The Cinematic Flashback Podcast

Chuck and Matt fire up the Wayback Machine for a trip to 1971 and Robert Wise’s The Andromeda Strain — the calmest outbreak movie ever made. Episode Summary The conversation starts with real-life glitches (football, internet outages) and childhood reading lists, then traces how the film bridges 1950s alien-paranoia vibes and 1970s lab-coat realism. From moon-landing quarantine fears to modern asteroid-sample missions, the episode connects Cold-War sci-fi to today’s headlines — all without giving away the ending. In This Episode Why The Andromeda Strain plays like a scientific procedure more than a thrillerThe “Odd Man” key, a doomed tech sergeant, and a Chekhov’s-gun lesson in tensionSplit-screen imagery, micro-effects, and Robert Wise’s meticulous directionHow Star Trek reruns accidentally reshaped TV ratingsWhen fear of contamination became the language of 70s cinema The Vibe Smart, funny, a little nerdy — a mix of nostalgia, film history, and genuine curiosity about how science fiction keeps predicting science fact. Listen & Connect Full episodes, blog posts, and extras: cinematicflashback.com Credits Music: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All film clips are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, we’re stepping into the Dome City where freedom has an expiration date. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined by co-host Matt Sargent to revisit Logan’s Run (1976), directed by Michael Anderson and starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Richard Jordan. A sci-fi landmark of the pre-Star Wars era, the film imagines a hedonistic society where life ends at thirty and the promise of “renewal” masks a darker reality. What We Talk About The PG rating shocker, nudity, and how “sanctuary” became part of our own childhood gamesThe film’s miniatures and visual effects compared to what Star Wars would deliver just one year laterJerry Goldsmith’s score—electronics for the domes, orchestral music for the outside worldThe cast: Michael York as Logan, Richard Jordan as Francis, Jenny Agutter in one of her earliest roles, Peter Ustinov quoting T.S. Eliot, and Farrah Fawcett in a small but memorable partThe robot Box, a bizarre and hilarious highlight with one of the strangest reveals in 70s sci-fiUtopia versus dystopia—pleasure without purpose, ritual death at 30, and the chilling implications of what happens when the dome society collapsesWhether Logan’s Run grooves through the decades or loses its beat in the shadow of later sci-fi classics Matt and Chuck dive into their own memories—ranging from mall shenanigans shouting “Runner!” to debates about the bleakness of a society without skills for survival—making this conversation both nostalgic and thought-provoking. If you’re curious about the strange and stylish era of 70s science fiction just before Star Wars redefined the genre, this episode will shine a light on why Logan’s Run still fascinates and unsettles nearly fifty years later. Connect With Us Visit our website for episodes, news, and more: https://cinematicflashback.com Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, we’re checking into the ward where chaos meets control. