 From the heart of the jungle comes a savage cry of victory. This is Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle. From the black core of dark Africa, land of enchantment, mystery and violence, comes one of the most colorful figures of all time. Transcribed from the mortal pen of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan, the bronze, white son of the jungle. And now, in the very words of Mr. Burroughs, the story of Tarzan and the arena of death. In the ever important search for food, Tarzan was ranging apart of the jungle unknown to him. With the keen alertness of the wild creature, he was alive to all that was strange and unusual. No sound escaped his ears, no scent went unidentified from his keen nostrils. For those of the jungle, eternal vigilance is the price of life. Suddenly Tarzan stopped. The scent of man was strong. A native calls for help. You are hurt. Mercy, brother. Do not be afraid. I'm Tarzan. The Lord of the Jungle. Now be quiet now and rest. I'll get you water. You feel stronger now? Yes, Tarzan. Who are you? What are you doing alone in this country? I am Wanji from the city of Ortho. Ortho? The name is strange to me. It is to the east. Two sons. Two days away. What brings you here? My master Thorval, the king's brother, brought myself and others to hunt meat for our city. The lion men attacked us. The lion men? Yes. It was they who killed the others. You're the only survivor of the hunting party? But for my master Thorval, they took him prisoner. These lion men, why are they so called? They train lions to hunt and kill. They attack our village, kill many elephants which masters have trained to work. Your masters are wise. An elephant can do the work of many men. We are helpless against the lion men. They kill game in our valley. We must travel far to find meat for our people. The jungle has food for all. Where do these lion men live? In the city of Victor, at opposite end of valley where my people live. Ortho? Victor? Those names are from a past civilization. The lion men are many and powerful. Lord of the jungle, what can be done? Your master is a prisoner. A powerful force threatens the peace of the jungle. We go to the city of Victor and the lion men. We'll return in just a moment to our story of Tarzan and the arena of death. Tarzan's jungle-bred knowledge made the trail of the lion men easy to follow. Wanji, the native of Ortho, hurried to keep pace with the swift-moving lord of the jungle. Presently, the screams of Tantor, the elephant, came to Tarzan. Even louder was the roar of Numa, the lion. Tantor is in trouble. Hurry! Look, Tantor has fallen into pit. Numa stands guard. The lion men must have left a trained lion to watch over their quarry. They must release the elephant. Look, put the lion. It will kill you. That may be. I'll take the chance. Of all the beasts in the jungle, I count the elephant as my best friend. The lion turns. He sees us. Stay back, Wanji. Numa roars a challenge. With a mighty earth-shaking roar, the king of the beast sprang toward the lord of the jungle. Knife in hand, the lion's bronze body of Tarzan hurtled through the air and fastened itself securely around the lion's back. A sinewy arm was flung around the beast's neck as Tarzan found a handhold in the shaggy, mane hair. Long, muscled legs locked around the lion's shanks. Numa plunge, carrying Tarzan with him. Tarzan's knife flashed to the air once, twice, again and again as its sharp point sought a vital spot, and then the lion fell. Tarzan leaped from its back, put his foot on the vanquished lion's body and loosed the victory cry so often heard through other jungles and plains. Come. We will release Tantor. Elephant killed. I do not think so. He cuts on back of elephant. I will dip a bamboo stick in the mud at the riverbed and treat his wounds. One tusk is dark. Has been discolored, distinctive mark. He's probably king of his herd. He is big Tarzan. How will you get him out of pit? With my knife and your spear we will dig a ramp so he can walk out. Very close to the river, the ground is not hard. Then we will again follow the lion? Yes, they cannot be far now. They must plan to return to get this elephant. After Tarzan closed the elephant's wounds the best he could. He and Wanji set to work with spear and knife to excavate a ramp. Tantor, the pain of his wounds eased by Tarzan's cruel but effective treatment seemed a sense that these two strange men were his friends. He stood quietly, swaying gently from side to side as they worked. There, that's complete. Yo, Tantor, bundo, handy? Stand back Wanji, it's best to be cautious. A great bull climbed slowly from the pit. As he came out his sensitive trunk passed over the body of Tarzan in what was almost a caress. Look, Tantor leaves peacefully. He does not harm us. The bull will go back to his herd now and his wounds will heal. Come, we must move swiftly after the lion men. They passed here not long ago. The river tells you this? No, these tracks. Come on. The scent of the spore is fresh. We'll climb to the top of this rise and we should catch sight of them there. You, you climbed too swiftly, Tarzan. I cannot... Look, Wanji, down