This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we set sail with Trade Winds, a globe-trotting mystery filled with romance, danger, and old-school Hollywood polish. Originally released as a motion picture in 1938 by United Artists, Trade Winds was directed by Tay Garnett and based on his own story. The film starred Fredric March and Joan Bennett and delivered a stylish murder mystery that spanned oceans and continents.
Tonight’s presentation comes from Lux Radio Theatre, which adapted the story for radio and first broadcast it on March 4, 1940. This version stars Errol Flynn as Sam Wye, a charming, globe-hopping detective on the trail of a fugitive heiress—played once again by Joan Bennett. The cast also features Mary Astor and Ralph Bellamy, making this a true Hollywood showcase brought straight to the airwaves.
We’ll also wrap things up with a listener Q&A, where Ron shares why old time radio remains such a powerful—and personal—connection to history.
Sit back, relax, and let the trade winds carry you away.

In This Episode
- An introduction to Trade Winds and its 1938 film origins
- A look at Lux Radio Theatre and its Hollywood radio adaptations
- Errol Flynn takes the lead as globe-trotting detective Sam Wye
- A listener question about Ron’s passion for old time radio
- Why classic radio dramas are time capsules worth revisiting
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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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