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined by longtime friend Alan Green to revisit One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), directed by Miloš Forman and starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher in their Oscar-winning roles. Based on Ken Kesey’s novel, the film pits free-spirited R.P. McMurphy against the iron grip of Nurse Ratched in one of cinema’s most powerful clashes of individuality versus institutional control. What We Talk About The unforgettable performances and how Nicholson and Fletcher defined their careers with this filmThe ensemble cast featuring Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif, and Scatman CrothersJack Nitzsche’s haunting score with its eerie singing saw and tribal rhythmsThemes of freedom, conformity, and suppressed masculinity in the institutional settingWhy Nurse Ratched remains one of the greatest villains in film historyWhether Cuckoo’s Nest still grooves or skips a beat in our final verdict Alan brings his perspective as a lifelong film lover and longtime friend, making this conversation both insightful and personal. If you’re drawn to films that mix dark humor with tragedy and expose the tension between individuality and control, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the greatest films of the 1970s. Connect With Us Visit our website for episodes, news, and more: https://cinematicflashback.com Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, we take a trip downriver that we’ll never forget. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined by guest host Jay Kirk to explore Deliverance (1972), directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronnie Cox. A harrowing tale of survival and violence in the Georgia wilderness, the film remains one of the most unsettling and talked-about thrillers of the 1970s. What We Talk About The powerhouse performances by Voight, Reynolds, Beatty, and CoxVilmos Zsigmond’s stunning cinematography and shooting on the Chattooga RiverJames Dickey’s novel and his behind-the-scenes clashes with John BoormanThe cultural impact of “Dueling Banjos” and its eerie legacyMasculinity, man versus nature, and the moral ambiguities of survivalWhether Deliverance still grooves or skips a beat in our final verdict Jay brings unique insight into the film’s haunting atmosphere, its unforgettable moments of violence, and why the story continues to spark debate fifty years later. He also shares his personal memories of taking classes with author James Dickey at the University of South Carolina, offering a rare firsthand connection to the film’s literary roots. If you’re drawn to films that push boundaries, unsettle audiences, and leave lasting cultural scars, this episode will help you see Deliverance in a new light. Connect With Us Visit our website for episodes, news, and more: https://cinematicflashback.com Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week on the Cinematic Flashback Podcast: Lobby Card Edition, we return to Amity Island, but not the way you remember it. In our last full episode, we had a playful dive into Jaws and imagined it as a Broadway musical. Now, this Lobby Card Edition expands on that idea with a parody with original songs inspired by our discussion. The Songs Jeff’s The Summer Ginks Are ComingMatt’s I Want to Be in Amity (a send-up of West Side Story’s “I Want to Be an American”)Chuck’s Amity Means FriendshipJason’s People Are Having a Wonderful TimeDee’s The Sea Is AliveBonus finale: Smile You Son of a … This Lobby Card Edition is a playful companion to our playful dive into the Jaws episode. Hear Spielberg’s classic reimagined as a brassy Broadway spectacle! Connect With Us For comments, future episode ideas, or to explore our library of previous episodes, visit cinematicflashback.com.

