Tarzan 32-09-12 (01) Tarzan's First Birthday

Summary

Podcast Summary: Tarzan 32-09-12 (01) Tarzan's First Birthday

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Featuring radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this podcast transports listeners to a time before television, where families gathered around the radio to enjoy classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.
• Episode: Tarzan 32-09-12 (01) Tarzan's First Birthday
• Release Date: January 17, 2025

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Introduction to the Greystoke Family

The episode opens with a vivid narration setting the scene in the dense jungles of West Africa, where Lord and Lady Greystoke have been marooned for two years. Their son, Tarzan, turns one year old, and the Greystokes are celebrating his first birthday in their sturdy hut amidst the untamed wilderness.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [00:30]: "Tarzan of the Apes, a character of Edgar Riceborough's famous book, in reality is the son of a titled English couple, Lord and Lady Greystoke, who were put ashore by a mutinous crew in the jungles of West Africa."

Family Dynamics and Tensions

The Greystokes, John and Alice, engage in a heartfelt conversation, revealing underlying tensions and fears about their prolonged isolation. Alice expresses her anxiety about the constant threats from the jungle, particularly the eerie sounds and the menacing presence of hyenas.

Notable Quotes:

Alice Greystoke [01:32]: "What's that, John?"
Alice Greystoke [01:56]: "Oh, John, I know we're safe enough, but sometimes I don't think I can stand it a moment longer."

John attempts to reassure Alice, emphasizing their safety within their well-built home and the strength of their shelter. However, Alice remains visibly distressed, highlighting the psychological strains of their situation.

The Menace of the Jungle

As night deepens, the Greystokes are plagued by disturbing noises and the constant fear of jungle predators. Alice voices her dread of the hyenas' laughter, which she likens to a maniacal laugh, intensifying the family's sense of vulnerability.

Notable Quotes:

Alice Greystoke [02:52]: "He's a darling, isn't he, John? And a picture of you."
John Greystoke [02:55]: "Nothing of the sort. He looks exactly like you."

John's pragmatic approach contrasts with Alice's emotional turmoil, underscoring the differing coping mechanisms they employ to handle their isolation.

Confrontation with the Jungle's Beasts

The tranquility of the night is shattered when a panther unexpectedly appears, escalating the tension. Alice reacts with fear, and John responds with defensive measures to protect their family. This encounter exemplifies the constant danger lurking in their environment.

Notable Quotes:

John Greystoke [04:06]: "Turn away from my ear. I put that one right down his throat. Another one will settle him."
Alice Greystoke [04:30]: "Oh, John, I'm sorry to go to pieces this way, really I am."

The family's unity is tested as they confront the immediate threat, revealing the depth of their commitment to each other's safety.

Silence and Foreboding

Following the confrontation, an unsettling silence envelops the jungle, which Alice interprets as a sign of impending danger. John dismisses her fears, but the oppressive quiet reinforces the ever-present threat in their environment.

Notable Quotes:

Alice Greystoke [05:27]: "No. That shock quieted them for a little while. But the silences are the worst of all. The silence means that something awful and dreadful is passing through the jungle."
John Greystoke [05:47]: "There, silence is broken for you. A panther."

Introduction of Olaf the Ape

The tension peaks with the introduction of Olaf, a formidable bull ape known for his ferocity. Olaf's sudden appearance disrupts the fragile peace, and his menacing presence foreshadows a significant conflict.

Notable Quotes:

Narrator [06:23]: "The bully."
Alice Greystoke [06:26]: "The apes I hate worst of all. They're so human and yet so far from human."

Olaf's characterization as "the crazed derelict of the jungle" adds a layer of unpredictability and danger, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.

Climactic Showdown

As John ventures out to secure the shed, Olaf stealthily approaches, embodying the primal threat of the jungle. The Greystoke family's resilience is put to the ultimate test as they face this formidable adversary.

Notable Quotes:

Narrator [09:21]: "A shadow falls across the log, which Greystoke his chopping. He looks up into the beastly snarling face of the brute. The ape makes a lunge at Draco. Close the door. Greystoke raises his axe, brings it down with terrific force."

The episode reaches a critical point with Greystoke's confrontation with Olaf, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the Greystokes and the untamed wilderness that threatens their survival.

