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.

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 #713 – Lucky Jordan

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we head back to the world of Hollywood radio drama with Screen Director’s Playhouse. It’s the third time in a few weeks we’ve featured Alan Ladd — and this one helped shape his signature tough-guy style. (Links to those other stories: Shane and Beyond Glory)

The story is Lucky Jordan, based on the 1942 film directed by Frank Tuttle. It’s about a smooth gangster drafted into the Army who finds himself on an unexpected road to redemption. The radio version aired in 1951 and ran a full hour, giving it time to capture the wit, grit, and heart of the original film. If you love sharp dialogue, strong characters, and classic sound design — this one delivers all three.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Alan Ladd in Lucky Jordan from Screen Director’s Playhouse!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Runtime: 59:11 minutes (including commentary)

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 #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.

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RAS #691 – The D.O.A. Story

This time on Ron’s Amazing Stories we have the man who solved his own murder. We explore the curious case of Frank Bigelow—a man who was murdered but lived long enough to solve his own case. Sound unbelievable? That’s the premise of the 1949 film D.O.A., and today, we’re bringing you its radio adaptation from the Screen Director’s Playhouse, featuring Edmund O’Brien reprising his role.

Episode Highlights:

The baffling question: “Have you ever been murdered?” (Hopefully, no!)
Film Thoughts: A humorous, insightful look at D.O.A. (1949), starring Edmond O’Brien. Discover why this film stands out in the film noir genre and how it became a cult classic despite mixed initial reviews..
Radio Adaptation: Edited for this podcast, we present the Screen Director’s Playhouse version of D.O.A., originally aired on June 21, 1951.

D.O.A. is more than just a film noir; it’s a tale of irony, determination, and dramatic flair.

Frank Bigelow’s story serves as a reminder of resilience—even when time is quite literally running out.

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow mystery and film noir enthusiasts. Until next time—stay curious!

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 #690 – Reflection From The 50s

On Ron’s Amazing Stories! Imagine standing at the mythical “Lake of Wisdom,” only to find that even shallow waters can reflect the sky. This episode is a quirky dive into unexpected connections, featuring two stories that seem worlds apart—but are they really? Take on Ron’s challenge: Can you figure out the twisted thread tying them together?

Story 1: Like Man, Somebody Dig Me
Series: Suspense
Aired: May 25, 1958

Synopsis: A tale straight from the Beatnik era—cool cats, existential dread, and a man determined to exhaust everyone he meets. It’s a wild ride through history’s most dramatically unimpressed generation.

Story 2: The Outer Limit
Series: X Minus One
Aired: November 11, 1955

Synopsis: Fasten your seatbelts for a leap into the “future”—1965, that is—where experimental rocket tests set the stage for humanity’s triumphs and cautionary tales. Spoiler: Things don’t go exactly as planned.

Did you spot the connection between these two tales? Was it delusion, inspiration, or something more? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for tuning in to Ron’s Amazing Stories Episode #690. Don’t forget to support the show by starting your free Audible trial at audibletrial.com/ronsmazingstories.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.