, combined with “The Oakdale Affair,” reprinted by Grosett and Dunlap three times prior to World War II.
According to Jim Goodwin’s “Edgar Rice Burroughs: The Descriptive Bibliography of the Ace and Ballantine/Del Rey Paperback Books” A seven variant paperback editions with a Frank Frazetta cover were published by Ace Books in 1974, and the title was included in box sets of ERB books marketed for Christmas.
Publishing details for H. R. H. The Rider are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0764.html
The drabble for today, “Ride, Boris, Ride,” and it was inspired by the “H. R.H The Rider” and a Chad Mitchell Trio song, “Hang on the Bell, Nellie,” written by Tommie Connor, Clive Erard, and Ross Parker. Beatrice Kay was the original recording artist.Prince Boris, dismounted, tore off his mask, and smiled with satisfaction. RIDE, BORIS, RIDE
Princess Mary cringed in fear and said, “Good Lord, Boris, you’re the evil highwayman, the Rider. We thought you were dead.”“A necessary deception. Somethings are easier to do behind a mask.”
“You mean like defend the kingdom?”
“Not exactly. I can stay in inns, drink in taverns, flirt with barmaids, and ride the high country without judgement or repercussions.”“Sounds like debauchery to me. A swinging lifestyle can lead to swinging on a rope.”
“Perhaps, Mary, but while I was a highwayman, I learned it’s fun to swing.”
DON'T ANGER THE APE MAN
January 3: On this day in 2022, Meteor House published ‘The Man Who Met Tarzan,” by Philip Jose Farmer, Christopher Paul Carey, and Win Scott Eckert.
This beautiful volume contains essays by Carey, Eckert, and Henry G. Franke III, and numerous articles, some previously unpublished, about Tarzan written by Philip Jose Farmer. This is good stuff. You can still buy the paperback on Amazon, but the signed hardcover is sold out. Occasionally, copies of it appear on resale websites. Keep checking.
The fictional drabble for today, “Don’t Anger the Ape Man," was inspired by the book and Farmer’s other essays about Tarzan, Lord Greystoke.The editor said, “Phil, you sure know a lot about Tarzan.” DON'T ANGER THE APE MAN
“I’ve studying him extensively and I have met and interviewed him.”
“Sure, did he say ‘Me Tarzan, you Phil?”
“He speaks perfect English, as well as other languages.”
“So you expect me to believe that Tarzan is real.”
“Your expectations are your own. I expect you to pay me and publish my work.”
“If Tarzan’s real, I’ll need him to sign a release.”
“I’ve got that covered and I’ll indemnify you. But don’t change his words, or make fun of him. He understands revenge for bad editing very well.”
YOU'VE GOT SOME EXPLAINING TO DO
January 4: On this day in 1922, the Frank A. Munsey company bought The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs for $3500.00. A 1922 dollar is worth $19.00 today, so you do the math, about $67,000. Astonishing.
The Chessmen of Mars, my personal favorite, was rushed into print and serialized in Argosy All-Story Weekly in February and March of that year. P. J. Monahan illustrated the cover for the first issue and Roger B. Morrison drew an interior headpiece for each installment. Not to be outdone, A. C. McClurg published the first edition on November 29, 1922, about one year after Burroughs completed the novel. Pretty quick work for everyone involved, but then it is one heck of a story.
Details about the novel, several illustrations, and a complete electronic version of the book: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0426.html
I’ve written several drabbles for The Chessmen of Mars, and today, I’ve modified one that was originally posted in March 2021. It was titled, “You’ve Got Some Explaining To Do.” A tip of the hat to Ricky Ricardo.Gahan of Gathol prepared to play Jetan, Martian chess, for his life and for the life of Tara of Helium. YOU'VE GOT SOME EXPLAINING TO DO
“Tara, you ran away, got lost, and were captured by bodiless creatures with great mental powers and now, if I don’t win this game, I’ll die and you’ll become a slave bride.
What were you thinking?”
“I needed some fresh air.”
“That’s not a good answer.”
“I thought I’d get away with my behavior. Princesses don’t have to explain themselves to anyone.”“Running away is not normal.”
