Going Hollywood - Movies and Television from the Golden Age to Today

It's Tony's birthday and we commemorate the event by celebrating one of the greatest romantic comedies of the silent film era, Mary Pickford's final silent masterpiece…from 1927, “My Best Girl". Far more than just another romantic comedy, this jewel captures a pivotal moment in Hollywood history—the absolute peak of silent filmmaking just before sound would forever change the m...

The butler didn't do it! Then again, Dame Agatha Christie never wrote that tired cliche. Join us as we embark on a glamorous, deadly journey down the Nile as we dissect the 1978 adaptation of Dame Agatha Christie's masterpiece, "Death on the Nile", a film that perfectly balances humor, intrigue, and shocking violence against the breathtaking backdrop of Egypt. Whether you'...

"Nobody's as good as Bette when she's bad!"  So heralded a famous movie tagline from the 1940s, and nothing could be more appropriate for today’s film, Lillian Helman's tale of mendacity in the moonlight, 1941's The Little Foxes .  In this classic film, the one and only Bette Davis plays Regina Giddens, a woman whose ambition knows no boundaries, and whose determinati...

As we launch into our second season, we couldn't think of a better filmmaker to celebrate than the masterful comedic genius of Mel Brooks. We give our take on two iconic films that showcase different facets of his boundary-pushing humor: "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety. A Mel Brooks, whose commitment to pushing comedy to its limits while maintaining heart and intelligence c...

It’s our Christmas episode! And what could be more appropriate than celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with one of the most joyous films ever made? From 1958, it’s “Auntie Mame.”  This classic film starring the magnificent Rosalind Russell in her most iconic role has become a holiday staple for many movie fans, and captures the essence of living life to the fullest in this holiday sea...

We’re finishing off our first season of “Going Hollywood” on a high with a true masterpiece of chilling prophecy... from 1976, Paddy Chayefsky's "Network”! We explore how the film foretold the merging of news and entertainment long it became a norm at the networks. Sidney Lumet's collaboration with Chayefsky is also in the spotlight, as we discuss how their work revealed the troubli...

We explore the 1949 masterpiece "The Heiress," starring Olivia de Havilland, Ralph Richardson, Montgomery Clift, and Miriam Hopkins. Discover how de Havilland's break from Warner Brothers led her to a role that would define an era, as we unravel the nuanced performances and emotional depth of this iconic film. With insights fresh from Brad's first viewing and Tony's long-s...

Ever wondered what it would be like if Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced " Bouquet" ) had a social media account in today's world? We explore the timeless humor of "Keeping Up Appearances,"(BBC, 1990-1995) drawing parallels between Hyacinth's endearing antics and the curated personas of modern social media influencers. Join us as we journey through the sitcom's charmin...

Revisit a special moment with us as we relive Tony's second appearance on Brad's podcast, "Queer We Are," a conversation so rich we like to think of it as the "lost pilot" of our own show, "Going Hollywood." We discuss Tony's new documentary, "Cary Grant: The Man He Dreamed of Being" and celebrate this icon from Hollywood's golden age. We...

Renowned playwright and composer Stephen Dolginoff joins us to unravel the chilling narrative behind Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" and its connection to the real-life crime of Leopold and Loeb. We promise a captivating journey through the film's thematic ties to Nietzsche's superman theory and the concept of thrill killings. As we mark the 100th anniversary of the infamous cri...

Uncover the secrets behind "Rosemary's Baby" and explore its eerie brilliance with us. From the haunting lullaby composed by Krzysztof Komeda to the fascinating fiction of Tannis root, we promise a new appreciation for the film's chilling scenes that still captivate audiences today. We'll discuss standout performances, notably Mia Farrow's unsettling dream sequences a...

It's Halloween night in 1962, and an unsuspecting world is not quite prepared for what it is about to experience...two legendary stars from Hollywood's Golden Age unleash decades of resentment, rage, and recrimination on each other and on the movie going public. It's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" and movies--and movie stars--will never be the same.   Discover the capti...

It’s our “Trick or Treat” episode! And no movie is full of more tricks, or treats, than Neil Simon’s 1976 classic “Murder by Death” Packed with wit and an oddball cast of literary detectives, this 1976 film offers more than just mystery; it serves up a cocktail of laughter and intrigue. We honor the late Dame Maggie Smith and her role in this cinematic gem that turns the traditional whodunit on it...

