Tarzan Presides over Apes: A Detailed Summary of "Tarzan 32-10-07 (20)"

Released on July 11, 2025, "Tarzan Presides over Apes" is the twentieth episode of Harold's Old Time Radio's Tarzan series. This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in an adventurous tale of jungle intrigue, treasure hunts, and the timeless clash between Tarzan and cunning antagonists.

1. Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Tarzan, the iconic Lord of the Jungle, introducing himself in his characteristic rugged manner:

• [00:01] Tarzan: "Tarzan of the Apes. Brought to you from out the pages of Edgar Rice Burroughs amazing book."

Listeners are immediately drawn into the lush jungle environment as Tarzan and his companions acclimate to their new surroundings.

2. Unearthing the Past

Tarzan's friend, Professor Porter, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. The trio discovers remnants of past inhabitants in their new hut, leading to a suspenseful conversation:

• [00:10] Jane: "What are you two whispering about?"

• [00:18] Professor Porter: "I expected to find in this by Joe. Professor, Take Jane outside the moss. What's the matter, skeleton?"

The discovery of two skeletons and a crib raises immediate concerns about the hut's history.

• [00:46] Jane: "What you are trying to say is that there are two skeletons."

• [00:49] Professor Porter: "Agree to be precise. There's a baby in this crib."

Jane expresses her distress over the somber find:

• [00:53] Jane: "Oh, how terrible. Oh, the pa. To think of them all alone."

3. Preparing the New Home

As Jane takes charge of organizing the hut, the conversation shifts to practical matters, subtly hinting at underlying tensions.

• [01:05] Jane: "I'm not squeamish, not after our experiences the past few days."

• [01:13] Jane: "I understand. Get ready to start housekeeping in our new home."

Professor Porter discusses the placement of items, blending the mundane with the mysterious:

• [02:15] Professor Porter: "Oh, yes, yes. I think this cupboard is as good a place as in it."

4. The Emergence of Threats

The tranquility of the jungle is disrupted when Tarzan observes suspicious activities by a group of pirates unloading their boat.

• [02:32] Tarzan: "Does anyone know where that pressure lamp was put? It's getting dark while we haven't an inexhaustible supply of fuel."

Professor Porter dismisses the findings, revealing their nefarious intentions:

• [05:03] Professor Porter: "You killed him, Snipes. I meant to. What's the use of the likes of him? All he could do was holler. He couldn't work, but he could navigate."

The presence of the pirates sets the stage for impending conflict, as they discuss uncovering a treasure chest before a French cruiser arrives.

• [05:31] Professor Porter: "Look there through the trees there's a light. Strike me pink appetite. That balmy old professor and his gang, eh?"

5. Tarzan Takes Action

Tarzan's vigilance is unwavering as he monitors the pirates' movements. His keen senses detect the pirates' activities, prompting him to intervene.

• [06:04] Tarzan: "Running lights with that lantern of the professor's gang up shore there shining plain."

Professor Porter urgently instructs Tarzan to neutralize the threat:

• [06:09] Professor Porter: "You take your rifle and put out the professor's light. I don't care how you done it. Put out that light."

Embarking on a stealth mission, Tarzan showcases his unparalleled agility and strategic prowess as he navigates the dense foliage to confront the pirates.

6. The Confrontation

In a dramatic encounter, Tarzan captures a pirate named King, demonstrating his dominance and resolve to protect his domain.

• [06:54] Tarzan: "Swiftly, Tarzan swings his lithe body along from tree to tree with scarcely the rippling of a leaf."

Tarzan leverages his strength and combat skills to subdue King, threatening him to ensure the pirates retreat:

• [07:10] Tarzan: "He points to the cabin and threateningly, significantly, draws the knife across his throat."

King, visibly terrified, understands the gravity of the situation:

• [07:25] Tarzan: "Tarzan, satisfied that the man will leave the hut alone, picks him up with a scruff of the neck and tosses him across his shoulder."

7. The Race Against Time

As the pirates hastily attempt to secure their treasure, the impending arrival of a French cruiser adds urgency to their mission.

• [09:17] Professor Porter: "And leave the treasure? Yes, if that cruiser overhauls us and purchased it's goodbye treasure and the yard arm for all of us."

The episode crescendos with the tension of whether the pirates will succeed in their quest or be thwarted by Tarzan's intervention.

Key Themes and Insights

• The Clash Between Civilization and Nature: The interaction between Professor Porter and Tarzan highlights the tension between human greed and the natural order Tarzan upholds.

• Heroism and Vigilance: Tarzan embodies the archetypal hero, constantly vigilant and ready to defend his territory against encroaching threats.

• Moral Ambiguities: Professor Porter, despite his scholarly facade, reveals a ruthless pursuit of treasure, challenging the perception of intellect aligning with morality.

Notable Quotes

• Tarzan: "Tarzan of the Apes. Brought to you from out the pages of Edgar Rice Burroughs amazing book." [00:01]

• Jane: "What are you two whispering about?" [00:10]

• Professor Porter: "You killed him, Snipes. I meant to." [05:03]

• Professor Porter: "Look there through the trees there's a light. Strike me pink appetite." [05:31]

• Tarzan: "Swiftly, Tarzan swings his lithe body along from tree to tree with scarcely the rippling of a leaf." [06:54]

Conclusion

"Tarzan Presides over Apes" masterfully blends adventure, suspense, and classic radio drama elements to deliver an engaging episode. Through vivid storytelling and dynamic character interactions, Harold's Old Time Radio brings Tarzan's timeless battles to life, reminding listeners why these tales remain cherished classics.