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Ron’s Amazing Stories is a weekly podcast. We play classic short stories, old-time radio and much more. Do you have a story that you want to tell? Ron will read it on the show or you can tell it for yourself! Also, we do interviews with authors, radio personalities, actors and even an NBA all-star. 

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  2. RAS #707 - Spade vs. Marlowe: Mean Streets Showdown!

RAS #707 - Spade vs. Marlowe: Mean Streets Showdown!

Sep 25, 2025

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.

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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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