ERBzine 8225a: Drabbles April 16-30, 2026

“I merely follow in the footsteps of a giant.”

DIVINE DECISIONS

April 17: On this day in 1939. Edgar Rice Burroughs finished writing LAND OF TERROR, the sixth book in the Pellucidar series. Unlike most of Burroughs previous work, Land of Terror was never published in a magazine. The first edition was published with a cover by John Coleman Burroughs by Edgar Rice Burroughs Incorporated in 1944. The cover featured the blurb THE 1944 BURROUGHS NOVEL. Publishing details, several illustrations and an electronic version of the novel are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0746.html

The novel has been reprinted several times. Cover artists have included Roy Krenkel, Frank Frazetta, and David Mattingly.

The story switches traditional gender roles in an adventure story. In this book, David Innes sets out to explore new areas and is captured. His wife, Dian the Beautiful, mounts a rescue mission to find her husband. The novel is characterized by a "capture-escape" structure, where David is repeatedly captured, encounters savage or strange societies, and escapes, only to be captured again.

The 100-word fictional drabble for today, “Divine Decisions, was inspired by the novel and by those who use the gods, any gods, to justify violence. The drabble is fictional, but unfortunately, the lesson isn’t.

DIVINE DECISIONS

Dian the Beautiful led an assault on the Jukan tribe and saved her captured husband, David, before he could be sacrificed to the god, Ogar.

“Thank you, my love. I’d about given up. The king was going to sacrifice me to their god.”

“Why would he do that.”

“Kings and rulers have always done so. They use the gods to condemn and execute those who oppose them or those who have something that they want.”

“That’s barbaric.”

“Rulers have always used gods as an excuse to justify self-serving decisions. So it has always been and so it always will be.”

PROFIT MOTIVE

April 18: On this day in 1943, The “John Carter of Mars” Sunday newspaper strip episode # 72, Out of Darkness, was scheduled, but it didn’t run. The last published episode was # on March 28, 1943. The comic strip ran for 69 Sunday-only installments (16 months) with reportedly just four newspapers running the feature. The strip ended its newspaper run on March 28, 1943 in mid-story. The strip was scripted and illustrated by John Coleman Burroughs with assistance from his wife, (and model for Dejah Thoris) Jane Ralston Burroughs. The headlines that day were dominated by the death of Admiral Yamamoto, architect of the Pearl Harbor attack and the announcement that Allied Forces shot down fifty-nine German transport aircraft in North Africa.
The complete John Carter of Mars Sunday comics, included the strips that were completed, but never run, may be read at no cost to the reader at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2288.html In this episode, an imprisoned John Carter battles giant rats.
The fictional drabble for today, “Profit Motive,” was inspired by the headlines of 1943 and the penultimate episode of the John Carter of Mars comic strip that was created.

PROFIT MOTIVE
John Coleman Burroughs finished the Sunday page. “Jane, this will be the last. The strip’s been cancelled. We can’t compete with the war news.”

“I liked having Carter fight human-sized rat.”
“The editors portray the Axis powers as rats. Fiction can’t compete with reality. According to the Associated Press, the Armed Services shot down fifty-nine German planes in Africa and killed Admiral Yamamoto yesterday. I have to face it. Their rats are bigger and meaner than my rats.”

“It bothers me that they call the other side names.”
“Name calling helps to sell papers. I doubt that will ever change.”

DIAMONDS ARE A MAN'S BEST REVENGE

April 19: On this day in 1994, episode #11, season 3, “Tarzan and the Jewel of Justice,” of the Wolf Larson / Lydie Denier Tarzan TV series, was broadcast. In the episode, Cheetah steals illegally mined diamonds from Tarzan’s old enemy, Lex Monroe, who has escaped from prison and will stop at nothing to recover the jewels and exact revenge on Tarzan Brenden Kelly plays the evil Lex Monroe.

Read a review of the episode at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag75/7555.html

The drabble for today, “Diamonds Are A Man’s Best Revenge,” was inspired by the episode and incorporates some of the dialogue from the script.

DIAMONDS ARE A MAN'S BEST REVENGE

Jane said, “Tarzan, I just heard that Lex Monroe escaped from prison. The warden said that Lex thinks Cheetah stole his diamonds. He wants them back.”

“He’s a bad man, a smuggler, a thief, and a poacher. I turned him over to the police years ago.”

“He told the other inmates that he intends to kill you. That’s stupid. He should just run away, not come back here.”

“I expect the worse When a man comes to the jungle with greed in his heart, there is usually trouble.”

Lex stepped into the clearing. “Oh, you can count on it, Tarzan.”

