Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue

Zach welcomes back historian and writer Craig Shemin (Sam & Friends: The Story of Jim Henson’s First Television Show) for a trip to post-war Germany where neither East or West Berlin can contain the Madness and Mayhem of Billy Wilder’s 1961 Comedy Classic, ‘ONE TWO THREE’ Join the duo as the unpack the history surrounding the films production, take a stab at deconstructing Wilders approaches on everything from humanism to capitalism to communism, ponder over this being James Cagney’s penultimate motion picture, and settle upon the ways the film has influenced the cinema of today.   If You are in New York and want to laugh along with Craig and the Marx Brothers Council, join them April 12th at the Museum of the Moving Image for a screening of ‘Horse Feathers’ followed by a live podcast! Tickets at https://movingimage.org/event/horse-feathers/   Be sure to pick up a copy of Craig’s books on the history of Sam & Friends for a deeper look into its history. Sam and Friends: The History- https://www.bearmanormedia.com/products/sam-and-friends-the-story-of-jim-henson-s-first-television-show-hardback?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=6d26e85f2&pr_rec_pid=7098182500386&pr_ref_pid=10048318570798&pr_seq=uniform Sam and Friends: The Script Book- https://www.bearmanormedia.com/products/the-sam-and-friends-script-book?_pos=3&_sid=c8df6b30d&_ss=r&variant=51040633487662 Visit https://www.samandfriendsbook.com for ways to purchase & how to get even more swag from your book purchase!   And be sure to follow Craig’s talents as a writer by watching his two original Jack Benny scripts as performed by NO SOAP RADIO ( https://nosoapradioplayers.com ) Watch Here- “This is Your Life, Jack Benny” : https://youtu.be/vSQAHnpTg1E?si=9lE-Q19oHwKZY_ex ” Jack Visits the Apollo 11 Launch” :  https://youtu.be/Xytm4gByVUw?si=jZV6KRk1IG4RebdF ——

Zach welcomes back podcaster, historian, & film lover Jack Hanley (Blindspotting: A Film Discovery Podcast) to the show where the two will journey to South America in search of the many truths captured  by Orson Welles & his camera in 1942 as they unpack his incompleted 1942 film IT’S ALL TRUE and the 1993 documentary/re-assembly of the found footage… named… IT’S ALL TRUE.   Settle in for a unique chat as the duo unpack the context surrounding Welles’ reasons for being in South America, learn more about the Brazillian government during the 40’s and how it’s filmic desires were subverted by Welles and his teams decision to capture inequalities over stylistic travelogue, trace the journey of the footage from historic dustbin to resurrection, and finally settle upon the ways this lost masterpiece works as both lost art and political statement by Orson.   PLUS: Was Orson the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond? No, but its fun to think he was.   Production & Research Notes can Be Accessed On Our Website Here: https://ballyhoorevuepodcast.com/research-page/ The film ‘It’s All True’ can be rented or purchased in the following places Amazon Prime Rental: https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-True-Orson-Welles/dp/B009SI99V6 Apple Rental: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/its-all-true/umc.cmc.1t4tyd8icb7wmoweufzsyftm9 DVD (Through Amazon): https://a.co/d/05jb5K3A     Be sure to check out Jack’s Amazing Podcast Work! Blindspotting: A Film Discovery Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blindspotting-a-film-discovery-podcast/id1587516521 They Did It: A Conspiracy Podcast- https://www.audible.com/pd/They-Did-It-A-Conspiracy-Podcast-Podcast/B09VCV6LH3 The Superlatives- https://thesuperlativesfilmpodcast.podbean.com/   And follow the journey of both Jack and Zach and their work with  the Reel Weird Horror Collective!   https://www.facebook.com/people/Reel-Weird-Horror-Collective/61567604516749/ https://reel-weird-horror-awards.ghost.io/  

Rashmi and Zach are returning to Hong Kong to figure out who the informants are as they unpack the 2002 crime classic from Andrew Lau Wai-keung & Alan Mak, INFERNAL AFFAIRS. Tune into today to hear how the tropes of noir & Hong Kong cinema are utilized and in many cases evolved from as they dive deep into this astounding title of International Cinema

