In this episode we breakdown the classic dramedy Stage Door (1937). Directed by Gregory LaCava and starring Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers, amongst many other familiar faces, this film is determined by its historical context. We'll examine how this movie bends the conventions of the screwball comedy, balances comedy and cynicism surrounding the Great Depression, and skirts the Hollywood production code.
This is part two of our look at the evolution of the film noir detective genre. Today's episode will focus on the modernist film The Long Goodbye (1973), starring Elliott Gould, and examine how director Robert Altman exaggerates genre myths and conventions to appeal to a more analytical audience.
This episode kicks off a two part look into the film noir detective mystery genre. This week's episode will explore the classical myths, conventions, and iconography associated with this genre as seen in Murder, My Sweet (1944). Murder, My Sweet was directed by Edward Dmytryk and stars Dick Powell and Claire Trevor.
In this episode, Max is joined by comedian Ian Herrin to discuss the Stanley Kubrick poltical satire, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Starring Peter Sellers in a triumverate of rolls, along with George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens, Dr. Strangelove perfectly captures Cold War fears and takes them to their extreme conclusion.
Dr. Strangelove is #26 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode, we go down river on The African Queen (1951). Directed by John Huston, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, this movie deftly balances adventure, romance, and comedy.
The African Queen is #17 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode, we discuss the Spike Lee classic biopic, Malcolm X (1992). Starring Denzel Washington, this movie foregrounds all the classical elements that define the biopic genre. In doing so, it makes a controversial activist appealing to mainstream audiences.
In this episode, we explore the film noir western, The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), starring Henry Fonda. This movie is a haunting introspection on the nature of masculinity. It's also a fascinating glimpse into the pschye of America on the eve of World War II. This film beautifully and hauntingly combines the themes of the film noir and the icons of the western.
In this episode, we discuss the science fiction classic, Blade Runner (1982). Directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Harrison Ford, this film epitomizes the melding of science fiction, film noir, and cyberpunk. What's more, this film does not appeal to mainstream scifi tendencies, making it all the richer for deep analysis.
In this episode, we delve into the musical/historical spectacle hybrid, The Court Jester (1955). Directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, and starring Danny Kaye, Basil Rathbone, and Angela Lansbury. This film epitomizes an era of genre experimentation and lavish Hollywood spending.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we breakdown the iconic film Taxi Driver (1976). Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Cybil Shepard. The film also features Jodi Foster and Harvey Keitel.
Taxi Driver is #47 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we discuss the original screwball comedy It Happened One Night (1934). Directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.
It Happened One Night is #35 on AFI's Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we break down the epic adventure Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Directed by David Lean and starring Peter O'Toole, the film also features Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and Claude Rains.
Lawrence of Arabia is #5 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we taken in the epic culmination of the classic gangster film, White Heat (1949). Directed by Raoul Walsh and featuring and iconic performance by Jame Cagney.
White Heat is #4 on AFI's Top Gangster Films.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we discuss the Audrey Hepburn classic Two for the Road (1967). Directed by Stanley Donen, the film also stars Albert Finney. This movie must is an introspection on marriage and time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we take on the classic drama All About Eve (1950), starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter.
All About Eve is #16 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, special guest Ignacio Garat joins to discuss the Francis Ford Coppola Vietnam War epic, Apocalypse Now (1979). Apocalypse Now stars Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando.
Apocalypse Now is #28 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of classic movie musts we sing the praises of the classic musical Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). Directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Judy Garland, this movies marks the ascendancy of the integrated movie musical.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we tackle the classic tragic romance, A Place in the Sun (1951). The film was directed by George Stevens and stars Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelley Winters.
A Place in the Sun ranks #92 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, retired professional cyclist David Zabriskie joins to discuss the cult classic, The Big Lebowski (1998). Directed by the Coen brothers and starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we brave the Steven Spielberg horror classic, Jaws (1975). Jaws stars Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfus, and Robert Shaw.
Jaws is #48 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts we saddle up for the classic John Ford western Stagecoach (1939), the breakout film for John Wayne.
Stagecoach is #63 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we laugh our way through the comedy masterpiece Some Like It Hot (1959), starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.
Some Like it Hot is #14 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this epsiode of Classic Movie Musts, we wade into the murky waters of film noir with the Humphrey Bogart classic, The Maltese Falcon (1941). Join us as we examine what makes this such a seminal film.
The Maltese Falcon is #23 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
In this episode of Classic Movie Musts, we explore the iconic musical Singin' in the Rain (1952) and discuss what makes it an absolute movie must. Directed by Stanley Donen and starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
Singin' in the Rain is #10 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.
This is the trailer for the new weekly movie podcast, Classic Movie Musts. Every episode will explore a different classic film and discuss what makes it a movie must. New episodes post every Friday.
A weekly podcast featuring a different movie must every episode. We explore what makes these movies classics.
