Shows
From Beneath the Hollywood SignGrant Withers: Classic Cinema Star of the Month – Aug 04, 2025 (099)EPISODE 99 - “GRANT WITHERS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 8/04/25
The name GRANT WITHERS is usually met with blank stares and shrugs these days, but back in the late 1920s and 1930s, he was a much-in-demand leading man who capitalized on his boyish good looks, athletic, 6-foot-3-inch frame, natural charisma, and effortless acting ability. And as dynamic as his screen persona was, his personal life was just as juicy! From a scandalous elopement with LORETTA YOUNG when she was barley 17 to financial struggles, missing wives, court dates, and deeply rooted emotional issues, Withers...
2025-08-0428 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“BEHIND THE SCENES: GETTING TO KNOW THE TEAM BEHIND FBTHS” (098)See J.P.'s thirty second version of "The Birds" here:
https://youtu.be/kjiSyts0xnk?si=1KZK5e7fOymLmtLU
EPISODE 98 - “BEHIND THE SCENES: GETTING TO KNOW THE TEAM BEHIND FBTHS” - 7/28/25
As they say, it takes a village. And that is very true here at FROM BENEATH THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN podcast. This week, we decided to pull the curtain back and reveal two unsung heroes of the show who work tirelessly behind the scenes at the podcast. Meet Executive producer and Post...
2025-07-2842 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BEHIND THE GLAMOUR: DRUG USE IN OLD HOLLYWOOD" (097)EPISODE 97 - “BEHIND THE GLAMOUR: DRUG USE IN OLD HOLLYWOOD” - 7/21/25
As the Roaring 1920s kicked in, America’s backlash against prohibition brought forth a boozy, fun-loving era where alcohol and the use of recreational drugs like cocaine and opium became a fashionable part of the hedonistic lifestyle. This was never more true than behind the hallowed gates of old Hollywood’s studios. In fact, drugs became a common tool of the studio systems to keep exhausted actors working and impossible production schedules on track. After the deaths of prominent film stars WALLACE REID and ALMA...
2025-07-2232 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“LEGENDS IN CEMENT: THE STORY OF THE GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATRE”“LEGENDS IN CEMENT: THE STORY OF THE GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATRE” - 7/14/25 (096)
There is no landmark in Hollywood that elicits such awe and wonder as the beautiful Chinese Theatre. The brainchild of impresario SID GRAUMAN, who made a name for himself creating opulent, grand movie palaces, the theatre became a symbol of movie magic. Join us this week as we discuss the rich and wonderful history of this great theatre and how it evolved and changed over the years. We’ll also discuss the iconic stars who came to place their hand and footprints in cemen...
2025-07-1437 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“VIRGINIA GREY: Classic Cinema Star of the Month” (095)EPISODE 95 - “VIRGINIA GREY: Classic Cinema Star of the Month” - 7/07/25
If VIRGINIA GREY is remembered at all, the blue-eyed, blonde-haired beauty is probably best remembered as the caustic perfume counter girl in The Women (1939), who sees right through the gold-digging ways of Crystal Allen, played by JOAN CRAWFORD. In these brief scenes, she is so charismatic and saucy, she really shows how to deliver a zinger of a line. She may also be remembered as the good luck charm of producer ROSS HUNTER, who put her in many of his popular movies of the m...
2025-07-0727 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"SECOND ACT: REDISCOVERING OVERLOOKED MUSICALS" (094)"SECOND ACT: REDISCOVERING OVERLOOKED MUSICALS" (094) - 6/30/25
In this episode of the podcast, Steve and Nan dive into some of their favorite classic Hollywood musicals that they feel do not get their due. They share fond memories and behind-the-scenes tidbits about timeless films like Summer Stock, State Fair, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. With infectious enthusiasm, they discuss the charm of Gene Kelly’s choreography, Judy Garland’s unforgettable voice, and the sweeping scores that still resonate decades later. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the genre, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to t...
2025-06-3050 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"EDITH HEAD: OLD HOLLYWOOD'S QUEEN OF FASHION" (093)"EDITH HEAD: OLD HOLLYWOOD'S QUEEN OF FASHION" (093)
EPISODE 93 - 6/23/25
With eight Academy Awards to her name — more than any other woman in history — EDITH HEAD wasn't just a costume designer; she was a storyteller in fabric, silhouette, and sparkle. From BETTE DAVIS to GRACE KELLY to AUDREY HEPBURN, she dressed the biggest stars of the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on both fashion and film. In this episode, we explore how a shy schoolteacher became the most powerful woman in Hollywood wardrobes, her collaborations with iconic directors like Alfred Hitchcock, and how h...
2025-06-2345 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“BORN TO BE BAD - Old Hollywood's Favorite Brats" (092) 6/16/25EPISODE 92 - “BORN TO BE BAD - Old Hollywood's Favorite Brats"
- 6/16/25
This week, we’re getting into the pint-sized punks, the tantrum-throwers, the eye-rollers, and the sharp-tongued little legends who strutted across the silver screen like they owned the studio. That’s right—we’re talking about our favorite bratty kids in classic movies. You know the type: too smart for their age, too bold for their britches, and way too good at stealing scenes from their adult co-stars. Whether they were lighting up the screen with sass or shutting it down with a...
2025-06-1639 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"STARS BENEATH OUR FEET- THE HISTORY OF THE WALK OF FAME" (091)FBTHS #091 - "STARS BENEATH OUR FEET- THE HISTORY OF THE WALK OF FAME" 6/09/25
The Hollywood Walk of Fame holds a unique allure as both a glamorous symbol of celebrity and a living monument to the history of entertainment. Stretching along 10 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, its iconic pink terrazzo stars honor the achievements of thousands of actors, musicians, directors, and other entertainment pioneers. Since its creation in 1960, the Walk has served not only as a tribute to individual fame but also as a reflection of shifting cultural values and artistic milestones. It...
2025-06-0935 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MARK STEVENS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (090)"MARK STEVENS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH"
The name MARK STEVENS probably doesn’t ring a bell with moviegoers today. However, he’s one of those actors who once you see him on screen, you say, “Oh, yeah, THAT guy!” Still, at one time, he was a very in-demand leading man who was always compelling and had a tough-guy likability that brightened up many a hum-drum movie. He may not have reached the upper echelon of fame like contemporaries ALAN LADD or DANA ANDREWS, but he certainly left his mark — particularly in “The Dark Corner”...
2025-06-0228 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"STEVE & NAN EXPLORE THE WILD, WILD WEST OF OLD HOLLYWOOD" (089)FBTHS #089 - "Steve & Nan Explore the Wild, Wild West of Old Hollywood"
In this episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, hosts Steve and Nan saddle up for a lively conversation about their favorite Western films. From dusty saloons to sweeping desert vistas, they explore the iconic imagery, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes that make the Western genre a cornerstone of American cinema. Whether you're a fan of classic John Ford shootouts or revisionist tales that challenge the myth of the Old West, Steve and Nan share personal picks and behind-the-scenes stories that will...
2025-05-2646 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"OLD HOLLYWOOD'S TOXIC TRIANGLE"“OLD HOLLYWOOD’s TOXIC TRIANGLE” - 5/19/2025 (088)
Hollywood in the mid-20th century was a world of glitz and glamour, a realm where dreams could be made or destroyed in an instant. It was an era when the silver screen crafted illusions of romance and perfection, yet behind the scenes, the personal lives of its stars often unraveled into chaos, scandal, and tragedy. Few stories exemplify this dark side of Hollywood better than the volatile love triangle involving actress BARBARA PAYTON and actors FRANCHOT TONE and TOM NEAL. What began as a passionate romance descended into o...
2025-05-1937 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“2025 TCM FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” (087) - 5/12/2025EPISODE 87 - “2025 TCM FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” - 5/12/2025
For the second year in a row, Steve and Nan were honored to be invited to cover the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival as part of the press corp. After four glorious days of non-stop film action, this episode is dedicated to the Festival and the fantastic movies shown this year. Steve and Nan will be discussing their favorite films, as well as giving a behind-the-scenes look at the festival and all the movie lovers who come annually to bow at the altar of Eddie Muller, Ben M...
2025-05-1250 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“ANNA MAY WONG: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” (086) - 5/5/2025EPISODE 86 - “ANNA MAY WONG: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 5/5/2025
Anna May Wong was once the most famous Chinese woman in the world. The trailblazing actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon appeared in over 60 films and was a celebrated star, yet, at the time, she was not allowed to kiss a Caucasian man on screen, which limited the roles she could take, and she was not allowed to buy a house in Beverly Hills. A strange dichotomy, indeed. In recent years, she has enjoyed a much-deserved resurgence. Known as a Trailblazer and a cultu...
2025-05-0538 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025 (085)EPISODE 85 - “THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! As we continue our discussion of the making of “The Wizard of Oz,” this week we explore the score, the songs, the vocals, the transition to television, and some of the many urban legends that surround this classic film. (No, a Munchkin did not hang himself from one of the evil apple trees!) So follow that yellow brick ro...
2025-04-2836 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ( PT. I)" - (084)EPISODE 84 - “THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 1” - 4/21/2025Perhaps one of the most beloved movies of all time, the MGM classic The Wizard of Oz debuted in that magical year of 1939. Based on the popular children’s books by Frank L. Baum, it tells the story of a Kansas farm girl, Dorothy Gale, who, along with her devoted dog Toto, is transported to the magical land of Oz. This beloved classic has become such a touchstone in pop culture that phrases like “There’s no place like...
2025-04-2135 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“STEVE AND NAN'S TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW” (083)EPISODE 83 - “TCM FILM FESTIVAL 2025 PREVIEW” - 4/14/2025It’s that time of year again. Time for the 2025 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, which takes place April 24-27 in Hollywood California. This year, the theme is “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film.” This week, Steve and Nan offer a fun preview of the highlights of the upcoming festival and they discuss the films they are most excited to see, including great titles such as BEN HUR, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, GUNFI*GHT AT THE OKAY CORRAL and A GUY NAMED JOE. SH...
2025-04-1440 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“THE TRAGIC LIFE OF CLASSIC CINEMA STAR GAIL RUSSELL” (082)“The Tragic Life of Classic Cinema Star Gail Russell” (082) - 4/07/2025Hollywood legend has it that ethereal beauty GAIL RUSSELL was discovered after a Paramount Studios talent manager picked up two hitchhiking Santa Monica high school boys who told him all about the "Hedy Lamarr of Santa Monica High School." Allegedly, he then tracked down Russell at school and arranged for a screen test. The rest, as they say, is Hollywood history. If only it had been that easy. Russell, who was painfully shy and had no interest in a career as an actress was pushe...
2025-04-0729 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“RICHARD CARLSON: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” (081)“RICHARD CARLSON: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” (081) - 3/31/2025Tall, dark-haired, and handsome, RICHARD CARLSON was always a welcomed addition to any cast. From the beginning, when he was playing preppy college students opposite LANA TURNER, to his reign in the 1950s as the King of Sci-Fi thrillers, Carlson brought believability and authority to each role but also a sense of introspective thoughtfulness. You looked into his deep blue eyes and chiseled face and believed him. Whatever he was selling, we were buying. And while he never became an A-list leading man, he enjoyed a lo...
2025-03-3127 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"IT'S FATAL: WHAT IS FILM NOIR?" (PART III)"IT'S FATAL: WHAT IS FILM NOIR?" (PART III) (080) 3/24/2025Welcome to the third and final installment of our series on Film Noir. As we have previously discussed the technical elements of noir and met the typical character’s of noir, we will now take a look at the creative aspects of the genre that help create that special brand of dark, sexy, deadly movies. We’ll discuss dialogue, and clever devices like voice overs, flashbacks, and dream sequences that enhance these dark, moody films. We’ll also look at the fatalistic themes that reigned supreme throug...
2025-03-2431 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"STRANGE CHARACTERS: WHAT IS FILM NOIR? (PART II)" (079)"STRANGE CHARACTERS: WHAT IS FILM NOIR? (PART II)" (079)Welcome to the second episode of our special 3-part series on Film Noir. In this episode, we’ll explore the iconic character types that define the genre—characters who live in the grey areas of morality, driven by desire, deceit, and danger. From the hard-boiled detective to the femme fatale, we’ll unpack the timeless archetypes that give film noir its signature edge. So, grab your trench coat, dim the lights, and join us as we explore the complex, shadowy figures who walk the fine line betwee...
2025-03-1739 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“FILM NOIR: WHAT IS NOIR?” (PART 1) (078)EPISODE 78 - “FILM NOIR - Part 1 - WHAT IS NOIR?” - 3/10/2025Have you ever wondered what exactly is film noir? TCM’s EDDIE MULLER describes it this way: “Film Noir is all about treachery, deceit, and paranoia. You’re never quite sure what is going on, who you can trust, or what dreadful pitfall waits around the corner.” This dark and twisted film genre popped up after WWII as a quiet cynicism began to creep into the national consciousness. In film noir, there is always an underbelly of darkness that comes out to play...
2025-03-1037 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MARY BETH HUGHES - CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (077)"MARY BETH HUGHES - CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" - 3/03/2025For those of you who don't know the charms of MARY BETH HUGHES, when she was under contract at MGM, she was dubbed "the poor man's LANA TURNER." It was a rather unfair assessment since MGM gave Lana all the plum roles, and Mary Beth got her hand-me-downs. But still, Mary Beth had great comic chops, and no one played bitchy, hard-boiled blondes as well as she. Despite her beauty and talent, she never managed to get out of B-pictures. Sh...
