History. Rated R.

Francisco Franco was the dictator who couldn't be killed! By time at least. Dude ran the country from the 40's to the 70's. During his reign he also managed to keep Spain out of WWII, which we guess is okay. But more importantly, Argentina's superstar and inspiration for the hit musical, Evita makes a STRONG guest appearance. Much more important than shitty dictator Frank. Learn more about your ad...

One of Hollywood's most famous and important icons (also VIP Gay icon!) Elizabeth Taylor was a woman of many talents and much power in the industry. Known for both her body of work and many, many husbands, let's dive in to the life of a legend. Plus, Craig tells about the time he MET HER!!! And HRR celebrates it's 1 year Anniversary! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The infamous William Randolph Hearst was one of the world's wealthiest and most legendary publishing magnates (and the inspiration for the film Citizen Kane). He also had a longtime mistress in actress and silent film star Marion Davies who arguably was just as important and influential as he was. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Red Scare had a far reach in the United States, and Mr. Joseph McCarthy had fun dipping his greasy fingers all the way into Hollywood. Hear about some of the infamous "Hollywood Blacklist" writers, who found their careers, politics, and livelihoods threatened by the big bad himself. Also! A fun little story about Judy Holliday, the actress who beat McCarthy at his own game. Learn more about yo...

Senator Joseph McCarthy is one of history's great legendary villains. Responsible for fueling the Red Scare into a period of persecution of many people, the actual history of how we got to him goes back to World War I. Plus, a reddish fish, learn the history of the Salmon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the holidays! Happy holidays to all and to all a great episode about how the courts defined obscenity as it came to film and pornography. What better way to celebrate the holidays? Plus, a brief history of satanical practices at christmastime including a long lost tradition...dressing in drag for christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're continuing on our journey through a production code challenged Hollywood. A few films along the way changed the way we look at movies (and collected some Oscars too), directly affecting our rating system and, as we will come to see, going all the way up to the Supreme Court. Plus, a brief history of mulled wine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We go back to our favorite place of Hollywood to discuss the always controversial and unbelievably strict and stupid Motion Picture Production Code, often referred to as the "Hays Code." Hear a lot of stupid things they wanted to regulate when it came to the eras of the classics, but also how these restrictions may have forced writers to get better, and more clever, to avoid it. Learn more about y...

Craig walks us further down our Shakespeare path, discussing the real life histories of two of time's (and ol' Bill's) most iconic figures, Julius Caesar and Macbeth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Will's birthday! Celebrate with us as we listen to an almost 20 year old tape he found of his grandma, Olga Gotto, discussing the history of the 1950's with his sister Lisa for a high school project. We hope you have and have had a happy Thanksgiving. We're thankful to YOU for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue our jounrey into the mind of good ol' Bill aka Bill Shakespeare aka Bill Skarsgaard's original form, William Shakespeare. And in this mind we're discussing the real life Kings of history that inspired his many plays aptly titled...those Kings names. Plus, let's unpack that Rancho episode shall we? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History Rated R is coming to you LIVE!...well, pre-recorded technically. But we taped this episode in front of a live studio audience (not really) at the Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA! Craig is a member of the gang there and he's giving us the 411 on the Rancho's history and its impact as an important California Landmark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're putting the R in History Rated R today as we talk about the revolutionary, and in many ways controversial, Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about his life and works from your dear old uncle Craig and then also learn from Will about why Gandhi might have hated Will and Craig. It's all fun and games (and some serious sh*t) here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Halloweeeeeeeen!!!! And we're celebrating by talking about...Martin Luther? That's right, the guy who hammered the "95 Theses" to the door of the Catholic Church was the founding father of Protestantism. And he did it on Halloween night! But it wouldn't be a proper holiday episode without a little history of the day itself, and constant interruptions from Will in an attempt to make Luther's s...

We're circling back to the time of Mary Wollstonecraft to talk about one of France's most powerful figures during the revolution, Maximilien Robespierre! From a young age he was on a path to power, going eventually from judge to accused dictator. Plus, the weird history of a random dish from a famous New Orleans restaurant...Steak Robespierre! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

It's Craig's birthday! So we're celebrating how the man wants, not by talking about the history of Shakespeare's life but of Craig's favorite plays! Listen to some theater nerds talk about their love for ol' Will. The ONLY other Will we'll tolerate. Plus, hear the history of Shakespeare's favorite drink...ale! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of Wollstonecraft being an OG feminist, Craig brings us into the 21st Century with several notable and notorious women who furthered and advanced the cause and work of feminism. Plus, in a delayed goodbye to Summer, a brief history of the Margarita! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rolls are reversed once more as Will regales Craig with the life story of Mary Wollstonecraft, one of feminisms early icons and writers, and the mother of Mary Shelley the author of Frankenstein. Hear the trials and tribulations that led to a life of immense importance in both feminist theory and literature. And are you hungry? Cook up Craig's recipe for Beef Wellington following the below! Th...

In honor of the Queen, we continue our celebration of British people! Historic British people! Two more iconic and important parliamentary speakers, Edmund Burke became the mentor to James Fox...only to have Fox betray him. Learn how Burke was an early champion of the colonies and was critical of the King for mistreating them. And hear his hurtful final words for his pupil Fox. Learn more about yo...

God save the queen! Craig gives us a hot quick deep dive (mmm) into the history of the Monarchy and God damn are there a lot of Edwards. And Georges. 3 Charles'. 2 Elizabeths. We're running the gamut here. Plus, learn about a cocktail neither Craig NOR Will would want to drink...the Monarch Martini. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig brings us the tale of ever the controversial astronomer, physicist, and engineer Galileo Galilei! How did the man himself up against the Catholic church? What role did the Medici Family play in his fame? Learn how his inventions and beliefs forever changed the way we approach science. Plus, two fan fact checks and reading your reviews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Craig has a curveball for today as we focus on great Parliamentary speakers of England, how the politics of the UK have often connected with the US', and an important update/request to listeners. Plus, a VERY in depth fan fact check. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pairs. They're better than singles. Better than unos. You know...they're better than who knows? Well today, Craig knows. He's walking us down another Hollywood memory lane commemorating the most iconic of Hollywood duos. From Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy to Nick and Nora Charles aka William Powell and Myrna Loy, hold our hands and let us walk you down the yellow brick f*cking road to Hollywo...

Craig takes us on a quick overview of George W. Bush and Barack Obama's presidencies to round out and conclude our history of US Presidents. Will couldn't be more relieved. Plus, a quick history on a local Washing DC eatery adored by many, including President Obama, Ben's Chili Bowl! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're going to the movies! In a slight break from format, Craig and Will are gushing about the history of film and breaking down some problematic, and wonderful, classic films. If you enjoyed this kind of episode, let us know! We'd love to take you to the movies more often, if you know what we mean. Also, famous silent (and later non-silent) actor John Barrymore's favorite cocktail, The Pimm's Cup...