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 #715 – Office of Strategic Services

This week, Alan Ladd returns for his fourth appearance on the podcast, stepping into the role of a covert agent in the Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the 1946 spy drama O.S.S. It’s classic wartime intrigue, delivered with the steady intensity only Ladd could pull off.

We take a quick look at the real OSS, the film behind the broadcast, and why Ladd continues to impress every time he shows up on the show.

In This Episode

Alan Ladd takes on a covert wartime role
A brief look at the OSS and its legacy
The origins of the story and its Bond connection
The full Lux Radio Theater production of O.S.S.

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 #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.

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

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #711 – Comedy and Creeps

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we bring you a haunted double feature that’s equal parts laughter and fright!

Our first tale stars Bob Hope in the Screen Directors Playhouse adaptation of The Ghost Breakers (April 3rd, 1949). It’s a spooky romp filled with witty one-liners, mistaken identities, and a manor full of “boo”s and belly laughs.

Then, we trade laughter for goosebumps with Suspense’s Ghost Hunt (June 23rd, 1949). A radio host spends the night in a haunted mansion where the echoes might be more than just sound effects. It’s one of the creepiest stories ever broadcast.

Between our two stories, I’ll be talking about why we love to scare ourselves, how humor helps us face our fears, and a few real-life haunted homes that continue to keep the lights on—and the whispers going. So, grab your flashlight and your funny bone—because this week we’re exploring Comedy and Creeps: A Haunted Double Feature.

What You Will Hear:

Introduction: Why we laugh at fear
The Screen Directors Playhouse – The Ghost Breakers
Ron’s thoughts on laughter vs. fear
Suspense – Ghost Hunt
Closing commentary on hauntings and human curiosity

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 #707 – Spade vs. Marlowe: Mean Streets Showdown!

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories we continue our journey into the shadowy world of hard-boiled detectives. Last week we walked the mean streets with Philip Marlowe. This week, it’s Part 2 — and we’re talking about his rival in grit and wit, Sam Spade.

We’ll compare Marlowe and Spade, and look at the men behind them — authors Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. You’ll also hear about Howard Duff, who brought Sam Spade to life on the radio. Then it’s time for not one but two episodes from The Adventures of Sam Spade. First up, The Death and Company Caper (August 9, 1946). Then, The Wheel of Life Caper (July 11, 1948).

What You Will Hear:

How Chandler’s Philip Marlowe and Hammett’s Sam Spade stack up.
The backstory of their creators: Hammett the ex-Pinkerton, Chandler the literary craftsman.
The wit and voice of Howard Duff as Sam Spade.
The Death and Company Caper (1946).
The Wheel of Life Caper (1948).
A few laughs and wisecracks along the way.

Two detectives. Two styles. One unforgettable showdown.

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