Natalie Wood was a Hollywood child star - with a literal stage mom - and grew up within the system, she became one of the faces of Hollywood’s depiction of the troubled youth, became immortal as Maria in West Side Story and eventually graduated to more dramatic and mature roles. In the mid 1960s she was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood - right along with Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Her untimely death is still a mystery that will probably never get solved.
There will only ever be one Deanna Durbin, Hollywood’s little Miss Fix-it. She was a successful child star, the perfect all-American girl - and then vanished.
Bob Hope is an American institution, to say the least. He was a comedian, an actor, an entertainer and a producer that became one of the best box-office draws of the 1940s, made the most iconic comedies with his friend Bing Crosby, basically invented American stand-up comedy, influenced the likes of Woody Allen as well as Conan O’Brian and received more than 2,000 honors during his 80 year career and 100 year lifetime.
Peter Ustinov was a genius in many ways - he spoke multiple languages fluently, was an accomplished writer, screenwriter, director, producer, actor, as well as set and costume designer. On top of that, he was also politically active and entertained his friends and audiences with his charming stories, his wit and his curious insight into the human condition.
Robert Mitchum is regarded by some as one of the finest actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood, is on the list of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema and has also been called one of the three „most important actors in film history“ next to Cary Grant and Barbara Stanwyck. But, he actually has quite the life story, so let’s start.
James Cagney was and is one of the most successful and best-known Hollywood actors. His story is also one of perseverance, dedication and hard work, of fails and successes as well as of friendship and social responsibility.
This episode covers the life of Hollywood's first musical comedy star - Bessie Love. Her life is a lesson in grit and perseverance, in the importance of self-believe
Dive deep into the interesting life of Marlon Brando. From his childhood to his stage performance, screen debut and magnetic movie performances right through to his private and sometimes troubled life - this episode covers it all and shines a light onto one of the greatest actors of all times.
This episodes covers the life and style of Old Hollywood actress Luise Rainer - the only German actress to receive two Academy Awards as Best Actress consecutively. She was one of the greatest stars and dropped out of show business early.
The podcast episode dives into the life and style of Old Hollywood legend Gary Cooper, his movie career, his personality, his image and style as well as his personal affairs.
This episode is on Katy Jurado, the first Latin American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress. She was also the first Latin American actress to win a Golden Globe Award.
Jennifer Jones was a five time Academy Award nominee and received an Academy Award as well as a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
John Wayne was the American Hero and to most everybody the embodiment of the USA. He starred in 179 movies throughout his career and was named one of the 25 greatest male stars of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute in 1999.
Actress Shirley MacLaine has been around since the last days of the studio system and had her last acting credit to date in 2022’s American Dreamer opposite Peter Dinklage.
Before Mary Pickford, there was fellow Canadian Florence Lawrence, who is often referred to as the „first movie star“.
He was „The Great Lover“ after Valentino died and one of the most successful leading men in the era of silent movies.
Janet Gaynor was the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929. She was also the only actress who ever won an Oscar for multiple film roles at the same time.
Joanne Woodward is an Academy Award winning actress, a TV producer, director and actress and was the wife to Hollywood beau Paul Newman for 50 years.
Jetta Gouda is an outlier of some sorts as she is a grand example for image, but also how image can backfire without your own doings, and how the patriarchy and the movie industry in particular held extreme power over women performers.
Ann Sheridan was much more than just Hollywood’s glamorous and sexy “Oomph Girl.” She was also a talented actress who captivated audiences with her vibrant personality and acting style opposite some of the biggest stars of the time like James Cagney, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, and Errol Flynn.