RAS #686 – Dick Powell

On Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey back to the captivating era of the Golden Age of Radio. This period was marked by the extraordinary talents of character actors who brought stories to life through the power of their voices. Last week, we explored the remarkable career of William Conrad and his significant contributions. This time we shift our focus to another versatile icon of that era—Dick Powell.

Dick Powell - Singer, Actor, and Producer

Known for his dynamic range, Powell seamlessly transitioned from being a charming crooner in musical films to embodying the quintessential hard-boiled detective in radio dramas. His career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s, leaving an indelible mark not just as an actor, but also as a singer, musician, producer, director, and even a studio head. In this episode we will talk about that career and play two stories from his radio series “Richard Diamond, Private Detective” and “Rogue’s Gallery.”

Join us as we celebrate Dick Powell’s legacy, listen to some of his iconic performances, and appreciate the lasting impact he had on radio storytelling.

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 #685 – William Conrad

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we explore one of radio’s most legendary figures: William Conrad. We will uncover the remarkable career of a man whose resonant baritone and versatile talent left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio.

Born John William Cann Jr. in 1920, Conrad’s journey into the world of radio began in the late 1930s. His compelling voice quickly captured attention showcasing his range across numerous genres.

From his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke” to his chilling performances in “Suspense” and “The CBS Radio Workshop,” Conrad’s contributions were vast and influential. We’ll listen to two of his most memorable performances, including “Sundown,” which he wrote and directed, and “The Wax Works,” a testament to his ability to captivate audiences single-handedly.

Join us as we celebrate William Conrad’s legacy, exploring the depth of his talent and the enduring impact of his work on both radio and television.

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On the show today Ron talked about two additional stories. From CBS Radio Work shop, 1489 Words with William Conrad and Backseat Driver a story staring Fiber McGee on Suspense.

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 #684 – The Jackpot

On Ron’s Amazing Stories last week, we delighted in two Western tales featuring the legendary Jimmy Stewart. But today, we’re shifting gears to showcase a different side of this versatile actor. While many remember Stewart for his iconic roles in Westerns, his talents stretched far beyond, gracing dramas, spy thrillers, suspense films, and even a unique role involving conversations with an imaginary six-foot rabbit in “Harvey”—a comedy with surprisingly profound themes.

Comedy from the golden age of radio isn’t something we’ve often explored on this podcast. Truth be told, humor from that era can feel a bit dated. However, today’s feature, “The Jackpot,” defies that trend. This 1950 comedy film, directed by Walter Lang and starring Jimmy Stewart alongside Barbara Hale, was inspired by a real-life event where James P. Caffrey of Rhode Island won $24,000 worth of merchandise on the CBS radio quiz show, “Sing It Again.” Imagine the chaos of winning a ton of raw beef without owning a freezer!

While the film has faded from the limelight, preserved only in the 20th Century Fox Cinema Archives since 2012, we’re bringing its radio adaptation to your ears today. Originally broadcast on NBC’s Screen Directors Playhouse, Stewart reprises his role with Margaret Truman making her radio debut as his wife, Amy. Get ready for a delightful comedic gem, “The Jackpot,” aired originally on April 26, 1951.

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 #683 – The Six Shooter Double Feature

On this edition of Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey into the golden age of radio. We feature a Six Shooter double feature, highlighting the remarkable talent of the legendary James Stewart. Known for his distinctive voice and relatable charm, Stewart brought the character of Britt Ponset to life in this iconic Western series.

Stewart’s portrayal of Ponset wasn’t just another role; it was a testament to his versatility and dedication to storytelling. Despite the series’ short run, it left an indelible mark on radio history, showcasing Stewart’s ability to embody the rugged spirit of the American West.

In this podcast episode, we’ll explore two gripping stories from The Six Shooter: “Trail To Sunset,” an adventure with familiar cinematic echoes, and “Stampede,” a thrilling tale of survival against nature’s raw power. Between these tales, we’ll take a lighthearted detour to discuss some of the greatest movie actors of all time—because who doesn’t love a good debate about cinematic legends?

So sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this nostalgic adventure. Whether you’re a long-time fan of James Stewart or new to The Six Shooter, there’s something here for everyone. 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 #682 – The Horrific Double Feature

On Ron’s Amazing Stories we have a creepy double feature from the legendary world of radio horror, “The Inner Sanctum.” This American radio drama, which first aired in 1941, captivated audiences with its chilling tales and atmospheric sound effects. Produced by the talented Hiram Brown, it became famous for its gruesome stories and the iconic creaking door that marked its entrance.

Our first tale, “The Hitchhiking Corpse,” takes you back to the 1950s, a time when picking up hitchhikers was commonplace. But what if your passenger is not quite alive? Tune in to find out! This eerie story originally aired on January 23, 1950.

In our second feature, “Dead Man’s Vengeance,” we follow the mysterious host Raymond on a chilling adventure involving the murder of a woman who may not be entirely dead. Originally aired on October 7, 1944, this story promises to send shivers down your spine.

Join us as we explore the haunting world of “The Inner Sanctum” and reflect on the enduring legacy of this cult classic that paved the way for future horror anthologies. Don’t miss this week’s thrilling episode of 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.