Old Time Radio Westerns: Interview with George Walsh | Spotlight on a Star (07-22-69)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Interviewer: Chris
Guest: George Walsh (veteran radio announcer)
Release Date: December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, Chris takes us back to the golden age of radio with George Walsh, the legendary voice behind shows like “Gunsmoke” and “Suspense.” The discussion is a warm, witty, and insightful look at radio’s heyday, the craft of announcing, and the enduring legacy of classic radio dramas. Listeners are treated to stories from inside CBS studios, reflections on the evolution of radio, and Walsh’s fascinating encounters with fellow stars and fans. The conversation also explores preservation efforts, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the lasting magic of radio storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. George Walsh’s Entry into Radio

• Origin Story: Walsh recounts his accidental start in radio, beginning with a high school speech where he impersonated famous radio voices.
• Memorable Moment: His English teacher recruited him to perform at a prom, kickstarting his radio ambitions.
  • Quote: “I didn’t think so at the time, of course, but that started it.” (04:44)

2. The Craft and Role of the Radio Announcer

• Casting Announcers: Unlike actors, announcers auditioned for each show, and sponsors often influenced casting decisions. (07:04)
• Live Audiences: Walsh shares humorous stories about the complications of performing before live crowds, including warm-up routines and comedic mishaps.
  • Quote: “They got the laugh from everybody except me. I didn't think this was a very good idea at all.” (08:22)
• Warming Up the Audience: Describes his warm-up routines with Red Skelton and for dramatic shows like "Jack Benny." (09:09)

3. Sound Effects and Behind-the-Scenes Evolution

• Transition of Sound Men: Many sound effects artists transitioned to engineering or television roles as radio evolved. (11:07)
• Importance of Sound: Emphasis on the artistic and technical skills required for immersive radio experiences.

4. Legacy of Gunsmoke and Classic Radio Shows

• Joining Gunsmoke: Walsh discusses becoming the announcer in the early 1950s and the meticulous detail creators put into the show.
  • Quote: “They went into a great deal of research... Is there a screen door? And this kind of detail apparently paid off.” (15:39)
• Believable Characters: Elaborates on how Gunsmoke’s creators aimed for emotional realism, especially in Matt Dillon’s character.
• Walsh’s Role: Despite being a celebrated announcer, Walsh jokes about only “mumbling” as a crowd extra, not acting in central roles. (16:56)

5. Memorable Behind-the-Scenes Stories

• Unexpected Ad-Libs: Walsh remembers live slip-ups, like a bar fight scene where a modern phrase was blurted in 1870s Dodge City.
  • Quote: “All of a sudden the fight broke out and one of the actors stood up and ad libbed a great line right into the microphone...” (18:17)
• Meeting Icons: He shares awe in having Herbert Marshall remember him two years later.
  • Quote: “The little kid from Cleveland, Ohio, just wanted to pass out from sheer excitement because this to me was a wonderful feeling.” (19:15)

6. Radio’s Changing Nature and the End of an Era

• Final Gunsmoke Broadcast: Walsh recites the classic closing credits and reflects on signing off the last dramatic show from Hollywood.
  • Quote: “This broadcast concludes the current Gunsmoke series. This is George Walsh speaking.” (22:59)
• Life Moves On: At the time, Walsh was recently married and candid about the transient nature of radio work. (23:34)

7. Preservation and Remembering Radio

• Role of Preservation: Chris describes the Radio Historical Society’s mission to archive and share old shows: “Our group is putting together all the shows that we can through large electrical transcriptions, wire tape and magnetic recording tape. And through trading and preserving them and sharing ideas, we're keeping alive something that was really wonderful.” (30:58)
• Fan Magazines and Nostalgia: They discuss the significance—and rising collectible value—of classic radio magazines. (34:03)
• Generational Differences: Walsh and Chris reflect on how younger audiences might see classic radio as a novelty, questioning, “Well, that’s well and good, but where’s the picture?” (30:01)

8. Speculation: The Future of Radio

• Radio’s Next Act: Walsh predicts radio will become more mobile and information-focused, rather than a family entertainment centerpiece.
  • Quote: “Radio is a mobile thing... I anticipate radio receivers becoming smaller and smaller until they might get to a point where one might wear them as one today wears a wristwatch...” (27:10)
• Audio-only Mediums: They muse on the enduring power of audio, as seen in the success of comedy albums despite the dominance of television.

9. Practicalities and Economics of Reviving Old Radio

• Obstacle of Reproducing Classic Radio: High costs, logistical challenges (live musicians, actors, production), and rights issues make reviving old-time radio impractical. (39:13)
• Archival Practices: CBS kept copies of classic shows, but Walsh admits, “They never throw anything away.” (41:07)

10. Technical Insights & Broadcast Realities

• Live vs. Pre-Recorded Episodes: Early Gunsmoke episodes were performed live with repeats taped for different airings, shifting to fully taped shows later.
  • Quote: “It was done live. And then later on it was on tape as it started. It was done live on Saturday morning and... Repeated on Sunday evening.” (41:28)
• Professionalism of Cast: Walsh praises the “real pros” on the cast who could step up and deliver under any circumstances. (42:15)

11. Reflections on Fellow Announcers and Industry Connections

• Collegial Reminiscence: Walsh updates listeners on the whereabouts of industry peers and gives advice on how to connect with other announcers via the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. (44:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Warm-up Duties:
  “All you could be was warm and friendly.” – George Walsh (09:16)

• On Gunsmoke’s Authenticity:
  “They went into the detail … does he go up some steps and does he cross a porch and is there a screen door?” – George Walsh (15:39)

• On Endings:
  “This broadcast concludes the current Gunsmoke series. This is George Walsh speaking.” – George Walsh (22:59)

• On Technology and Progress:
  “Radio is a means of communication and keeping in touch while you are not only driving but, but at the beach anywhere.” – George Walsh (27:10)

• On Preservation:
  “Because of these few people who had the farsight to record them at the time, the sound is preserved forever.” – George Walsh (32:47)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------| | 04:44 | Walsh describes starting as a radio performer in high school | | 07:04 | Discussion of how announcers were selected for shows | | 08:22 | Story about comedic mishap in front of a live audience | | 09:09 | Insights into audience warm-ups for shows like Jack Benny | | 11:07 | Fate of classic radio sound effects artists | | 13:54 | Walsh recites iconic Gunsmoke opening monologue | | 15:39 | Walsh explains the detail-oriented creation of Gunsmoke | | 18:17 | Anecdote about an actor’s out-of-place ad-lib during a live show | | 19:15 | Walsh meets Herbert Marshall, feels starstruck | | 22:59 | Walsh signs off the final episode of Gunsmoke | | 27:10 | Walsh foresees the miniaturization and mobilization of radio | | 30:58 | Chris describes the goals of the Radio Historical Society | | 34:03 | Nostalgia for collectible radio fan magazines | | 39:13 | Discussion of the prohibitive cost of reviving classic radio shows | | 41:28 | Technical history: Gunsmoke live/recorded airing details | | 44:03 | Advice on contacting famous announcers through their union |

Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is informal, humorous, and affectionate—a shared celebration of a vanished era. Walsh is self-deprecating, charming, and insightful. Chris’s questions are nostalgic and respectful, inviting Walsh’s storytelling and historical perspective.

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich tapestry of radio history through the voice of one of its most iconic announcers. George Walsh’s reminiscences paint a vivid picture of radio’s golden age, the artistry behind each broadcast, and the enduring warmth of classic American entertainment. The thoughtful dialogue between Walsh and Chris honors both the nostalgia and the realities of preserving and appreciating these timeless works for future generations.