2025-03-0333 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“MEMORABLE OSCAR SPEECHES OF THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD” (076)EPISODE 76 - “MEMORABLE OSCAR SPEECHES OF THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD” - 2/24/2025Winning an Oscar is a dream for most people who work in Hollywood. But you can’t just win the Oscar; you must have a good speech once your name is called to the podium. There have been some great ones — OLIVIA COLEMAN’s funny and cheeky speech hit the right tone, and who can forget JACK PALANCE’s one-arm push-ups or CUBA GOODING’s exuberance? There have also been some bad ones — don’t we all still cringe a little at SALLY FIELDS’ “You...
2025-02-2444 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“MEHAR BABA BRINGS SPIRITUALITY TO OLD HOLLYWOOD” (075)EPISODE 75 - “MEHAR BABA BRINGS SPIRITUALITY TO OLD HOLLYWOOD” - 2/17/2025During the 1920s and 1930s, a spiritual movement swept through Hollywood. It seems the Hollywood elite were about more than just speakeasies, flappers, and decadence. Some were searching for inner-peace and often found it -- at least temporarily -- in these various religious movements that popped up. One spiritual leader who came to prominence was India’s MEHAR BABA, who believed that spirituality and metaphysics were interconnected. Stars like MARY PICKFORD, TALLULAH BANKHEAD, and MARIE DRESSLER were admirers. And when Baba visited...
2025-02-1724 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“SWEETHEARTS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD" (074)EPISODE 74 - “SWEETHEARTS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD" 2/10/2025As Cupid sharpens his arrows, and the candy and greeting card companies prepare to make bank, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. In this episode, we take a loving look at some of Hollywood’s most enduring real-life love stories. From JOEL McCREA and FRANCES DEE to JEAN HARLOW and WILLIAM POWELL, join us as we discuss their lives, films, and, most importantly, their beautiful love stories. SHOW NOTES: Sources:...
2025-02-1046 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE NICHOLAS BROTHERS: CLASSIC CINEMA STARS OF THE MONTH" (073)"THE NICHOLAS BROTHERS: CLASSIC CINEMA STARS OF THE MONTH"The Nicholas Brothers, FAYARD and HAROLD, are arguably two of the greatest dancers to ever hit Hollywood. Born to musician parents, they learned their craft working the vaudeville scene and appearing at the famous Cotton Club during the Harlem Renaissance before landing in Hollywood. In Tinseltown, they made movie magic dancing in some of Hollywood’s biggest musicals. The brothers mixed tap dancing with acrobatics to perfect thrilling routines that we’re still in awe of today. They also had to endure the limits put upon...
2025-02-0330 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST MAUREEN LEE LENKER'S FRESH TAKE ON CLASSIC CINEMA” (072)EPISODE 72 - “CHATTING CLASSIC CINEMA WITH JOURNALIST MAUREEN LENKER” - 1/27/2025In this week’s episode, Steve and Nan welcome award-winning journalist MAUREEN LENKER. Maureen, who is currently a Senior Writer for Entertainment Weekly, has a deep passion and knowledge of classic cinema and has made 1930s Hollywood the setting for her new novel, “His Girl Hollywood.” Join us as Maureen discusses her career, her passion for cinema, her most inspirational classic films, and all the tea about her new novel.SHOW NOTES:
2025-01-2737 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“STEVE & NAN’s FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1970s” (071)EPISODE 71 - “STEVE & NAN’s FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1970s” - 1/20/2024The 1970s was a decade that saw the rise of the auteur. Filmmakers like Scorsese, Coppola, Cassavetes, Altman, Lumet, and DePalma hit their stride and brought to the screen their specific vision and stylized films. It was a very experimental era where boundaries were pushed and once-taboo topics were explored. It became a creative high point and gave us some iconic movies. This week, Steve And Nan take look at some of their favorite films of the 1970s.
2025-01-2046 minFrom Beneath the Hollywood Sign"COLIN CLIVE: THE TRAGIC DEATH OF DR. FRANKENSTEIN" (070)EPISODE 70 - “COLIN CLIVE” - 1/13/2024The moment he uttered the iconic line, “It’s Alive! It’s Alive,” in the 1931classic horror film “Frankenstein, actor COLIN CLIVE secured his place in film history. The handsome, talented British actor went on to appear in several other films, but his life and career were cut short due to his acute alcoholism and other personal demons. This week, we remember and celebrate this beloved horror legend. SHOW NOTES: Sources:One Man Crazy . . .! The Life and Deat...
2025-01-1330 min
From Beneath the Hollywood SignELLEN DREW: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH (069)ELLEN DREW: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH (069)Whether playing the sweet girl next door or the world-weary casino boss’s moll, ELLEN DREW was an incredibly versatile leading lady who was a major star in the 1940s and 50s. She made a career of playing a wide range of roles in various genres — from Westerns to comedies to dramas to horror movies. She was nicknamed “The Candy Store Cinderella” because she was discovered scooping ice cream in a candy store on Hollywood Boulevard. And who do you think discovered her? You’ll be quite surp...
2025-01-0632 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“HITCHCOCK’s COLLABORATORS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE” - (068)“HITCHCOCK’s COLLABORATORS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE” - (068)ALFRED HITCHCOCK, the iconic “Master of Suspense,” loved to work with certain actors over and over again. Often, he had very complicated relationships with his actors. (Just ask TIPPI HEDREN!) However, he managed to form great working relationships with stars like JAMES STEWART, GRACE KELLY, INGRID BERGMAN, and CARY GRANT. This week, we take a fun look at some of the actors who he loved to work with. So, which actor did he put in more of his films than anyone else? The answer may surprise you.
2024-12-3037 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"DECK THEM HALLS: CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN CLASSIC FILM" (067/012)One of the most popular episodes of our pod was #12 from December of last year, "DECK THEM HALLS: CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN CLASSIC FILM." Because of the great feedback we got on that show (and because Steve and Nan are WAY behind on their holiday shopping), we’re replaying that episode to celebrate the best time of year for holiday movies. We hope you enjoy it, and we’ll be back next week with a brand new episode! Happy Holidays from all of us at "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign!""DECK THEM HALLS: CELEBRATING THE...
2024-12-2341 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“WHEN CLASSIC FILM’S SUPPORTING ACTORS STEAL THE SHOW” (066)EPISODE 66 - “WHEN CLASSIC FILM’S SUPPORTING ACTORS STEAL THE SHOW” - 12/16/2024There is nothing quite like watching a film when suddenly a supporting character comes in and walks away with the film. (Think THELMA RITTER, S.Z. SAKALL, or GALE SONDERGAARD in almost every one of their films!) This week we are focusing on some of our favorite supporting charters who come in and snatch that scene right about from under the big stars. From JOANNA BARNES’ Gloria Upson declaring, “It was just ghastly!” in “Auntie Mame” to the impassioned monologue about love that BEAH RICHARD...
2024-12-1648 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"CLASSIC HOLIDAY FILMS: FUN BEHIND THE SCENES FACTS" (065)12/09/2024EPISODE 65 - "CLASSIC HOLIDAY FILMS: FUN BEHIND THE SCENES FACTS"We all know the iconic Holiday movies like “A Christmas Carol,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas.” This week, Nan and Steve go behind the scenes of some of your favorite classic holiday movies and dig up some fun facts about these films that you may or may not know. We talk about the snow, the casting, the locations, and a lot more! Join in the fun as they conjure up holiday cheer with these great films.SHOW...
