Jim Beshires: an audio interview about Westerns

Jim Beshires is the founder and president of the Old Time Radio Researchers organization, easily the finest OTR group around, in my opinion.

Jim is one of the nicest people I have met in the OTR hobby.  He lives close to me and I find him to be just like a friendly neighbor, even though I have never met him in person.

He and I have formed a friendship and he has been kind enough to answer some questions (via audio) in what can only be called a very unique interview.

This interview focuses on one of Jim's favorite subjects, the Western.  He's consented to do other interviews like this in the future and so I'm sure he won't be a stranger to you on this blog anymore.


OTR BUFFET: Jim, thank you for joining me and doing the interview.  I am glad we could finally do this interview, albeit it will be in a most unconvential way.

Jim Beshire's answer::




OTR BUFFET: I know that Westerns are one of your favorite type of old-time radio programs. Could you tell us about when you first began listening to Westerns and which shows?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Let's start with Gunsmoke. It seems that Gunsmoke is the King of Westerns by default - even though there are many good radio Westerns. Tell me what you think of when you think of Gunsmoke?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Gunsmoke had adult themes and really wasn't meant for children but you know children listened to it. Did you listen to it during the series run?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Between Parley Baer as Chester and Howard McNear as Doc, which character did you like better and which actor do you think was a better one (throughout their radio careers) Baer or McNear?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Are there any episodes that stand out for you as being special Gunsmoke episodes?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: How would you rate the Gunsmoke radio series against the TV series?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Moving on to Have Gun, Will Travel. What is your opinion of John Dehner as a radio actor?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Compare Dehner to William Conrad...

Jim Beshire's answer::


OTR BUFFET: Luke Slaughter of Tombstone is an underrated show. What are your thoughts on the show in general?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: There are the so-called "Kiddie Westerns." Would you talk about your favorite ones?

Jim Beshire's answer::



OTR BUFFET: Jim, thank you so much for doing this interview with me. I truly learned a lot and enjoyed your answers. I promise you, when we get together again to do another interview, it will be about science fiction!

Jim Beshire::





©Jimbo 2010/2011