A Word on Westerns

• Audrey Dalton

  On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome Irish-born actress Audrey Dalton, whose wide-ranging career brought her to Hollywood’s golden era—and right into the heart of the Western genre. Known for her role in 1953’s Titanic (opposite Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb), Audrey also appeared in a host of classic TV Westerns and frontier features that showcased both her elegance and her grit. Audrey recalls filming Drumbeat in scenic Sedona, Arizona for star-producer Alan Ladd and director Delmer Daves, revealing how a then-rising Charles Bronson (credited for the first time under his new stage name) brought fierce intensity to the role of “Captain Jack.” She shares fond memories of working on Gunsmoke with Burt Reynolds, including the challenges of conquering her fear of horses for a fast-paced storyline. She also recounts guest turns on Wagon Train with Ward Bond, on The Big Valley with Barbara Stanwyck, and on The Wild Wild West wrangling live cheetahs—plus a brush with the legendary Boris Karloff. From surviving runaway stagecoaches to juggling comedic bits of costuming and accent changes, Audrey’s experiences shine a loving spotlight on Hollywood’s high adventure of the 1950s and ’60s. Saddle up as she takes us from the soundstages of Paramount to the rugged backlots and desert vistas that transformed a Dublin girl into one of the genre’s favorite frontier ladies.

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  42:17
• Marion Ross

  On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome the beloved Marion Ross, best known as the iconic Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days. Yet long before she became America’s favorite sitcom mom, Marion spent her early days under contract at Paramount, landing roles on some of television’s most popular Westerns. She vividly recalls shooting The Lone Ranger with Clayton Moore—marveling at his lasting persona—and riding shotgun alongside a young Clint Eastwood in a runaway stagecoach on Rawhide. Whether you know her as Mrs. C or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes Western stories, saddle up for an entertaining ride through Marion Ross’s Hollywood journey and discover a pioneer spirit that shone as brightly on dusty backlots as it did in a studio audience.

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  26:22
• Jim Beaver

  On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer-cohost RJ Word welcome character actor and film historian Jim Beaver, a familiar face from such hits as Deadwood, Justified, Supernatural, and The Boys. While many viewers know him as prospector Ellsworth or demon-hunter Bobby Singer, Jim reveals his lifelong love of Western lore—a passion that would eventually bring him face-to-face with true Hollywood originals. Jim shares the remarkable story of how he became the roommate of beloved John Ford–stock player Hank Worden (Old Mose from The Searchers). Their friendship, forged through letters while Jim was still in the Marines, blossomed into four years of living under the same roof. Along the way, Jim discovered Hank’s gentle spirit and gained priceless insights into the era of classic Western filmmaking. Jim also recalls his time with James Arness on two Gunsmoke reunion movies—an experience he initially feared had gone badly until a surprising second call. He explains how Deadwood changed his career, from navigating David Milch’s ever-evolving scripts to traipsing through the famously muddy streets of Melody Ranch. Plus, he opens up about his recurring roles in Longmire, Supernatural, and The Boys—all spawned by that pivotal turn in Deadwood. Whether you’re drawn to behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories or simply intrigued by the mix of modern sci-fi and old-school Westerns, ride along with Jim Beaver as he salutes longtime heroes, reflects on acting breakthroughs, and pays homage to the genre’s enduring magic.

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  38:27
• Tim Matheson

  On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word welcome actor-director Tim Matheson, whose career spans childhood stardom to Hollywood mainstay. In a lively conversation filled with behind-the-scenes revelations, Tim describes how he grew up on classic sets, beginning with his voice role in Jonny Quest and a guest spot on Leave It to Beaver, then moving on to regular appearances during the final seasons of The Virginian and Bonanza. Along the way, he forged a lifelong friendship with Kurt Russell while shooting one of television’s last big network Westerns, The Quest. Tim recalls his days learning the ropes from Western icon Doug McClure on The Virginian and gaining invaluable comedic tips from Tim Conway and Don Knotts while working on Disney’s The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. He also reflects on receiving an impromptu masterclass in on-camera authenticity from Henry Fonda, and witnessing Lucille Ball’s meticulous approach to physical comedy on the set of Yours, Mine and Ours. Later, on Magnum Force, Tim saw firsthand how Clint Eastwood favored a “fast and first-take” style of filmmaking—an approach that carried into Tim’s own directing career. Finally, he discusses bringing his mischievous wit to John Landis’ cult comedy Animal House, which remains a comedic benchmark to this day. Whether you’re drawn to Westerns, vintage sitcoms, or timeless films, saddle up for a fascinating look at the craft of acting and directing as Tim Matheson recounts the lessons he learned from Hollywood’s best and brightest. Enjoy this entertaining ride with one of the industry’s most versatile talents.

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  33:24
• Walter Hill

  On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer/co-host RJ Word sit down with trailblazing writer, director, and producer Walter Hill, whose influence stretches from gritty 1970s actioners to modern prestige television. Best known for cult classics like The Warriors and box-office hits like 48 Hrs., Hill has always kept one foot planted in frontier territory, whether helming The Long Riders or guiding AMC’s Emmy-winning miniseries Broken Trail. In a lively conversation, Hill shares candid behind-the-scenes stories about working with maverick talents like Sam Peckinpah, John Ford, and Sam Fuller—and recalls how a surprise visit from Fuller inspired one of The Long Riders’ most memorable knife fights. He also reminisces about directing Robert Duvall in Geronimo and again in Broken Trail, offering an inside look at the occasionally contentious collaborations that led to award-winning results. From letting actors choose their hats (advice straight from Raoul Walsh) to explaining why The Warriors really is a modern-day Western, Hill delivers a masterclass on filmmaking’s past, present, and future. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of his action-packed style or simply curious about how a big-screen storyteller wrangles stars, budgets, and strong personalities, join us for an unforgettable ride with one of Hollywood’s most distinctive voices in the Western genre—and beyond.

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  34:43

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