2024-12-0943 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BOBBY DRISCOLL: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (064)"BOBBY DRISCOLL: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH"EPISODE 64 - “BOBBY DRISCOLL - STAR OF THE MONTH” - 12/02/2024 BOBBY DRISCOLL's name may not be too familiar anymore, but in his heyday, he was the male equivalent of NATALIE WOOD. He was one of the most talented and prolific child stars of the 1940s and 1950s. His descent into darkness should serve as a cautionary tale to all of the stage mothers out there who think their kids will be the next big thing. Sometimes, there is a price to pay fo...
2024-12-0231 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"NOT EVEN NOMINATED: A DISCUSSION OF CLASSIC CINEMA WITH AUTHOR JOHN DILEO" (063)EPISODE 63 - “NOT EVEN NOMINATED: A DISCUSSION ABOUT CLASSIC CINEMA WITH AUTHOR JOHN DILEO” - 11/25/2024Author JOHN DILEO, film historian and author, has just published his eighth book, Not Even Nominated: 40 Overlooked Costars of Oscar-Winning Performances. This week, John joins Steve and Nan to discuss his book, as well as his origin story on how he got hooked on classic cinema. Join us for the fun, lively discussion about old Hollywood. And make sure you check out John’s book. SHOW NOTES: Sources:
2024-11-2547 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"FORGOTTEN LEADING LADIES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD" (062)"FORGOTTEN LEADING LADIES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD" - 11/18/2024A friend of mine once said that in Hollywood the toilet flushes every seven years. Meaning after about seven years, no one remembers who you are. Whether that’s true or not, there are many classic film stars who were once popular, who have faded away into obscurity. We covered men a few months ago, and now we are giving the ladies their due. Join us as we talk about four fabulous actresses who deserve to be remembered — LIZABETH SCOTT, MARIE WINDSOR, ELLA RAINES, and...
2024-11-1843 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1960s” (061)EPISODE 61 - “FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1960s” - 11/11/2024The decade of the 1960s was an exciting time in filmmaking. The stodgy studio contract system was starting to give way to a new crop of independent cinematic auteurs, often associated with the "New Hollywood" era, including Stanley Kubrick, Robert Altman, Sam Peckinpah, Arthur Penn, John Cassavetes, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Peter Bogdanovich. These edgier films pushed the creative boundaries and social themes to reflect the changing times. In this episode, Steve and Nan discuss some of their favorite films of the decade and wh...
2024-11-1146 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THELMA RITTER: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (060)EPISODE 60 - "THELMA RITTER: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" - 11/04/2024There's a scene in the classic 1950 film All About Eve where Eve Harrington (ANNE BAXTER), a star-struck fan who has infiltrated the life of Broadway star Margo Channing (BETTE DAVIS), is telling the tragic story of her past to Margo and her friends. While Margo and company are drawn into the sad circumstances of Eve's life, Margo's acerbic dresser Birdie, played to perfection by the great THELMA RITTER, is not buying her sob story. After Eve finishes, Birdie mutters, "What a story! Everything but...
2024-11-0429 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"POLITICS: THROUGH THE LENS OF CLASSIC CINEMA" (059)EPISODE 59 - "POLITICS: THROUGH THE LENS OF CLASSIC CINEMA" - 10/28/2024As we all get ready to go to the polls and vote in what might be the most important election of our lives, we wanted to take a look at politics in the films of old Hollywood. This week, we explore the movies that reflected the politics and the issues of the day and left an indelible mark on cinema. From labor wars in New Mexico to a mayor’s race in New England to the early years of Abraham Lincoln, join us as we...
2024-10-2849 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"CLASSIC CINEMA'S HORROR HEROES: BELA LUGOSI & BORIS KARLOFF" (058)EPISODE 58 - "CLASSIC CINEMA'S HORROR HEROES: BELA LUGOSI & BORIS KARLOFF" - 10/21/2024When you think of the classic Universal Studios monster movies of the 1930s and 1940s, the two names that come to mind are always BORIS KARLOFF and BELA LUGOSI. These two titans of the horror film genre gave us endless hours of chills and thrills in their portrayal of such iconic movie monsters as Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and The Mummy. This week’s Halloween episode pays tribute to the films and lives of these two incredible actors. SHOW N...
2024-10-2147 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"OLD HOLLYWOOD'S UNLIKELY CASANOVA: GENE MARKEY" (057)EPISODE 57 - “Old Hollywood’s Unlikely Casanova: Gene Markey” - 10/14/2024GENE MARKEY was an interesting character. He was a Hollywood writer and producer who had a decent, but not spectacular career. But what makes him so fascinating is the company he keeps. This man was once married to three of the most beautiful and fascinating women in the world: JOAN BENNETT, HEDY LAMARR, and MYRNA LOY. He later left Hollywood behind and married a wealthy Kentucky horsewoman and lived happily ever after. This week we explore the life, career, and loves of this most unlikely...
2024-10-1334 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“MARJORIE REYNOLDS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” (056)EPISODE 56 - “MARJORIE REYNOLDS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 10/07/2024Most film fanatics agree that after the Paramount Picture’s holiday classic “Holiday Inn” (1942), actress MARJORIE REYNOLDS, who gave a star-turn as struggling actress Linda Mason who gets a break singing and dancing in the seasonal nightclub run by BING CROSBY, should have been a big star. However, for reasons not quite clear, she didn’t rise into the stratosphere. While she had a very respectable and long career, she just didn’t soar to the top, as expected. As our Star of the Month, we w...
2024-10-0630 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1950s” (055)EPISODE 55 - “Favorite Classic Films of the 1950s ” - 09/30/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **The 1950s was a real transitional decade for classic films. As we got further away from WW2, and the Cold War began to rise up prominently, there was a cynicism across the land that influenced the content of many Hollywood movies. Films took on a grittier, more realistic feel, and the...
2024-09-3042 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"SPECIAL GUEST: PERI GILPIN TALKS OLD HOLLYWOOD" (054)EPISODE 54 - "SPECIAL GUEST: PERI GILPIN TALKS OLD HOLLYWOOD" - 09/23/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **We all know her as the hilarious and acerbic radio producer Roz Doyle on the iconic sitcom “Frasier,” and on the reboot currently airing on Paramount Plus. This week, we have a sit-down interview with actress PERI GILPIN. Peri discusses her love of clas...
2024-09-2352 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"TRIBUTE TO GENA ROWLANDS" (053)EPISODE 53 - “Tribute to Gena Rowlands” - 09/16/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **When screen legend GENA ROWLANDS passed away last month at the age of 94, she left behind a film and TV legacy that will undoubtedly influence artists for decades to come. She was an acting titan who changed the way modern audiences looked at acting. From her historic independent movies with husband JOHN CASSAVETES to mainstr...
