RAS #291 – Tales From Development Hell

Our OTR Story – Death For Sale

Our story today features Boris Karloff in a story called Death For Sale. It is about a clever insurance scheme which is delayed by a blackmailer and his wife. It comes from the great old time radio series Inner Sanctum.

Special Guest: we have a special guest on the RAS this week. Jim Harold lends his talents to the show for a skit about a wise guy! You can find out more about Jim at http://jimharold.com.

History of the Five Minute Mystery

On Ron’s Amazing Stories last time I announced that we had run out of the Five Minute Mysteries. You guys sent in a number of requests to keep the program going and start over. On this week’s podcast I will make an announcement about the show’s fate, but for this blog I thought I would tell the Five Minute Mystery story.

The Five Minute Mysteries were aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1947 to 1950. The shows were produced and syndicated to individual local radio stations. They in turn would insert advertising for local merchants or trade the advertising announcements for goods, services or prizes awarded to listeners. Musical interludes were inserted with enough time for a local announcer to present the advertiser’s message and wrap things up with other local information.

Each show featured mini-mystery dramatized with actors, organ music and sound effects. Solutions to each mystery could be suggested by a panel of listeners and studio guests. The panelists sometimes shared a common background; for example, on the April 14, 1949 program amateur sleuths were given the opportunity to solve the crime.

Cast members included Jackson Beck, Staats Cotsworth, Michael Fitzmaurice, Timmy Hyler, Abby Lewis, Frank Lovejoy and Ian MacAllister. Organist Rosa Rio provided the music.

It has been amazing to me how popular this segment has become on Ron’s Amazing Stories. Also, I have to admit that I enjoy coming up with the fake advertisements each week. Although there have been few times when I really do promote a real product or service.

-Ron

This Week’s Podcast:

The podcast this week answers the question, “What about the Five Minute Mysteries?” Also, we have an OTR tale that stars Boris Karloff and a listener’s tale from Mitch in North Carolina. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen to it on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

The Calendar:

June 29 – C-Chute – (RAS290)
July 06 – Replay Cypherus Canyon With Jim Harold
July 13 – Mitch in Raleigh’s Near Death Experience (RAS291)
July 20 – (RAS292)
July 27 – (RAS293)
August 03 – (RAS294)

RAS Replay – Jim Harold Visits Cypress Canyon

On this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories we replay Jim Harold, podcast mogul and author, who talks about his new book. What is it? I just can’t wait to tell ya. Also, we will share an OTR story that is consistently cited as one of the most terrifying programs broadcast during radio’s Golden Age. It ain’t no joke!

Our OTR Story – The House in Cypress Canyon

The House in Cypress Canyon, is an episode of the American radio series Suspense. Written by Robert L. Richards, produced and directed by William Spier, It was originally broadcast December 5, 1946. The plot is presented as a “story within a story,” framed by a meeting between detective Sam Spade (played by Howard Duff) and a friend who has discovered the manuscript regarding the mysterious house. After a brief introduction, the narrative shifts to the story presented in the manuscript.

Jim Harold – Podcaster

Jim began podcasting in 2005 starting with his signature show the Paranormal Podcast. He has since branched out and created his campfire program and paranormal plus network. Jim also has written four books with a fifth coming out this october. He just released an Adult Coloring Book based on his listeners call-ins. His free programs include:

The Paranormal Podcast ? Serious interviews with newsmakers in paranormal studies (audio). Jim’s first and most downloaded program.
Jim Harold’s Campfire ? Listeners talk about their supernatural experiences (audio). His books are based on the show and are available at most bookstores.

Jim Harold’s Crime Scene – Jim takes you into the world of crime and punishment. You will hear stories of crime as told by the folks who know.

The Great TV Podcast with Jim Harold – Interviews with great stars and authors about the best TV shows ever made!

Happy Fourth to All of you!

I hope that your Fourth of July is a happy and safe one. We are taking a break this week to enjoy the weather, fun, barbeques and fireworks. I hope that all of you have similar plans.

-Ron

This Week’s Podcast:

This week we will have a replay from last summer. We will play one of the scariest OTR stories ever and. Jim Harold talks about his spooky campfire coloring book. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from iTunes, stream it on TuneIn Radio or listen to it on your radio Saturday night at 6pm Eastern time. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

The Calendar:

RAS #290 – The C-Chute

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we have a captured rocket ship and the crew’s attempt to regain control. We also tell a tale of poison toadstools, time travel to July 14, 1940 and hear a special story from you guys in your own voice!

Our OTR Story – The C-Chute

Our story comes from the classic sci fi series X Minus One, which aired on NBC from 1955 until 1958. A small band of humans aboard a spaceship that has been captured by enemy aliens must work out a way to retake the vessel. This one based on a short story written by Isaac Asimov and was first published in Galaxy magazine, in October 1951. It is called C-Chute and first aired on February 8, 1956.

Program Notes:

If you want to contact Vito Papariello his email address is vitop@billiontechlabs.com
Next Week is the fourth. Ron’s Amazing Stories will be taking the week off, but not to worry we will have a replay for you.