ERBzine 8064: Drabbles August 1-15 2025

MY BOOK IS BETTER

August 1: On this day in 2022, Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. published the first hardcover edition of Tarzan and the Valley of Gold by Fritz Leiber, The novel, based on the film script by Clair Hufaker for the film, “Tarzan and the Valley of Gold,” was originally published in paperback by Ballantine Books in 1966.

Details about the book and the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag2/0210.html

The 100-word drabble for today is, “My Book is Better,” and it’s rephrased for length from the article by John F. Roy titled, “Fritz Leiber Says.”

MY BOOK IS BETTER
I saw the movie at a private showing when I was half through the novel. I wrote from an earlier script. Some of the most striking incidents in the book were in the script in embryo form, but are not in the move because they were considered too difficult to film, specifically the fight in the carwash. The fight between Tarzan and Train in my novel is much shorter than on film A good karate fight never lasts long and isn’t filled with silly judo chops and the participants don’t survive killing blows. Better and more realistic in my book.

MIRROR IMAGE

August 2: On this day in 1942, episode #35 of the “John Carter of Mars” Sunday comic, “Beautiful Giant,” was published. The strip was written and illustrated by John Coleman Burroughs with assistance from his wife, Jane Ralston Burroughs. In the episode, John Carter, Dejah Thoris, and Woola are exposed to Vovo, the wizard’s Z-Ray machine and grow tremendously larger.

The entire series may be read in living, well almost living, color at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2281.html

The drabble for today, “Mirror Image,” was inspired by the episode and by those among us who typify the behavior therein.

MIRROR IMAGE
John Carter questioned Vovo, the wizard. “Everything you’ve invented is another way to hurt people. Why behave like that?”

“Because every person I’ve ever befriended or worked with, eventually turned out to be a yellow-calot traitor.”

Dejah Thoris replied, “I see. My father taught me something I’ve never forgotten. When one friend or co-worker is a problem for you, that person is the problem. When every person you’ve befriend or work with seems to betray you, then perhaps the problem’s source is you, not everyone else.”

“You evil witch. I’ve met your kind before!”

“And Vovo, you prove my point.”

THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE

August 3: On this day in 1942, the Rex Maxon illustrated and Don Garden scripted Tarzan daily comic story arc, “War in the Jungle,” began. It ran for 138 daily episodes and ended on January 9, 1943. The story appeared during World War Two and featured Tarzan, D’Arnot, Nazis, and Zeela, the jungle girl, who only appeared in the daily comic strips.

The entire story arc is available, in block and white as originally published at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag54/5401.html

The drabble for today, “The Best Defense is a Good Offense,” was inspired by “War in the Jungle.”

THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE

Tarzan found D’Arnot leading a band of the resistance through the jungle. “What are you doing my friend,” he asked?

D’Arnot replied, “We’re going to hide and wait for the Nazis to attack and then we’ll kill them. Where should we hide?”

“Where will the Nazis attack?”

“We don’t know.”

“Then it doesn’t matter where you hide.”

“What should we do?”

“Find them now, don’t wait for them to attack. A rogue lion can attack anywhere and I can’t guard everywhere. Better to beard the lion or the Nazi in his den than to try to protect the whole jungle.”

PARADISE DEFERRED

August 4: On this day in 1940, Ed and Florence signed the lease for 2623 Halelena Place in Honolulu. I don’t know what the property was like in 1940, but here’s a current real estate summary for the 8500 square foot property, which has eleven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

“The home is located at 2623 Halelena Place, Honolulu, HI 96822 and is currently estimated at $3,458,356, approximately $402 per square foot. 2623 Halelena Place is a home located in Honolulu County with nearby schools including Manoa Elementary School, Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School, and President Theodore Roosevelt High School.”

However, searching for a picture of the property brings up a number of home photographs of different houses or what appears condo or apartment complex. However the sites are consistent in stating that the building on the property was built in 1918 – whichever one it is.

The drabble for today, ‘Paradise Deferred,” is a fictional conversation between Ed and Florence upon leasing the massive home.

PARADISE DEFERRED

“Ed, this house is huge. There’s only four of us. That’s more than two bedrooms and two bathrooms each.”

“Well, my children will no doubt visit us and we both have friends who love Hawaii.”

“I expect visitors, but not all at the same time.”

“I'll use one of the bedrooms as an office and you can use another. The children can use one as a playroom."

“Ed, I’m not worried about what to do with eleven bedrooms, but ten bathrooms means ten toilets and I can’t think of any world where my idea of paradise is cleaning ten toilets.”