2024-09-1637 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BIG SCREEN TO SMALL SCREEN: CLASSIC CINEMA'S TV REMAKES." (052)EPISODE 52 - "BIG SCREEN TO SMALL SCREEN: CLASSIC CINEMA'S TV REMAKES." (052) - 09/09/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **Sometimes, a classic film is primed for being turned into a successful television series — think “M*A*S*H*,” “Alice,” “In The Heat of the Night,” or “Peyton Place.” But this isn’t always the case. There have been many classic films turned into TV shows with less-than-stellar results. Does anyone remember th...
2024-09-0929 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"RICHARD CONTE - STAR OF THE MONTH" (051)EPISODE 51 - “Richard Conte (Star of the Month) ” - 09/02/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **In the great film noir classic Thieves Highway, a gripping drama that takes on the dirty underbelly of the trucking industry, the spectacular RICHARD CONTE plays Nick Garcos, a world-weary, jaded, World War II vet who returns home. After finding his family's produce business in shambles and his father crippled, he seeks revenge...
2024-09-0232 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO CLASSIC FILM STAR VERA MILES" (050)EPISODE 50 - “Birthday Tribute to Classic Film star Vera Miles” - 08/26/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **After placing 3rd runner up to Miss America in 1948 as Miss Kansas, VERA MILES soon embarked on a long and illustrious career in Hollywood and was soon working with great directors like ALFRED HITCHCOCK (“Psycho” and “The Wrong Man”) and JOHN FORD (“The Searchers” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”). This week...
2024-08-2637 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO CLASSIC CINEMA STAR ANN BLYTH" (049)EPISODE 49 - “Birthday Tribute to Classic Cinema Star Ann Blyth ” - 08/19/2024** This episode is sponsored and brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **With her crystal clear soprano voice, porcelain doll face, and fierce acting talent, ANN BLYTH became a much-in-demand star in the 1940s and 1950s. While known mostly as a romantic musical comedy star in films such as “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid” (1948), “Rose Marie” (1954), and “Kismet” (1955), she was also a deft dramatic act...
2024-08-1929 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“STEVE & NAN'S FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1940s” (048)EPISODE 48 - “STEVE & NAN'S FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1940s ” - 08/12/2024** This episode is sponsored and brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **The 1940s was a phenomenal time for movies. Auteurs like ALFRED HITCHCOCK, GEORGE STEVENS, WILIAM WYLER, and BILLY WILDER were coming into their own with important and personal films that changed the landscape of cinemas. Also, stars like BETTE DAVIS, KATHARINE HEPBURN, CARY GRANT, and HENRY FONDA were defining the scr...
2024-08-1243 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"LAIRD CREGAR: OLD HOLLYWOOD'S RELUCTANT VILLAIN" (047)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATHand get on your way to being your best self.EPISODE 47 - “Laird Cregar (Star of the Month) ” - 08/05/2024With his sad, dark eyes, hulking frame, and aristocratic speech, actor LAIRD CREGAR often played the complex villain tortured by a sinister past or an unrequited love that turns into an obsession. No one played characters with suppressed anguish, a tortured soul, or darkness lingering beneath the surface better than he did...
2024-08-0530 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MARIE MCDONALD: OLD HOLLYWOOD'S ORIGINAL GONE GIRL" (046)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATHand get on your way to being your best self.** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **As CAROLE LANDIS was known as “The Ping Girl” and ANN SHERIDAN was known as “The Oomph” Girl,” actress MARIE McDONALD was saddled with the equally misogynistic title, “The Body.” Yes, she was tall, leggy, and curvy, but she was also...
2024-07-2930 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“FORGOTTEN B-LEADING MEN OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD” (045)EPISODE 45 - “Forgotten B-Leading Men of the Golden Age of Hollywood” - 07/22/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **Sometimes, there is nothing quite like a good old B-movie. Maybe the production values aren’t the best, and maybe the story is grittier than most, but these little gems have provided hours of viewing pleasure to so many. These films also had great leading men in them. Studly, sturdy, r...
2024-07-2238 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THERESA HARRIS: HOW OLD HOLLYWOOD STOPPED HER STAR FROM RISING" (044)EPISODE 44 - "THERESA HARRIS: HOW OLD HOLLYWOOD STOPPED HER STAR FROM RISING" - 07/15/2024** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” **When THERESA HARRIS appears on screen, you cannot take your eyes off of her. Beautiful, talented, and a skilled singer and dancer, she lights up any scene she’s in. Despite appearing in over 100 films, she rarely received screen credit and most often played a maid, waitress, or other...
2024-07-1531 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"FAVORITE CLASSIC FILMS OF THE 1930s" (043)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATHand get on your way to being your best self.EPISODE 43 - “Favorite Classic Films of the 1930s” - 07/08/2024During the golden era of old Hollywood, each decade brought forth exciting films that helped define the motion picture industry. In a new feature, Steve and Nan will dissect each decade and highlight movies that resonated with them as they started their individual study of film. Beginning with the 1930s, listen...
2024-07-0836 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"EVA MARIE SAINT" (042)From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is thrilled to welcome our newest sponsor, www.HappyMammoth.com. Use code BENEATH at checkout for 15% off of your entire first order!EPISODE 42 - “Eva Marie Saint: Star of the Month (July)” - 07/01/2024Blonde, beautiful, sophisticated, and chic, there was no one in Hollywood quite like EVA MARIE SAINT. This versatile, elegant actress had an incredible emotional range and left an indelible mark on the landscape of film. July 4th marks her 100th birthday of this national treasure and in this episode we take a loo...
2024-07-0141 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“THE DEATH OF THE DREAM FACTORY” (041)From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is thrilled to welcome our newest sponsor, www.HappyMammoth.com. Use code BENEATH at checkout for 15% off of your entire first order!EPISODE 41 - “The Death of the Dream Factory” - 06/24/2024When the early movie studios began to pop up in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s, the major studio chiefs produced magnificent films and further advanced the art form of film, but they also created a system where they controlled the supply and demand flow and treated the artists who made the films like...
2024-06-2429 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"OLD HOLLYWOOD'S FORBIDDEN LOVE STORY: LON McCALLISTER & WILLIAM EYTHE" (#040)From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is thrilled to welcome our newest sponsor, www.HappyMammoth.com. Use code BENEATH at checkout for 15% off of your entire first order!EPISODE 40 - “Old Hollywood's Forbidden Love Story/ Lon McCallister & William Eythe” - 06/17/2024As we celebrate gay pride month in June, Nan and Steve bring a special episode about 20th Century Fox contract players LON McCALLISTER and WILLIAM EYTHE. Both were handsome, talented, and on their way to becoming major film stars. But there was only one problem — the two young men had fallen in love and wanted to live th...