“I’ve tried normal - worst three minutes of my life. Please win today.”
CONTROLS
January 5: On this day in 1934, future pilot Edgar Rice Burroughs took his first flying lesson. Once he got his license, he bought an airplane, a Security Airster, which he christened the Doodad, naming it after the symbol he used as a colophon on the spine of his books. His flying instructor was Jim Granger. Ed kept his flying lessons secret for a while, but after you buy an airplane, well, these things tend to get out. Ed claimed that the reason he took up flying was because Hulbert wanted to be a pilot and father, Ed, felt like he should learn about it before making a decision. Hulbert eventually soloed, but he crashed the Doodad on his first unsupervised flight.
Information about Edgar Rice Burroughs, the pilot, is at https://www.erbzine.com. Here’s a good place to start: https://www.erbzine.com/mag14/1442.html
The colorized photo of ERB by the airplane was colorized by Chris Adams.
The drabble for today, “Controls,” was inspired by Burroughs’ decision to become a pilot. It’s a fiction conversation between him and his instructor.Flight instructor Jim Granger said, “Pretty good. My younger students get more excited.” CONTROLS
Burroughs taxied the airplane. “I was in the cavalry. If you don’t stay calm, you’ll spook your horse. A calm horseman makes for a smooth ride. Reins and the joystick work much the same way. Gentle guidance is best.”
“Hadn’t thought about it that way. Good comparison.”
Ed smiled. “There’s one more similarity. If you let the horse choose, you may not like the place he chooses to stop. Don’t let the airplane choose the landing place.”Granger nodded. “One more rule for both. Don’t fall off.”
ALWAYS IN STYLE
January 6: On this day in 2012, artist John Celardo, died He began illustrating the daily Tarzan newspaper comic strip on January 18, 1954 and the Sunday page on February 28, 1954. He drew 4350 daily pages and 724 Sunday pages. At its peak, his Tarzan newspaper strips appeared in 225 newspapers in 12 countries. He stopped drawing the newspaper strips on January 7, 1968 and was replaced by Russ Manning. Rumors of collections reprinting Celardo’s work surface regularly, but nothing has materialized.
Celardo worked extensively for DC Comics and other comic book publishers, illustrating Aquaman, Batman, Challengers of the Unknown, Green Lantern, Tarzan, Mystery in Space, and many more.
We should remember that John Celardo served as a captain in the US Army during WW2. We thank him for his service.
The history of the newspaper Tarzan pages by Celardo are at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2293.html and https://www.erbzine.com/mag38/3801.html
The drabble for today, “Always in Style, is a fictional conversation between Russ Manning and John Celardo.John Celardo said, “I’ve seen your first dozen pages. Tarzan’s in good hands. Good luck.” ALWAYS IN STYLE
Russ Manning replied, “Thank you. You drew Tarzan for 14 years. Why stop now.”
“Time for me to move on. Besides, the publishing syndicate wants a new look. They said, ‘Tarzan needs a new set of clothes.’”“Needs new clothes, what new clothes? The only thing he wears is a leopard skin loincloth!”
“Don’t know. Maybe shift the leopard spots around a bit.”
Manning shrugged. “Leopards don’t change their spots.”
Celardo said, “They don’t, but neither does Tarzan. Honor and honesty are always in fashion”
ANY OLD WIND
January 7: On this day in 1932, Edgar Rice Burroughs completed the novel, “Tarzan and the City of Gold.” The novel was serialized by Argosy magazine two months and five days later. They worked quickly in those days. ERB Inc. published the first edition of September 1, 1933 and it’s been reprinted by Grosset & Dunlap, ERB Inc., Whitman, Ace, and Ballantine.
Tarzan encounters warring cities, Athne and Cathne, ivory and gold, respectively. Tarzan is captured by Nemone, the crazed queen of Cathne. Nemone was a beautiful woman, but as we used to say, she was full tilt bonkers.
She predictably falls in love with Tarzan, who predictably rejects her. She sentences him to fight her hunting lion, Belthar. Before the lion kills Tarzan, Jad-bal-ja, Tarzan’s lion, arrives and kills Belthar. Nemone, believing that she shares her life force with Belthar kills herself. Like I said, full tilt bonkers.
