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.

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 #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.

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RAS #699 – Ears That Betray, Eyes That See

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week, Ears That Betray, Eyes That See. We head into the murky world of eavesdropping, unspoken truths, and the heavy price of hearing too much. With two chilling tales from the golden age of radio, we explore how curiosity doesn’t just kill the cat—it occasionally takes a few bystanders with it.

Stories Featured:

The Whistler – “The Witness” – Original Air Date: July 8, 1951 – A brilliant young architect sees his career implode—only to be offered a lifeline from a coworker with a price. When ambition mixes with manipulation, the cost of success may be far higher than anyone imagined.
Suspense – “Sorry, Wrong Number” – Original Air Date: May 25, 1943 – Written by Lucille Fletcher. Starring Agnes Moorehead in her most legendary radio performance. An invalid woman, confined to her bed, overhears a phone call that pulls her into a deadly web. Frantic, powerless, and unheard—her night spirals into sheer terror.

Host’s Note: From architects of fate to victims of coincidence, both tales remind us that sometimes, hearing too much—or seeing too clearly—can be the beginning of the end. Evil doesn’t knock. It whispers. And if you’re unlucky enough to be listening… well, you’ve already invited it in.

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 #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.

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RAS #697 – A Sci-Fi Classic Revisited

In this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we head back to the golden age of science fiction cinema, exploring the 1951 masterpiece The Day the Earth Stood Still. Get ready to dive into its rich history, cultural impact, and timeless message of peace. Plus, enjoy the Lux Radio Theater adaptation featuring Michael Rennie reprising his role as Klaatu.

Introduction: Ron sets the stage with a journey into The Day the Earth Stood Still, directed by Robert Wise, with insights into its message, characters, and influence on the genre.
Origins: Discover the origin story, “Farewell to the Master” by Harry Bates, the inspiration behind the film. Learn about Michael Rennie’s portrayal of Klaatu and the enigmatic robot Gort.
Radio Adaptation: Relive the 1954 Lux Radio Theater rendition, bringing the story to life through suspenseful narration and authentic sound effects.
Closing Thoughts: Ron wraps up with reflections on Michael Rennie’s career and the enduring legacy of the film. It’s not just about aliens and robots; it’s about the profound message of peace that resonates across generations.

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