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.

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 #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.

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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.

What You’ll Hear This Week:

The story behind the 1953 classic film Shane
How Lux Radio Theater brought Hollywood to the airwaves
Why westerns ruled the 1950s
The surprising box office success of Shane
And, of course, the full radio adaptation starring Alan Ladd

So, tighten your saddle, pour yourself a black coffee (no lattes for Shane), and join me for a ride through one of the greatest westerns ever told.

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 #704 – Rails And Isles

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we’re celebrating Labor Day with a special double feature. Our first tale comes from the series Escape and is titled Conquerer’s Isle. Three Navy flyers, lost in the South China Sea, discover a secret underground civilization that sees them as little more than pets. It’s a strange mix of survival, science fiction, and a chilling vision of humanity’s “next stage.”

Then, we turn from fantasy to history with Cavalcade of America’s Railroad Builders, which first aired on April 15th, 1936. It honors the men who laid steel tracks across mountains, plains, and rivers—building a pathway that connected a nation.

Two very different stories—one imagined, one real—but both remind us of the courage, toil, and spirit of labor. So, fire up the grill, grab a cool drink, and settle in for this Labor Day adventure.

Featured Stories:

Escape – “Conquerer’s Isle” (March 5, 1958)
Cavalcade of America – “Railroad Builders” (April 15, 1936)

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 #702 – Islands In The Sky

On this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we take to the skies—and then make an emergency landing in the frozen wilderness! Our featured story comes from the Lux Radio Theater and is titled Island In The Sky. It stars Dick Powell as pilot John Dooley, who must lead his crew to survival after their plane is forced down in Labrador’s icy barrens.

Before it was a radio play, Island In The Sky was a 1953 film starring none other than John Wayne. And here’s the real kicker—it’s based on a true story from the pen (and cockpit) of Ernest K. Gann, who lived through similar events as a WWII pilot. This isn’t just high drama—it’s history in action.

So, grab your headphones and maybe a warm blanket—because this tale is going to chill you to the bone.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

A short background on the film, the radio play, and the true events that inspired it.
Dick Powell stepping into the cockpit as John Dooley.
A full broadcast of the Lux Radio Theater production Island In The Sky.
Ron’s commentary on survival, teamwork, and a few laughs along the way.
Listening time: About 1 hour.

Links & Extras: