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
I really liked this interview. Good questions and enjoyed his responses. The Conrad - Dehner thing was very interesting. Let me put it this way, I liked it.
ReplyDeleteHowdy, BB!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty sure you would enjoy this, seeing how much you enjoy the Western.
It was done a little unorthodoxly(?) but it all worked out well IMO.
Jim B was a great interviewee.
Great interview as usual. I should mention that the link to the reply to:
ReplyDeleteOTR BUFFET: Was Dehner better as a good guy or a villian on Gunsmoke?
didn't seem to work/play for me for some reason.
I personally enjoy the radio Gunsmoke version much better than the TV version. This was probably due to my first TV episode I saw, being one where Arness shoots an old friend (needing to be arrested) who was trying to save his life. At about 8-10 years old, I just couldn't understand how he could do this and never liked him after that.
Thank you for your comment. Thanks for pointing out the error - I'm not sure where the file wen, so I have deleted the question. My apologies to Mr. Beshires and everyone for the error.
ReplyDeleteMy kids grew up on old radio shows. One particular western episode that they loved was "The Mysterious Bell Ringer" on Wild Bill Hickock. Great fun!''
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