Thomas J. Roberts
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Major Thomas J. "Long Tom" Roberts was a fictional associate of 1930s and 1940s pulp hero Doc Savage. Long Tom was an electrical engineer whose inventions helped Doc in his fight against crime. He and Doc met during World War I. According to information in the novel The Dust of Death, Long Tom was a pilot during at least some of his service. In one memorable adventure, Roberts helped defend a city with an ancient cannon known as a 'Long Tom,' hence his nickname.
Long Tom is described as looking like he is at death's door, with an unhealthy, pale complexion, buck teeth, big ears, and a large forehead. In reality, he almost never got sick and was quite a fighter.
Long Tom appears in fewer adventures than Doc Savage's other four associates, as his work would take him out of the area frequently.
In the 1975 film Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, he was played by Paul Gleason.