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

August 5: On this day in 2009, The New York Times reported that “Me Cheeta,” the comic autobiography of Tarzan’s buddy, was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize. Me Cheeta,” written by James Lever did not win.

The International Booker Prize (formerly known as the Man Booker International Prize) is an international literary award hosted in the United Kingdom. The introduction of the International Prize to complement the Man Booker Prize, as the Booker Prize was then known, was announced in June 2004. Sponsored by the Man Group, from 2005 until 2015 the award was given every two years to a living author of any nationality for a body of work published in English or generally available in English translation.

Check out "Cheetah's Scrapbook" at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag16/1697.html

The drabble for today, “Sorry For Your Loss,” is an excerpt from the book and is mostly self-explanatory. It has been edited to fit the 100-word format.

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

“Concerning Maureen's rather breezily delivered comment offering consolation on the death of my on-screen mother who’d just been impaled on the horn of a stampeding rhinoceros while saving Jane's life! Delivered briskly in her trademark sing-song voice, it seemed as if she was bucking me up rather than helping me come to terms with a bereavement, she herself had caused. If Maureen's daughter, Mia Farrow, had been fatally gored while saving my life, I'd have made an apology and tried to make sound sincere. Although, dare I say that would have been one hell of a popular rhino in Hollywood.”

FORGOTTEN LOVE

August 6: On this day in 2021, Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. published first edition of “John Carter of Mars: Gods of the Forgotten” by Geary Gravel including the novelette, “Victory Harben: Stormwinds of Va-nah" by Ann Tonser Zeddies.

This post is a reprise of last years post about this book. it's still available form Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. and I encourage you to read it if you haven't.

The novel takes place in the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe and it faithfully adheres to the Barsoom novels. The book features characters, major and minor, who appeared in the original novels. Outstanding research and wonderful execution.

The novel is available in three editions, paperback, hardcover, and a hardcover collector’s edition: https://edgarriceburroughs.com/store/

The drabble for today, “Forgotten Lore,” was inspired by the title of the book and a somewhat warped sense of humor. It has nothing to do with the contents of the excellent novel. Thanks to E. A. Poe for the title.

John Carter and Tars Tarkas defeated a forest of plant men and rested.

FORGOTTEN LOVE

Carter cleaned the sticky sap from his sword. “Tars, I do hate fighting sentient plants. It’s too much like chopping vegetables.”

Tarkas nibbled a stalk and spit it out. “Well, John, I understand that your people require a certain amount of fiber in your diet. We don’t. My people eat the people that eat the plants.”

“That’s harsh.”

“We are as the gods made us.”

“Which gods?”

“I’m not sure. My people aren’t big on gods.”

“No worries. It probably doesn’t matter.”

“That’s good because I’ve forgotten.”

ONE GOOD THERN

August 7: On this day in 1982, British actor, Davood Ghadami, who played ‘Stayman #3, in the film “John Carter,” was born in Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom. His other credits include “Taggart, Doctors, East Enders, Doctor Who, Silent Witness and Spooks. In 2017 he won an Inside Soap Awards for sexist Male.

In the film, The Therns, including characters like Stayman, are depicted as a powerful race with advanced technology, including shapeshifting abilities and control over a destructive blue energy called the "Ninth Ray". They manipulate civilizations across different planets for their own purposes, ultimately feeding off the planets' resources.

An extensive amount of information about the film and several photographs may be viewed at:

https://erbzine.com/cartermovie.com/news/

The drabble for today, “One Good Thern,” was inspired by the film and Davood Ghadami’s part therein.

ONE GOOD THERN

David Ghadami approached Director Andrew Stanton of the John Carter film. “I understood I’d be playing a tern, but my costume doesn’t fit that description. No feathers. ”

“No, David. A tern is a seabird. You’re a Holy Thern, a race in charge of the Martin religion.”

“So the Therns are like priests or archbishops?”

“Unfortunately sad but true.”

<>“They help people, don’t they? 'One good Thern deserves ...and all that?”

“No, they help themselves. No such thing as a good Thern. The planet is at war over religion.”

“That’s seems ridiculous.”

“Does it? Do you ever read the paper?”

PERFECT EVERY TIME

August 8: On this day in 1900, ERB’s son-in-law and actor, James Pierce, who played the Tarzan in the film “Tarzan and the Golden Lion” and also voiced the Lord of the Jungle for radio, was born In Freedom, Indiana. Pierce played Prince Thun of the Lion Men in the 1936 serial film Flash Gordon. He had a small uncredited part in “Wings,” the first film to win the Best Picture Academy Award. He acted in small roles in several films, mostly westerns, through 1951, and worked in a real estate agency in the San Fernando Valley. He was a pilot, active during World War II with the National Airmen's Reserve, the forerunner of today's Air National Guard.

