Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Tarzan 32-10-07 (20) Tarzan Presides over Apes
Release Date: January 29, 2026

Episode Overview

This classic Golden Age radio drama brings to life an episode from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic Tarzan series. The story unfolds as Tarzan observes a group of castaways settling into his territory, uncovering remnants of a mysterious past, while nearby a group of pirates scheme violently over a hidden treasure. Tensions rise with impending danger, showcasing both the dangers of the jungle and human greed, while Tarzan’s presence and actions serve as a swift—and sometimes brutal—force of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Discovery of the Hut’s Grim Past

• [00:31–03:02]
  • The group (including Jane, Professor, and Philander) notices the hut is more than they expected and begin to set up “housekeeping.”
  • They find skeletons inside—including a baby’s—hinting at a tragic story of previous occupants.
  • Notable Quote:
    • D (Jane): “Oh, how terrible. Oh, the pain to think of them all alone.” ([01:24])
  • Professor and Philander quietly inspect the remains, hinting at possible anthropoidal (ape-like) characteristics, adding to the mystery.
  • A touch of gallows humor appears as they justify mixing books and canned goods, keeping spirits cautiously light amid the grisly find.

2. Setting Up and Sensing Danger

• [03:03–03:35]
  • The party settles in, searching for a pressure lamp as night falls.
  • They relish momentary safety and comfort in the hut despite recent hardships.

3. Tarzan’s Observational Tension

• [03:35–05:33]

  • The narrative shifts to Tarzan, who stealthily observes the newcomers and worries about their intentions.

  • Tarzan’s movement through the jungle is vividly described, highlighting his superhuman agility and the contrast between him and the human interlopers.

  • He approaches the pirates, who are just outside his territory and plotting amongst themselves.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Narrator (B): “Though Tarzan's body moves leisurely, his mind races. ... Instinct, reason tell him that these men are dangerous.” ([03:35])

4. Pirate Infighting and Tense Escalation

• [05:33–07:04]
  • Among the pirates, tempers flare; Snipes kills a crewmate to show dominance and determination regarding the treasure.
  • They catch sight of lights from the hut and a ship approaching, causing panic about being discovered by a cruiser (presumed hostile or law enforcement).
  • Orders are given to extinguish the hut’s lamp by force.
  • Notable Quote:
    • C (Snipes): “You killed him, Snipes. … I meant to. What's the use of the likes of him? All he could do was holler. … Well, never mind. Let's get this treasure up. This place gives me the creeps.” ([05:33])

5. Tarzan’s Intervention & Show of Strength

• [07:04–09:48]
  • King (pirate) stumbles toward the hut to extinguish the light as ordered.
  • Tarzan is described as moving with animal stealth, positioning himself to intercept the threat.
  • In a dramatic, wordless confrontation, Tarzan renders King helpless with a grass rope, shakes him to subdue him, and threatens him with a knife to ensure he leaves the hut alone.
  • Tarzan then carries King away through the trees, using his immense strength and agility, finally dropping him near the pirate camp as a warning.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Narrator (B): “Tarzan shakes him like a terrier shakes a rat. Back and forth, back and forth. He is terrified. Is Tarzan going to kill him?” ([08:08])

6. Pirates Unearth the Treasure—But Threat Looms

• [09:48–11:07]
  • The pirates dig up a treasure chest, but its weight and the urgency of an approaching cruiser cause internal debate.
  • They hurriedly consider re-hiding the treasure and making a quick escape, fearing discovery.
  • Notable Quote:
    • C: “That cruiser’s getting too close. Don’t forget, matey, this professor bloke might have another map. ... She can’t see without light now.” ([10:33])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tragedy Revealed:
  • Jane: “Oh, how terrible. Oh, the pain to think of them all alone.” ([01:24])
• Tarzan’s Instinctive Suspicion:
  • Narrator: “Instinct, reason tell him that these men are dangerous.” ([03:35])
• Pirate Ruthlessness:
  • Snipes: “You killed him, Snipes. I meant to. What's the use of the likes of him? All he could do was holler.” ([05:33])
• Tarzan’s Dominance:
  • Narrator: “Tarzan shakes him like a terrier shakes a rat. ... He is terrified. Is Tarzan going to kill him?” ([08:08])
• Pirate Paranoia:
  • C: "That cruiser's getting too close. ... She can't see without light now." ([10:33])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31–03:02]: Discovery and discussion of the skeletons in the hut
• [03:35–05:33]: Tarzan observing the newcomers and the pirates' arrival
• [05:33–07:04]: Pirate infighting and plans to put out the hut's light
• [07:04–09:48]: Tarzan intercepts King and demonstrates his jungle prowess
• [09:48–11:07]: Pirates unearth the treasure chest and debate next moves

Tone and Style

This episode blends suspense with touches of dark humor, moving briskly between the domestic attempts at comfort by the castaways and the brutal criminal antics of the pirates. Tarzan’s silent strength is contrasted with the chaos and bumbling violence of the outsiders, building tension and excitement in true pulp-adventure style.

This episode perfectly encapsulates the classic jungle adventure—mystery, peril, and the looming presence of Tarzan as guardian and judge in his wild domain.