Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue

On a very special episode, Zach welcomes back Ryan Frost to examine satire amidst wartime in Ernst Lubitsch’s 1942 masterpiece, TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Brace yourselves for an uproarious and thought provoking chat as the boys discuss the importance of the Lubitsch touch, the concerns surrounding the script, marvel at the way the script tows the line of comedy and suspense, revel the bountiful brilliance of the films supporting players, dig into the controversies that surrounded the preview screenings and promotion of the picture, dissect Carole Lombard’s role as the “straight man” in the film, and find out just how Mr. Lubitsch got the best film performance out of Jack Benny. Things do get serious as the boys talk about how challenging art and satire is received then and today, the fine line dark comedy possesses, and about the tragic death of Carole Lombard. But like the film itself, there is silly to pair with sincerity as the guys gab a bit about Cary Grants early years, help Robert Stack solve the mystery of Robert Stack’s legacy, and get a brief visit from Mr. Hitchcock. Be sure to check out Ryan each week on Reel Nerds Podcast: https://reelnerdspodcast.com/ and look out for his article series deeper dive into the world of Cary Grant! For the origal piece, go here: https://reelnerdspodcast.com/2019/12/03/classic-cool-the-films-of-cary-grant/

Zach is joined by Writer/Director Ryan Francis Johnson (Writer’s Workshop, Such A Nice Car We Have) to witness the rise and fall of Film Producer Jonathan Shields as they break down Vincente Minnelli’s 1952 melodrama, ‘The Bad and The Beautiful’. Settle in as the guys talk about Vincente Minnelli’s history leading up to the film, the state of MGM at the time of the film’s production, ponder why normally maligned melodrama works under the deft hand of Minnelli, discuss the real life figures that inspire the characters in the film, point to the ways the film manages to shine a light on the darker parts the Golden Age Hollywood studio system, and how the films themes of show business drama have transcended time into a tough modern question. But for all the sincerity, there is also the silly as the guys try to pitch some movies to Blumhouse, are visited by the ghost of Hitchcock, hear the frustrations and fears of John Houseman, and try to get Magneto to stop interfering with Digital Filmmaking. Plus: Martin Scorsese makes his last stand. To watch Ryan’s films, head on over to https://ryanfrancisjohnson.com/

Zach is joined by Filmmaker Aaron Pendergast (Floating Horses, The Blasting Room) to dissect an actual Revue on the Revue as the two dive into 1930’s ‘King of Jazz’. Perk up your ears and listen as the boys discuss the origins and complicated legacy of bandleader Paul Whiteman, scratch their heads at the strange development of the project at Universal, revel in the audacious and sparkling visual innovations of director John Murray Anderson, marvel at several segments while shaking their heads at others, and get as deep as they can with the science of Two Strip Technicolor. There’s more than enough levity to go around this time as they try to make sense of the animated segment at the top of the film, hear Bing Crosby grumble about how Hollywood doesn’t want him yet, and hear the pleas of self-aware Paul Whiteman. Plus: James Cameron meets Satan. For more info on Aaron’s upcoming film, ‘The Blasting Room’, visit the website and watch the trailer here: https://www.blastingroomfilm.com/trailer

Jell-O Again, Folks. On this very special epic length episode, the Ballyhoo salutes the one and only Jack Benny. For this special occasion, Zach welcomes his very special guest Laura Leibowitz, the president of The International Jack Benny Fan Club, for an incredible detailed deep dive in Jack’s 1939 film, MAN ABOUT TOWN. Hop in the Maxwell with Zach and Laura as the discuss the odd place Jack has in film history, learn about Lauras many adventures curating Jack’s legacy, take a look at the dynamic between Jack and Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, reckon with problematic material of the past, share thoughts regarding the mishmash script by More Ryskind, and come to conclusions regarding the fate of Jack’s cinematic career and how his fate connects to today. The show also gets UNABASHEDLY nerdy as the two discuss Jack’s Radio and TV work, his friendship with George Burns, his troubles with Groucho Marx, and what its like to Meet Phil Harris. PLUS: Zach gets too emotional by the end. ALSO: A Very Special Appearance by Ronald Colman and Benita Hume. To find more of Lauras work in curating Jack’s legacy, visit the Jack Benny Fan Club page :http://jackbenny.org/ For More Info on the Virtual Jack Benny Convention and how to attend, go here: http://jackbenny.org/wp/home/convention/ and to find the book discussed in today’s episode, Jack Benny and the golden Age of American Radio Comedy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Benny-Golden-American-Radio-Comedy/dp/0520295056

Zach welcomes Writer and Film Lover Adam Jewell to the Revue for a dive into the world of Noir with Billy Wilder’s 1944 classic, DOUBLE INDEMNITY. Listen in as the boys discuss the legacy of Billy Wilder and how it can be underappreciated, the wild road that was Raymond Chandler’s participation on the film, the innovations the film brings, and the alternate possibilities in Walter Neff’s master plan. PLUS: Can the boys find a way to buy the still standing Dietrichson House for it’s original price?

Zach welcomes Ryan Frost (Reel Nerds Podcast) to the show to discuss a Cary Grant Double Bill of ‘THE AWFUL TRUTH’ and ‘MR. LUCKY’. Listen in as the two break down the films, discuss the difficulties of acquiring a certain Jean Harlow film, and marvel at what modern audiences responded to. Plus: Would either of the guys pay $500 dollars for Officially Licensed Cary Grant sunglasses?   Be sure to listen to Ryan each week on REEL NERDS PODCAST Be sure to listen to Ryan each week on REEL NERDS PODCAST ( https://reelnerdspodcast.com )

On our premiere episode, Zach sits down with Zack Beins (Atom The Amazing Zombie Killer) to discuss Edgar G. Ulmers 1934 Masterpiece, ‘THE BLACK CAT’, starring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Be sure to follow Zack on Twitter: https://twitter.com/legolarry?lang=en And to look out for his upcoming podcast, Talkin Troma: https://twitter.com/talkintroma