Burroughs used the cities of Cathne and Athne in another novel, “Tarzan the Magnificent,” the only ‘lost civilization’ to be used more than once, well, except for Opar.
Publishing details, several illustrations: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0725.html
The drabble for today is “Any Old Wind,” inspired by Nemone in Tarzan and the City of Gold, with a little credit to Johnny Cash for the song, “Any Old Wind That Blows.” Credit to a little ditty by Bob Dylan, as well.Queen Nemone said, “Tarzan, I’ll free you if you’ll be my mate, but my spirit is bound to the spirit of my lion, Belther. Do you have a lion?” ANY OLD WIND
‘My three best friends are Nkima, a monkey, my wife, Jane, and my lion Jad-bal-ja.”
“As queen, I dissolve your former marriage. We’ll marry immediately.”
“Queen, your mercurial behavior personifies your name, Nemone, spirit of the wind.”
“I am the queen, the wind, and the lion.”
“No, your moods and decisions follow any old wind that blows.”
“Can you outrun a lion? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind.”
ONE FOR THE TEAM
January 8: On this day three years ago in 2021, athlete and actor, Mike Henry, died in Burbank, California. Henry was co-captain of the 1957 USC Trojans football team and was an NFL linebacker from 1959 through 1964, playing with the Steelers and the Rams.
He is best known for playing Jackie Gleason’s inept son, Junior Justice, in three “Smokey and the Bandit” films. He also appeared in “The Longest Yard,” Soylent Green,” and “The Green Berets.”
His most prominent film role was Tarzan, portraying the Lord of the Jungle in three films, “Tarzan and the Valley of Gold,” Tarzan and the Great River,” and Tarzan and the Jungle Boy.” His chiseled face and linebacker build made him resemble Tarzan as described by Edgar Rice Burroughs more than any other film Tarzan. He turned down the offer to play Tarzan on television and Ron Ely was cast in the role. Henry sued the production company for maltreatment, abuse, and poor working conditions.
As an aside, Diane Millay, his co-star in Tarzan and the Great River, died a few hours early in New York.
Details about all three of Henry’s Tarzan films are available at https://www.erbzine.com/mag19/1964.html
The drabble for today is “One For The Team,” and it was inspired by Mike Henry, his football career, and his film roles.”Sy Weintraub said, “Mike, I’ve decided to make a Tarzan television series. You want the role?” ONE FOR THE TEAM
“No, the stitches in my face have barely healed. I was injured several times, had dysentery, food poisoning, ear infections, and a liver virus.”
“Whatever happened to taking one for the team?”
“You take one for the team. I’ve taken enough hits. Not only will I not play in the series, but I’m going to sue you for treating me like an animal.”“That won’t do you any good. Alfred Hitchcock said that actors should be treated like cattle. I was following his advice.”
GOOD ADVICE
January 9: On this day in 1880, one of the busiest actors and directors in Hollywood, Howard C. Hickman, was born in Columbia, Missouri. Hickman’s career began on stage in San Francisco, but he soon was making silent pictures with the Lasky Picture Company and the Triangle Company. He directed nineteen films and appeared in over 270 pictures including “Gone With the Wind,” “Tarzan’s New York Adventure,” “Tarzan’s Revenge,” “The Wolf Woman,” “The Jungle Child,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “Belle Starr,” “Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc.” “Andy Hardy’s Double Life,” “The Masked Marvel,” and “Captain America.” Hickman served a term on the Screen Actors Guild Board of Directors.
The 100 word drabble today, “Good Advice,” was inspired by Howard Hickman’s numerous roles.Howard Hickman’s neighbor, George, knocked on Hickman’s door. “Howard, I had a fender bender, but the other guy’s suing me. Can you help?” GOOD ADVICE
“Well, George, that depends on what help means.”
“You’re a man of the world. I need advice, legal advice.”
“I’m not a lawyer or judge.”
“You are. I’ve seen you in the movies.”