ADD IT UP

April 20: On this day in 1935, Serialization of ‘Pirates of Venus’ in Honolulu Star-Bulletin began. Serialization of novels in newspapers, especially Sunday editions was a common feature prior to WW2. Several of ERB’s novels were serialized in newspapers over the years. These serializations sometimes featured art that was never used anywhere else. For information about newspaper serializations, visit https://www.erbzine.com/mag14/1439.html

The fictional drabble for today, Add It Up,” was inspired by the newspaper serializations of Ed’s books, especially ‘Pirates of Venus.’ Some writers made thousands of dollars from newspaper serializations.

ADD IT UP

Hulbert Burroughs said, “Dad, the Honolulu Star Bulletin started serializing “Pirates of Venus” today.”

“Several of my books have been serialized, even ‘The Lost Continent’ in the Boston Globe.”

“Does it pay well?”

“Surprisingly. A syndicate handles it all. They sold Tarzan and Princess numerous times. Each paper pays according to its circulation. One New Mexico paper paid less than ten bucks for Princess, but the New York Evening World paid a hundred times that much. Dozens of newspapers, several books, it adds up.”

“What did you do with the money?”

“Look in the garage. This year, I’m driving it.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLE

April 21: On this day in 1982, Canadian actor, Joe Sawyer, who appeared as safari guide, Olaf Punch in TARZAN’S REVENGE and as Karl Strader in TARZAN’S DESERT MYSTERY, died in Ashland, Oregon. Born as Joseph Sauer in Ontario, Canada, he is best known for his role as Sergent Biff O’Hara in THE ADVENTURES OF RIN TIN TIM. IMBD lists 213 television and film roles for Sawyer, including roles in HOW THE WEST WAS WON, MAVERICK and NORTH TO ALASKA. Westerns were a specialty. He was also an almost constant radio performer for several years.

For details about Tarzan’s Revenge and Tarzan’s Desert Mystery, visit{

https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0619.html

https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0624.html

The 100-word fictional drabble for today, Guiding Principle,” was inspired by actor Joe Sawyer, his Tarzan film roles, and his career. It contains the titles of fifteen of his films.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE

Penny Reed, played by Hedda Hopper asked the safari guide, “I’ve heard we’ve been reported dead.”

“As you were, Sugerfoot. I’m a guide, not some maverick. We’re safe. This ain’t no inside job. This is a dangerous adventure. I’m not looking for trouble, but if trouble comes, the men will fall in and we’ll be fighting back.”

That doesn’t exactly relieve my high tension.”

“Don’t point the accusing finger at me. I’m a great guy.”

“What about cannibals?”

“I’m not worried. I learned playing a sea captain that women and children go first.”

“That’s horrible!”

“Well, tender is the night.”

CONTEND IN VAIN

April 22: On this day in 1899, film director, Byron Haskin, who directed TARZAN’S PERIL, was born in Portland, Oregon. He is best known for directing the George Pal produced version of WAR OF THE WORLDS. His other work included TREASURE ISLAND, THE NAKED JUNGLE, and FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON. He also directed the Outer Limits episode that inspired the Terminator films, DEMON WITH A GLASS HAND.

For details about TARZAN’S PERIL visit https://www.erbzine.com/mag19/1951.html

The fictional, but accurate, drabble for today, “Contend in Vain,” was inspired by Byron’s career and the drabble title is taken from the line by Talbot in Friedrich Schiller’s 1801 play, The Maid of Orleans. The complete line is “Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.”

CONTEND IN VAIN

George Pal said, “ Byron, you’ve got this directing thing down to a science, haven’t you?”

“I learn something new with every film. I keep a notebook about delivery schedules, lighting techniques, actor’s idiosyncrasies, location specifics, and a thousand other details. I update it constantly, because things change as technology and society changes.”

“Then I’m sure that this film will be finished on time and on budget. You’ve idiot proofed the entire process.”

“George, no one, including me, can idiot proof anything. The ingenuity and persistence of idiots is boundless and they always find a way to screw up anything.”

BRAINS OR BRAWN

<>April 23: On this day in 1998, the Los Angeles Times published the article, "REDEFINING A LEGEND: Valley actor puts his personal stamp on latest film incarnation of Tarzan" by Robin Rauzi. To prepare for the role in TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY, Casper Van Diem visited with Danton Burroughs at ERB Inc. Danton Burroughs provided Casper with books and documentaries to review.
<>The entire article may be read at; https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-23-ca-42016-story.html

Details about the film, TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0038.html
The drabble for today, "Brains or Brawn," is a collection of quotations attributed to Casper Van Diem in that article.

BRAINS OR BRAWN

Tarzan isn't a big, strong dumb guy, The way Burroughs wrote it, if he was dumb, he'd die. The appeal has always been that Tarzan shows how the human race could survive because of our intellect. They paid me to play this hero of mine. I was living this fantasy. I don't want to say, 'I wish I'd learned something about it, I don't want to be a bum.' When they see a movie, I want people to know I worked my butt off. Kids come up and say "That's the new Tarzan." It doesn't get any better than that."