For information concerning James Pierce, I recommend https://www.erbzine.com/mag27/2729.html

The drabble for today, ”Perfect Every Time,” was inspired by Mr. Pierce, college football player, actor, real estate agent, family man, and pilot.

PERFECT EVERY TIME

A fledging pilot sat down next to James Pierce. “Excuse me, don’t I know you. You were an actor, right? Tarzan, weren’t you Tarzan?”

“I was. I’ve been many things, a football player, a real estate agent, a husband, a father, and, as you can see, a pilot.”

“Have any advice for a baby pilot?”

“There are no do-overs. In football, you can call another play. In real estate, another customer. On a movie set, another take. In family life, you can say I’m sorry.”

“I’m confused.”

The sky doesn’t care if you’re sorry. You can only be wrong once.”

ONOMATOPOEIA

August 9: On this day in 1890, actor Zip Monberg, who appeared in “Adventures of Tarzan” as Monsieur Gernot under the name, George Monberg, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Zip appeared in 33 films.

Everything you want to know about “Adventures of Tarzan,’ which starred Elmo Lincoln and Louise Lorraine: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0590.html

The drabble for today, “Onomatopoeia,” was inspired by character actor, George (Zip) Monberg.

ONOMATOPOEIA

Louis Lorraine, on the set of “Adventures of Tarzan, said, “George, everyone calls you Zip. Why? George is a perfectly good name.”

“There are hundreds of Georges in show business, but for now, I’m the only Zip.”

“Did you choose that name?”

“I did, but it wasn’t because I keep my mouth closed and don’t speak on film. Silent pictures, right! And it’s not because I don’t know zip, I’m pretty well educated.”

“Is it because you’re fast?”

“Heavens no. It’s because of how much they pay me.”

“In that case, move over, darling. You’re talking to the Lady Zip!”

DIAMONDS

August 10: On this day in 1934, the concluding episode, # 39, Victory and Death, of the radio serial, Tarzan and the Diamond of Asher, was broadcast. The radio adventure drama featured Carlton KaDell as Tarzan and Ralph Scott as D’Arnot. Jane was nowhere to be found. Jennette Nolan and Don Wilson also made appearances.

All thirty-nine episodes are available at no charge: https://www.erbzine.com/mag31/3140.html

As the story line concludes, Tarzan offers the diamond to Akura in exchange for his freedom and the freedom of his companions, but Thome, a companion wants the diamond for himself and fires his weapon at Tarzan. He misses but hits Magra, a thinly disguised version of La. When Magra gains consciousness her first thoughts are for Tarzan’s safety. She dies happy in the ape-man’s arms while expressing her love for Tarzan of the Apes.

The drabble for today is “Diamonds,’ and it was inspired by the ending of the radio show and a song from GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. By the way, I just published a new version of that novel and you can buy it at: https://www.lulu.com/.../paperback/product-gjdje5y.html...

DIAMONDS
My tribesmen are brave

With no patience for fools
They’ll kill you in a minute
For stealing our jewels.

A rendezvous in the jungle
May be quite entertaining
But diamonds won’t leave while you sleep.

Tarzan’s kiss may be great
But it won’t please the masses
Who suspect all foreign men are asses
After the treasure we hide in underground
And diamonds won’t leave while you sleep.

Don’t make the mistake

They only want what they can take
And beware when they start to explain

It's then those hoarders
Will run for the borders

Diamonds won’t leave while you sleep.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

August 11: On this day in 1917, “Moving Picture World” magazine reported that “National Film” was preparing to film Tarzan of the Apes, and was manufacturing ape costumes. Details about the film that starred Elmo Lincoln and Enid Markey are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0503.html

The one hundred word drabble for today, “Clothes Make the Man, was inspired by that announcement.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

An extra for the film, Tarzan of the Apes, walked into the wardrobe department. E.M. Jahrhaus, the costume designer, said, “Gentleman, this is Martha. She’s in charge of making the gorilla suits. She’ll need to take your measurements.”

“Nobody said I was playing a gorilla.”

“Extras play at least three parts, gorilla, sailor, and native. And no, you won’t get paid three times.”

“Okay, Martha, do your worst. It damn sure won’t be the first time a woman made a monkey out of me.”