there. The jungle falls away to the plains. The lion men? A score of lions followed by perhaps a hundred warriors and the lions behave like so many trained dogs. Tarzan, the lions turn. They see us. No, Wanji, they only catch our scent. Their wind has shifted. They are turning this way. They're coming after us. Travel fast, Wanji. To your city of Orthoth. Tell your king we'll need many men. But you, Tarzan, what of you? They will chase me while you escape. The lions will tell you to shred. Not unless they've also been trained to climb trees, Wanji. It's our only chance. Go now, quickly. Good job, Tarzan. Tarzan stood his ground as the lion men picked up the scent and started toward him. When Wanji was out of sight, Tarzan turned and raced in another direction. The lion men followed with a snarling, roaring beast straining at their leashes but could not keep pace with Tarzan. Release five of the lions. The five lions sprang from their masters and bounded after the lord of the jungle. The jungle echoed their roars. Had they been wild lions, they would have stalked their prey in silence. But now they raced upon Tarzan with savage fury. The bronze white sun felt their breath on his neck as he hit a jungle vine and swung with all his might into a friendly tree. The lions leaped to season. Tarzan watched the snarling beast below him and then the surrounding lion men approached and leashed the lions. Tarzan dropped from the tree into the midst of the man. Tarzan, put him with the other prisoner. We will return to Victor. You are silent. Have you nothing to say? Nothing. You ask for nothing, no mercy? Nothing. You are a fool. Surely there must be something you want? I would not ask anything of an enemy. Horos, take him away. We go to Victor. He is the elephant man of Ortho. You are, Thorvald? Yes. How did you know of me? A native of your city, Wanji. Wanji? I thought the lions killed him. He was lucky to escape. He's now on his way to Ortho. Good. My brother Ortho and the king will be after us. Thorvald, how do you account for the names of these cities, Ortho and Victor? The language of another continent. Well, it is said that in another age a band of people came from the other side of the great water in search of peace. These only a few reached this valley. Even they quarreled among themselves and soon split into two groups, each setting up their own cities and gods. And they're still enemies? The people of Ortho are concerned with the fruits of the land. We have trained our elephants for work in the fields and our crops have been abundant. Those of this city, Victor, are hunters. They kill many and plunder villages. There's a great difference. Indeed. As the people of Victor breed lions, we of Ortho breed elephants. Their god is Thuce, the lion. Ours, Dias, is an elephant. I only hope Wanji arrives safely in Ortho. It is a long way. We may not be alive by the time my people arrive. We must escape. I have no hope for that. These iron walls are strong and the lions outside are many. Oh, the guard. And there are others with him. Well, it is good to see the prisoner in such good spirits. Go back to your lions, savage. Silence, Elephant Man. You dare to speak to one of Victor in such a manner? Talk will only work against you, Thorvald. I do not care what these pigs of the jungle think. They can do nothing worse to you. He wants to see what else we can do. Do with me what you will. I do not fear your insane actions. We shall see, Thorvald. Come, let us make sport with this noble Elephant Man. Chain these two to those racks over there, against the wall. Heat that iron. I am sorry, Tarzan. I fear it is I who caused this. Quickly bring that iron. You must not weaken now, my friend. Lying is not easy. Perhaps they're still away. These chains are weak with rust. They would kill us either way. We're not dead yet, my friend. Ah, Thorvald. Your eyes widen at the sight of this red hot iron. Look at it well. It is the last thing you will see. The guard moved toward Thorvald with a hot iron. Tarzan strained his chains. His mighty chest expanded to capacity. His sinewy muscles, hard and rigid, fought at the iron links. He has broken the chains! Look out! As the chain dropped to the floor, Tarzan sprang at the guard with savage fury. His hand twisted the red hot iron bar from the man's grasp and flung it to the far side of the prison. The other guards leaped on Tarzan, fighting to stop his onslaught. Tarzan was indeed a man possessed with a taste of freedom. Two men went down under his relentless blows, but the odds were too great. The guards fought back to the heavy iron doors and once outside, slammed them shut against Tarzan's might. Fool! You will never know mercy. I ask none. We shall go to our king and tell of this devil with the strength of a thousand men. Victor shall surely choose a fitting death for such a savage. I owe you my life, Tarzan. You owe me nothing, Thorvald. I would have done the same for Numa in the face of such inhuman action. We are doomed now. We can still hope that Wanji arrived safely at the city of Ortho and is returning with Orthon and his warriors. They're returning. Victor's the king. He's with