Zach welcomes back podcast pal and comedian Hope Sears (All The Classics) get lost in the sound of Edward R. Murrow’s responsible voice to tune into his innovative news program See It Now & learn more about how the program took on Senator Joseph McCarthy   Follow along as they sift through the learning and assembly of filmmaking tactics and expertise that changed the game for newscasting, dig further into the controversy Murrow & Co. faced in tackling McCarthy, and listen as they try to learn what Murrow taught us and still can teach us as consumers of news and what the business itself has become.   Be sure to Follow Hope and her adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truetravelsofhope/?hl=en and Threads: https://www.threads.com/@truetravelsofhope and Tune in to her Podcast, ALL THE CLASSICS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-of-the-classics/id1398191571

Zach ventures to the Dark Carnival of cinema that was the collaboration of  Tod Browning & Lon Chaney as  he and guests Sterling Cook (Tour de Tati) and filmmaker Jake Algier (Writer/Actor/Performer, Doctor Tenn) unpack THE UNHOLY THREE (1925) and THE UNKNOWN (1927)   Join the trio as they learn a bit more about the formation of the collaboration, unpack production stories that range from the heartfelt to the absolute craziest, and settle upon how this combo managed to create films that not only work today but also influenced the works of others as the history of cinema has progressed.   Be sure to follow Jake and her filmmaking journey on Instagram & Threads Insta: https://www.instagram.com/horrormoviejake/?hl=en Threads: https://www.threads.com/@horrormoviejake?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== To Hear Sterling and Zach extrapolate Jacques Tati on the ‘Tour de Tati’series , please visit YBR PRESENTS at https://anchor.fm/ybrpresents . Subscribe and Enjoy!   and follow the journey of Sterling & Matt Cassani’s upcoming project,  ‘Pleasure Chest’ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasurechestmovie?igsh=cWo2d3c3MzY4MWc1 and Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pleasurechestmovie?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==  

Zach welcomes back actor & artist Erin Mullane (Velvet Void Creations) on a Trolley trip to 5135 Kensington Avenue, where they’ll deep dive into Vincent Minelli’s 1944 classic, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.   Follow the duo along as they sift through the long journey of Sally Benson’s book to the silver screen, marvel at the several drafts from book to script & the changes that ensued, wrestle with both the tragedy and triumph of Judy Garland, relive the hert and humor of the films plot and music, try to figure out how closely Tootie Smith is related to other horror film villains, and then finally settle upon the many ways the film has influenced the world of film to this day. PLUS: You better believe we found a way to connect Meet Me in St. Louis to Halloween III: Season of the Witch   Be sure to follow Erin and her journey through acting and filmmaking on social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmullaneofficial/ and be sure to follow and support Erin’s fabric art and craft work by visiting her at VELVET VOID CREATIONS using her Linktree https://linktr.ee/velvetvoidcreatoins

Rashmi & Zach return after a long absence to continue their Noir Journey alongside special guest Stephen Palmer (Podcaster, ‘Asian Cinema Film Club’). The trio take the Police Noir unit all the way to Norway as they unpack the nihilist daytime noir from Erik Skjoldbjærg, INSOMNIA Tune in today to hear them analyze and assess the many ways the film has not only utilized noir influences, but also manages to achieve the original intent of Film Noir’s from the golden age of Hollywood.   —   Be Sure to check out Stephen on his show, Asian Cinema Film Club Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asian-cinema-film-club/id1282298451 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Hwrz5bRNe76r7pevQ2b9i?si=zSqnGjn7SOi_c04KkcxsTA Website: https://asiancinemafilmclub.wordpress.com   And Follow Them On Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAiYJsHXr/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asiancinemafilmclub?igsh=MTZ3Y21hNnN4MWl4Mg== Threads: https://www.threads.com/@asiancinemafilmclub?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Zach is joined by pod pal Rob Stroude ( Ballyhoo Correspondent & Blogger, ‘My Year With Micky’) to witness the Greatest Trial in Holiday History as they dive deep into the 1947 George Seaton Masterpiece, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET!   Follow this intriguing case with fervency as the duo sift through the origins of the story, unpack the ambitious and audacious production stories, marvel at the delicate genre balance the film performs, gush about Edmund Gwenn, and finally settle upon the many ways Miracle on 34th Street has stood the test of time as a Christmas movie and as just an all around good movie period.   Be sure to follow Rob’s adventure covering all the Mickey Mouse theatrical shorts with his brand new Substack, ‘My Year With Mickey’ : https://myyearwithmickey.substack.com/p/my-year-with-mickey

