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.

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 #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 #700 – The Secrets of Scotland Yard

This is episode #700 of Ron’s Amazing Stories! Can you believe it? Seven hundred episodes of time travel through tales, truth, and the occasional trench-coated raccoon. More on that in a bit. Today’s journey starts deep in the heart of Secrets of Scotland Yard, the legendary radio drama that pulled back the curtain on some of Britain’s most chilling cases. We’ll share two classic episodes, each steeped in mystery, crime, and a touch of old-world British grit:

Featured Stories:

“The Man with the Violin: The Charles Peace Case”

Meet Charles Peace—by day, a violinist and gentleman. By night, a rooftop-scaling, disguise-wearing, cold-blooded killer. His tale winds through 19th-century rooftops and courtrooms, ending, as many true crimes do, with a noose and a gasp. Bonus Ron Fact: Charles Peace inspired a 1949 British crime film, and every bit of his story—from obsession to execution—is documented history.

“Just A Matchstick And A Duster”

A peculiar little tale about two ordinary items and a rather extraordinary crime. Though no concrete history backs this one up, the mystery remains… and sometimes, that’s the fun of it.

Special Segment: Don’s Astounding Stories Hits 700

In celebration of our 700th episode, we share the completely true and not-at-all embellished tale of Don’s Astounding Stories, a podcast that defied logic, common sense, and multiple cease-and-desist letters to reach its own 700-episode milestone. From answering machines to AI co-hosts and spam busts, this satirical tribute reminds us all: you don’t need polish to have persistence. You just need Don… and possibly a backup host made of kitchen appliances.

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 #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.

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

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #681 – The Boston Blackie Double Feature

This time on Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey into the fascinating realm of mystery, adventure, and the extraordinary. We’re diving into the world of Boston Blackie, a character whose transformation from jewel thief to detective made waves in 1940s America. We’ll bring you two riveting tales from the classic radio series that captured the hearts of listeners nationwide.

The Johnathan Diamond – This is the pilot episode of the series. Blackie is aboard an airplane bound for Chicago when the pilot is told that he is wanted by police. This one first aired on June 23, 1944

Blackie and The Black Market – This is the 5th episode of the series. Again Blackie gets tied up with both the underworld and the police, both wanting to see his demise. It first aired on July 21, 1944.

So sit back, relax, and prepare to be entertained by the wit and charm of Boston Blackie, as he navigates the shadowy line between law and the underworld. Join us as we discover the allure of old-time radio and the timeless appeal of a rogue hero.

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