“That’s just pretend. I’ve also played a cop, a thief, a jungle explorer, a plantation owner, a shopkeeper, and a hundred other things that I’m not.”“That’s close enough. I need advice.”
“Advice is worth what you pay for it. Hire a real lawyer.”
CAN'T TOUCH THIS
January 10: On this date in 1912, the February 1912 issue of All-Story Magazine containing the first installment of “Under the Moons of Mars” was copyrighted. Neither Edgar Rice Burroughs, his non de plume Normal (Norman) Bean, nor the story were mentioned on the cover. The first cover for Burroughs would come with “Tarzan of the Apes.”
The cover illustration of a man in a sombrero smoking in an open window doesn’t seem to fit with any story contained in the issue, but my guess would be “A Serenade” by Edward Coate Pinkley. My copy is missing the front and back cover and the pages are brown and crumbly. I checked inside enough to be sure that all the pages for “Under the Moons of Mars” were present when I bought, but I confess, it’s never been out of the archival plastic since then. I expect that if it’s every exposed to the air, it will vanish in a puff of dust like a vampire in a Buffy episode.
I only recognize two of the many contributors, mostly forgotten today, the prolific John D. Swain and Charles MacLean Savage. Savage’s contribution was “Prince Imbecile,” a title you’ve got to love.
Details about “Under the Moons of Mars,” better known as “A Princess of Mars,” may be located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag4/0421.html
The drabble for today, “Can’t Touch This,” features my old friends Pat and John from New Orleans and it was inspired by the publication of the story that started it all, “Under the Moons of Mars.”Pat said, “John, I found an A. C. McClurg first edition of “A Princess of Mars.” CAN'T TOUCH THIS
“The real first edition is six issues of All-Story magazine.” I have those.”
“Wow! Can I see them?”
“Sure,” said John. He rummaged through bookshelves and found a black trash bag wrapped package taped closed. “See.”“No, just a trash bag.”
“They’re individually sealed in archival plastic bags with museum quality tape inside a hermetically sealed waterproof container. Black plastic for UV protection.”“Okay, can we look inside?”
“No, I haven’t opened the package for thirty years. They’re for having, not touching or seeing.”
QUICK DRAW
January 11: Happy Birthday to Bill Hillman, and on this day in 1867, artist Samuel George Cahan, who did the interior illustrations for the magazine publications of 'The Resurrection of Jimber-Jaw," "Tarzan and the City of Gold," and "Pirates of Venus"was born in Kovno, Russia – now Lithuania.
The family settled in New York City in 1888 where his father sold newspapers. In 1898 at age twelve, Samuel sitting barefoot outside Mouquin’s restaurant, sketched the sinking of the Maine in chalk on the sidewalk. The editor of the New York World hired the twelve year old on the spot. He became a valued member of the staff and was admired for his ability to produce quick sketches, suitable for publication. He remained with the World until it closed in 1931. Throughout the 1930s, his line drawings appeared regularly as interior illustrations in Argosy.
After the Second World War, he began to produce fine art, with his subject matter being the poverty prevalent in the Lower East Side of New York.
The drabble for today, “Quick Draw,” was inspired by Cohen’s speed. It’s a combination of the event that launched his career and quotations from a August 13, 1967 interview with the artist.A man admired the chalk drawing on the sidewalk. “That’s the sinking of the US Maine. It was in my newspaper. Who are you? Want a job?” QUICK DRAW
“I’m Sammy Cohen. Sure I want a job, but I'm hungry.”
The editor flipped Sammy a quarter. “Buy an ice cream soda.”
Sammy replied, “If I want an ice cream soda, I draw one on the sidewalk and sell it as an advertisement to the soda parlor.”The editor smiled. “My job's not that different. Working together, we can do the same thing the rest of our lives. Work starts at seven.”
NEW DEAL
January 12: On this day, episode # 47, The Convert, of the Ron Ely Tarzan television series was broadcast. The episode featured James Earl Jones and The Supremes, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Cindy Birdsong who performed “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” during the episode. The Supremes play three nuns and Mr. Jones plays the son of a tribal chief.
