RAS #289 – The Girl in Car 32

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we have a collection of great stories. Victor Mature takes center stage in the Suspense classic, The Girl in Car 32. Then we go back in time to June 18th, 1940 for the speech, This Was Their Finest hour. Tom Williams is back with another story and we end the show with a short-story from Kate Chopin.

The OTR Story – The Girl in Car 32

Our OTR tale for this week takes place on a train. A plainclothes police officer falls in love with the suspected girlfriend of a criminal he is attempting to catch. The story comes from the classic old time radio series Suspense and is called, The Girl In Car Thirty-Two. It stars this week’s blog subject, Victor mature, and first aired March 15, 1954

Have a story you want share?

Do you have a story to share with Ron’s Amazing Stories. It is a simple thing to get your story on the show. You can you use the contact page on the main website or just send it to ronsamazingstories@gmail.com. Please remember it is your stories that fuel Ron’s Amazing Stories.

RAS Spotlight – Victor Mature

What does the name Victor Mature mean today? Most have either forgotten him or never heard of the man. In his day he was one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. If you are an old movie buff you no doubt know the name. Movies like The Robe come to mind. On the RAS blog this week we throw the spotlight on Victor John Mature (January 29, 1913 – August 4, 1999).

Victor was an American stage, film and television actor who starred most notably in several Biblical movies during the 1950s and was known for his dark good looks and mega-watt smile. His best known film roles include One Million B.C. (1940), My Darling Clementine (1946), Kiss of Death (1947), Samson and Delilah (1949) and The Robe (1953). He also appeared in a large number of musicals opposite such stars as Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable.

Mature studied and acted at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. For three years he lived in a tent in the backyard of Mrs Willigan, a mother of a fellow student, Catherine Lewis. He was spotted by an agent for Hal Roach while acting in a production of To Quito and Back. Mature signed a seven-year contract with Roach in September 1939.

In July 1942, Mature attempted to enlist in the U.S. Navy, but was rejected for color blindness. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after taking a different eye test the same day. He was assigned to the USCGC Storis, which was historically significant vessel in its own right. He rose to the rank of chief boatswain’s mate and then join the US Coast guard recruitment group. Here he would tour country performing and encouraging young men to join the Coast Guard.

After the war, Mature was cast by John Ford in My Darling Clementine, playing Doc Holliday opposite Henry Fonda’s Wyatt Earp. The film was massive success and propelled Mature to stardom. It is still regarded by many film critics as one of the best Westerns ever made.

In 1974 Victor retired from movies and married Loretta Sebena. They had his only child, daughter Victoria, whom he was very proud. His last feature film appearance was a cameo as a millionaire in Firepower in 1979. Mature was quoted on his decision to retire:

“I was never that crazy about acting. I had a compulsion to earn money, not to act. So, I worked as an actor until I could afford to retire. I wanted to quit while I could still enjoy life… I like to loaf. Everyone told me I would go crazy or die if I quit working. Yeah? Well, what a lovely way to die.”

Victor Mature died of leukemia in 1999 at his Rancho Santa Fe, California home, at the age of 86.

This Week’s Podcast:

On the podcast this week we again have a collection of great stories. Victor Mature takes center stage in the Suspense classic, The Girl in Car 32. This one has an intricate plot that follows a detective as he uses a women to trap a arch criminal. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen to it on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

The Calendar:

June 01 – A woman of Many Names – (REPLAY)
June 11 – Horror Express #16 – (HE16)
June 15 – Crane Creek and Other Stories – (RAS288)
June 22 – Suspense Week – (RAS289)
June 29 – Science Fiction Week – (RAS290)

RAS #288 – Crane Creek and Other Stories

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week Richard Diamond joins us. It is time for Diamond to renew his detective license and this turns out to be murder. No really, someone gets killed! Also on the show, we have a story from you guys, A quiz that goes wrong, a five minute mystery and we visit June 6th, 1944.

The OTR Story – Private Eye Test

Our OTR story for today gives a glimpse into the world of the detective, but from the unique point of view of Blake Edwards. The tale is an episode from Richard Diamond, Private Detective called the Private Eye Test. It first aired on April 19, 1950.

