Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Tarzan and the Diamonds of Asher: Mistaken Identity, the Map, A Wolf Among the Sheep (A0053)
Date: January 11, 2026

Overview

This episode launches a new serialized adventure with Tarzan, adapted from the 1930s radio series Tarzan and the Diamonds of Asher. Host Adam Graham introduces the background and context surrounding the original Tarzan stories and sets up the air of intrigue at the heart of this first trio of episodes: mistaken identity, a vanished explorer, the lure of a mysterious map, and an inside plot to steal not only a legendary diamond but possibly Tarzan’s very identity. Listeners are swept into jungle danger, cold-blooded intrigue, and an expedition that may not be what it seems.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tarzan’s Status and Characterization

• Tarzan (John Clayton, Lord Greystoke) has inherited his English title but feels no attachment to it, preferring the jungle to civilization ([09:14]).
• His close friend Lieutenant Paul Darnold tries to persuade him to embrace his fortune, but Tarzan’s values, independence from “civilization,” and unresolved relationship with Jane are highlighted ([09:23], [10:08], [10:43]).
• Quote: “My boulevards are the elephant trails, my lights the sun, moon and the stars. I’ll stay here.” —Tarzan ([09:42])

2. The Gregory Family’s Mission

• Mr. Gregory and his daughter Helen arrive in Africa searching for Brian Gregory, Helen's brother, who vanished while on expedition.
• They recount that Brian disappeared in the wilderness, presumed missing but possibly alive, as no evidence of his death was found ([12:10]-[13:43]).
• They possess a hand-drawn map Brian sent home, speculated to be key to the mystery.

3. Mistaken Identity & The Mysterious Map

• Tarzan is mistaken for Brian Gregory by Maghra and her associates due to their striking resemblance and a scar ([11:21], [14:32]).
• He is aggressively pressed for “the map showing the location of the city of Asher,” and offered a large sum by Atan Tom. Tarzan denies any knowledge, triggering a tense standoff ([17:20]-[19:07]):
  • Quote: “You would be safe in offering me 20 millions. I've never heard of such a city nor a map.” —Tarzan ([17:47])
  • Quote: “Gomez was strong, Gregory, almost as strong as a gorilla. And yet you killed him and very soon after vanished from the expedition.” —Atan Tom ([18:17])

4. Conspiracy and Villains’ Plot

• Atan Tom is convinced Tarzan is actually Brian Gregory and wants what he believes is Gregory's map, intending to use force and subterfuge to acquire it.
• Maghra and Atan Tom plot to infiltrate the Gregory expedition to steal the map and ultimately claim the Diamond of Asher ([25:22]-[27:35]).
  • Quote: “[Gregory] has something of equal value. The map showing the location of the mountain of Tuan Baka, in which the city of Asher… the Father of Diamonds… is located.” —Atan Tom ([25:49])

5. Tarzan’s Recruitment and Revelations

• The Gregorys ask “Tarzan,” whom they know only by reputation, to lead their search. Tarzan, as Lord Greystoke, playfully conceals his identity, later revealed at a breakfast gathering ([33:20]-[34:07]).
  • Quote: “Permit me, Monsieur Gregory, to present my very good friend, Tarzan.” —Lt. Paul Darnold ([33:26])
  • Quote: “In the jungle, Ms. Gregory, I am known only as Tarzan.” —Tarzan ([35:19])

6. Wolves in the Fold: Intrigue Among the Expedition

• The guides, Wolf and Larsen, are hired but secretly in league with Atan Tom and Maghra, aiming to get the map during the expedition and possibly betray the party ([36:22]-[38:02]).
• Atan Tom orchestrates a complex web of double agents, expecting treachery and “no bloodshed” unless absolutely necessary ([41:22]-[41:47]).
  • Quote: “Wolf, those orders will be obeyed to the letter -- or this is your last safari.” —Atan Tom ([41:47])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Attribution | |-----------|-------|-------------| | [09:42] | “My boulevards are the elephant trails, my lights the sun, moon and the stars. I’ll stay here.” | Tarzan | | [17:47] | “You would be safe in offering me 20 millions. I've never heard of such a city nor a map.” | Tarzan | | [18:17] | “Gomez was strong, Gregory, almost as strong as a gorilla. And yet you killed him and very soon after vanished from the expedition.” | Atan Tom | | [25:49] | “[Gregory] has something of equal value. The map showing the location of the mountain of Tuan Baka, in which the city of Asher… the Father of Diamonds… is located.” | Atan Tom | | [33:26] | “Permit me, Monsieur Gregory, to present my very good friend, Tarzan.” | Lieutenant Paul Darnold | | [35:19] | “In the jungle, Ms. Gregory, I am known only as Tarzan.” | Tarzan | | [41:47] | “Wolf, those orders will be obeyed to the letter -- or this is your last safari.” | Atan Tom |

Key Episode Timestamps

• [06:51] — Adventure begins: Tarzan established as Lord Greystoke; Darnold and Clayton discuss his future.
• [11:05] — Gregorys formally introduced; mistaken identity with Brian.
• [13:24] — A mysterious note delivered to Tarzan, setting up the mistaken identity plot.
• [17:20] — Tarzan confronted and threatened by Atan Tom’s group over the map.
• [22:46] — Tarzan and Darnold discuss the “help” Maghra tried to offer during the hostage situation.
• [25:22] — Villains’ exposition: Atan Tom/Maghra plot to get the map.
• [33:20] — Tarzan’s true identity is revealed to the Gregorys at breakfast.
• [36:22] — Wolf and Larsen brought into the expedition.
• [37:12] — Atan Tom’s masterplan: Wolf is the inside man, Maghra to infiltrate directly.
• [41:47] — Final warnings and setup for the expedition’s departure.

Host Commentary Highlights

• Adam Graham appreciates the fast-paced setup and recognizes the "coincidence" of Tarzan and Brian looking alike as a narrative device ([42:18]).
• Host notes the care with which Tarzan controls personal information, reflecting on his character and how it might evolve through the serial.
• He speculates that the true nature of the "Father of Diamonds" may be more complicated, and that Atan Tom’s motives are deliberately ambiguous.
• Notes that the budding expedition drama and deception quickly ensnare Tarzan and the Gregorys in a classic jungle intrigue.

Summary

This opening trio of episodes sets the stage for an intricate jungle drama—combining mistaken identity, family loyalty, hidden treasure (or its legend), and a tight net of intrigue. Tarzan, reluctant aristocrat but devoted jungle defender, quickly finds himself drawn into the Gregorys’ search for their missing family member, all the while stalked by conspirators convinced he holds the key (the map) to the legendary city of Asher and its priceless diamond. The villains have anticipated every counter-move, seeding the expedition with spies and rivals, leaving Tarzan and the Gregorys under threat from within and without. The episode closes with the expedition poised for departure upriver—mystery and danger ahead.