The Poison Drink: Tarzan (November 4, 1932)

Tarzan, old-time radio on Stupid Potato

“The Poison Drink” is an episode of Tarzan, the old-time radio show, first broadcast November 4, 1932. Listen free on Stupid Potato: no sign-up, no app.

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What happens

Professor Porter, Clayton, Darno and their companions face a poison drinking ceremony imposed by the tribe's chief and witch doctor. Porter performs a ritual before the council fire while Clayton fires a rocket from behind the landing lights, startling the natives and drawing their attention. Meanwhile Jane Porter and Tarzan travel through the trees, and the great apes of Tarzan's tribe accept Jane as one of their own. Back at the village, the party debates whether they can trust Naki Doh, who has advised them to drink without fear. The transcript ends as the chief brings the poison and Professor Porter lifts the cup to his lips.

A jungle village of cannibal natives, the tree-top paths of the jungle, and the great apes' territory in Africa.

Characters: Tarzan, Jane Porter, Professor Porter, Clayton, Darno, Charles Hamilton, Naki Doh, Tika

Listen for: Listen for the ritual at the council fire, the rocket's green fire flashing over the natives, and Tarzan's first encounter with Jane among the apes.

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.