In this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we return to the tense days of 1940, when the world was already at war—and America was watching the storm clouds gather.
The Story comes from Lux Radio Theatre: the radio adaptation of the MGM film Flight Command. Released in 1940, the film starred Robert Taylor, Ruth Hussey, and Walter Pidgeon, with all three reprising their roles for radio. It was the first Hollywood film to openly glorify the American military after the outbreak of World War II in Europe—arriving a full year before the United States entered the conflict.
The story follows Navy Ensign Alan Drake, a rookie pilot assigned to an elite fighter squadron known as the “Hellcats.” Struggling with early mistakes and a damaging misunderstanding, Drake must ultimately prove his skill, courage, and character during a dangerous test of new blind-landing equipment.
In the opening segment, Ron explores Flight Command’s place in history and its quiet role in preparing audiences for the realities ahead. Before the story begins, we look at the real-life inspiration behind the film’s squadron: Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8), one of the Navy’s early elite aviation units.
In the closing segment, Ron discusses the real-world invention that made the film’s dramatic finale possible—the early instrument landing systems that allowed pilots to land safely in zero-visibility conditions, forever changing aviation. A story of duty, discipline, and courage in uncertain times—this is Flight Command.
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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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