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.

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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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RAS #745 – Not Every Mask Hides a Hero: A Lone Ranger Double Feature

Pull on your boots and saddle up for another journey into the Old West! This week, we’re celebrating one of radio’s most beloved heroes with two exciting adventures starring The Lone Ranger. Along the way, we’ll encounter mistaken identities, dangerous outlaws, and a villain whose name may sound familiar to longtime listeners.

We’ll also take a nostalgic look back at the incredible legacy of The Lone Ranger, the impact the series had on generations of children, and share a few personal memories about my brother, whose love for the masked rider made this episode especially meaningful.

In This Episode

A look back at the remarkable history of The Lone Ranger radio series.
Little-known facts about the actors who brought the masked man to life.
Memories of my brother’s childhood adventures with his Lone Ranger outfit.
“The Notorious El Diablo” (March 28, 1956)
“The Apache Kid” (March 2, 1938)
Which Apache Kid is the more dangerous outlaw—the one from The Lone Ranger or the one from The Cisco Kid? You decide!

Featured Stories

The Notorious El Diablo

Originally Aired: March 28, 1954 – The Lone Ranger goes undercover by impersonating the infamous outlaw El Diablo in hopes of infiltrating a dangerous gang. Unfortunately, there’s one problem—someone else is already pretending to be El Diablo! What follows is a fast-paced tale of deception, mistaken identity, and classic western action.

The Apache Kid

Originally Aired: March 2, 1938 – A notorious outlaw known as the Apache Kid is terrorizing the frontier, and only the Lone Ranger and Tonto stand between him and justice. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because we recently encountered another Apache Kid while riding with Cisco. Are they the same villain? Probably not—but this one is every bit as dangerous.

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 #744 – No Laughing Matter!

What happens when two of radio’s greatest comedians stop trying to make us laugh?

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we shine a spotlight on a fascinating side of old-time radio history. Suspense was famous for bringing Hollywood’s biggest stars to the microphone, and every so often it convinced legendary comedians to leave their familiar characters behind and step into stories filled with danger, fear, and moral choices.

In this special double feature, Fibber McGee and Molly become innocent victims trapped with a desperate killer, while Jack Benny trades his famous penny-pinching jokes for a crime that could cost him everything. It’s a side of these beloved performers that many listeners have never heard—and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

In This Episode

Why Suspense loved casting famous comedians in dramatic roles.
Jim and Marian Jordan step away from Fibber McGee and Molly for one of the series’ most acclaimed performances.
Jack Benny proves he could create tension just as easily as laughter.
Listener email: Ron answers a question about how AI is—and isn’t—used to create the podcast.
Two outstanding episodes from one of radio’s greatest dramatic series.

Featured Stories

Backseat Driver

Originally Broadcast: February 22, 1951 – Jim and Marian Jordan, forever remembered as Fibber McGee and Molly, deliver an unforgettable dramatic performance as an ordinary couple whose evening drive becomes a terrifying ordeal after a desperate killer forces his way into their car. This highly regarded episode demonstrates just how talented the Jordans were beyond comedy.

A Good and Faithful Servant

Originally Broadcast: June 2, 1952 – Jack Benny takes on one of the most unusual roles of his career. After thirty years of loyal service to a department store, one man’s temptation leads him down a dangerous path. It’s a gripping tale made even more memorable by hearing America’s favorite comedian in such a serious role.

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 #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.

Social Links:
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Contact Links:
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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.