2024-06-1733 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"FATHER KNOWS BEST: CLASSIC CINEMA'S BEST (AND WORST!) DADS" (039)From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is thrilled to welcome our newest sponsor, www.HappyMammoth.com. Use code BENEATH at checkout for 15% off of your entire first order!EPISODE 39 - “Father Knows Best: Classic Cinema's Best (and Worst!) Dads” - 06/10/2024When you stop to think about the great fathers of classic cinema, Atticus Finch, the mild-mannered Southern lawyer in “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962), has to be at the top of the list. But who else would be on that list? And what about the horrible fathers of old Hollywood? As you scram...
2024-06-1041 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“RUTH ROMAN: STAR OF THE MONTH (JUNE)” (038)EPISODE 38 - “Ruth Roman: Star of the Month (June)” - 06/03/2024RUTH ROMAN was more than a pretty face; she was a survivor! She survived childhood poverty, the fickle nature of Hollywood, the wrath of Alfred Hitchcock, several marriages, and the sinking of the luxury liner Andrea Doria in 1956. Yes, Roman was a warrior. This week, Roman is our Star of the Month for June. Join us as we take a look at her life and her long and fruitful career, where her versatility kept her working for five decades in great films such as “Good Sa...
2024-06-0336 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MEMORIAL DAY MOVIES" (#037)EPISODE 37 - “Memorial Day Movies” - 05/27/2024War is Hell. As our nation prepares to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our freedom on Memorial Day, Steve and Nan offer up a special episode where they will discuss a few war-themed films that have resonated with them over the years. Their choices cover everything from the Civil War to World War II. SHOW NOTES: Sources:100 Great War Movies: The Real History Behind the Films (2018), by Robert...
2024-05-2742 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD CLONES: THE REMAKING OF A MOVIE STAR" (#036)EPISODE 36 - “Classic Hollywood Clones: The Remaking of a Movie Star” - 05/20/2024SHOW NOTES: They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. That may not be the case when it came to the star system of old Hollywood. When an actor like CLARK GABLE or GRETA GARBO or ROCK HUDSON emerged as a star, every studio in town tried to capitalize and create their own version. For every MARILYN MONROE, there’s a dozen CLEO MOOREs. Often studios would groom an actor with similar looks and skills to be a “threat” to...
2024-05-2041 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE COLUMBIA PICTURES’ TORCH LADY AND MGM’s LEO, THE LION" (#035)EPISODE 35 - “The Mystery Behind the Columbia Pictures’ Torch Lady and MGM’s Leo, the Lion” - 05/13/2024Every major Hollywood studio has its recognizable logo. Paramount has its “mountain of stars,” 20th Century Fox has its roving klieg lights, and RKO has its radio towers. But two of the most famous studio logos have to be MGM’s “Leo, the lion” and Columbia’s regal “torch lady.” In this week’s episode, Steve and Nan dive into the history of these two iconic symbols of Hollywood excellence. From the image design to the models used to the roaring lions...
2024-05-1337 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MOTHER KNOWS BEST: CLASSIC CINEMA'S BEST (AND WORST!) MOMS" (034)In “It’s A Wonderful Life,” BEULAH BONDI played the most loving mother to JAMES STEWART. Ma Bailey is the epitome of sweetness, kindness, and supportiveness so it’s quite shocking when we meet the Ma Bailey who would have existed had George Bailey not been born. She’s cold, bitter, and unkind. It gives Bondi the wonderful opportunity to play two versions of the same character, which she does flawlessly. So to celebrate Mother’s Day, Nan and Steve are taking a page from Bondi’s playbook as they discuss the good and bad mothers of classic cinema.
2024-05-0647 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“ZACHARY SCOTT: STAR OF THE MONTH (MAY)” (033)EPISODE 33 - “Zachary Scott: Star of the Month (May)” - 04/29/2024Suave, debonaire, and effortlessly charming, ZACHARY SCOTT is best known for his role in MICHAEL CURTIZ's film noir classic Mildred Pierce (1945). As the duplicitous, silver-tongued charmer Monte Beragon, he romances Mildred, played by JOAN CRAWFORD (in her Oscar-winning role), and Mildred's daughter, Veda (ANN BLYTH). This became Scott's signature role: the sexy cad who was usually at his best swindling, seducing, or being a general scoundrel. It was always fun watching Scott's dastardly ways unfold. He could rock a tux, looked naked without a martini in h...
2024-04-2929 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE MARY ASTOR PURPLE DIARY SCANDAL" (032)EPISODE 32 - “The Mary Astor Purple Diary Scandal” - 04/22/2024One of the most scandalous trials in early Hollywood history involved actress MARY ASTOR, who had made a name for herself playing virginal ingenues and good girls. Mary, who had kept a diary for most of her life, found her words used as a sensationalized weapon against her in her quest to regain custody of her 4-year-old child in 1936 after her acrimonious divorce from her doctor husband. The trial made worldwide headlines. Her sexy, salacious diary entries showed the world a more sensual side to our v...
2024-04-2238 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“THE TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW.” (031)EPISODE 31 - “The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival Preview” - 04/15/2024From April 18th through the 21st, the 15th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival will be held in Hollywood. Steve and Nan were fortunate enough to be invited to be a part of the media that covers the festival this year. To get everyone in the mood, we have a special episode about all the festival and everything you need to know. We will give you an overview of what to expect, and we’ll let you know who is scheduled to attend. In addition, we talk about several...
2024-04-1535 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“ROBERT WALKER: OLD HOLLYWOOD'S TRAGIC BOY NEXT DOOR” (#030)EPISODE 30 - “Robert Walker: Old Hollywood’s Tragic Boy Next Door” - 04/08/2024No one played sensitive, lost souls quite like ROBERT WALKER. However, he is best known for playing one of the most complicated, psychopaths in film history, Bruno Antony in ALFRED HITCHCOCK’s masterpiece “Strangers On A Train” (1951). His journey from playing sensitive innocents to playing Bruno is reflective of his troubled, turbulent life, and the heartbreak from which he never recovered. This week, we’ll discuss the artistry and the tragedy of this incredible actor.SHOW NOTES: ...
2024-04-0839 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“JAN STERLING: STAR OF THE MONTH” (029)EPISODE 29 - “Jan Sterling: Old Hollywood Star of the Month” - 04/01/2024Our “Star of the Month” is the fabulous JAN STERLING, who was married to our March “Star of the Month,” PAUL DOUGLAS. Blonde, beautiful, and often deadly on screen, Sterling started in theatre, but made a name for herself portraying tough dames, femme fatales, and sexy seductresses in films such as “Caged,” “Ace In the Hole” and “The High and the Mighty.” However, her upbringing was quite different from these wayward women she played so convincingly; she was actually from a very wealthy and prominent family. She...
2024-04-0131 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“GOLDEN ERA STARS IN 1970S DISASTER FILMS” (028)EPISODE 28 - “Golden Era Stars in 1970s Disaster Films” - 03/25/2024Just when many classic films stars thought they were finished in showbiz, a wonderful thing happened — 1970s disaster movies! Producers like IRWIN ALLEN and JENNINGS LANG shepherded in an exciting, over-the-top, new genre that capitalized on our fears. They also smartly cast many classic film actors in these movies, providing familiar faces who added comfort and emotional investment. These films proved not only lucrative for these golden era stars, but kept them in the public eye longer and often revived careers. Listen this week as we t...