The Supremes song is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw0lnDVzkpg
Details about the Ron Ely Tarzan television series: https://www.erbzine.com/mag74/7420.html
The 100 word fictional drabble for today, New Deal, was inspired by the episode and by another character that James Earl Jones voiced in his magnificent career.Three nuns wanted to build a hospital, but Nerlan, the chief’s son, lead the opposition mostly because Sister Therese was his promised wife before she ran away to a convent. NEW DEAL
He said, “Sister, I don’t trust your word. You were promised to me and you broke that promise.”
“I knew you didn’t really want me and so I left. I wrote you about the hospital and we made a deal. You’d support the hospital and I’d support you for chief.”
“Be careful you don’t choke on your own aspirations. I’m altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.”
MIDNIGHT SNACK
January 13: On this day in 1942, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin published one of the Laugh It Off columns by future war correspondent, Edgar Rice Burroughs. The columns were intended to increase moral by telling stories about the lighter side of the war.
The columns are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag17/1754.html.
Today’s drabble, Midnight Snack, was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs for his January 13, 1942 column."These," said a man finishing a midnight snack during blackout, "must be a new brand of sardines. They had a different flavor." His wife turned her flashlight on the empty can. "That was canned dog food, you sap," she said. "You have eaten Fifi's breakfast. MIDNIGHT SNACK
“A young seaman was bending over his work below deck on December 7 when something hit him in the seat of his pants. He wheeled around only to find that there was no one there. He felt around and pulled a shell fragment out of his trousers. It had come in through an open porthole.”
WORK SCHEDULE
January 14: On this day in 1929. Edgar Rice Burroughs signed a contract with Walter Shumway and Jack Nelson for what would become the film and film serial, “Tarzan the Fearless.” Burroughs was to receive $10,000 in cash and 10% of the gross receipts. The contract stipulated that James Pierce would ply Tarzan.
Shumway and Nelson sold the contract to Sol Lessor, who produced the film. Ultimately Pierce accepted a buyout and Buster Crabbe was signed for the part.
Details about the film and its production: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0595.html
The 100 drabble for today, Work Schedule,” is a fictional conversation between Edgar Rice Burroughs and James Pierce after Buster Crabbe was cast as Tarzan.Ed said, “Get the part? The contact says that you get the part.” WORK SCHEDULE
“No, terrible screen test. I’m not in physical condition to play Tarzan. They offered me a cash settlement to withdraw. I took it.”“So Shumway and Nelson took money to sell the contract to this guy, Sol Lessor. You got payed not to play. Everyone’s making money and not doing anything. I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“Feel good. You get ten grand and ten percent and you aren’t doing anything either.”
“That’s not right. I did my work years before I signed the contract.
NO TALKING HEADS
January 15: On this day in 1938, the last Tarzan daily newspaper comic strip drawn by artist William Juhre was published. Juhre took the strip over on June 22, 1936 replacing Rex Maxon. When Juhre departed, Rex Maxon returned to the daily strip with the story arc, “Tarzan the Fearless.”
Juhre was born February 2, 1903 near Milwaukee. He joined the army at age 14 and was injured in a gas attack at age 15 and discharged on his 16th birthday. He soon joined the Milwaukee Journal. Burroughs was very critical of Juhre’s work, even suggesting that it was the reason newspapers were dropping the strip.
All of Juhre’s daily strips are available beginning at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag40/4018.html
Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote the drabble for today, “No Talking Heads,” about Juhre’s work. ERB’s comments reveal that he was writing the continuity for the strip at this time."Regardless of the text, a strip will flop without well-drawn interesting illustrations. Each picture should illustrate its caption. Close-ups and semiclose-ups are boring. Use close-ups occasionally when there’s no action. NO TALKING HEADS
"In the continuity I’m writing, I’m doubtless violating many of your established precedents; but I believe that I’m giving sufficient action and suspense to fully warrant my handling of the subject, and I’m trying to give the artist something to illustrate.
"I’m doing this work myself because I recognize the importance of the daily strip. It’s not enough that the Sunday Page be outstanding; the daily strip should be also."
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