Zach welcomes back Ken Sowder (Ballyhoo Contributor, ‘The History of High Adventure) on an expedition through the  jungle where upon they will encounter its mighty monarch as they dive deep into the 1932 Pre-Code adventure classic, TARZAN THE APE MAN !   Join the duo as they unpack the history of the Tarzan character in literature & film, sift through the travails of production, explore and comb through the plot in meticulous detail, reckon with the unseemly treatment of people & animals both on and off screen, become impressed where the film manages to subvert expectation to its benefit, and then finally settle upon the many ways in which the film & character have influenced the world of film to this day.   Plus: Was Brendan Fraser robbed of an Oscar for  George Of The Jungle? YES HE WAS.

The BallyBOO concludes as Zach welcomes actor & musician Spencer Kane (X-Presidents) on the show to unpack the crates at McDougal’s House of Horrors and get caught up in the chaos that ensues as they chat about the 1948 comedy chiller, ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN!   Get ready to laugh & scream as the duo sift through the production stories, become aghast at the original treatment for the film, laugh along through a detailed plot breakdown, and finally discuss the many ways the film has influenced the world of Horror and Comedy to this day!   PLUS: Seriously guys, the original treatment is freakin nuts.   Be sure to Follow Spencer’s adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_denver_kane?igsh=OXplMTAwZmx3YWRv   And Check Out his Band, X-Presidents https://www.x-presidents.band

The BallyBOO continues as Zach welcomes back podcaster & Peanuts fan Ryan Frost (Reel Nerds Podcast) abord the show for the greatest animated Halloween special that’s also a harrowing WWI drama, ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Huddle together in the pumpkin patch as the duo sift through the making of the special, shudder in fright over the short sightedness of TV executives, thrill in the exciting origins of Peanuts staples from the Great Pumpkin to the WWI Flying Ace, excevate the many layers of comedy and warmth in a mere 30 minute span, and then finally settle upon the many ways the special has influenced the world of entertainment today.   PLUS: Bill Melendez can make Snoopy do anything… ANY… THING. Listen to Ryan each and every week on REEL NERDS PODCAST Website: https://reelnerdspodcast.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reel-nerds-podcast/id442184939 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NMZkh3WRDuIgIGuFRraEV and Follow the Reel Nerds on Social Twitter: https://twitter.com/reelnerds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReelNerdsPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelnerds/?hl=en  

The BallyBOO continues as Zach welcomes back podcast pal Robert Stroude (Blogger/Laurel & Hardy Correspondent) to probe the hidden mysteries of a man brought back from death to bear judgement among the living as they unpack Michael Curtiz’s 1936 Horror  film, THE WALKING DEAD. SHUDDER in terror as they dare to unpack the production stories surrounding the film! SHIVER in your seats at the many strange choices made in early drafts of the script! SCREAM for your life as they unpack a 60 minute film in meticulous detail! and finally ESCAPE from the chilling chatter as they settle upon the ways The Walking Dead stands out in Golden Age Hollywood and what it has to teach the film makers and lovers of the present.   Be sure to follow Rob’s adventure covering all the Mickey Mouse theatrical shorts with his brand new Substack, ‘My Year With Mickey’ : https://myyearwithmickey.substack.com/p/my-year-with-mickey

