Forgotten Hollywood

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world . . . not one is better than hosting at home.Filled to the brim with history, heart, and hard-crafted drinks, this cocktail book will bring the spirit of Casablanca to life for its legions of fans. Historically accurate recipes, contemporary reinventions, and Moroccan-inspired small bites find common ground rooted in film trivia. Plus, a "bar crawl" through unearthed props and archival material, and rendered in high-resolution photography, will give this classic cocktail book an interactive feel.

n this episode I spoke with author Paul Fischer about his book "EP 397 The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola * Lucas * Spielberg and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema".  The untold, intimate story of how three young visionaries Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg revolutionized American cinema, creating the most iconic films in history while risking everything, redefining friendship, and shaping Hollywood as we know it.On sale February 10, 2026.  Pre-order your copy today.

In this episode, I spoke with author Robert Hofler about his latest book "A Star Is Born". Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 classic film version starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, a riveting, juicy exploration of the history and popularity of Hollywood’s favorite story about itself, from its 1937 technicolor drama starring Janet Gaynor and the 1954 version with Judy Garland, through 2018’s blockbuster Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper remake.The book will be out on January 27, 2026!

Guest host James Lott Jr talks about the highest paid and most known Hollywood Stars of Asian descent in the 1940s to 1960s and what they had to endure by the studio system.Forgotten Hollywood is on FacebookThe Forgotten Hollywood Boks are on Amazon!

Guest host James Lott Jr tells you the Number 1 Movies of January 1940, 1950, and 1960. These films reached the Top spot of the US Box Office. Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook and the books are on Amazon.

Guest Host James Lott Jr talks about the highest paid actors in Hollywood in the 1940s, both Black and White.

In this episode I spoke with Jeffrey Paul Thompson (one of three authors of the book "Twentieth Century Fox: A Century of Entertainment". Here it is the first-time look at the remarkable American multinational mass media empire and its century of entertainment the story of Twentieth Century Fox (1915–2015). Or, to borrow the title of a classic 1959 Fox film, The Best of Everything.Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook!

It's the end of 2025 and Creator/Producer/Host Doug Hess takes a look back with JLJ Media CEO on the almost 6 year old show. Thank you everyone in making this show a huge hit!

Doug Hess is the host!

In this episode I spoke with author Stephn Rötzsch Thomas about his book "Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide." In Disney's Animated Classics, Stephen Rötzsch Thomas explores the iconic features from the studio's first 100 years, from Snow White to Wish. A love letter to storytelling and collaboration, each chapter takes readers behind the scenes of a different movie, uncovering the hidden secrets, creative geniuses, and surprising connections that will enthrall die-hard Disney fans and casual viewers alike.

Guest Host James Lott Jr picks one of his heros to talk about. Flip Wilson: The Groundbreaking King of 1970s Television Clerow “Flip” Wilson Jr.Born: December 8, 1933Died: November 25, 1998Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, ProducerClaim to Fame: First Black TV superstar and highest-paid performer of his era Flip Wilson wasn’t just a comedian — he was a cultural shift. He opened doors, redefined representation, and proved a Black entertainer could dominate primetime television on his own terms.

In this episode, I spoke with author Thom Shubilla about his latest book "King Kong vs Godzilla -"The Most Colossal Conflict the Screen Has Ever Known". Popular culture in 1962 experienced many notable firsts. That year, The Beatles released their debut single “Love Me Do” in England, The Beach Boys first LP, Surfin’ Safari, was stocked on record store shelves, The Rolling Stones played their first shows, Dr. No marked the opening James Bond adventure to hit theaters, Marvel Comics’ “The Incredible Hulk” was splashed on the pages of comic books—and two of the greatest movie monsters, King Kong and Godzilla, clashed on the big screen.

In this episode, I spoke with author Scott Eyman regarding his book "Joan Crawford A Women's Face'. Film historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive biography of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, drawing on never-before-seen documents and photos from the Crawford estate.

Guest Host James Lott JR remembers the ground breaking role of Dominque Devereaux on the 80s hit soap Dynasty and the actress who played her.

In this episode I spoke with author Jeffrey Paul Thompson about his latest book "Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic ". Despite having been made into three TV movies, a radio drama, a stage play, a Broadway musical, a feature-film remake in color, and a book adaptation, the 1947 black-and-white film of Miracle on 34th Street still remains the favorite version of this modern Christmas classic. Forgotten Hollywood Fav Christmas Movies is on Amazon.com

In this episode I spoke with Mark Malkoff about his book "Love Johnny Carson". A wildly entertaining book by one of the world’s most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host.Doug Hess is producer and hostForgoten Hollywood is on Facebook.The Books are on Amazon

In this episode I spoke with Richard Kirshenbaum about his latest book " The Hollywood Fix".  This masterful and sweeping novel is based on true stories from the studio system era and PR machines which have not only created legends but exposed the dirty business of keeping the stars shiny and clean.

In this episode, I spoke with author Todd James Pierce about his book "Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film".  Making Mary Poppins reveals the extraordinary true story behind the creation of one of the most beloved films of all time―and the two little-known songwriters who helped make it possible.

Guest Host James Lott Jr talks about Butterfly McQueen! Butterfly McQueen was an African American actress and dancer, best remembered for her role as Prissy in the classic 1939 film Gone With the Wind. Her distinctive, high-pitched voice and expressive personality made her unforgettable to audiences — but her legacy extends far beyond that one film.Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook.The books are on Amazon.

Guest Host James Lott Jr  talks On Dangerous Ground (1951), directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Robert Ryan and Ida Lupino:Release year: 1951. Runtime: 82 minutes. Genre: Film noir / crime drama. ✅ Critical & Audience ReceptionOn Rotten Tomatoes, it has a Tomatometer rating of 89% (based on 19 Critics).On Metacritic, its score is listed as “Generally Favorable” with a score of 78. The film is appreciated for its striking visuals, contrasting urban and snowy rural settings, and its score by Bernard Herrmann. 📌 Notable Production & Artistic DetailsProduced by John Houseman for RKO Radio Pictures. Screenplay by A. I. Bezzerides (based on the novel Mad with Much Heart by Gerald Butler). Music composition by Bernard Herrmann, known for his evocative style that enhances the film’s emotional tone. Cinematography by George E. Diskant. 🧮 Additional NotesThe film’s structure: It begins in a gritty urban setting and transitions into a snowy countryside — a rare shift in classic noir for that era. Though well-regarded now, contemporary reception was mixed; for example, critic Bosley Crowther of the New York Times gave it a less favorable review upon release.