Tarzan was the brain child of American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, who after having had several failed attempts at penetrating the pulp fiction scene finally made a name for himself with this jungle fantasy adventure.
In 1932, the novel was adapted into a radio program that starred James Pierce as the infamous lord of the jungle, Tarzan. Coincidentally, Burroughs’ daughter Joan who happened to be Pierce’s wife also played Tarzan’s love interest, Jane. The show was an overnight success and captured a staggering number of listeners.
This old time radio program was broken into three parts. Tarzan of the Apes was the first installment in the series and narrated his history and background. In 1934, Carton KaDell portrayed Tarzan in the second series, Tarzan and the Diamond of Asher. The third and final arc was serialized in 1936 entitled: The Fires of Toth.
Due to its mass appeal, this old radio show was later revived in 1951 and enjoyed air time until 1952, with Lamont Johnson breathing life into the character of Tarzan once again.
The political views deeply entrenched within the story allowed Tarzan to carve a place in the golden age of radio as a unique and terrifyingly original series.
A world of danger and thrills await you deep in the forests of Africa, enjoy Tarzan!
| Air Date |
Title |
Synopsis |
| 1932-11-30 |
35 Jane And Tarzan Go Into The Hut |
Program #35. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Jane is thrown into a pit by the savages. Tarzan calls Tantor (the elephant) to help him free Jane. Meanwhile, D'Arnot, Professor Porter and Philander are planning an escape from the cannibal's kraal with the help of a friendly native. James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-02 |
36 Search Party Makes Their Move |
+ Program #36. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. The attempted escape from the native village fails. D'Arnot and the others are tied to stakes! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-05 |
37 Cannibals Choose The Professor |
+ Program #37. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Jane tries to speak with Tarzan about his father and mother. This is not an easy job! D'Arnot, Professor Porter and Philander make an attempt to escape from the cannibals. James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-07 |
38 Second Escape Try |
+ Program #38. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Jane finally convinces Tarzan to go in search of her father...when a load explosion is heard! D'Arnot's men have set off an explosion of dynamite, which leads the cannibals to think that their prisoners can work magic. While Tarzan is gone, Cheetah (the leopard) attacks and starts to climb the tee in which Jane is cowering! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-09 |
39 Jane Is Attacked |
+ Program #39. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Tarzan battles Cheetah to save Jane and gives his victory cry after killing the beast. Jane tells Tarzan that she wants the gun that is in the hut. D'Arnot, Professor Porter and Philander are to be forced to drink a cup of poison to prove that they have supernatural powers! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-12 |
40 The Poison Drink |
+ Program #40. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. D'Arnot and his friends use a rocket to impress the cannibals. Tarzan asks his friends, the great apes, to watch out for Jane while his gone. Professor Porter drinks the poison! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-14 |
41 Ape Battles Snake |
+ Program #41. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. James Pierce and Joan Burroughs are given air credit for the first time (Edgar Rice Burrough's daughter's name is pronounced as "Jo-ann" by the announcer). D'Arnot and the professor call the Witch Doctor's bluff and ask for a second cup of poison! Histah (the snake) attacks Jane and wraps himself around her body! The announcer ends the program by declaring it to be an "American Gold Seal Production." James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-16 |
42 Return Of The Ship |
+ Program #42. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Jane kills Histah (the snake) with the revolver. There is peace in the jungle tonight! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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| 1932-12-19 |
43 Tarzan Saves Jane |
+ Program #43. American Radio Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. Tarzan plans to go to the village of cannibals to get more arrows. Jane is determined to go along with him, to possibly find her father. jane is pulled into a hut by a black arm! The Witch Doctor disappears as Professor Porter finds strange heiroglyphics! D'Arnot, Professor Porter and Philander are trapped in the sacred cave of the cannibals! James Pierce, Joan Burroughs, Ralph Scott, Gale Gordon, Frederick C. Dahlquist (producer), Edgar Rice Burroughs (author). |
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