Forgotten Hollywood

In this episode, I talk about my three favorite films regarding Abraham Lincoln to support "President's Day'.  They are from 1939 "Young, Mr. Lincoln, 140 Abe Lincoln in Illinois and from 2012 Lincoln.

In this episode I spoke with Susan Morrison about her book "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live". Over the fifty years that Lorne Michaels has been at the helm of Saturday Night Live,  he has become a revered and inimitable presence in the entertainment world. He’s a tastemaker, a mogul, a withholding father figure, a genius spotter of talent, a shrewd businessman, a name-dropper, a ra...

In this episode I spoke with author Brian Raftery about his book "Hannibal Lector: A Life". Drawing from exclusive interviews and previously unseen archival materials, this one-of-its-kind biography of Hannibal Lecter documents the cannibal’s journey from terrifying villain to unexpectedly adored antihero

We are talking about the Defiant Ones with Sidney Poitier.  James Lott Jr is the guest host this episode!

James and Doug take a look back over 5 years and 399 episodes! thank you everyone!

In this episode, I spoke with author Anthony Uzarowski about his latest book "Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool'. Lauren Bacall (1924–2014), or Betty, as she was known to friends, was one of the last great movie stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her career spanned seven decades and was one of the longest and most distinguished in the history of show business. Yet it wasn’t easy.

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world . . . not one is better than hosting at home. Filled to the brim with history, heart, and hard-crafted drinks, this cocktail book will bring the spirit of Casablanca to life for its legions of fans. Historically accurate recipes, contemporary reinventions, and Moroccan-inspired small bites find common ground rooted in film trivia. Plus, a "...

n this episode I spoke with author Paul Fischer about his book "EP 397 The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola * Lucas * Spielberg and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema".  The untold, intimate story of how three young visionaries Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg revolutionized American cinema, creating the most iconic films in history while risking everything, redefin...

In this episode, I spoke with author Robert Hofler about his latest book "A Star Is Born". Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 classic film version starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, a riveting, juicy exploration of the history and popularity of Hollywood’s favorite story about itself, from its 1937 technicolor drama starring Janet Gaynor and the 1954 version with Judy...

Guest host James Lott Jr talks about the highest paid and most known Hollywood Stars of Asian descent in the 1940s to 1960s and what they had to endure by the studio system. Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook The Forgotten Hollywood Boks are on Amazon!

Guest host James Lott Jr tells you the Number 1 Movies of January 1940, 1950, and 1960. These films reached the Top spot of the US Box Office.  Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook and the books are on Amazon.

Guest Host James Lott Jr talks about the highest paid actors in Hollywood in the 1940s, both Black and White.

In this episode I spoke with Jeffrey Paul Thompson (one of three authors of the book "Twentieth Century Fox: A Century of Entertainment". Here it is the first-time look at the remarkable American multinational mass media empire and its century of entertainment the story of Twentieth Century Fox (1915–2015). Or, to borrow the title of a classic 1959 Fox film, The Best of Everything. Forgotten Holly...

It's the end of 2025 and Creator/Producer/Host Doug Hess takes a look back with JLJ Media CEO on the almost 6 year old show. Thank you everyone in making this show a huge hit!

Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode I spoke with author Stephn Rötzsch Thomas about his book "Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide." In Disney's Animated Classics , Stephen Rötzsch Thomas explores the iconic features from the studio's first 100 years, from Snow White  to  Wish . A love letter to storytelling and collaboration, each chapter takes readers behind the scenes of a different movie, uncovering...

Guest Host James Lott Jr picks one of his heros to talk about.  Flip Wilson: The Groundbreaking King of 1970s Television Clerow “Flip” Wilson Jr. Born: December 8, 1933 Died: November 25, 1998 Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer Claim to Fame: First Black TV superstar and highest-paid performer of his era Flip Wilson wasn’t just a comedian — he was a cultural shift. He opened doors, rede...

In this episode, I spoke with author Thom Shubilla about his latest book "King Kong vs Godzilla -"The Most Colossal Conflict the Screen Has Ever Known". Popular culture in 1962 experienced many notable firsts. That year, The Beatles released their debut single “Love Me Do” in England, The Beach Boys first LP,  Surfin’ Safari , was stocked on record store shelves, The Rolling Stones played their fi...

In this episode, I spoke with author Scott Eyman regarding his book "Joan Crawford A Women's Face'. Film historian and acclaimed  New York Times  bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive biography of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, drawing on never-before-seen documents and photos from the Crawford estate.

Guest Host James Lott JR remembers the ground breaking role of Dominque Devereaux on the 80s hit soap Dynasty and the actress who played her. 

In this episode I spoke with author Jeffrey Paul Thompson about his latest book "Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic ". Despite having been made into three TV movies, a radio drama, a stage play, a Broadway musical, a feature-film remake in color, and a book adaptation, the 1947 black-and-white film of  Miracle on 34th Street  still remains the favorite version of this modern...

In this episode I spoke with Mark Malkoff about his book "Love Johnny Carson". A wildly entertaining book by one of the world’s most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host. Doug Hess is producer and host Forgoten Hollywood is on Facebook. The Books are...

In this episode I spoke with Richard Kirshenbaum about his latest book " The Hollywood Fix".  This masterful and sweeping novel is based on true stories from the studio system era and PR machines which have not only created legends but exposed the dirty business of keeping the stars shiny and clean. 

In this episode, I spoke with author Todd James Pierce about his book "Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film".   Making Mary Poppins  reveals the extraordinary true story behind the creation of one of the most beloved films of all time―and the two little-known songwriters who helped make it possible.

Guest Host James Lott Jr talks about Butterfly McQueen!  Butterfly McQueen was an African American actress and dancer, best remembered for her role as Prissy in the classic 1939 film Gone With the Wind. Her distinctive, high-pitched voice and expressive personality made her unforgettable to audiences — but her legacy extends far beyond that one film. Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook. The books a...