Is "Bride of Frankenstein" the greatest horror film ever made? Join us as we dissect this 1935 classic, inspired by a listener email from Susan, and saved for our special Halloween month episode. We promise you’ll gain fresh insights into James Whale's comedic vision, which we liken to Sidney Pollack's dramatic flair in "Tootsie." We’ll debate its standing against oth...

Ever wondered how a simple farm life could be so hilariously absurd? Get ready to unravel the quirky world of "Green Acres" as we dive deep into its brilliant mix of comedy and surrealism. From a Sesame Street-inspired game to the surprising links with the works of Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter, we promise you’ll never look at this classic TV show the same way again. Discover how &quo...

All good things must come to an end, and that goes Darrin-double in this episode as we wrap up our "Happy Birthday, Bewitched!" episodes with the tales of Morning Glory Circle's final three years...a/k/a "The Dick Sargent Era". Join us as we celebrate and examine the show's evolution across two distinct eras and two distinct Dicks...York and Sargent.  We'll take...

Join us for a special 60th-anniversary celebration of the classic TV show "Bewitched" as we discuss the beloved sitcom's place in television history. In this first of 2 episodes, we'll concentrate on the show's first 5 years, a/k/a - the Dick York era.  We kick off the episode with some fun singing and then embark on a nostalgic journey through the rich history and trivia...

Today we take on romance  and discuss one of the greatest romantic pairings in cinema history...Paul Newman and Robert Redford, specifically in "The Sting" (1973).  What makes this Best Picture Oscar-winner such an enduring classic, and how did the bromance between Paul Newman and Robert Redford redefine cinematic pairings? Join us as we, along with special guest Bob Lament from Static R...

Did Katharine Hepburn truly shine in "Alice Adams," or was it one of her more excruciating performances? Join us for “The Great Kate Debate” as we passionately discuss the 1935 classic, starring Hepburn alongside Fred MacMurray. While one of us sees it as a delightful highlight of Hepburn's early career, the other labels it a torturous experience. We also provide a glimpse into the...

What if your favorite sitcoms did more than just entertain—they shaped societal attitudes and pushed boundaries? Join us as we welcome Matt Baume, an expert in gay television history and the acclaimed author of "Hi Honey, I'm Homo," to explore the enduring legacy of "All in the Family." We'll revisit two groundbreaking episodes featuring the character Beverly LaSalle,...

Ever found yourself wondering what films truly deserve a spot among the cinematic greats? Join us as we embark on a funny and candid countdown of our top five favorite films and beloved lazy Sunday afternoon picks. From Brad’s surprising choice of "Deadpool" to Tony’s classic Hollywood gems like "Singin’ in the Rain",  we promise a spirited debate that reflects our unique taste...

What makes "Chinatown" one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history? Join us as we uncover the layers of this 1974 classic in our comprehensive breakdown. From the intricate plot involving a murder mystery and water scandal to its high ranking on AFI's list, we explore why this film remains a cornerstone of American cinema. Be forewarned: we go deep into the story, revealing al...

In the 1982 classic film "Tootsie," Dustin Hoffman's character, Michael Dorsey, transforms into Dorothy Michaels. Brad and Tony dive into how Hoffman's incredible performance blurred the lines between character and actor, making Dorothy Michaels an unforgettable icon. Discover the tumultuous yet creative relationship between Hoffman and director Sidney Pollack, and the initial...

Revisit the journey of Rhoda from singlehood to marriage and back, sprinkled with personal anecdotes and hilarious behind-the-scenes moments. Our special guest co-host Scott Fullerton, the host of the Left of Str8 Podcast, brings his humor and a unique perspective to the conversation, making this nostalgic trip down memory lane. The discussion continues with the jaw-dropping decision to have Rhoda...

S01 E16 How much of "Postcards from the Edge" mirrors Carrie Fisher’s own tumultuous life? Tony and Brad explore the real-life inspirations behind the film's mother-daughter dynamics, brought to life by the stellar performances of Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine. The lines blur as they dissect the film’s blend of reality and creativity. Focusing on unforgettable moments and true-t...