This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and Matt are joined by an all-star lineup of guests— Dee Graves and Jason Colvin from The Surely You Can’t Be Serious Podcast, plus Jeff Johnson and David Burns from A Film By Podcast—to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws (1975). Directed by a young Steven Spielberg and starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, the film that invented the summer blockbuster still has teeth half a century later. What We Talk About First memories of seeing Jaws and how our perspectives have changed over the yearsWhether the film still works without Verna Fields’ editing or John Williams’ iconic scoreModern-day and 1975 dream recastingThe ultimate “weak link” aboard the Orca debateDefending Mayor Vaughn in a mock courtroomJaws as a Muppet movie, a Broadway musical, and even a courtroom dramaWhy Jaws remains a perfect storm of storytelling, performances, and production serendipity New This Episode Our guests face off in You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Line, a game show packed with hot takes, hilarious pitches, and wild reimagining of Spielberg’s classic. Why Listen? Part deep-dive, part party, this isn’t just another Jaws retrospective. It’s a celebration of the film’s enduring legacy and a reminder of why it has been keeping us out of the water for 50 years. Connect With Us Visit our website at www.cinematicflashback.com to sign up for our newsletter, read our blog, and leave us feedback! Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

Best of Cinematic Flashback: Revisiting Dirty Harry (1971) You're listening to a Best Of episode of The Cinematic Flashback Podcast. While Matt and I wrap up our summer break, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes of the year: Dirty Harry (1971), starring Clint Eastwood and directed by Don Siegel. We’ll be back with a brand new episode on August 14 — mark your calendars. What We Talk About: Clint Eastwood’s unforgettable turn as Inspector Harry CallahanHow the film reshaped the crime genre and launched a wave of renegade cop moviesThe evolution of the “dirty cop” archetype across the Dirty Harry sequelsThe real-world influence of the Zodiac Killer on the film’s villain, ScorpioIconic moments, including the “Do you feel lucky?” showdown and the bank robbery shootoutThe choice of weapons and whether Harry’s .44 Magnum is more myth than muscle New This Episode: Matt shares why Dirty Harry still hits hard today — and how Clint Eastwood’s portrayal turned Callahan into a lasting cultural figure. Why Listen? If you love gritty thrillers, unforgettable performances, and films that changed the game, this one's for you. Connect With Us 🎬 Cinematic Flashback Want to share your thoughts on the episode? Visit cinematicflashback.com — leave us a voice message, send us an email, or subscribe to the newsletter for updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes extras. Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, we’re tailing Popeye Doyle through the gritty streets of 1970s New York. It’s a Best Of Episode while Chuck and Matt take a quick summer vacation. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, we rewind all the way back to our very first episode—The French Connection (1971), directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. Inspired by an actual case, this Oscar-winning crime thriller redefined the police procedural with its raw, documentary-style realism and legendary car chase. What We Talk About Gene Hackman’s iconic performance as Popeye DoyleThe revolutionary, seat-gripping car chase that still sets the standardHow Friedkin’s visual style captured the gritty underbelly of New York CityWhy the film’s stark realism and anti-hero cop hit so hard in the early 1970sThe abrupt ending and what it meant for ‘70s audiences New This Episode Matt shares first-hand memories of seeing The French Connection era unfold in real time—and why its depiction of law enforcement felt so jarring next to TV cops like Dragnet and Adam-12. Why Listen? If you’re interested in how a gritty little movie flipped the cop genre on its head, influenced everything from Serpico to The Wire, and still sparks debate, this one’s a must-listen. Connect With Us Visit our website for episodes, updates, and contact info: www.cinematicflashback.com Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, it’s a hijacking, a countdown, and a whole lotta attitude. On The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is finally back in the studio with co-host Matt to ride the rails through one of the tightest thrillers of the decade: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). Directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and a who’s who of future TV legends, this gritty New York subway hijack caper is a masterclass in tension, tone, and transit chaos. What We Talk About The brilliance of Walter Matthau’s dry wit and understated authorityRobert Shaw’s cold precision as the no-nonsense Mr. BlueBehind-the-scenes subway facts and the MTA’s reluctant cooperationThe unforgettable score by David Shire—one of the best of the ’70sAll the unexpected cameos: Jerry Stiller, Doris Roberts, Hector Elizondo, and more New This Episode Chuck and Matt connect the dots between this 1974 classic and modern thrillers like Speed, as well as Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs—and even drop a surprise Star Trek connection. Why Listen? If you love lean, character-driven thrillers with sharp scripts, unforgettable music, and that ‘only in New York’ energy, this episode is a must-listen. Connect With Us Visit our Linktree for all platforms and contact info: https://linktr.ee/CinematicFlashbackPodcast Or head directly to our homepage: https://www.cinematicflashback.com Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

This week, we’re rolling with Priest and his final score. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined by guest host Erin Mullinax to explore Super Fly (1972), directed by Gordon Parks Jr. and starring Ron O’Neal. A landmark of 1970s street-level style and social commentary, the film follows a Harlem drug dealer trying to leave the game on his own terms. What We Talk About Ron O’Neal’s performance and the enduring iconography of Youngblood PriestThe legendary Curtis Mayfield soundtrack and how it elevated the film’s legacyThe raw, on-location cinematography and shoestring productionErin’s take on the social message beneath the film’s surface coolWhether it still grooves or skips a beat in our final verdict New This Episode Erin explores the deeper social commentary hidden behind the film’s flash and swagger. Why Listen? Super Fly wasn’t just a crime story—it was a cultural statement wrapped in a Curtis Mayfield groove. This episode unpacks how it worked then… and why it still hits today. Connect With Us Visit our Linktree for all platforms and contact info: https://linktr.ee/CinematicFlashbackPodcast Credits Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

