RAS #743 – Kids, Cowboys, and Killers! A Cisco Kid Double Feature

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we’re heading into the Old West with one of radio’s most enduring heroes—The Cisco Kid. From 1942 to 1956, Cisco and his faithful friend Poncho rode across the American Southwest helping the innocent, bringing outlaws to justice, and proving that courage and kindness could go hand in hand.

What makes these adventures especially interesting today is that they were considered children’s entertainment! Yet these stories are filled with murder, revenge, dangerous outlaws, and plenty of gunfire. It’s a fascinating reminder of how much storytelling—and what we consider appropriate for young audiences—has changed over the years.

This week we present two exciting adventures from the golden age of radio.

In This Episode

A look at the history of The Cisco Kid radio series.
The surprising origins of Cisco in O. Henry’s 1907 short story The Caballero’s Way.
How radio transformed a ruthless outlaw into a legendary Western hero.
“Cisco Meets the Apache Kid” (January 8, 1953)
“The Meanest Man in Arizona” (July 24, 1952)
Why these action-packed Westerns were considered family entertainment in the 1950s.
The lasting legacy of Cisco and his lovable sidekick, Poncho.

Featured Stories

Cisco Meets the Apache Kid (1/8/1953) – Cisco and Poncho are asked to track down one of the most feared killers in the Southwest. As they follow a bloody trail across Arizona, they discover that the truth may be even more dangerous than the legend of the Apache Kid.

The Meanest Man in Arizona (7/24/1952) – The title only hints at what’s to come. What begins as a confrontation with a notorious bully quickly unfolds into a gripping tale of revenge, cattle rustling, murder, and frontier justice.

As always, thank you for listening to Ron’s Amazing Stories. If you enjoy preserving these wonderful old-time radio programs, please share the podcast with a friend and help keep these classic stories alive for future generations.

Stay amazing!

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you’re from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron’s Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron’s Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

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RAS #742 – Escape the Heat: A Snowbound Double Feature

It may be the middle of July, but on this week’s episode we’re leaving the summer heat behind and heading into the frozen wilderness. Join me for a pair of classic old-time radio adventures where snow, ice, and survival are as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.

Our first stop is the legendary series “Escape”, where justice is decided far from any courtroom in the icy north during the gold rush. Then we’ll travel even farther into the Yukon with Sergeant Preston and his faithful lead dog, King, as they investigate a mysterious icebound ship.

So grab a cool drink, settle into your favorite chair, and let these two classic adventures transport you to a much colder place.

In This Episode

Escape: “Judgment Day at Crippled Deer” (June 24, 1964) – A gold miner stands accused of murder deep in the frozen wilderness. With no judge and no jury, four fellow miners decide his fate. But is justice really being served… or is another crime about to be committed
Challenge of the Yukon: “Icebound” (September 22, 1948) – A whaling captain discovers a drifting derelict ship, only to become trapped in the ice himself after a violent storm. Sergeant Preston and King race across the frozen north to uncover the mystery and attempt a daring rescue.

Thank you for listening to Ron’s Amazing Stories. If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the show with a fellow fan of classic old-time radio. Your support helps keep these wonderful stories alive for new generations of listeners.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

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RAS #741 – Lights Out: The Dark Side of Victory

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we present a fascinating double feature from the classic old-time radio series Lights Out. Written by the legendary Arch Oboler, these two stories explore very different worlds but arrive at a similar destination.

One tells of humanity’s greatest achievement and its greatest failure.

The other examines how jealousy and revenge can grow into something truly horrifying.

Separated by years and settings, both stories ask the same timeless question: What happens when human ambition outruns human wisdom?

Join us as we journey from the Moon to a mad scientist’s laboratory in two unforgettable tales from one of radio’s most imaginative series.