them. This is the wild man, Mighty Victus. So, Tarzan, you thought you could stand up against the lion man, huh? Indeed, I tried. And for such a mighty warrior, it is only fitting that your death befit you. We have something special planned. So? Tomorrow in the great arena, Victor, all our people will turn out to see your great strength. Am I to fight lions? No, wild man. Tomorrow you and Thorvald die in the arena. Trampled and gored to death by a rogue elephant. In just a moment, the exciting conclusion of Tarzan and the arena of death. They will be here shortly, Tarzan. I know. We shall die. I know that also. There's nothing unique about that. Many people have died. Many will die. Does it frighten you? No. We must all die. What matters is how we die. If we meet death courageously, there'll be no regrets. Myself, I'm glad that an elephant is going to kill me, for I am an elephant man, and I bear the title with pride. I should prefer the lion, for the elephant has always been my friend. My very best friend, perhaps. I do not like to think that a friend must kill me. The one in the arena today will not be your friend, Tarzan. No, but others have been. You think there's still a way out? I always hope. I always hope it is possible. Prisoners, we go now to the arena. We're ready. The people of Victor await their sport. Half a hundred warriors of Victor, all in their best trappings, their freshly burnished arms shining in the sunlight, formed a procession in front of the palace. A full hundred lions tugging on their leashes held by the warriors roared their power. Following, herded by four huge black-maned lions, came Tarzan, Thorval, and other doomed prisoners. A full company of warriors carrying banners and penins brought up the rear. Victius sat majestically in the royal loge. The procession moved past the cheering citizens, whose anticipation of thrills was heightened by the rumors of Tarzan's strength. We're being taken to the arena. There we will watch while the others before us are killed. Those gates blocking both ends of this corridor, they might seem very strong. They do not have to be. No one can escape. The arena is filled now. The events are to begin. There are other victims before us. Look, that giant who's entering the arena now is Mayak. See, he carries a sword at the spear. He's a lion man. A favorite gladiator of the people. And the man facing him, he's armed with only a small dagger. It'll be more of an execution than doing it. That was over with quickly. Poor fellow. He had no chance. I think I could have defended myself against Mayak, the giant. Careful. The God overheard you. You think you could have defeated him? Oh, why not? He's clumsy and stupid. Most of all, he's a coward. Perhaps we can arrange an encounter for you after the next event. In all Victor, there is none more courageous than Mayak. I can believe that. They're letting a lion loose into the arena. Oh, that lion is old. Most of his teeth are gone. But he is a killer. Yes, he is still a powerful brute. I suppose you think you could defeat a lion too. I have. The beast roars for the opponent. But if Mayak kills you, we will never know if you could have killed the lion. I will fight them both at once if Mayak is not afraid to go into the arena with the lion. I will see about this. It would indeed be something to watch. Why could you say that? Didn't I tell you I'd rather be killed by a lion than an elephant? I wonder what they plan for me. We will find out. Only too soon. Mighty Victius, permit me to speak. What is it, God? The bronzed one called Tarzan laughs at our sport. He finds himself facing death and he laughs. Tarzan says he can defeat both the giant Mayak and a lion. And the elephant man, what does he to say? He says nothing, but he seems unafraid. This should be an interesting performance. Perhaps we can make it more difficult for these brave fools. How do you mean? The elephant we captured last night is mighty in a vicious rogue. We shall put all three against Tarzan and Thorvald. And it is arranged even more to your liking perhaps. What do you mean? It seems you are honored, Tarzan. You and this elephant man will go into the arena together. Not only with Mayak and a lion, but the rogue elephant as well. The elephant too? Yes, and a fine specimen of beast, as wild as a maddened bull. What does Mayak think of this? I think he does not like the idea. But if Mayak can kill you before the lion and the elephant are let into the arena, he will be made a captain. Are you ready, Thorvald? Yes, Tarzan. Follow me. You will take your places in the center of the arena immediately. Stay behind me, Thorvald. I have a plan. I can't let you face him alone. He has a spear and a sword. We have nothing but which to defend ourselves. Oh, you're wrong, my friend. We have our wits. The giant Mayak ran toward the two men, holding his spear in front of him. Tarzan stood his ground as Mayak lunged the spear point at the naked breast of the Lord of the Jungle. Tarzan seized the shaft of spear and wrenched the weapon from Mayak's grasp, curling into the ground behind him. As Mayak reached for his sword, Tarzan was upon him. Steel-singled fingers