RAS #689 – The Legacy of The Virginian

In this episode, Ron investigates one of his favorite TV shows from childhood—The Virginian. Saddle up as he explores the story’s origins, and its transformation through literature, film, and radio. The Virginian’s evolution from novel to screen shaped a genre. Gary Cooper’s portrayal of the character remains a benchmark in Western cinema.

What You’ll Hear:

Ron’s memories of The Virginian TV show starring James Drury, and favorite character, Trampus.
The History of The Virginian. A literary journey beginning with Owen Wister’s 1902 novel, its role in defining the Western genre, and its adaptation into films—highlighting Gary Cooper’s iconic performance and his famous line, “When you call me that, smile.”
Listen to the 1936 Lux Radio Theater’s adaptation of The Virginian, featuring Gary Cooper reprising his role.
Learn about one of Hollywood’s first gossip columnist, his influence on Tinseltown, and the origin of the term “Oscar.”
Ron investigates the Virginian’s real name—and why it remains a mystery to this day.

Thank you for listening to Ron’s Amazing Stories—where history, mystery, and classic tales come alive.

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 #685 – William Conrad

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we explore one of radio’s most legendary figures: William Conrad. We will uncover the remarkable career of a man whose resonant baritone and versatile talent left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio.

Born John William Cann Jr. in 1920, Conrad’s journey into the world of radio began in the late 1930s. His compelling voice quickly captured attention showcasing his range across numerous genres.

From his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke” to his chilling performances in “Suspense” and “The CBS Radio Workshop,” Conrad’s contributions were vast and influential. We’ll listen to two of his most memorable performances, including “Sundown,” which he wrote and directed, and “The Wax Works,” a testament to his ability to captivate audiences single-handedly.

Join us as we celebrate William Conrad’s legacy, exploring the depth of his talent and the enduring impact of his work on both radio and television.

Show Links:

On the show today Ron talked about two additional stories. From CBS Radio Work shop, 1489 Words with William Conrad and Backseat Driver a story staring Fiber McGee on Suspense.

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 #683 – The Six Shooter Double Feature

On this edition of Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey into the golden age of radio. We feature a Six Shooter double feature, highlighting the remarkable talent of the legendary James Stewart. Known for his distinctive voice and relatable charm, Stewart brought the character of Britt Ponset to life in this iconic Western series.

Stewart’s portrayal of Ponset wasn’t just another role; it was a testament to his versatility and dedication to storytelling. Despite the series’ short run, it left an indelible mark on radio history, showcasing Stewart’s ability to embody the rugged spirit of the American West.

In this podcast episode, we’ll explore two gripping stories from The Six Shooter: “Trail To Sunset,” an adventure with familiar cinematic echoes, and “Stampede,” a thrilling tale of survival against nature’s raw power. Between these tales, we’ll take a lighthearted detour to discuss some of the greatest movie actors of all time—because who doesn’t love a good debate about cinematic legends?

So sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this nostalgic adventure. Whether you’re a long-time fan of James Stewart or new to The Six Shooter, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy the show!

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 #679 – The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this time we have a classic story for the ages, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart, this tale has been captivating audiences since 1927. It started as a novel, then became a blockbuster movie in 1948, and even graced the airwaves of LUX Radio Theater the following year. Each version of this story built on the success of its predecessor. Lux had a knack for taking the hottest hits of the time and making them their own. But did they pull it off this time? Listen in and find out! Ron will be exploring the truth behind the story and sharing some fun facts that you won’t want to miss. So, press that play button and enjoy ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’. It first aired on April 18, 1949.

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 #678 – Gunsmoke Double Feature

Join us on Ron’s Amazing Stories as we explore the most iconic western series of all time: Gunsmoke! This groundbreaking show first graced our screens in 1952 and kept us hooked until 1975, totally changing how we saw westerns. Gunsmoke wasn’t just about the wild west; it showed that westerns could be for grown-ups too, with deep stories and complex characters.

Today, we have two stories from Gunsmoke’s first season:

First up, we have “Doc Holiday,” which aired on July 7, 1952. This show mixes a historical person with fiction. Get ready to be intrigued by the relationship between Matt Dillon and the legendary gunfighter, Doc Holiday.

And for our second story, “The Brothers,” which aired on September 6, 1952, buckle up because it’s a wild ride! Two brothers come to Dodge City to sell a herd of cattle, but things aren’t as the seem. This one was known for its great writing, and great acting.

So, grab some popcorn and join us as we revisit these classic tales and uncover the stories behind them. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore Gunsmoke, there’s something for everyone here.

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