The Hand of Death: Tarzan (December 27, 1951)

Tarzan, old-time radio on Stupid Potato

“The Hand of Death” is an episode of Tarzan, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 27, 1951. Listen free on Stupid Potato: no sign-up, no app.

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What happens

Mike and Deborah Aldridge learn that their young son Stephen has contracted infantile paralysis, and a doctor warns that he may never walk normally. Mike, desperate for a cure, sends for Tarzan, the Lord of the Jungle, who once helped him. Tarzan arrives in Johannesburg and offers to take Stephen back to his jungle home, promising healing exercises, warm mineral springs and fresh air. Deborah refuses at first, but Stephen is eager to go. This is a Tarzan radio episode first broadcast on December 27, 1951, as part of a March of Dimes story.

Johannesburg, South Africa, and Tarzan's jungle sea coast cabin

Characters: Tarzan, Stephen Aldridge, Mike Aldridge, Deborah Aldridge, Dr. Grunwald, Torgo

Listen for: Tarzan's promise to Stephen that he will try to make him walk again, and Deborah's refusal to let her son leave

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.