2024-03-2535 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“DONA DRAKE: WHAT PRICE FAME” (027)EPISODE 27 - “Dona Drake: What Price Fame” - 03/18/2024Latina star DONA DRAKE, who signed a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1941, was many things — singer, dancer, actress, bandleader, musician — but one thing she wasn’t, as it turned out, was Latin! While Paramount promoted their new discovery as a spitfire Latina born in Mexico City, Drake was, in fact, an African-American woman from Florida who pretended to be Latin, going so far as to learn Spanish fluently, in order to have a better chance at a Hollywood career. Listen to this fascinating story of one woman who w...
2024-03-1831 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“OSCAR FEVER: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY AWARDS” (026)EPISODE 26 - “Oscar Fever: A Brief History of the Academy Awards” - 03/10/2024The winners. The losers. The speeches. The gowns. The glamour. The cringey moments. Nothing toys with a film lovers’ emotions like the pageantry of the Academy Award ceremony…or the Oscars, as it has become known. Somewhere, right now, there are people still arguing over whether GRACE KELLY deserved to win the Best Actress Oscar in 1955 for “The Country Girl” over JUDY GARLAND for “A Star Is Born.” The Oscars breeds its own drama. We’ve had streakers, protests, Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White, st...
2024-03-1042 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"PAUL DOUGLAS: STAR OF THE MONTH” (25)EPISODE 25 - “Paul Douglas: Star of the Month” - 03/04/2024In a new feature, we are highlighting a “Star of the Month” where we will dive into the life, career, and legacy of a single performer. To kick things off in this episode, we’ll be discussing the great PAUL DOUGLAS. You may not know his name, but you certainly know his face. With his somewhat craggy mug that usually sported a hang-dog look, he made a career at playing gruff, tough guys who were usually softies underneath, as he does so perfectly as LINDA DARNELL’s r...
2024-03-0426 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE HOLLYWOOD STUDIO CLUB: WHERE THE GOOD GIRLS LIVED" (24)EPISODE 24 - “The Hollywood Studio Club: Where The Good Girls Lived” - 02/26/2024During the early days of Hollywood, hordes of young women pilgrimaged West to try to break into the movie business. And like sheep to slaughter, there were just as many men in Hollywood ready to take advantage of these young, inexperienced, and vulnerable young women. However, the Hollywood Studio Club, a hotel for women, run by women, tried to give these women a safe haven in the storm. Started by a librarian and nurtured by movie star MARY PICKFORD, among...
2024-02-2632 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDER!" (23)EPISODE 23 - “I Coulda Been a Contender: Classic Casting That Almost Happened” - 02/19/2024It is well documented that the film “Gone With The Wind” started filming before an actress was cast in the lead role of Scarlett O’Hara. Producer DAVID O. SELZNICK made a spectacle out of who would win the coveted role. It became a national obsession. He considered everyone from TALLULAH BANKHEAD to BETTE DAVIS to LUCILLE BALL. He eventually narrowed the field to three finalists: PAULETTE GODDARD, JOAN BENNETT, and JEAN ARTHUR. But in the eleventh hour, a new conte...
2024-02-1934 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"CUPID'S EPIC FAILS" (22)EPISODE 22 - “Cupid’s Epic Fails” - 02/12/2024Cupid has been stirring things up in Hollywood ever since the very first camera rolled. And when he gets it right, we get CLARK GABLE and CAROLE LOMBARD, JOEL McCRAE and FRANCES DEE, and PAUL NEWMAN and JOANNE WOODWARD. But when Cupid gets it wrong…well, let’s just say it ain’t pretty. In this episode, Steve and Nan discuss some Hollywood couplings that should never have happened. SHOW NOTES: Sources:Ernie: The Auto...
2024-02-1237 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" (21)EPISODE 21 - “Love Is In The Air” - 02/05/2024Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be a mixed bag. Either you’re blissfully in love and the day is a romantic dream, or, you are not in love and part of you wants to stomp all the roses and put the chocolate bon-bons in a sling shot and pummel Cupid. Whatever your head space this Valentine’s Day, Steve and Nan have a movie for you. Listen in as they share some of their favorite romantic movies to get you in the mood, or give you s...
2024-02-0540 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"GREG BAUTZER: HOLLYWOOD'S LEGAL LOTHARIO" (20)EPISODE 20 - “Greg Bautzer: Hollywood’s Legal Lothario” - 01/29/2024Long before notorious trials like O.J. SIMPSON's made momentary celebrities out of legal eagles like JOHNNIE COCHRAN, ROBERT SHAPIRO and ROBERT KARDASHIAN, there was attorney GREG BAUTZER. From the working class docks of San Pedro, this ambitious Golden Boy with movie-star good looks and a brilliant legal mind became the most trusted confidante of the elite of Hollywood. Not only was he a peerless power broker for the likes of HOWARD HUGHES and KIRK KERKORIAN, but he also dated the most eligible Hollywood actresses, including LA...
2024-01-2938 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"FALLEN ANGEL: THE HELEN WALKER STORY" (19)EPISODE 19 - “Fallen Angel: The Helen Walker Story” - 01/22/2024Cast as ALAN LADD’s leading lady in her film debut, Massachusetts-born HELEN WALKER was destined for Hollywood greatness. With her deep voice, coolly blonde good looks, and immense talent, she were perfect for Hollywood of the 1940s. However, her rising star abruptly came crashing to earth after a tragic accident sent her life into a downward spiral of despair and alcoholism. This is a cautionary tale of the dark side of fame. Listen to her compelling and tragic story on this week’s episode.
2024-01-2233 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE SCENE STEALERS (MALE)" (18)EPISODE 18 - “The Scene Stealers (Male)” - 01/015/2024Films of Hollywood’s Golden Era are often brightened and made all the better by the fantastic character actors who show up playing fathers, grandfathers, bankers, farmers, chefs, clerks, bosses, and neighbors. The moment you hear the distinctive voice of WALTER BRENNAN, not only do you know it’s him, but you know the film will have at least one interesting element. Last week we paid tribute to the ladies, this week we are giving the wonderful male character actors their due. Join us as we discuss their dis...
2024-01-1532 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE SCENE STEALERS (FEMALE)" (17)EPISODE 17 - “The Scene Stealers (Female)” - 01/08/2024In the film Mildred Pierce (1945), EVE ARDEN manages to steal almost every scene she’s in. And, while talking with JOAN CRAWFORD’s Mildred about her spoiled, bratty daughter, Veda (ANN BLYTH), she even delivers the film’s most iconic line, “Personally, Veda's convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young.” That is the power of a skilled character actress. Their scenes might be limited, and their names may not be above the title, but with the lift of an eyebrow, the purse of a lip, or th...