🎙️ Forget it, Jake. It’s a podcast. This week on The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and Matt investigate one of the most haunting and influential films of the 1970s: Chinatown (1974). Directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne, the film stars Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston in a mystery steeped in corruption, secrets, and the illusion of control. 🔎 What We Talk About: The powerhouse performances by Nicholson, Dunaway, and Huston Jerry Goldsmith’s unforgettable score and how it shaped the film’s mood The unexpected Star Trek connection hiding in plain sight Polanski’s brilliance as a filmmaker and the long shadow of his off-screen crimes Themes of power, abuse, and the futility of fighting a rigged system Whether Chinatown still grooves or if it skips a beat in our final verdict 🎧 New This Episode: We share a listener’s take on the film and whether they think it grooves or skips a beat. 🎬 Why Listen? If you love morally complex films with razor-sharp dialogue, unforgettable final scenes, and stories that refuse to tidy up by the end credits, this conversation is for you. 📩 Get in Touch: Email: https://linktr.ee/CinematicFlashbackPodcast 🎵 Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions 🎥 Clips used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis.

M*A*S*H (1970) – The Cinematic Flashback Podcast Hosted by: Chuck and Matt Sargent In this episode of The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent head into the chaos and dark comedy of M*A*S*H (1970), directed by Robert Altman and starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, and Tom Skerritt. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War—but unmistakably speaking to Vietnam-era America—M*A*S*H shattered expectations with its irreverent humor, anti-authoritarian streak, and Altman’s now-signature overlapping dialogue. Chuck and Matt dissect how this film launched a new wave of 1970s satire, paved the way for Altman’s storied career, and became the unlikely seed of a long-running TV empire. They dig into the film’s controversial tone, its improvisational style, and the strange alchemy that made chaos feel so controlled. And of course, they answer the big question in their “Did It Groove or Skip a Beat?” segment. So grab your dog tags, tune up the loudspeaker, and scrub in with us as we head to the 4077th and explore the film that rewrote the rules of war comedies. Contact & Follow Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.comFacebook: The Cinematic Flashback PodcastX (Twitter): @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent journey into the misty frontier of McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), directed by Robert Altman and starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. Far from your typical gunslinging western, Altman’s revisionist take paints a haunting portrait of ambition, capitalism, and isolation in a rugged Pacific Northwest town. Chuck and Matt break down the film’s dreamlike aesthetic, Leonard Cohen’s unforgettable soundtrack, and the understated brilliance of Beatty and Christie’s performances. They also explore how McCabe & Mrs. Miller fits into the wave of anti-westerns of the early '70s, Altman’s signature use of overlapping dialogue and naturalistic style, and whether its slow-burning melancholy still resonates today in the “Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat?” segment. Light a lantern and settle in for a quiet, snow-dusted classic that redefined what a western could be. Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions “All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.”

🚢 In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined once again by co-host Matt as they set sail on The Poseidon Adventure (1972), directed by Ronald Neame and starring Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, and Red Buttons. One of the defining disaster films of the 1970s, The Poseidon Adventure turns an upside-down cruise ship into a tense, emotional journey of survival. Chuck and Matt dive into the film’s larger-than-life characters, the practical effects that raised the bar for the genre, and how this all-star ensemble navigates both chaos and character arcs. Does The Poseidon Adventure still make waves over 50 years later—or has it sunk with time? Find out in our “Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat?” segment. Buckle up for a deep dive into a blockbuster that proved not even a capsized ship can keep a good movie down. 📧 Email us: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com 📲 Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast 🐦 X/Twitter: @BackTo70sMovies 🔗 All our socials and links: https://linktr.ee/CinematicFlashbackPodcast 🎵 Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions 🎥 “All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.”

