Tarzan

Tarzan is a classic adventure series that has captivated audiences for over a century. Created by the renowned author Edgar Rice Burroughs, the character of Tarzan first appeared in the 1912 novel Tarzan of the Apes and has since been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and radio programs.

The series follows the adventures of Tarzan, a feral child raised by a tribe of great apes in the African jungle, who later discovers his aristocratic heritage and navigates the complexities of both the wild and civilized worlds.

The Tarzan radio series has a rich history, with two distinct incarnations that aired in the United States. The first series ran from 1932 to 1936, with actor James Pierce portraying the title role, while the second series aired from 1951 to 1953, featuring Lamont Johnson as Tarzan.

Both versions captivated listeners with their thrilling tales of jungle adventure, as Tarzan confronted dangerous wildlife, cunning adversaries, and the allure of the civilized world.

The Stars

The Tarzan radio series was anchored by its lead actors, who brought the iconic character to life through their performances. In the first incarnation of the series, James Pierce portrayed Tarzan, delivering a nuanced interpretation of the character that balanced his savage nature with his growing understanding of human society. Pierce’s Tarzan was a complex and compelling figure, who grappled with the pull of his dual identities as both a jungle lord and a civilized aristocrat.

The second Tarzan radio series featured Lamont Johnson in the title role. Johnson’s Tarzan was a more rugged and primal interpretation of the character, emphasizing his physical prowess and instinctual connection to the natural world. Johnson’s portrayal captured the raw power and untamed spirit of Tarzan, as he navigated the dangers of the jungle and the machinations of those who sought to exploit it.

Key Dates

• The Tarzan radio series first debuted on September 12th, 1932, with James Pierce starring as the titular character.
• The series ran for four seasons, concluding in 1936.
• After a fifteen-year hiatus, the Tarzan radio series was revived in January 1951, with Lamont Johnson taking over the role of the jungle lord.
• This second incarnation of the series ran for two seasons, ending on June 27th, 1953.

Other Information

The Tarzan radio series was not the only medium in which the character has been adapted. The Tarzan stories have been the subject of numerous films, television shows, and comic books, with each adaptation offering a unique interpretation of the character and his world.

One of the most notable Tarzan film adaptations was the 1932 movie Tarzan the Ape Man, which starred Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller in the title role. Weissmuller’s portrayal of Tarzan became the definitive version for many audiences, and he went on to reprise the role in a series of popular films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

The Tarzan character has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with the iconic “Tarzan yell”