FASTER I GO THE BEHINDER I GET

April 24: On this day in 1940, it was a busy dat for Edgar Rice Burroughs. Burroughs rented out his Beverly Hills home and sailed to Hawaii on the SS Monterey to meet his wife Florence and her children, who were arriving in Honolulu that very day. In those days it took four to five days to make the trip. Accommodations onboard were comparable to a fist class hotel. Pan American offered overnight flights from LA to Hawaii, but there is no evidence that ERB ever flew commercially to Hawaii prior to World War Two.
Check out “Edgar Rice Burroughs: The War Years” at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag10/1020.html
The drabble for today is Faster I Go the Behinder I Get,” was inspired by Ed’s busy day. Not arriving at the dock in time to board, gave rise to the expression, “That ship has sailed.” Bon voyage, you all.

FASTER I GO THE BEHINDER I GET
ERB hurried up the gang plank and boarded the SS Monterey. The purser said, “Welcome aboard, Mr. Burroughs. You look a little out of breath.”

“I am. It’s been a busy day. I had to meet my new home renters and give them the keys. I had letters to write phone calls to make, suitcases to pack, and a manuscript to finish and mail. To top it off, my taxi was late.”

“It’s not for me to say, sir, but why put everything off to the last minute?”

“I’m a writer and writer’s always work best with a hard deadline.”

ADVICE FOR WRITERS

April 25: On this day in 1919, “The Editor” magazine requested and received an article giving advice to young writers from Edgar Rice Burroughs. I spent two hours searching through the archives of the magazine and never found the article. I found one from 1917, “How I Wrote the Tarzan Books,” but not this one. I searched 1919, 1920, and 1921.
One version of the article, “How I wrote the Tarzan books,” may be read at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0052.html
The fictional drabble for today, “Advice For Writers,” is entirely made up, because I couldn’t find the referenced article. I think it’s pretty decent advice.

ADVICE FOR WRITERS
The editors wanted an article on how to write. They wanted fifteen hundred words, and so I’m going to go on and on until I meet that word count, but everything I have to tell wannabe writers is in the next few sentences. Stop reading this article, sit your butt down, and write. Second, edit and rewrite. Third, edit and rewrite again. Four, Shakespeare wrote, ‘Brevity is the soul of wit.” He is right. Fifth, didn’t you read the first piece of advice? So why are you still reading this? Sit down and write. You can’t edit an empty page.

DON'T BRING A SMILE TO A GUNFIGHT

April 26: On this day in 1994, episode # 13, season 3, Tarzan and the Russian Invasion, the Wolf Larson / Lydie Denier Tarzan television series, aired. The Russians are coming! Observations in the episode include, “I thought the cold war was over,” and “Russia is friendly with America now.” As Muller said repeatedly on the X-Files , “The truth is out there.”
At one point in the story, Tarzan, Jane, and Roger go unarmed in search of a Russian with a gun. Sounds like a good plan, right?
Screen captures and a review of the episode are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag75/7551.html#64.
The fictional drabble for today, Don’t Bring a Smile to a Gunfight,” was inspired by the episode.

DON'T BRING A SMILE TO A GUNFIGHT
Roger said, “Tarzan, there’s a Russian in the jungle and he seems so out of place.”
“Why is that.”
“He says he’s a cosmonaut. He believes that the cold war is still going on. I told him it wasn’t, but he didn’t believe me.”

‘What? Has he been living in the cave for the last five years?”
“In space I think. He ran away, but he’s got a big pistol.”
“We’ll go after him.”
“He’s armed,” said Roger. I’ll bring a rifle.”
“We don’t need a rifle,” said Tarzan. Right is on our side.”
Jane sighed, “Heaven help us all.”

YOU GONNA EAT ALL THAT ANTELOPE?

April 27: On this day in 1948, TARZAN AND THE MERMAIDS, was released. This was Johnny Weismuller’s last Tarzan films, but fans knew the jungle would be safe because would be reincarnated as JUNGLE JIM. one of Hollywood's most active 'party animals', was long past the slim athleticism of his youth. Details about the film, which featured Brenda Joyce, Linda Christian, and George Zucco. A black pearl plays a important role, a plot device no doubt stolen for a Pirates of The Caribbean film.

Details and several photographs from the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0628.html

The drabble for today is, “You Gonna Eat all that Antelope?” was inspired by Johnny’s weight gain and by the song, “Big Bad John,’ by Jimmie Dean. I loved Weissmuller’s Tarzan, but let’s face it, he’d put on some serious weight and had out gown the role.

YOU GONNA EAT ALL THAT ANTELOPE?

He arrived every morning swinging on a vine

Stood six foot three, weighted two-forty-nine

Broad at the shoulder, broader at the waist

Never saw a meal that he wouldn’t taste.

