RAS #750 — A Strange Chain of Events

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week, things get a little strange. Okay… maybe more than a little.

We’re bringing back an old RAS favorite, As Read By, with listener Franklin Paul taking us straight into the pages of a 1950s science-fiction pulp magazine. Then, on The RAS Signal, we turn our attention to one of the greatest voices of old-time radio — Agnes Moorehead.

And since we’re talking about Moorehead, why not hear her in action? We’ll finish with a classic episode of Suspense where a simple chain letter sets off a very unfortunate… chain of events.

In This Episode

As Read By Returns — An old RAS segment is back, featuring stories straight from the pulp magazines.
The RAS Signal: Agnes Moorehead — We look at the life and remarkable radio career of the woman behind one of old-time radio’s most unforgettable voices.
Martian V.F.W. — Listener Franklin Paul reads a wonderfully strange science-fiction tale from 1959.
The Chain — Agnes Moorehead and William Conrad star in a psychological thriller from the series Suspense.

Featured Stories

Martian V.F.W.

From the May 1959 issue of Amazing Science Fiction Stories, written by G. L. Vandenburg and read by listener Franklin Paul. A parade celebrating the International Geophysical Year already has floats, bands, rockets, and displays of life on other planets. Then the parade manager is approached by a six-foot-tall ant claiming to represent the Martian V.F.W. Who are these strange visitors… and what do they really want?

The Chain

Suspense — Originally broadcast March 9, 1958. Agnes Moorehead stars as a vindictive woman whose decision to send a superstitious chain letter to an immigrant neighbor’s wife begins a sequence of events that quickly spirals beyond her control. William Conrad also appears as Lieutenant Marsh. It’s superstition, fear, and unintended consequences in a story that proves sometimes it’s better to just throw the darn letter away.

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 YouTube 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 #749 – The Signal Around the Bend

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we’re trying something new.

We debut a brand-new segment called “The RAS Signal”, where I get behind the microphone and spend a little more time talking about the history, people, and ideas that made old-time radio so remarkable. For our first Signal, we’ll look at the writers and hear examples of how their words became pictures in the minds of millions of listeners.

That leads us directly to Richard Diamond, Private Detective, created by Blake Edwards and starring Dick Powell. Our story is The Oklahoma Cowboy Murder Case. Diamond is hired to investigate the suspicious death of an expert horseman whose fatal fall may not have been an accident after all.

And then there’s the music…. What!?!?

I wrote some lyrics for Ron’s Amazing Stories and wondered what they might sound like as a 1940s-style swing song.

It’s a Signal, a mystery, and even a song. Like I said, we’re trying something new.

In This Episode

The premiere of The RAS Signal
A look at the writers who helped create the golden age of radio
Lucille Fletcher, John Meston, Blake Edwards, and the power of writing for sound
The debut of Ron’s Amazing Stories — Around The Bend
A few thoughts on AI, creativity, and turning an idea into music

Featured Story

The Oklahoma Cowboy Murder Case — September 27, 1950

Richard Diamond is hired by a wealthy Oklahoma man to investigate the death of his brother. The official ruling says he died after falling from his horse, but there’s a problem: the victim was an exceptional rider. If it wasn’t an accident, Diamond has a murder to solve—and horses aren’t exactly his specialty.

A New Signal

The RAS Signal is something I’ve wanted to try for a while: a place where we can go beyond simply playing old-time radio and talk about the people, history, craft, and occasional oddities behind it. This first edition is only the beginning, and I’d really like to know what you think.

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

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 #748 – The Last Case… Is Never Really The Last

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we return to one of old-time radio’s greatest series, Suspense, for two stories about detectives who have supposedly left the job behind.

But retirement is one thing. Letting go is something else entirely.

One detective spends two years working on the case that got away. The other misses the days when his name alone meant that no crime was beyond solving. Both men have something to prove… and both are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to prove it.

