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.

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 #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.

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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.

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RAS #738 – When Hollywood Rode West

Hollywood rides the airwaves this week on Ron’s Amazing Stories as we present a pair of unforgettable western adventures from the Screen Directors’ Playhouse.

This remarkable radio series brought the magic of the silver screen directly into listeners’ homes, often featuring the very stars who made the films famous. And tonight, two legends saddle up for the ride—Gregory Peck and John Wayne.

First, Gregory Peck stars in Yellow Sky, a tense western drama about a gang of outlaws seeking refuge in a forgotten ghost town, only to find greed and redemption waiting in the desert dust.

Then, John Wayne takes the trail as the legendary Ringo Kid in Stagecoach, the landmark western that helped redefine the genre and elevate it into cinematic history.

So climb aboard and journey back to a time when Hollywood rode west—and radio brought the adventure home.

In This Episode

Yellow Sky* (Screen Directors’ Playhouse – 7/15/1949) starring Gregory Peck
Stagecoach* (Screen Directors’ Playhouse – 1/9/1949) starring John Wayne
The history of *Screen Directors’ Playhouse* and Hollywood stars on radio
Western film history and the legacy of *Stagecoach*
Classic frontier drama, danger, and adventure from the golden age of radio

Enjoy the show!

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 #737 – Nero Wolfe: A Night of Murder & Mystery

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we visit the famous brownstone of one of radio’s most brilliant—and most stubborn—detectives. Join Nero Wolfe and his trusted assistant Archie Goodwin for an evening of classic mystery, clever deduction, and murder most foul.

Created by Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe became one of detective fiction’s most beloved characters, appearing in dozens of novels and radio adaptations. Tonight we feature two adventures from The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe starring the unforgettable Sidney Greenstreet as the great detective and Harry Bartell as Archie Goodwin.

Wolfe may prefer orchids, gourmet meals, and the comfort of his armchair, but trouble has a habit of knocking at his door.

In This Episode

“The Girl That Cried Wolfe” (12/15/1950)
Archie and Nero receive a call from a redhead determined to create confusion and distraction. But when deception turns deadly, the question becomes—was Nero Wolfe quick enough to stop a murder?
“The Impolite Corpse” (12/8/1950)
Nero is called to investigate the murder of an overbearing businessman whose endless rules made him plenty of enemies. This time, Wolfe may have discovered a victim who made one rule too many.
Tonight we’ll explore the fascinating history of Nero Wolfe, from the novels of Rex Stout to his radio adventures, and talk about the remarkable Sidney Greenstreet, whose commanding performance helped define the character for generations of listeners.

So settle back, dim the lights, and enjoy Nero Wolfe: A Night of Murder & Mystery.

And remember… every story leaves something behind.

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