23. Doc Savage and the Fabulous Five. (Radio, pulp. book, comics, movie)
A strange individual, this Doc Savage. Probably one of the most remarkable of living men. A genius, a mental marvel a giant of fabulous physical strength. He was literally a product of science himself, for he had been trained from birth for one single purpose in life- the fantastic career which he now followed. Every trick of science had been utilized in his training. In no sense had he led a life that might be regarded as normal. Two hours of each day since childhood had been devoted to a routine of intense exercises calculated to develop not only muscles, but physical senses and mental sharpness. All of his early life had been devoted to study under masters of trades, sciences, professions, until he possessed a knowledge that was, to the ordinary man, uncanny.
The result of this studied upbringing was an individual who was a remarkable combination of scientific genius and physical capacity. Stranger than even the man himself was the career to which his life was dedicated- the business of helping others out of trouble, of aiding the oppressed, of dealing with those evildoers who seemed beyond the touch of the law. For all of which Doc Savage made it an unbending rule to accept no payment in money, under any circumstances.
Long ago, Doc Savage had assembled five men as his assistants, five men who were world-famed specialists in their respective lines. A desire for excitement and adventure, and a profound admiration for the astounding bronze man who was their chief, held the little group together. Some men crave money, others works of art, and some go in for society - these five specialized in trouble. There was plenty of that around Doc; his path was always that of peril, danger and thrilling adventure.
Doc Savage -- born Clark Savage, Jr. -- was raised from the cradle for his task in life, his job of flitting about the globe righting wrongs, helping the oppressed, and smashing the guilty. He is a physician and surgeon -- and a mighty good one, the tops in his line. He has the best and most modern equipment at his command, for he has limitless wealth. His main headquarters are in New York, hut he has his Fortress of Solitude at a place unknown to anyone, where he goes at periodic intervalls to increase his knowledge and concentrate. He's foiled countless crooks, and changed many of them into honest, useful citizens. The world would be a great place if there were more Doc Savages. But there's only one.
Monk -- Andrew Blodgett Mayfair is the full, real name Monk. In addition to that, he has the title of lieutenant colonel, with an enviable record in duty overseas. The name didn't fit the man, so his companions changed it for him. He was called Monk. But, though he is physically a human gorilla, Monk is one of the most intelligent chemists in the world. His knowledge of gases and explosives served more than once to extricate his pals from perilous situations.
Ham -- Brigadier General Theodore Marley Brooks' squabble with Monk dates back to the World War when Ham, as a joke, taught Monk some French words that were highly insulting, telling him they would curry the favor of a French General. Monk tried the words out, and was promptly clapped into the guardhouse. After Monk's release, Ham was hauled up on a charge of stealing hams, and the evidence was found in his quarters. Ham denied the theft, and his agile tongue -- Ham being a lawyer by profession -- got him out of the scrape. Somebody stole the hams and planted the evidence; and Ham had his suspicions, for Monk had been entirely too innocent about the matter.
Renny -- or Colonel John Rennwick -- is a giant of a man who towers four inches over six feet. He weighs fully two hundred and fifty. His face is severe, his mouth thin and grim, and compressed tightly, as though he is just finishing a disapproving "tsk tsk!" sound. Altogether, his features have a puritanical look. But despite his odd looks, Renny is noted for his engineering accomplishments. His favorite act is to slam his great fists-bony monstrosities -- through the solid panel of a heavy door.
Johnny -- William Harper Littlejohn, one of the world's greatest archaeologists -- is the man who assists Doc Savage when knowledge of ancient countries and ruins is an absolute essential to the success of any expedition undertaken. Johnny is frail-looking, but underneath his gaunt appearance burns a strength and fire unbelievable -- a strength equal to that of the strongest man. No hardship is too much for Johnny to endure; his long, lanky frame is capable of assimilating much punishment.
Long Tom -- Thomas J. Roberts -- known as the 'wizard of the juice' -- is the electrical expert of Doc Savage's band of intrepid fighters. Small in stature, his brain holds an enormous amount of learning. It is he who furnishes the electrical equipment and radio devices that have done much to further the success of Doc Savage's triumphs over his enemies, men who wish to further their own ends at the expense and suffering of mankind.