In This Episode:

A look at the groundbreaking old-time radio series *Lights Out*
The creative genius of writer Arch Oboler
Humanity’s first trip to the Moon
A chilling vision of a world destroyed by war
A jealous husband seeks revenge
A scientific experiment gone horribly wrong
Reflections on the common themes connecting both stories

Featured Stories:

The Rocket Ship

Originally Broadcast: July 28, 1945

A crew returns from mankind’s first successful journey to the Moon. Their historic achievement should make them heroes. But when communication with Earth suddenly ceases, they discover that something terrible has happened while they were away.

The Little People

Originally Broadcast: July 14, 1937

A jealous husband becomes obsessed with revenge and turns to a scientist for help. What follows is one of the most unsettling and memorable stories ever produced on old-time radio.

Ron’s Thoughts:

Although today’s stories are darker than our usual fare, they remind us that humanity’s greatest struggles often come not from monsters or aliens, but from our own choices. Fortunately, history also reminds us that we are capable of incredible achievements when we choose wisdom over fear.

After all, we really did go to the Moon—and when those astronauts came home, the Earth was still here waiting for them.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

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RAS #740 – Moon Dreams and Lunar Schemes

The Moon has fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations saw gods, spirits, rabbits, and even a face staring back at them from the night sky. Long before astronauts walked on its dusty surface, the Moon inspired myths, legends, and dreams of exploration.

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we journey back to 1950 and revisit two classic episodes from Dimension X that capture both sides of our fascination with Earth’s closest celestial neighbor. In our first story, mysterious disappearances may be connected to an unsettling secret hidden on the Moon. In our second, a determined group of scientists refuses to let setbacks stop humanity’s first voyage beyond Earth.

Together, these stories remind us that before there were rockets and moon landings, there was imagination.

In This Episode

Introduction to the Moon, its history, and humanity’s fascination with it
A look at the groundbreaking science-fiction series Dimension X
“The Man In The Moon” (July 14, 1950)
Discussion of the legends and folklore surrounding the Man in the Moon
“Destination Moon” (June 26, 1950)
The connection between the story and the classic 1950 motion picture
Robert A. Heinlein’s contribution to the screenplay
Reflections on Apollo, Artemis, and the future of lunar exploration

Featured Stories:

The Man In The Moon:

People are disappearing without a trace. As authorities struggle to explain the growing mystery, clues begin pointing toward an incredible possibility. Could the answer lie far above the Earth itself?

Originally broadcast July 14, 1950.

Destination Moon

After government funding collapses, a determined group of scientists decides to reach the Moon on their own. Racing against public opposition, legal challenges, and technical difficulties, they launch humanity’s first lunar expedition.

Originally broadcast June 26, 1950.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

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RAS #739 – It’s Always a Matter with Johnny Dollar

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we spend some time with one of radio’s greatest insurance investigators, Johnny Dollar. Whether he’s traveling across the Pacific to investigate a suspicious fire or heading into the Texas oil fields to uncover the truth behind a string of deadly insurance claims, one thing remains constant: trouble follows Johnny wherever he goes.

Featuring two classic episodes from *Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar*, this double feature showcases the danger, mystery, and sharp detective work that made the series one of old-time radio’s most enduring successes.

In This Episode

The Trans-Pacific Import Export Company, South China Branch Matter (August 24, 1950) – Johnny travels overseas to investigate a fire at an export company. What begins as a routine insurance claim soon leads to murder and a mystery far more dangerous than a burned-out building.
The Syndicate Matter (March 24, 1953) – Sent to the Texas oil fields to investigate a series of suspicious insurance payouts, Johnny goes undercover to uncover the truth behind a deadly scheme.

About Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Debuting in 1948, *Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar* followed the adventures of freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar. Known for combining detective work, action, and mystery, the series featured several actors in the title role over its long run, including Edmund O’Brien, John Lund, Edmond O’Brien, Bob Bailey, and others. The program remains one of the most beloved detective dramas of the Golden Age of Radio.

As always, thank you for listening and supporting Ron’s Amazing Stories.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.