Forgotten Hollywood

In this episode, I discuss with author Bernard F. Dick on his book Hal Wallis: Producer to the Stars. Hal Wallis (1898-1986) might not be as well known as David O. Selznick or Samuel Goldwyn, but the films he produced—Casablanca, Jezebel, Now, Voyager, The Life of Emile Zola, Becket, True Grit, and many other classics (as well as scores of Elvis movies)—have certainly endured. The publisher of the...

In this episode I discuss with author Michelle Morgan about her lates book "When Marilyn Met the Queen: Marilyn Monroe's Life in England" which was published by Pegasus Books and is available for purchase. In July 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived in London—on honeymoon with her husband Arthur Miller—to make The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier. It was meant to be a happy time . . . Do...

In this episode, I spoke with the President/CEO of JLJ Media James Lott Jr, and we discussed the current turmoil of TCM.

In this episode I spoke with author Nat Segaloff regarding his latest book "The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear" which will be out on July 25, 2023 . Since 1973, The Exorcist and its progeny have scared and inspired half a century of filmgoers. Now, on the 50th anniversary of the original movie release, this is the definitive, fascinating story of the scariest movie ever made and its lasting imp...

In this episode, I spoke with Mark Kratzner who is the curator of the Red Skelton Museum. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I spoke with author Spencer Wright about his latest book Enchanted Disney: Stories of Walt, Hollywood, and Live-Action Film from BearManor Media. In its centennial year, take a journey through the history of the Walt Disney Company through the lens of the studio’s live-action films, and the life of its co-creator Walt Disney. By discussing the life and work of fifteen people who c...

In this episode, I spoke with Eddie Muller about his book Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired By The World Of Film Noir. Mr. Muller is the host of TCM's Noir Alley and one of the world's leading authorities on film noir, taking film buffs and drink enthusiasts alike on a spirited tour through the "dark city" of film noir. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode I spoke with John Kelsch and Janie Heitz from the Judy Garland Museum. The museum is located in Grand Rapid, MN. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I spoke with Keith Phipps regarding his book "The Age of Cage". Age of Cage is a smart, beguiling book about the films of Nicolas Cage and the actor himself, as well as a sharp-eyed examination of the changes that have taken place in Hollywood over the course of his career. Critic and journalist Keith Phipps draws a portrait of the enigmatic icon by looking at―what else?―Cage’s ex...

In this episode, I discuss with author Vicki Mayer her book "Almost Hollywood Nearly New Orleans The Lure of the Local Film Economy". Early in the twenty-first century, Louisiana, one of the poorest states in the United States, redirected millions in tax dollars from public coffers in an effort to become the top location site globally for the production of Hollywood films and television series. A...

In this episode, I spoke with author Dana Stevens regarding her book. In this genre-defying work of cultural history, the chief film critic of Slate places comedy legend and acclaimed filmmaker Buster Keaton’s unique creative genius in the context of his time. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I spoke with the author Lesley L. Coffin about her book "Lew Ayres Hollywood's Conscientious Objector". Ayres became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film All Quiet on the Western Front. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would overshadow the...

In this episode, I discuss with author James L. Neibaur his book "The Monster Movies of Universal Studios". In 1931 Universal Studios released Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. This box office success was followed by a string of films featuring macabre characters and chilling atmospherics, including Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Invisible Man. With each new film, Universal established its place in...

In this episode, I discuss with Janie McKirgan who is the President/Executive Director of the Jimmy Stewart Museum about the museum. Doug Hess is the host.

In this episode, I discuss with John Urbancik (partner of the late author Mary E. Lescher) in which John carries on her work. Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida opened in Orlando at the dawn of the Disney Renaissance. As a member of the crew, Mary E. Lescher witnessed the small studio’s rise and fall during a transformative era in company and movie history. #UnversityofIllinoisPress

In this episode, I discuss the life of actor John Williams. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode speak with author Charles Casillo regarding his book "Elizabeth and Monty: The Untold Story of Their Intimate Friendship". Violet-eyed siren Elizabeth Taylor and classically handsome Montgomery Clift were the most gorgeous screen couple of their time. Over two decades of friendship they made, separately and together, some of the era's defining movies--including Cat on a Hot Tin Roo...

In this episode, I spoke with author Melanie Bell regarding her latest book "Movie Workers: The Women Who Made Brish Cinema". After the advent of sound, women in the British film industry formed an essential corps of below-the-line workers, laboring in positions from animation artist to negative cutter to costume designer. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I discuss with author Edwin Canfield his book "Fact, Fiction, and the Forbidden Predictions of the Amazing Criswell". Jeron Charles Criswell King, better known simply as Criswell, can rightfully be described as one of the first pop celebrity psychics. His bizarre predictions ― 87 percent of which came true, he claimed ― appeared from the 1950s through the 1970s in newspapers and m...

In this episode, I discuss with author Kristen Lopez her latest book "But Have You Read The Book Yet? 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films".Within these pages, Turner Classic Movies offers an endlessly fascinating look at 52 beloved screen adaptations and the great reads that inspired them. Doug Hess is the host!

Van Johnson was the fresh-faced, well-mannered nice guy on screen you always wanted your daughter to marry! This fair, freckled, and invariably friendly-looking MGM song-and-dance star of the 40s emerged as a box office favorite (1944-1946) and second only to heartthrob Frank Sinatra during what gossipmonger Hedda Hopper dubbed the "Bobbysoxer Blitz" era. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I discuss the career of Ann Miller. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode I spoke with Dwayne Epstein regarding his latest book Killin' Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, the Most Iconic WWII Movie of All Time. Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I discuss with author Benard F. Dick about his book That Was Entertainment: The Golden Age of the MGM Musical. That Was Entertainment: The Golden Age of the MGM Musical traces the development of the MGM musical from The Broadway Melody (1929) through its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s and its decline in the 1960s, Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode, I along with Don Sanders discuss the career of Chuck McCann. A third-generation performer and the son of a singing band leader, Chuck McCann was already a show business veteran by age eleven. McCann went on to become a successful comic/character actor and mimic, doing voice-over for many television cartoon shows and playing character parts in numerous dramatic and comedic TV serie...