Episode 21 - The Jazz Singer (1927)

"I'd walk a million miles for one of your smiles, my mammy."

"Although he’s not much higher than my knee, still he’s the greatest thing on earth to me."

There are some great and memorable lines from the movie that changed motion picture making, "The Jazz Singer" broke ground with the dramatic use of music, singing and talking. It's also remembered for the use of "black face" in the closing musical numbers of the film. Al Jolson was known as the "World's Greatest Entertainer" at the time of the movie's release. We can catch glimpses of his charisma in the film. By all accounts, you'd have to have seen him in person to really understand why he carried that title. 

There's so much to digest in this movie. Bob and I cover the bases and of course get philosophical near the end. We can't help ourselves. 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "The Jazz Singer"

Next episode, prepared to be scared as we review "The Innocents". You may want to find a movie watching buddy to snuggle with if you're following along at home for this one!

Episode 20 - Singin' In The Rain

Rated as one of the top movies of all time "Singin' In The Rain" has left a huge mark on film making that we are still feeling, seeing, hearing and enjoying today. From the classic "Singin' In The Rain" number to the goofy "Make Em Laugh", "Singin' In The Rain" is great fun from start to finish. So grab your rain gear as we go a Singin' In The Rain!

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Singin' In The Rain".

Episode 19 - Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein

"Chick... chick... CHICK!"

Poor Wilbur, if only Chick would believe him. He really is being chased by Dracula and Frankenstein's monster. And what do they want from Wilbur? His brain of course! No, they aren't zombies. They don't want to eat it. They want it for it's intellectual capacity, or lack thereof.

And why and how did the Wolfman get mixed up in this zany adventure?

Lot's of fun is had as we follow the adventures of Bud and Lou in this classic horror comedy, voted one of the top 100 funniest movies of all time. 

Next episode we're lightening it up with "Singing in the Rain". So grab your umbrella and join us won't you? 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein"

Here's a link to the IMDB page for the reboot of the Dracula franchise "Dracula Untold"

Episode 18 - The Bride of Frankenstein

"To a new world of Gods and Monsters." - Dr. Pretorius

"This isn't science, it's more like black magic." - Dr. Frankenstein

That may be true Dr. Frankenstein but that doesn't stop you from trying to create a new race of man and woman to walk the face of the earth. Of course it doesn't end well for our poor creatures, not to mention the crazy Dr. Pretorius. The similarities between this movie and Young Frankenstein are overwhelming. And can you believe there may be a musical connection between Bride of Frankenstein and South Pacific? Yep! And our good friend the Preacher from Grapes of Wrath makes an oh so brief appearance as well. Sit back, pour yourself a glass of gin (it is my only weakness) and maybe light a cigar (it is my only weakness) and enjoy the zany horrific touching story that is "The Bride of Frankenstein".

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "The Bride of Frankenstein".

Episode 17 - Frankenstein

"It's Alive!" 

Yes, it is and it's out to get you Doctor Frankenstein. 

Bob and I have some fun walking through our favorite scenes and some of our not so favorite scenes. We discuss the influence this movie had on "Young Frankenstein" and it turns out that "Young Frankenstein" had a pretty big influence on us because we inadvertently call the lab assistance Igor throughout the entire review when in fact his name is Fritz. Oh well. Igor has a nice ring to it. Universal must have thought so too. The new Universal "Frankenstein" movie is due out in 2015 and the lab assistant, played by Daniel Radcliffe, is called Igor.

So, don't let your children play unattended by the lake. You never know what may come lumbering out of the forest.

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Frankenstein"

Next up we celebrate the happy couple in "Bride of Frankenstein".

Episode 16 - Brief Encounter

We travel back in time to an age of innocence, wait what? No, that must be a different movie. We do get to watch a touching love story unfold in the suburbs of London in the 1940's. There's only one problem. The lovers are already married! The drama, the awkward situations, the chatty train passenger! Not to mention the holier than though friend. There's a lot to like in "Brief Encounter" and it's easy to see why this movie is ranked among the top classic movies by the BFI. But do yourself a favor and read the IMDB reviews. Not everybody loves it. Bob and I do really like it though. So grab a cup of tea with milk and sugar and sit down for a "Brief Encounter".

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Brief Encounter"

Episode 15 - Gentleman's Agreement - Part 2

We wrap up our epic review of "Gentleman's Agreement" as events come to a dramatic conclusion. Bob and I just keep heaping praise on the film. And we dive into the themes and see how it all plays out for Phil, Kathy, Tommy, Grandma, Dave and the rest. 

Next week we're watching "Brief Encounter" released in 1945 by Pinewood Studios. 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Gentleman's Agreement" 

And here's a link to the IMDB page for "Brief Encounter"

Episode 14 - Gentleman's Agreement - Part 1

Prepare yourself for an epic review of "Gentleman's Agreement" released in 1947 by Twentieth Century Fox. This is Part 1 and covers the first half of the movie. Part 2 will be released next week. Also prepare yourself for a fairly opinionated review that dives deep into the themes of the movie. This is one of our very favorite movies of all time and I think we do it justice.

Next week stay tuned for Part 2 of "Gentleman's Agreement" and in two weeks we watch "Brief Encounter" at the suggestion of a listener.

Here's a link to the Universal Studio's announcement about the revival of the classic horror movie monsters.

Here's a link to an article that helps explain why we've watched so many Twentieth Century Fox movies on Netflix.

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Gentleman's Agreement"

Episode 9 - The Grapes of Wrath - Part 2

Bob and I continue our discussion of John Ford's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." This is the follow-up to last week's discussion. We pick up with the Joad's heading into the desert on the border of Arizona and California. Things take a definite turn for the worst, if that's possible. 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "The Grapes of Wrath"

Here's a link to an article and NPR story discussing the 75th anniversary of the book.

Episode 8 - The Grapes of Wrath - Part 1

Bob and I get philosophical (and political) as we discuss the merits of John Ford's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." We talk for an hour and so we've decided to split this episode into two parts. This week we follow the Joad's to the border of California, right before their perilous desert night crossing. Next week, we'll find out what happens to them in California. Spoiler: it's not good. 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "The Grapes of Wrath"

Here's a link to an article and NPR story discussing the 75th anniversary of the book.

Episode 6 - Creature From The Black Lagoon

We venture deep into the uncharted waters of the Amazon river to find the "Creature From The Black Lagoon". We have lots of fun picking it apart and talking about the origins of the monster, science fiction versus horror, and more! 

Next episode we review the World War II classic "Twelve O'clock High". 

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Creature From The Black Lagoon".

Here's a link to the short story "Fishhead" by Irving S. Cobb which has many similarities to the movie.

Episode 4 - Double Indemnity - Part 2

The conclusion of our epic mega review of Paramount's 1944 movie "Double Indemnity". Our review is almost as long as the movie! That's how much we love it. Next week buckle up for our review of "Young Frankenstein"!  

"Don't go, I was going to make espresso!"

Here's a link to the video of Raymond Chandler's only onscreen appearance.

Here's a link to the IMDB page for "Double Indemnity"