In This Episode

Two classic episodes from the legendary CBS radio series *Suspense*
A retired detective determined to solve the only case he ever lost
Charles Boyer as a once-famous investigator looking for one last case
Two very different stories connected by retirement, reputation, and the need to remain relevant
A look at what happens when walking away from a career is easier than walking away from the person you used to be

Featured Stories

Banquo’s Chair — June 1, 1943

Sir William Brent, former head of the Criminal Division, retired with an almost perfect record. There was just one case he never solved. For two years, Brent has patiently gathered evidence and prepared an elaborate plan to finally expose the murderer. But when his plan is put into motion, Sir William discovers that he may not be the only one who has been waiting.

Vidoc’s Final Case — September 29, 1952

Charles Boyer stars as Vidoc, a famous former commissioner whose greatest days appear to be behind him. When a series of robberies baffles the local police, Vidoc gets another opportunity to demonstrate the skills that once made him famous. He calls it his final case… but there is much more going on than anyone realizes.

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 #747 – The Many Faces of the Falcon

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we meet Michael Waring, better known as The Falcon. But exactly who was The Falcon? That question turns out to be a little more complicated than you might expect.

The character had a tangled history that stretched from novels to movies, radio, and television. Even Michael Waring himself changed considerably during the run of the radio series, evolving from a private detective into an international intelligence agent.

Our double feature demonstrates that journey with two stories broadcast nearly seven years apart.

In This Episode

Meet Michael Waring and discover the surprisingly complicated history of The Falcon.
Learn how two different fictional detectives became associated with the Falcon name.
Hear Michael Waring during his earlier years as a private detective.
Travel overseas with a very different Falcon working for Army Intelligence.
Explore how the changing world of the 1940s and 1950s helped reshape the series.

Featured Stories

Murder Is a Family Affair — November 27, 1945

Michael Waring is still working as a private detective when he and Nancy face a grim situation. A friend has been sentenced to death, and there appears to be nothing Michael can do to save him. Before the sentence is carried out, Michael promises to look after the man’s younger brother. Keeping that promise soon draws The Falcon into one of his most difficult cases, involving murder, family loyalty, and the consequences of choices already made.

Rolling Stones — August 10, 1952

Nearly seven years later, Michael Waring has left his private detective days behind. Now working for Army Intelligence, The Falcon travels overseas on a mission to locate wanted war criminal Mario Tessely. When a friend is killed, the assignment becomes personal. Michael finds himself caught in an international mystery filled with deception, Cold War intrigue, and hints of Communist activity.

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 #746 – A Theater of Shadows: Radio At Its Finest

This week we step into the darkness with two classic adventures from The Shadow, starring the legendary Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston and Agnes Moorehead as the ever-resourceful Margo Lane.

When Orson Welles took over the title role in 1937, he was only 22 years old, yet his commanding performance helped define one of radio’s greatest heroes. Paired with Agnes Moorehead, whose remarkable talent made every scene come alive, the two created radio magic that still captivates listeners nearly ninety years later.

These two stories also showcase something that made The Shadow unique. Being invisible wasn’t enough—The Shadow succeeded because he understood how criminals thought. Whether facing a ruthless counterfeiting ring or solving a murder aboard an ocean liner, he always stayed one step ahead.

So dim the lights, let your imagination take over, and enjoy an evening of radio at its finest.

In This Episode

Introduction to The Shadow and the legendary partnership of Orson Welles and Agnes Moorehead.
The League of Terror (January 9, 1938)
Thoughts on why The Shadow was the perfect hero for radio.
Aboard the Steamship Amazon (May 8, 1938)
Reflections on imagination, suspense, and why these stories continue to entertain today.

Featured Stories

The League of Terror

Originally aired January 9, 1938- A ruthless counterfeiting gang uses extortion and murder to protect its criminal empire. With the help of the daughter of one of the gang’s victims, The Shadow devises an ingenious plan to bring the organization crashing down.

Aboard the Steamship Amazon

Originally aired May 8, 1938 – A relaxing ocean voyage turns deadly when Randolph Todd is murdered aboard the Steamship Amazon. With Lamont Cranston locked inside his stateroom, only The Shadow can uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

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