Nobody knew how much Big John ate

Stayed near the canteen and he cleaned his plate

Some folks said he liked beef on rye

And never said no to a slice of pie

It was clear to everyone in Hollywood land

John’s too fat to play Tarzan

Big John, Big fat John.

They made a new series just for him

And folks everywhere called him Big Jim.

Big Jim. Big Jungle Jim!

DANTON RESCUES TARZAN

April 28: On this day in 1992, the Washington Post published an article about ERB Inc’s million dollar lawsuit against Vogue magazine for copyright and trademark infringement regarding a 14-page fashion spread titled “Tarzan, Meet Jane”. The lawsuit centered on Vogue’s unauthorized, "sexually suggestive" portrayal of Tarzan and Jane in designer loincloths, which the estate argued tarnished the "wholesome" image they had cultivated for 70 years. The lawsu9it was settled out of court. Interestingly, the online Vogue archives April 1992 issue, doesn’t include the article.
Read the entire article at:
https://www.erbzine.com/mag21/2162.html
The 100-word drabble for today is a series of quotations, slightly edited to fit the 100-word format, attributed to Danton Burroughs or Professor Erling Holtsmark in the article.

DANTON RESCUES TARZAN FROM VOGUE
Tarzan was what all red-blooded Americans wanted to be. He was a straight arrow, a shaped-up guy out for good and right. Tarzan allowed you to escape reality, get away from it all, swing through the tree-top,s and scream. We don't want Tarzan trivialized. My grandfather wouldn’t have wanted that."

“Tarzan is a hero who achieves good through human powers; he's not superhuman like Batman or the Terminator. No hero should be cheapened. Tarzan has survived longer than any hero of pulp fiction because he has an epic quality. He teaches honour and points out the corruption of modern society.”

ALICE DOESN'T WRITE HERE ANY MORE

April 29: On this day in 1943, screen writer, Robert Saxmar, who is credited with writing the script for The Revenge of Tarzan, died in Ventura, California. He is only credited with writing three screenplays, “The Revenge of Tarzan,” and two shorts, “Murder and Mayhem,’ and “The Pullman Mystery.” No additional screenwriting credits are documented in reliable film databases, underscoring the minor scope of his output compared to more prolific contemporaries in Hollywood's early years. He married fellow screenwriter Alice Eyton. Both were active as screenwriters in Hollywood during their marriage, and Eyton was sometimes credited professionally as Alice von Saxmar following the union. She died of burns sustained when her Halloween costume caught fire at a party being held in Pasadena, California.

The Revenge of Tarzan was also released as “The Return of Tarzan,” Details, articles, and several photographs for the film: https://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0588.html

The fictional drabble for today, “Alice Doesn’t Write Here Anymore,” was inspired by “The Revenge of Tarzan” and the screenwriter, Robert Saxmar A little credit to Gracie Slick, to a 1974 film, and to Charles Dodson, aka Lewis Carroll.

ERB met Robert Saxmar, “Didn’t you write the screenplay for The Revenge of Tarzan.”

ALICE DOESN'T WRITE HERE ANY MORE

“I got the credit, but my wife, Alice, wrote most of it.”

“I especially liked the scene where the lifeboat capsized.”

“The actors almost drowned.”

<>“Curiouser and curiouser. Reminds me of my novel, “The Lad and the Lion.”
Had she read it? Go ask Alice, I think she’ll know."
“I can’t. Alice doesn’t live here anymore. Tragic accident on Halloween.”

Do you have any advice about writing screen plays?”

“Alice said, “Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.”

MAKING POUR DECISIONS

April 30: On this day in 1972, actress Gia Scala, who was born as Josephine Grace Johanna Scoglio, and played Martha Tolboth in the Ron Ely Tarzan series, episode #21, The Golden Runaway, died in Los Angeles, California.at age thirty-eight from acute ethanol and barbiturate intoxication. She had appeared in several American televisions shows and films including “The Guns of Navarone” and “Don’t Go Near the Water.”

A review of the episode is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag74/7425.html#21

The drabble for today, “Making Pour Decisions,” was inspired by the episode and the short career and life of Gia Scala. It takes a humorous, and somewhat inappropriate, look at a real problem, alcohol and drug addiction.

MAKING POUR DECISIONS

Director Lawrence Dodkin said, “Gia, it’s eight o’clock in the morning. I smell scotch on your breath.”

“Yes. If I don’t start drinking first thing in the morning, I can’t drink all day long.”

“Can you do your job? I had no idea that you were an alcoholic.”

“I drink, but I’m not an alcoholic. Alcoholics have to go to those stupid meetings.”

“That’s not reassuring. Do you have a hangover?”

“No sir,” Gia replied and she took another shot from the silver flask she had hidden in her costume. “I may have a hangover, but it won’t be today.”