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

"Nobody's as good as Bette when she's bad!" S2 E38 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 determination knows no limit. Many film scholars herald Davis’s performance as the greatest of her career…. and we agree. Deli...

S2 E37 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 continues to inspire. What's your favorite Mel Brooks film? Let us know as we dive into a season filled with ex...

S1 E36 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 season.“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” is Auntie ...

S1 E35 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 troubling shift towards opinion-based news sources.With legendary figures like Walter Cronkite as our backdrop, ...

S1 E34 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-standing admiration.The psychological complexity of the characters takes center stage. Our episode sheds light ...

S1 E33 Ever wondered what it would be like if Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet") had a social media account in today's world? We promise you'll laugh your socks off as 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 charming world, celebrating everything from Hyacinth's infamous candlelight suppers to her h...

S01 E32 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 navigate the tricky waters of discussing historical figures with a focus on accuracy, steering clear of rumors and emphasizing Grant's work over spe...

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 crime, Stephen shares his unique insights from crafting the musical "Thrill Me," which has mesmerized audiences worldwide wit...

S1 E30. 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 and Ruth Gordon's unique comedic flair, which add a layer of depth to Roman Polanski's masterpiece.Take a step back in t...