I've always wondered why ppl talked like that in the 40's/50

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Never coming to a conclusion.
If you listened or seen old documentary films, commercials, sporting events, there was unique way of how they expressed themselves over the airways. It wasn't the dialogue or accent either (or was it?) because it was a rhythmic way of speaking. Sometimes a slower, halting way of talking, but almost like in a pattern. There aren't many of those guys left now.

If you know who Vin Scully is, you'll know exactly what I am talking about. Usually old-timer announcers changed with the field, and thus changing how they talked. (listen to old footage of Bob Barker then and now) But not Scully!, it either stuck with him, or he wanted to keep it up. Does anyone know why everyone sounded the same back then?

They certainly didn't sound like Valley Girls.

Two reasons.

1. Languages change gradually over time.
2. Older sound recording technology distorted voices.

So do you think it was like an "accent" then?

This is what I mean
Two random examples
A game show host
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrx5hTEjyic[/youtube]

Also, the narration was different. Here the person has a halty patterned voice/almost like he is shouting, or overly-enthusiastic of the presentation
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FxzOSwkkPI[/youtube]

Yes, I know what you mean. - The social status of the speaker is another factor. In the latter video above the narrator is obviously a member of the upper class. And in the 1950s documentaries were not so common as they are today. They were made with a different attitude, kind of solemnity.

Yeah, and today it sounds theatrical to us! Almost like an old Shakespearean play. I guess even the radio/tv announcers had to "act" because that's what the audience wanted or expected to hear(?) As silly as it is.. I do think it's a bit fascinating though.