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is joined by special guest Jeff Johnson from A Film By Podcast to saddle up for a ride into Westworld (1973), written and directed by Michael Crichton and starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, and James Brolin. Before Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton warned us about the dangers of theme park tech gone rogue—and Westworld was the first shot fired. Chuck and Jeff explore the groundbreaking blend of sci-fi and western, discussing the film’s eerie tone, Brynner’s menacing performance as the original killer robot, and the revolutionary use of digital effects that made cinematic history. They’ll also break down how Westworld fits into the genre mashups of the 1970s and whether its android-fueled thrills still groove today in the “Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat?” segment. Plus, Jeff shares behind-the-scenes tidbits and why Westworld continues to influence modern sci-fi. Plug in for a tech-noir throwback that proves sometimes, the machines don’t just rise—they shoot first. Jeff Johnson @AFilmByPodcast https://www.afilmbypodcast.com   Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions “All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended.”

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent tune in to The Conversation (1974), directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, and Cindy Williams. A masterclass in paranoia and surveillance thriller storytelling, The Conversation follows expert wiretapper Harry Caul as he becomes entangled in a moral crisis over a recording he’s made. Chuck and Matt dive into Hackman’s subdued yet powerful performance, Coppola’s meticulous direction, and how the film’s themes of privacy and guilt remain eerily relevant today. They also explore how The Conversation fits into the psychological thrillers of the 1970s and whether its quiet intensity still resonates in the Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat? segment. Plug in for a deep and suspenseful discussion—and maybe double-check who's listening in! Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions "All video clips featured in this podcast are the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and analysis. No copyright infringement is intended."

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent take a thrilling ride through The Great Train Robbery (1978), directed by Michael Crichton and starring Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, and Lesley-Anne Down. Set in Victorian England, this stylish caper follows a team of master thieves as they attempt an audacious heist aboard a moving train. Chuck and Matt break down the film’s clever set pieces, its historical inspirations, and Crichton’s unique approach to blending suspense with charm. They also explore how The Great Train Robbery fits into the heist genre of the era and whether its mix of wit and adventure still holds up today in the Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat? segment. Plus, Wayne Whited joins the show to review Jerry Goldsmith’s excellent score. Oh, and you might learn a thing or two about riding side saddle! Hop aboard for a fun and insightful discussion on one of the decade’s most entertaining capers. Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All film clips used are for illustrative purposes under fair use.

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent take a deep dive into Sorcerer (1977), directed by William Friedkin and starring Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, and Amidou. Often overshadowed by Star Wars upon its release, Sorcerer has since been rediscovered as a masterful, tension-filled journey into desperation and survival. Chuck and Matt discuss Friedkin’s uncompromising vision, the film’s nerve-wracking set pieces, and how its reputation has evolved over time. They also explore how Sorcerer fits into the gritty, auteur-driven cinema of the 1970s and whether its raw intensity still resonates today in the Did It Groove or Lose Its Beat? segment. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on one of the most gripping films of the decade. Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions All film clips used are for illustrative purposes under fair use.

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent take a tense ride into Black Sunday (1977), directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Robert Shaw, Bruce Dern, and Marthe Keller. This thriller follows a terrorist plot to attack the Super Bowl using a Goodyear blimp rigged with explosives. Chuck and Matt break down the film’s pacing, its performances, and how it reflects the anxieties of the 1970s. Does it still Groove through the Ages, or did it skip a beat? Tune in for an in-depth look at this suspenseful film—shot at Super Bowl X! Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies

In this episode of the Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck and co-host Matt Sargent take a look at Kelly’s Heroes (1970), directed by Brian G. Hutton and featuring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, and Don Rickles. Set during World War II, the film follows a group of soldiers as they embark on a risky mission to retrieve a hidden stash of gold behind enemy lines. Chuck and Matt discuss the film’s mix of war drama and comedy, its ensemble cast, and its unique take on the heist genre. They also explore how Kelly’s Heroes fits into the war films of its time and whether its humor and themes still hold up today in the Does it still Groove segment. Email: podcast@CinematicFlashback.com Facebook: The Cinematic Flashback Podcast X: @BackTo70sMovies   Music: 1975 - Josh Kirsch_Media Right Productions All film clips used are for illustrative purposes under fair use.