The BallyBOO arrives better late than never as Zach welcomes back podcast pals Amy Cornell & Smokey ( House of Hammer, All The Best Lines) for an uncommonly terrifying time at Ealing Studios as they unpack their 1945 horror anthology, DEAD OF NIGHT! BEWARE as you dive in with them unpacking each story with meticulous detail, SHUDDER as they unravel the stories behind the scenes, SHRIEK at the trio’s own choices for favorite segments, and TREMBLE at the many ways the film’s impact has lingered down the dark corridors of horror cinema to this very day. PLUS: Amy unveils the greatest impression of a film character in the Ballyhoo’s history. Be sure to check out Amy’s other appearances on Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue, covering such lovely titles as: The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast: https://ballyhoorevuepodcast.com/ep-118-radio-revue-the-chase-and-sanborn-hour-or-october-30th-1938/ and The Curse of Frankenstein: https://ballyhoorevuepodcast.com/ep-140-the-curse-of-frankenstein-1957-or-a-matter-of-blood-bosoms/   and be sure to tune in to Smokey’s adventures on House of Hammer & All The Best Lines HOUSE OF HAMMER: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-house-of-hammer/id1562467810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eWVAN2L9yTp8lYU4Sjm1O Also be sure to support HOUSE OF HAMMER on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/househammerpod and find more the Linktree: https://linktr.ee/househammerpod and ALL THE BEST LINES: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/all-the-best-lines/id1533468069 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iZlBfeEs05EHxhd1HJZl6 AND OF COURSE, Follow his social media shenanigans House of Hammer Twitter: https://twitter.com/HouseHammerPod House of Hammer Insta: https://www.instagram.com/househammerpod/ House of Hammer BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/househammerpod.bsky.social All the Best Lines Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestlinespod?lang=en

Zach welcomes aboard podcaster & educator Michael Boyce (Geek4 Podcast) onto the program for a historical analysis of the  Battle of Ballard’s Wharf  as they unpack Charles Crichton’s 1947 triumph for Ealing Studio’s , HUE & CRY! Once you hear the words “Operation Seagull”, prepare to join the duo on the Blood & Thunder Boys battleground where they unpack the origins of Ealing Studio, learn from how the creative team at Ealing were able to conjure such a fantastical story, marvel at the stock character actors used in unique ways, ponder over how the post-war conditions of Britain lend to the film’s aesthetics as well as its script, and finally settle upon the ways Hue & Cry would shape the world of Ealing, Comedy, & the medium of film at large. PLUS: Is Joe Kirby a murderer at the end of the film? —— Be sure to tune in & listen to Michael’s sensational podcast, GEEK 4 , now available wherever you listen Website: https://www.michaelwboyce.com/geek4 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geek-4/id1529501248 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5svoHXXzHQrgGAGtn05OMz?si=tfbKZelgQ1a-LP3o3JmwtA and follow the show on social! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/geek4pod.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geek4pod?igsh=MXQ2eHFxeXFwNXJwcw== and give Mike a follow as well! Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwboyce?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==  

Zach welcomes back Ballyhoo contributors Matt Willocks (Pulp Cinematic Universe) & Ken Sowder for another thrilling chapter in the journey through the history of the high adventure genre as they unpack the gripping 1943 John Farrow wartime film, CHINA.   Grab your adventure hat and join the trio as they unpack the historical context surrounding China’s history during WWII, dive deep into the films plot and how it balances thrilling action with gripping drama, marvel at production stories surrounding the film and the talents that brought it to screen, reckon with the films forward thought & simultaneous backward thinking in portrayal of Asian characters, and finally settle upon the many ways the film has influenced the world of film today and its impact on the eventual creation of Indiana Jones. PLUS: We adore Sen Yung as 3rd Brother and we dare you to find a better character in the film than him To access Production & Historic Contextual notes from this discussion, visit the Ballyhoo’s research page at the link here: https://ballyhoorevuepodcast.com/research-page/

Rashmi & Zach continue their Police Noir unit with a stop in France and a time jump to 1981 where they unpack the grittiest crime story involving media piracy and bread buttering, Jean-Jacques Beineix’s DIVA Tune into to hear the duo unpack how Beineix weaves old trick of noir under a color fueled new spirit that pushes the limits of noir even further than the golden age!