Program Note: On this episode of the show we have a story from Mary and Mark Newcomb. They tell us about their UFO encounter in Missouri. They sent along proof in the form of a photo. Can see the photo and read their story at ronsamazingstories.blog or click here.

Special Post – Mary and Marks Story

On the podcast this week we had special story sent in by Mary and Mark Newcomb. I present it here so that I could post the picture she sent along with it.

Campfire Lights – By Mary Newcomb

It was the last day of a camping trip to Campbell Point Campground in Stone County Missouri. Mark and I had planned a hike for the day and were both excited about it. It was only a three mile trek that followed Crane Creek, but we had heard about the abundance of wildlife and the wonderful sights to behold. We were not disappointed. We took many pictures that day, but it was the very last one that compels me to tell this story.

We were on the return trail and were talking about all the things we had seen that day. It was Mark that noticed the lights in the meadow below us. It was late afternoon and we both thought that they were a campfire of some sort, but it was spread out. We thought we should go look in case some careless folk had left a cooking fire alone.

We climbed down the creek bed and crossed the rushing water. It was late summer so there was no chance of being pulled away. We came up the other side and what we saw froze us in our tracks. The lights were spinning in a circle in the middle of the field. I can’t describe it better than that. They did not appear to have any source. Mark quickly took out his phone to capture the event. As he did the lights flew up into the sky and began to slowly move off. Then with a big whoosh and bang they were gone.

The picture we took, of course, turned out awful. I attached it for you if you want to see. In order to find anything at all we had to convert it to black and white. The remnant of the lights appear as a smoky color in the upper right of the photo. We don’t know what we saw but that is our one and only UFO story.

-Mary Newcomb

Ron’s Thoughts:

Well Mary , I have to say that is a pretty good story and I want to thank you for sharing it with us. I have posted your photo here, but like Mary said if you looking for proof this photo is not to good. I have put arrow on the picture were I think Mary is talking about.

If you have a story you want to share with Ron’s Amazing Stories. Please just do it. You can you use the contact page on the main website or just send it to ronsamazingstories@gmail.com. Please remember it is your stories that fuel Ron’s Amazing Stories.

-Ron

Stories for money? I Just can’t do it…yet!

I get about 80 emails per week. Most are people sending comments, questions, likes and dislikes. A few send in their stories or ideas for stories. I love these types of emails. I read and respond to every one. However, I have had increased mails from folks wanting to advertise a product they sell, a book they wrote or offer the chance of a lifetime. Ron’s Amazing Stories has a unique problem. Some of the stories I play for you are under the creative commons act. Simply put, this means that I can play the recording as long as I do not use the material for commercial purposes. I have to be careful when reviewing content for the show. So, if I ask questions about your story or purpose it is only to protect the podcast.

I hope to do podcasting for living one day, but for now I am content building my audience. Please understand that if I have to turn down your offers or reject a story it is nothing personal. I have to look out for the interest of the show.

-Ron

This Week’s Podcast:

On the podcast this week Richard Diamond joins us. It’s time for Diamond to renew his detective licence and this turns out to be murder. No really someone gets killed! Also on the show, we have a story from you guys, a five minute mystery and we visit June 6th, 1944. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen to it on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

The Calendar:

June 01 – A woman of Many Names – (REPLAY)
June 11 – Horror Express #16 – (HE16)
June 15 – Detective Week – (RAS288)
June 22 – Suspense Week – (RAS289)
June 29 – (RAS290)

HE #16 – Haunted Dolls Two

Welcome to the 16th episode of the Horror Express. In this program Jason and I revisit Haunted Dolls. This time we have stories, questions and comments all sent in by you guys. The OTR story for this show is a creepy tale about shadow people that should send a chill or two through your body. So, please join us for this train ride into the unknown.

Pictured below are the two dolls Jason, during the podcast, labeled as having energy attached. He does not called them haunted, but he doesn’t say that they aren’t. I can say that one called Betsy has creeped me out for years and I have always thought she had a strange vibe. Cracked face is not the real name of the second doll, that would be Megan.