seized the giant and slung him around. The lion is loose, Stan. Perfectly still. If you try to run it will chase you. It is strutting torches. Yes, but it's a small lion, pitifully emaciated. It has evidently been starved to make it ravenous. Mayak chose spear, Tarzan. I will give this noma something to eat. Tarzan's words struck terror into the heart of Mayak. He struggled fiercely but could not escape the vice-like grip Tarzan had on him. As the lion approached, Tarzan moved to meet him, pushing Mayak ahead of him. Just before the beast launched its lethal charge, Tarzan gave Mayak a tremendous shove directly toward the lion. Mayak turned quickly to one side and broke into a run. Tarzan stood his ground, not a muscle moved. The lion turned from Tarzan and Thorval and pursued the running Mayak. Directly in front of the royal loge where Victius sat spellbound, the lion sprang and Mayak went down to immersively quicken. Quickly then, we don't have much time. I'll dispose of the lion. As the lion stood growling over the body of Mayak, it's back toward Tarzan and Thorval. Tarzan sped with a swiftness of sheet of the panther and leaked to stride the cat. The mighty elephant caught Tarzan's scent and started to cross the arena. Tarzan grasped the lion by the mane and loose hide on its back. He lifted at Bobble, at the same time swinging and whirling the beast with him. It was the liking thickness of his act that made it possible. That and his great strength, as with one superhuman effort, he flung the roaring beast into the royal loge of Victius. The lion clawed at the king, lashing his talon paws out as he fought from one loge to another. Tarzan, the elephant, get back! Panther, stop it! Yes, he has a discolored tusk. One's he and I released him from a pit. He caresses you with his tusk. Quickly, climb on his back. He'll batter down the logs of the palisade. Nada, hey oh! The elephant gathered Tarzan and Thorval in its foals and lifted them to its head. At a sharp command from Tarzan, the mighty beast whirled and charged across the arena. With lowered head, the great bull crashed into the flimsy palisade at the inner end of the corridor. And the outer palisade fell before him. He carried Tarzan and Thorval out into the plain toward freedom. Look behind Tarzan. Already they are pouring out the arena to give chase. For long they'll be organized and in full pursuit. Once they lose the lions, we will have little chance of escape. Look ahead beneath that cloud of dust, the racing elephants of Arthur coming their full charge. He's brought your people. But now we're right in the middle of a full-scale war. Closing in rapidly, the opposing groups met with a clash as Tarzan and Thorval wheeled the bull elephant to lead the charge. The mighty elephants of Orthos scattered the foe right and left and the foot warriors closed in behind. They thoroughly route the lion men who were not prepared to meet an attack of such proportion. The victims retreat my friend. Yes, my people have shown their strength. Their retreat is cut off. The sign of surrender is called. Perhaps this will be the last of our battles. Ah, but the toll of men is great. Come Thorval, let us go to your kingdom. Victius and Orthon. I bring you together under a flag of truce. You both seem stunned by the useless slaughter of so many men and animals. We have long been enemies Tarzan. What is to be gained by killing? Tarzan is right. We could live in peace. I am ready Tarzan to abide by your suggestion. And you, king of the lion men? I will obey. There is no reason why you should be hereditary enemies. We are all of the same ancestors. You Orthon have taught your people to work the fields and produce abundant crops. That is true. And you Victius have taught your men to hunt well. Yes. Together your peoples have all that is necessary for a bountiful life. You can work and provide each other with the fruits of your labor. I am willing to accept this plan Victius. Yes, Orthon. We shall be friends. Welcome to my... to our valley. I know this piece shall be a lasting one. And now I must return to my home. You have done us a great service Tarzan. And I shall never forget how you saved my life. Oh, Tantor saved both our lives though, well. Yes, it was amazing. That elephant remembered what you had done for him. The beasts of the jungle are not given enough credit. Like humans they too will welcome kindness and when they return that kindness it often means the difference between life and death. In just a moment a preview of our next exciting story of Tarzan. In our next story you'll hear about a fabulous uranium discovery in the hidden land of Guruma, a land dedicated to peaceful farming suddenly inflamed by a savage lust for war. You'll meet a sinister woman known as Panther, her equally sinister partner and the most vicious killer Africa has ever seen, Tremaine. Included in our cast were Jack Moyles, Bob Bruce, Victor Rodman and Charles Seal. Tarzan, a creation of the famous Edgar Rice Burroughs, is produced and transcribed by Walter White Jr. Prepared for radio by Robert Schaefer and Eric Freewald with original music by Albert Glasser. This is a Commodore production.