RAS #709 – Ghosts, Ghouls, and The Mysterious Traveler

It’s the spooky season, and this week Ron’s Amazing Stories takes a ride on the rails of the supernatural with two chilling tales from the classic radio series The Mysterious Traveler.

Our first story, “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” (1949), plunges us into the depths with a diver who meets a ghostly visitor with a deadly ultimatum. Then we’ll steam ahead with “Locomotive Ghost” (1947), where two train robbers find themselves haunted by the very engine they tried to destroy. Between stories, Ron explores why we humans love being scared — and what that says about us. If you enjoy your frights with a touch of humor and a dash of nostalgia, this episode’s your ticket to ride.

What You Will Hear

A brief history of The Mysterious Traveler
Why October brings out our love of the spooky and strange
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – A diver faces a ghost’s deadly demand (Aired Jan. 1, 1949).
Locomotive Ghost – A haunting on the rails (Aired July 7, 1947).
A discussion of why we love to be creeped out.
A closing reflection on the enduring charm of vintage radio chills.

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 #708 – Alan Ladd Marches Beyond Glory

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we head back to 1951 for The Screen Directors Playhouse production of Beyond Glory. The play first aired on May 31, 1951, and stars Alan Ladd as West Point cadet Rockwell “Rocky” Gilman.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we heard Alan as the wandering cowboy in Shane. Today, he trades in his six-shooter for a salute in a story about honor, discipline, and growing up at the legendary military academy. We’ll also chat about The Screen Directors Playhouse series, how the military was viewed in the post-WWII era, and finish with a look at West Point today.

What You Will Hear

Alan Ladd stepping out of the saddle and into a cadet’s uniform
A quick look at The Screen Directors Playhouse and its Hollywood connection
A synopsis of Beyond Glory without giving away the whole plot (no spoilers!)
Thoughts on how the military was viewed post-WWII versus today
A closing chat about West Point and its place in history

So, saddle up—well, actually, stand at attention—for this one. It’s Alan Ladd like you’ve never heard him before.

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 #707 – Spade vs. Marlowe: Mean Streets Showdown!

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we continue our journey into the shadowy world of hard-boiled detectives. Last week we walked the mean streets with Philip Marlowe. This week, it’s Part 2 — and we’re talking about his rival in grit and wit, Sam Spade.

We’ll compare Marlowe and Spade, and look at the men behind them — authors Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. You’ll also hear about Howard Duff, who brought Sam Spade to life on the radio. Then it’s time for not one but two episodes from The Adventures of Sam Spade. First up, The Death and Company Caper (August 9, 1946). Then, The Wheel of Life Caper (July 11, 1948).

What You Will Hear:

How Chandler’s Philip Marlowe and Hammett’s Sam Spade stack up.
The backstory of their creators: Hammett the ex-Pinkerton, Chandler the literary craftsman.
The wit and voice of Howard Duff as Sam Spade.
The Death and Company Caper (1946).
The Wheel of Life Caper (1948).
A few laughs and wisecracks along the way.

Two detectives. Two styles. One unforgettable showdown.

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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RAS #706 – Philip Marlowe – Bullets Fly, Waldo Dies

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we dive deep into the dark alleys and smoky bars of film noir with a Philip Marlowe double feature. First up, the pilot episode Who Shot Waldo? (aired June 12, 1947), starring Van Heflin as the hard-boiled detective. Then we jump ahead to January 8, 1949, when Gerald Mohr takes over in The Restless Day.

Along the way, we’ll explore the creation of Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler, talk about the world of hard-boiled detectives, and have a little fun with the grit and glamour of classic radio noir. Two cases, two Marlowes’, one unforgettable ride.

What You Will Hear:

The origins of Philip Marlowe and how Raymond Chandler brought him to life.
A look at the hard-boiled detective genre and its influence on radio and film.
Who Shot Waldo? (1947) starring Van Heflin.
The Restless Day (1949) starring Gerald Mohr.
My commentary between the stories with a dash of humor, pulp style.

So grab your trench coat, light up that imaginary cigarette, and join me for a trip down these mean streets.

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:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #705 – Shane: The Western That Rode Into Legend

On this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we head west—way west—to the dusty Wyoming frontier with the Lux Radio Theater production of Shane. Originally aired on February 22, 1955, this broadcast stars Alan Ladd, who reprises his iconic role from the 1953 film of the same name.

We’ll take a look at the movie that redefined the western genre, talk about the incredible run of Lux Radio Theater, and explore why the 1950s were the golden age of cowboy storytelling. Along the way, we’ll cover the film’s massive box office success, its impact on the “adult western,” and even how Hollywood managed to make Alan Ladd look larger-than-life—despite being five-foot-six.

And as a bonus, stick around after the main goodbye for a little extra cowboy wisdom and humor. Because when it comes to Shane, you never want to leave the campfire too early.