Classic Movie Recall

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TV & Film
**Classic Movie Recall**

Bite-sized podcasts about classic movies we all need to know about — from radio personality Lara Scott and Oscar-winning filmmaker James Moll.

Latest Episodes:

The Philadelphia Story(1940) Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

The Philadelphia Story(1940) by James Moll & Lara Scott

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Dec 09, 2017

Show notes

What did the film CHICKEN EVERY SUNDAY have to do with the making of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET? Did Santa actually play himself? And why was Maureen O’Hara so mad when she got the call to head to New York to make this movie? Put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, grab some hot cocoa, and join James and Lara as they discuss this beloved 1947 holiday classic, which got its start in a crowded Los Angeles department store on Christmas Eve…

Dinner At Eight (1933) Dec 08, 2017

Show notes

James and Lara recorded this episode (there is an audio and a video version) at the historic King Vidor/John Barrymore/Tony Scott estate in Beverly Hills. John was actually living there while he made DINNER AT EIGHT (1933), which was filmed just down the hill at the MGM studios in Culver City. In our discussion, we cover the scene-stealing Marie Dressler, who was in her sixties when she made this film and is a name you need to know; what famous director—known as “the women’s director”—and other legendary Hollywood players were behind the camera; and the kind gesture screenwriter Frances Marion did for one of the stars that effectively brought her back from obscurity. Put on your finest jewels and don’t be late for the adultery, scandal, backstabbing, and wit of Old Hollywood at its finest in DINNER AT EIGHT.

Laura (1944) Aug 18, 2017

Show notes

"I shall never forget the weekend Laura died." Clifton Webb's infamous dialogue opens LAURA (1944) with the revelation that the main character is dead, and it is the perfect beginning to a perfect film noir. James and Lara dive into director Otto Preminger replacing director Rouben Mamoulian AFTER filming had already begun, Gene Tierney's romance with a U.S. President, and the awesomeness of Dana Andrews' chin. Was the famous portrait of Laura REALLY a portrait? Is young Vincent Price a killer? And why didn't the studio fix Gene's cute little overbite? Join us,and prepare to be captivated by Laura, the face in the misty light.

The Cheat (1915) May 30, 2017

Show notes

Our podcast about THE CHEAT (1915) is actually a welcome excuse to talk about the art of silent film. Find out why film historian and motion picture preservationist Randy Haberkamp’s choice of THE CHEAT turned out to be a perfect springboard for a discussion about the great silents. This episode was recorded at the Hollywood Heritage Museum on Highland Avenue, just across the street from the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Visit them in person or at: www.hollywoodheritage.org

The Heiress (1949) Apr 05, 2017

Show notes

THE HEIRESS (1949) brought Olivia de Havilland her second Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Catherine Sloper, a single, dowdy young woman who just happens to be loaded. In this episode, James and Lara are joined by vintage fashion expert Annamarie von Firley (www.RevampVintage.com) to talk about costumes for black and white film vs. color, why Montgomery Clift's clothing looked 1940s-ish in the film (which was set in the 19th century), and how the fashions in films move the story along. We also get into Livvy's astonishing performance ten years after GONE WITH THE WIND, which actor in the film was so unhappy with their performance that they walked out of the premiere, and which beloved actor who is practically an official national treasure proposed to Olivia...but she turned him down. Is it all about love? Or all about the benjamins? Join us as we break down one of William Wyler's finest films, which was based on WASHINGTON SQUARE by Henry James.

The Apartment (1960) Mar 10, 2017

Show notes

No one writes and directs a film quite like the immortal Billy Wilder. In this episode we discuss THE APARTMENT (1960) with our guest Bob Bookman, a film fanatic and longtime Hollywood agent. Bob tells us about his unique encounter with Wilder, and then shares a surprising theory about the film. Also: what did Wilder really think of Jack Lemmon? Did Shirley MacLaine act in a past life? How did this film impact Cameron Crowe’s life and work?

Funny Girl (1968) Feb 20, 2017

Show notes

Say "Hello, gorgeous!" to Barbra Streisand in FUNNY GIRL. This podcast episode was recorded at the famed Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Theater historian Margot Gerber joins us to talk about how the theatre not only hosted the FUNNY GIRL premiere, but also hosted the FIRST Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. Then, singer, actress, and filmmaker Tamela D'Amico hops on the mic to reveal which famous crooner almost played Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif got the part) and how the real-life Fanny Brice (played to perfection by Barbra Streisand in her film debut) differed from movie Fanny Brice. And what did legendary director William Wyler have to say about working with Barbra? Join us and find out!

His Girl Friday (1940) Feb 08, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, James and Lara discuss the famous, rapid-fire, overlapping dialogue in HIS GIRL FRIDAY, which was clocked at 240 words per MINUTE! We also get into how director Howard Hawks allowed the actors to ad-lib, the fact that Rosalind Russell's character used to be a guy, and our friend Larry Morgan of the Snarkmonkey podcast joins us to to talk about the new HIS GIRL FRIDAY release from the Criterion Collection that features a restoration of the film's source material, 1931's THE FRONT PAGE. Plus, there's a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon moment where Lara tries to connect Ralph Bellamy to Kevin Bacon. Can she do it? Can YOU? Grab some coffee and join us for one of the finest examples of screwball comedy on film!

All About Eve (1950) Jan 25, 2017

Show notes

Could it actually be true that leading up to ALL ABOUT EVE, Bette Davis was considered box office poison? And why was her voice so raspy in this film, anyway? James and Lara break it all down, including how Bette was friends with an onscreen nemesis, the Oscar race of Bette vs. Anne vs. Gloria Swanson for SUNSET BOULEVARD, which two co-stars got married, Marilyn Monroe’s role in all of this, and the true story the film is based on. Fasten your seatbelt…it’s going to be a BUMPY episode.

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