Zach welcomes back Pod Pal Robert Stroude for another round of Laurel & Hardy shorts with their on going film festival, ANOTHER FINE FEST. Tune in for more production stories surrounding the making of these comedy classics, exploration into the sub-topic of Laurel & Hardy remaking silent efforts for the dawn of sound, and where all of these films rank for ourselves and the fandom at large. PLUS: Does Robert Bloch owe Stan Laurel royalties?     Shorts in Order of Discussion: The Battle of the Century (1927): https://youtu.be/LpYw8h1Y0TU?si=iahjsPHg_rINx1Yo Big Business (1929): https://youtu.be/TtMP9377Ku4?si=fGtOr2o4CH7n0T2L Double Whoopee (1929):https://youtu.be/1JDwYVwyv0g?si=1RuhJx2fBwuurBVt Duck Soup (1927): https://youtu.be/rw9uXurEX9M?si=qVJAYG31tuYwLAbk Another Fine Mess (1930):https://youtu.be/rnXXM5WsKDg?si=NvyJMp5dFEttEkHq Love ‘Em and Weep (1927): https://youtu.be/vMh_U3FH96E?si=YAFECt_ic98qplvj Chickens Come Home (1931): https://youtu.be/IP–S4g3-WY?si=xyHw4B6luVwmRAcv The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case (1930): https://youtu.be/4NCfkR1EtQA?si=56qQ3l9dpwpMsvXb Night Owls (1930): https://youtu.be/CnTP3j01K_E?si=FMQvVjpIwyje7WMh Thicker Than Water (1935): https://youtu.be/SYa6Ne_vPd0?si=umVBMTAZ3ifiymn_ The Fixer-Uppers (1935): https://youtu.be/VRi4L1QF_gA?si=otoh4BhycbzVSm5_     Be sure to follow Rob’s adventure covering all the Mickey Mouse theatrical shorts with his brand new Substack, ‘My Year With Mickey’ : https://myyearwithmickey.substack.com/p/my-year-with-mickey

Zach welcomes film blogger Zoë Kaperonis (The Film Around the Corner) aboard a gondola that takes them straight to art deco Italy in their top hats and white ties as they unpack the 1935  Astaire & Rogers classic, TOP HAT!   Settle in as the two delve into the origins of the Astaire & Rogers partnership, marvel at the preparation and choreography courtesy of Hermes Pan, giggle along to plot that thankfully doesn’t make sense, worship at the altars of Edward Everett Horton & Eric Blore, and then finally settle upon the many ways films like Top Hat have shaped the film landscape we see today.   ——   Be sure to follow Zoë’s Golden Age Hollywood journey through her fabulous blog, THE FILM AROUND THE CORNER: https://thefilmaroundthecorner.substack.com   Her latest entry, as it happens, covers one of Jack Benny’s craziest films and her thoughts on it are well worth the read here: https://thefilmaroundthecorner.substack.com/p/college-holiday-1936   And give her a follow on Social:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefilmaroundthecorner?igsh=MWFjcXZvMDVyZDVsZw== Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/zgkap.bsky.social

Rashmi & Zach continue their Police Noir unit by traveling back to Japan and the world of Kurosawa as they unpack his phenomenal 1949 noir, STRAY DOG   Tune in to learn more about the production of the film and to follow our hosts as they unpack how Kurosawa takes contemporary Noir influence to create his own influential classic.   Plus: We talk about how sexy Toshiro Mifune is. Like a lot. You have been warned.

The PULP CINEMATIC UNIVERSE  returns with a long awaited trip to Metropolis as Zach, Matt Willocks, & special Superman correspondent Matt Merback (Actor/ Freelancer for the Daily Planet Drama Section) take a look at the early Film & Radio adventures of the Man of Steel, SUPERMAN! Get ready to take flight for fun fueled ride as the boys unpack how Superman went from the comics to radio & the silver screen, marvel at the stories behind the scenes of making each iteration, appreciate the ambition of the early tricks and tools that gave Superman his flight, analyze the depth & maturity that the character’s stories brought to a 40’s audience while not losing footing, and finally settle upon the importance of these early outings of Superman and how they are essential to his popularity today. Films Discussed: Superman (1948) & Atom Man vs Superman (1950)- Both Starring Kirk Alyn Radio Arcs Discussed: The Meteor from Krypton (June, 1943)–Part 3 (Used as Clip in Episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_9DVA_s1_Q and The Clan of the Fiery Cross (June–July 1946)– Full Arc Available Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H29BlTaYZ0U Be sure to check out Matthew Merback on Instagram: @mad.mattigan