Martha smiled and measured his waist. “No, and I dare say it won’t be the last.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY

August 12: On this day in 1941, Ed instructed his children to appoint Ralph Rothmund as President of Edgar Rice Burroughs Incorporated. He served as President for several years.

The fictional drabble for today is a conversation that never took place, “All in the Family,” inspired by Ralph Rothmund and his years of service to Edgar Rice Burroughs.

ALL IN THE FAMILY
“Hulbert, you know there’s a war coming and there’s a good chance we’ll all be in harms way. I’d like you kids to appoint Ralph Rothmund as President of the corporation.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want.”

“He’s taken good care of me. I’ve no doubt that he’ll continue to do so.”

“The company is a family business. I think family should run it.”

“No, stories about family squabbles are legendary. Not in our family, but one never knows what the future holds. Arguing with family is like explaining telephones to a pigeon. There’s too much static for communication.”

HAPPY TALK

August 13: On this day in 1925, actress Jane Webb, who voiced thirty-six episodes of the animated “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle,” was born In Chicago Illinois. Jane Karyl Webb was an American film, radio, and voice actress, best known for her work on Filmation's cartoons. She did several “additional voices” for her thirty-six episodes of “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle.”

Details about the animated series may be found at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag27/2799.html

The drabble for today, “Happy Talk,” was inspired by Jane’s career, especially her contribution of ‘additional voices for Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle.

HAPPY TALK

Robert Ridgely, who voiced Tarzan, sat next to Jane Webb. “We start recording the next episode after lunch. I’m only voicing Tarzan. How many characters are you voicing today.”

“I’m voicing six people. At one point, I even have an argument with myself.”

Robert laughed, “Talking to yourself again, are you? And you even answer! Might want to seek professional help.”

“I talked to a psychiatrist. She said not to worry about it.”

“Really, I should think that it’s a serious problem.”

“No, the doctor said that talking to myself isn’t a problem when I get paid to do it.”

I SAW IT FIRST

August 14: On this day in 1945, Edgar Rice Burroughs celebrated the victory over Japan with his son, Hulbert, and bride-to-be, Marion Thrasher. Burroughs was arrested after a parking lot altercation. Nothing makes a celebration any better than police intervention. The incident started when another driver took a parking spot that Ed was waiting for.

Information about the incident is located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag63/6340.html#AUGUST14

Irwin Porges indicated Burroughs wrote of the actual incident in his diary under Aug. 17. Without the entire diary page, it's hard to tell what day he was referring to, but maybe he was just then getting around to writing about the battle of the parking lot and his arrest.

The drabble for today, “I Saw It First,” inspired by that incident, is excerpted from page 648 of Porges’ biography of Edgar Rice Burroughs.

I SAW IT FIRST

'About 10:30 two policemen came in a police car and arrested me. They took me to the police station. I was booked and posted $25.00 bail.'

In court the next day, Burroughs pleaded not guilty to the charges the man had preferred against him, and the trial was set for the twenty-second. ‘It was very humiliating,' Ed wrote. At the scheduled trial Ed was advised by the prosecuting attorney and bailiff to 'walk out' and forfeit his bail, since a group of reporters was waiting and adverse publicity would undoubtedly result. Ed took this advice and the matter was dropped.

SECRET

August 15: On his day in 1949, the Paul Reinman / Rob Thompson Tarzan daily story arc, “Tarzan and the Leopard Men.” The story arc ran for 76 days. Leopard men and Leopard women made frequent appearances in Tarzan films, newspaper strips, and comic books. Burroughs himself wrote the novel, TARZAN AND THE LEOPARD MEN, which was published in 1935.

The term "Leopard Men" historically refers to members of secret societies in West and Central Africa, particularly between 1890 and 1935, who were believed to possess the ability to transform into leopards through witchcraft. These societies were also known as the Leopard Society or Anyoto.\

Read the entire story arc at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag49/4939.html

The drabble for today, “Secret,” was inspired by “Leopard Men,” and other secret societies throughout history.

SECRET

Major Bouncingbutt said, “Tarzan, this beastly Leopard Men secret society is wreaking havoc. We have to shut them down. Such societies should be outlawed."

Tarzan replied, “They are violent, but do you seriously want to outlaw all secret societies. Don’t you belong to a few such organizations?”

“Secrecy forbids me to acknowledge membership. The Freemasons, the Odd Fellows, The Knights Templar, and the Diogenes Club are well respected.”

“But all of those groups have used violence to achieve their goals. What’s the difference?”

“Don’t be daft, man! It’s never wrong when we do it. It’s always wrong when they do.”