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Conclusion and Reflection

Throughout the episode, Tarzan's First Birthday masterfully captures the essence of survival, fear, and familial bonds in the face of relentless adversity. The dialogue between John and Alice provides deep insight into their characters, revealing their strengths and vulnerabilities. The introduction of Olaf adds dramatic tension, promising an engaging continuation in subsequent episodes.

Overall Impression: This episode effectively immerses listeners in the perilous world of the Greystokes, balancing character development with thrilling encounters. Notable quotes enhance the narrative, providing emotional depth and highlighting the characters' internal and external conflicts. For fans of classic radio dramas and the Tarzan saga, this episode offers a captivating blend of adventure and drama, staying true to the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Tarzan of the Apes, a character of Edgar Riceborough's famous book, in reality is the son of a titled English couple, Lord and Lady Greystoke, who were put ashore by a mutinous crew in the jungles of West Africa. The maroon couple were left with tools and firearms, and Tarzan's mother and father built the little hut in which Tarzan is born. A year afterwards, it's the night of their little son's first birthday. Lord and Lady Greystoke are sitting in their rude but strongly built home. Around them lies the jungle. Dark, mysterious, teeming with great sinister shapes, mocking with dreadful quiet through the night. The roar of a lion tells that the mighty monarch of the forest has made its kill. And from farther away can be heard the hideous laughing cry of the hyenas, echoing the lion's ponderous roar. The wind rustles the leaves of the trees outside both a stark.

[Alice Greystoke]

What's that, John?

[John Greystoke]

Yes, yes, I heard it too. Oh, it's only the wind and the trees, dear.

[Alice Greystoke]

It gave me rather a start.

[John Greystoke]

It did me too, for a moment. Silly as little fathers, nothing short of a herd of elephants could force its way in here. I confess a bit of pride. This place is built like a vault.

[Alice Greystoke]

Oh, John, I know we're safe enough, but sometimes I don't think I can stand it a moment longer. It's the night. They're dreadful. There, there. That's what I mean. All night long the jungle seems to threaten us. And those hyenas. Oh, that hideous cry of theirs. It's like the laugh of a maniac. They seem to be jeering at us. You know, someday. Someday.

[John Greystoke]

Now, Alice, get hold of yourself. You can't let go this way. You'll go, Ma. You have to hold tight here for him.

[Alice Greystoke]

For him? He's a year old today, John.

[John Greystoke]

Yes, a year old and as sound as a nut. Sleeps through gunshots and everything.

[Alice Greystoke]

He's a darling, isn't he, John? And a picture of you.

[John Greystoke]

Nothing of the sort. He looks exactly like You. Oh, yes, he does, dear. Why, he has your eyes and that sweet little smile of his. Why, that's exactly like you. Yeah. He can't get here. I'll pop the baker in the lantern.

[Alice Greystoke]

John. He'll burn the door down. I know he will. Look at the bar.

[John Greystoke]

Turn down that lamp. So if I can get a bead on the baker. Through here.

[Alice Greystoke]

All right. There. Don't get your face too close to me. Does it like it? He may strike.

[John Greystoke]

Through there. There, see?

[Narrator]

Through here.

[John Greystoke]

He's a big brute.

[Alice Greystoke]

I. Don't bother, Luke. Shoot him, John.

[John Greystoke]

Shoot him.

[Narrator]

There, dear, hold steady and we'll have.

[John Greystoke]

A lion skin to wrap the baby in.

[Alice Greystoke]

Hurry your hurry every time. He closed the door.

[John Greystoke]

Lord, he must be hungry to come up this way.

[Alice Greystoke]

Oh, be thine. It's terrible for those horrible teeth.

[John Greystoke]

Turn away from my ar. I put that one right down his throat. Another one will settle him. There, that finishes the liar. It's all over, dear. Why, he's as scared of the dawn. Now, don't be frightened.

[Alice Greystoke]

Oh, John, I'm sorry to go to pieces this way, really I am. But you know, the last few days I've had a terrible premonition that something would happen. It's all silly, I know, but. Oh, I can't escape this dreadful feeling.

[John Greystoke]

You're just nervous, that's all. Why, any day now we'll wake up and find a boat in the bay. And you and I and the little chap there will go sailing back to England.

[Alice Greystoke]

It's been two years now, and there's been no boat. Two terrible years, John.

[John Greystoke]

Why, Aliza, I can't understand this in you at all. Oh, buck up, my girl. Don't let it get you this way.