Topic – Haunted Dolls Part 2

A haunted doll is a handmade or manufactured doll or stuffed animal that is reported to be cursed or possessed in some way. The earliest report of a haunted doll goes back to Ancient Egypt. The enemies of Ramses III attempted to use wax images of his likeness to bring about his death. The dolls used in this ritual were said to be living and would curse anyone who bore their resemblance.

Spoiler Alert – Horror Express This Week!

Horror Express Logo This week’s podcast will be episode #16 of the Horror Express. As most of you know the Horror Express is our second podcast here at Ron’s Amazing Stories, but did you know that the show has its own website. There you will find everything you wanted to know about the show, and there is even a special contact page that sends your comments and questions directly to Jason and Ron.

The Horror Express is a joint project brought to by Ron’s Amazing Stories and Imagine-Nation Art Studio. It is a podcast hosted by Jason Dowd and Ronald Hood. The mission of the show is simple: We want to present you with thought provoking discussions, great stories and hopefully a thrill or two. We try to do five to six shows per year. Do you have a topic that you want us to cover? Want to have your story on the show? Have a question for Jason or Ron? Go to the website and tell us all about it.

This Week’s Podcast:

On the podcast this week Jason and I continue with the theme Haunted Dolls. This time we will present the stories and questions you guys sent in. Also on the program we have an OTR story about Shadow People and Jason gives us a sneak peek at episode #17. You can listen to this podcast this Thursday at The Horror Express, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

The Calendar:

June 01 – A woman of Many Names – (REPLAY)
June 11 – Horror Express #16 – (HE16)
June 15 – Detective Week – (RAS288)
June 22 – Suspense Week – (RAS289)
June 29 – (RAS290)

Replay – A Woman of Many Names

In this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we have a replay of an episode from May of 2016. Debra Yates joins us to talk about her book, Woman of Many Names. Then we have a Gunsmoke episode about a young boy who wreaks havoc on Dodge City. We follow all of that up with a look at the Trail of Tears from the viewpoint of the poets. So go ahead, make my day and press that play button.

About Our Guest – Debra Yates

Debra Yates is the author of the new book called, Woman of Many Names. She was raised in Mansfield Ohio and currently lives in St. Petersburg, Fl. One day a cousin called her and told her about a historical marker in Tennessee. This led Debra on an adventure of a lifetime, the discovery of her famous seventh-great-grandmother Nancy Ward, also known to the Cherokee as Nanyehi (non-ya-he). She foretold one of the greatest of American tragedies, the Trail of Tears.

Memorial Day Break 2017

Well, it was not intended, but we are taking a break this week on Ron’s Amazing Stories. Not to worry all is well. If truth be told, a week off will have nothing but good things for all in involved. We will return next week with a completely new show and if everything goes as planned it will be Horror Express #16. Jason and I will be answering a hoard of questions, have an old time radio show about shadow people and a special look at episode #17. As always we do have a podcast for you this week. We will replay one of my favorite episodes from 2016. So, please enjoy it!

The Calendar:

May 04 – The Fairy of Inverness – (RAS284)
May 11 – The Beast Must Die – (RAS285)
May 18 – The RocketShip – (RAS286)
May 25 – Gun For Hire – (RAS287)
June 01 – A Woman of Many Names – (REPLAY).
June 08 – The Horror Express – (HE16)

RAS #287 – Gun For Hire

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we present a short-story written by Mack Reynolds. It is called, Gun for Hire, and explores the one thing a utopian society forgot to include, a hit man. Also, on the show our friend from Berlin is back with a third installment. This time Tom Williams takes us to Berlin in in the year 1961. (See Photo Below)

Our Classic Story This week – Gun For Hire

We have a short story called Gun for Hire by Mack Reynolds. A Gun For Hire explores in a light hearted but painful way, the fact that hired guns are just that: hired. This story is amazing and speaks to us as much as it did when it was written in the 1950’s for the pulp mags of the time. It is read for us by Phil Chenevert who does a truly impressive job.