RAS #717 – Captain Blood… and Ron’s Fizzy Rebellion

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we step aboard a ship loaded with adventure, rebellion, and old-school Hollywood charm. Our feature comes from Lux Radio Theater and is the radio adaptation of the 1935 classic Captain Blood, starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Both reprise their roles, bringing the swashbuckling tale to life all over again.

We take a moment to explore the real history behind the story—its roots in the Monmouth Rebellion, the fictional-yet-inspired character of Dr. Peter Blood, and the bold musical choices of composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold, whose groundbreaking score helped usher in the era of full symphonic soundtracks.

And at the end of the show, we answer a listener email from John Pierce of Oklahoma City, who wants to know why Alan Ladd ranks so highly on my personal list of Hollywood greats. I give my take in a short segment you won’t want to miss.

What On This week:

Featured Story: Captain Blood from Lux Radio Theater
Behind the Scenes: The historical backdrop of the Monmouth Rebellion
Film Music Spotlight: How Korngold changed movie scores forever
Listener Email: Why Alan Ladd still stands tall

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.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #716 – The Box 13 Double Mystery

This time on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we bring you a special Box 13 double feature suggested by listener Pete Toreck from Miami, Florida. We kick things off with the very first adventure Dan Holiday ever tackled, The First Letter. Then we follow it up with one of the most listened-to stories of the entire run, The Professor and The Puzzle. Between the two tales, we take a humorous look at the advice columnists of the 1950s—those brave souls who solved life’s everyday mysteries one letter at a time.

This episode also marks a milestone: we close out the last known radio acting done by Alan Ladd. Known is the key word—because the world of old-time radio is full of surprises. I may continue with more Box 13 stories in the future, and if you know of any Ladd broadcasts I haven’t covered, let me know!

In This Episode

Box 13 – “The First Letter”
The pilot episode that sets Dan Holiday’s unique career of adventure in motion.
A Look at 1950s Advice Columnists
A lighthearted break exploring the real-life letter-solvers of the era.
Box 13 – “The Professor and The Puzzle”
A classic episode featuring mystery, danger, and a reclusive professor.
Alan Ladd Milestone
Wrapping up the known Ladd broadcasts—with room for future discoveries.

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
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

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
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #698 – The Scarlet Pimpernel – The Original Superhero?

In this week’s episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we’re stepping back into the 1930s for a swashbuckling adventure of daring disguises and heroic deeds. Before Batman or Superman, there was The Scarlet Pimpernel — the masked avenger who saved innocents from the guillotine under the very noses of the French Revolution’s fiercest villains.

Is he the first superhero? You decide.

Join Ron as he explores the origins of Baroness Orczy’s legendary character, the history behind the novel and film, and the Lux Radio Theater’s adaptation featuring Leslie Howard himself — reprising his iconic role as Sir Percy Blakeney. First aired in 1938, this classic radio drama brings high adventure to life through the power of sound.

What You’ll Hear:

A nostalgic introduction to the world of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Background on Baroness Orczy’s 1905 novel and its impact
The 1934 film adaptation starring Leslie Howard
A full presentation of the Lux Radio Theater adaptation the Scarlet Pimpernel – Originally aired December 12, 1938
Starring: Leslie Howard
Reflections on the Pimpernel’s legacy as the “original superhero”
Closing thoughts on the power of old-time radio storytelling

Thank you for listening.

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
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #694 – Challenge of the Yukon Special

In this frosty and thrilling episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we head up north to explore one of radio’s coldest gems—Challenge of the Yukon. Before podcasts and binge-watching, radio ruled the entertainment world, and this show brought the snow, the drama, and the heroic tales of Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his loyal Husky, Yukon King.

On The Show:

Introduction: A nostalgic journey back to radio’s golden age. Discover the icy adventures of Sergeant Preston and Yukon King, the “Lassie of the North.” Learn about their ties to The Lone Ranger and why their catchphrases are legendary.
Story 1: The Torn Sleeve – From the early days of the series, where stories had to be tightly packed into just 15 minutes. Marvel at how this tale, first aired on April 16, 1947, unfolds beautifully within that timeframe.
Story 2: Meeting the Terms of The Contract – Wondering if Huskies are as smart as King? The answer is yes! This story, first aired in July 1943, showcases King’s intelligence and loyalty like never before.
Story 3: King Gets His Man – A later episode filled with suspense, fur scams, and the unforgettable Fishy Freddie, the piano-playing powerhouse. First aired in the 1950s, this story proves that no criminal can outsmart Yukon King.

Reflect on the adventures of Sergeant Preston and Yukon King. Whether it’s justice on the icy frontier or pesky criminals getting caught, their stories continue to inspire. And yes, Fishy Freddie definitely got caught.

Stay Tuned for More 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.