[Alice Greystoke]

Oh, I'm sorry, John. It's like a terrible threat hanging over. Listen to the jungle now.

[John Greystoke]

Why, there isn't a sound.

[Alice Greystoke]

No. That shock quieted them for a little while. But the silences are the worst of all. The silence means that something awful and dreadful is passing through the jungle.

[John Greystoke]

There, silence is broken for you. A panther.

[Alice Greystoke]

Poor John. I hate to show the white feather like this. And I shan't do it again. Now, there, that's a promise.

[John Greystoke]

White feather. Oh, why rot? You've been marvelous, Alice. This infernal jungle is bound to get you once in a while. Come on, kiss me. Forget it.

[Alice Greystoke]

Gladly, Sir John. Which one of our neighbors is that?

[Narrator]

The bully.

[Alice Greystoke]

The apes I hate worst of all. They're so human and yet so far from human. Those long, powerful arms, their awkward gait and the terrific speed in which they swing and leap from branch to branch.

[John Greystoke]

They are master beggars.

[Alice Greystoke]

That one you shot yesterday. Oh, those nasty close set eyes and yellow fangs.

[John Greystoke]

Come on now. Forget it.

[Narrator]

Again the cry of a huge bull ape. A brutish creature of terrible strength and awful temper. The ape has suddenly gone mad. Raging, foaming mad with that peculiar madness which suddenly seizes bull apes and quickly passes. He's running rampant among his people. The younger and lighter rat are scampering to the highest branches.

[Alice Greystoke]

Kayla.

[Narrator]

A young female comes into the clearing. Her baby is clinging to her neck. She doesn't know. She doesn't know that Bolat has gone into one of these terrible races. Bullet size her. The others yell. Horse sight of whining. She's bearing down on her. She leaps from branch to branch. She has her by the ankle. She breaks loose. Up the tree she goes. Four light behind her. She makes a terrific leap to another tree. She makes it. The Torah pairs her baby's grip loose from its mother's neck.

[Alice Greystoke]

It falls.

[Narrator]

Falls to the ground with a thud ball. That's roaring. Grows fainter, fainter as he hurls his powerful body through the trees.

[John Greystoke]

That bull ape is certainly doing a lot of boasting tonight.

[Alice Greystoke]

He sounds very close, John.

[John Greystoke]

Oh, he's miles away. Those bull apes have tremendous lung power.

[Alice Greystoke]

Beast is sound, John. It's getting a little cold. I think perhaps we'd better build a small fire. Baby sneezed this morning.

[John Greystoke]

All right. I want to go off and drag that lion into the shed anyway before the hyenas get up and skin John.

[Alice Greystoke]

Have you noticed how deathly still the jungle has suddenly become?

[John Greystoke]

Just a l. Where's the axe?

[Alice Greystoke]

Over there in the corner. Just a few sticks will do, John. Just enough to keep the chill off.

[John Greystoke]

Right. O Be back in a second.

[Alice Greystoke]

Aren't you going to take your rifle?

[John Greystoke]

You are hardly needed. Just going out to the shed. I'll leave the door open. The light will keep any animals away.

[Alice Greystoke]

All right.

[John Greystoke]

You know, every time I open the latch on this door, I'm impressed with myself. Well, it's quite an invention, Alice.

[Alice Greystoke]

Yes, dear, I have admired it before. Now run along and get the wood.

[John Greystoke]

All right.

[Narrator]

The sound of Greystoke's axe echoes through the strangely silent jungle. Greystoke doesn't notice the fearful tenseness of the silence. The jungle is cringing, cringing away from a monstrous shadow which moves ominously through the hushed and fearful night. A huge ape comes to the clearing. It is Olaf, the crazed derelict of the jungle. He halts. His insane bloodshot eyes catch sight of the unsuspecting Greystoke. They gleam hatred from beneath his shaggy brows. He pares his fangs as though in a horrid snarl. But no sound comes from his great throat. Slowly, noiselessly, the three hundred and fifty pounds of stifled rage moves across the clearing, bolt upright, his mighty arms dangling loose at his side. A shadow falls across the log, which Greystoke his chopping. He looks up into the beastly snarling face of the brute. The ape makes a lunge at Draco. Ar Close the door. Graystop raises his axe, brings it down with terrific force. The ape catches the axe in his colorful hands and flings it from him. With bared fangs. He leaps his gravestone.