2024-01-0838 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BEGINNER'S LUCK" (16)EPISODE 16 - “Beginner’s Luck” - 01/01/2024To win an Oscar sometimes takes decades of hard work and dedication to your craft — just ask PAUL NEWMAN, GERALDINE PAGE, and JESSICA TANDY. In fact, when Newman finally won the Oscar in 1987 for “The Color of Money,” after being nominated six times previously, he didn’t even bother to show up to the ceremony. “It’s like chasing a beautiful woman for 80 years,” he told the Associated Press. “Finally, she relents and you say, ‘I’m terribly sorry. I’m tired.’” However, there is a small group of actors who didn’t have to chas...
2024-01-0136 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"OLD MOVIES FOR A NEW YEAR" (15)EPISODE 15 - “Old Movies For A New Year” - 12/25/2023There’s something about New Year’s Eve and assessing the past year that is bittersweet, yet cathartic. It’s a time of self-evaluation, introspection, and assessment. In case you’re looking for the perfect film to match the myriad of emotions you may be feeling as you reflect, regret, or seek revenge in anticipation of the new year ahead, we’ve got four that should get you in the mood for 2024. And NEVER forget…There’s GOT to be a morning after! SHOW NOTES...
2023-12-2540 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"...AND YOUR LITTLE DOG, TOO!" (14)EPISODE 14 - “…And Your Little Dog, Too!” - 12/18/2023From RIN TIN TIN to LASSIE to TRIGGER, to TONTO, from the 1974 film "Harry and Tonto," who can resist those cute, furry little nuggets who can straight-out steal a scene right out from under the most-trained Shakespearean thespian with the wag of a tail, the flop of an ear, or the purr of a cry? In this episode, Steve and Nan explore some of the four-legged stars who have won the hearts of millions during the classic era of film. SHO...
2023-12-1843 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"SCRAM KID…YOU BOTHER ME" (13)EPISODE 13 - Scram Kid…You Bother Me - 12/11/2023As W.C. FIELDS famously said, "Never work with children or animals." Of course, he was probably referring to their ability to steal a scene or their unpredictability. But what would cinema be without child performers? From SHIRLEY TEMPLE to MICKEY ROONEY to NATALIE WOOD to MARY BADHAM, so many incredibly talented tots danced across the silver screen and into our hearts during Hollywood's golden era. This week we’ll be taking a look at the lives and careers of a few of our favorites.
2023-12-1140 minFrom Beneath the Hollywood Sign"DECK THEM HALLS: THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN FILM" (12)While chestnuts roasting on that open fire and sleigh bells ringing are nice, nothing gets you in the mood for the holidays like a good ole seasonal movie. Well, get ready to unwrap an early present from Steve and Nan as they share their favorite lesser-known holiday films. And along the way, they discuss everything from Clarence the Angel, French nuns, boxing nuns, ROBERT MITCHUM’s drug bust, and millionaires tossing money out of their Park Avenue apartment window. Don’t miss this holiday spectacular! SHOW NOTES: Sources:
2023-12-0441 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"MAUREEN O’HARA AND FAKE NEWS" (11)Ireland-born MAUREEN O’HARA was not only one of the silver screen's great actresses, she was also a strong independent woman who did not suffer fools gladly. When Confidential magazine, a tabloid known for false stories and unethical journalistic practices, came for her in 1957, she fought back with a vengeance. Her efforts, along with DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, ROBERT MITCHUM, LIZABETH SCOTT, and a bevy of other stars, helped stop the scandal-crazed magazine in its sleazy tracks. Read all about the events and trial that would shocked a nation. SHOW NOTES:
2023-11-2732 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"STEVE COCHRAN: HOLLYWOOD BAD BOY" (10)Actor STEVE COCHRAN’s life was like a page out of the American macho man’s handbook. Raised in Wyoming where he was once a cowhand, he carved a memorable career in Hollywood playing gangsters, villains, adulterers, and bad boys in great films like “The Best Years of Our Lives” and “White Heat.” But in a case of art imitating life, this rowdy, randy actor’s personal life was just as chaotic and dramatic as his film roles. Find out how his love of women, booze, and trouble proved to be his Achilles heel. Sources:...
2023-11-2027 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"SIBLING RIVALRY - PART TWO" (09)As we continue our exploration of famous siblings who thrived during the Golden Era of Hollywood, we’ll discover that you are definitely not your brother’s keeper, especially when we discuss the lives, careers, and relationship of a famous film noir actor and his movie star beefcake brother. We’ll also discuss a couple of brassy blonde comediennes who ruled the silver screen in the 1930s and 40s and a pair of beautiful and talented Italian sisters who took Hollywood by storm in the 1950s, but who had very different outcomes.SHOW...
2023-11-1335 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"SIBLING RIVALRY - PART ONE" (08)Ever since Cain killed Abel — or, to put it in old Hollywood terms, ever since JOAN FONTAINE rebuffed OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND at the 1941 Oscar ceremony — sibling relationships have been complicated. In this episode we take a look at famous Hollywood siblings, some of whom you may know, others who may be a complete surprise. We’ll discuss the operatic singing superstar and her ghoulish TV star sister, the suave urbanite brothers who played bad guys and heels with equal aplomb, and a quartet of singing sisters from the Midwest who melted hearts in the 1940s. But, rest assured, unlike Cain and...
2023-11-0635 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“GHOSTS, GHOULS AND VERONICA LAKE" (07)Halloween has always been a special time for classic movies. From the early Universal Studios monster films to the psychological thrillers of ALFRED HITCHCOCK to the gory blood-bathes of the 1980s slasher films, Hollywood understood that people love to be frightened. In this Halloween episode, hosts Steve and Nan share some of the perhaps lesser-known scary movies to enjoy this Halloween season. Some are really great; some...not so much. But they all have a special place in Steve and Nan’s demented little hearts. So pull the covers up tight, keep the lights on and ignore that thump in...
2023-10-3038 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"BLONDE TROUBLE: THE TRAGEDY OF CAROLE LANDIS" (06)Actress CAROLE LANDIS was a rising star in the 1940s, but her bright light was short-lived. She came from a troubled background and learned early that her looks and sex appeal were valuable commodities that could help her dreams of fame come true. She scratched and clawed her way to Hollywood stardom only to find the dream was hollow. Her quest for love led her to all the wrong men. Her ill-fated love affair with the very-married star REX HARRISON drove her to her untimely death at age 29. Ruled a suicide at the time, years later, Landis’ family thinks otherw...
2023-10-2333 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“ANNE REVERE: MOTHER COURAGE” (05)The name ANNE REVERE may not ring a bell to many today, but during the 1940s, the Broadway-trained, Tony-winning actress, who was a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere, was one of the most revered character actresses in Hollywood. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1944 for National Velvet and left an indelible mark on the landscape of film as Gregory Peck’s sympathetic mother in Gentleman’s Agreement in 1947. Learn about her life, career, and the shameful witch hunt of an obsessed Wisconsin Senator looking to make a name for himself that ended her brilliant Hollywood care...
2023-10-1635 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“THE MURDERS, MAYHEM, AND MISCHIEF OF BEACHWOOD CANYON” (04)When you drive through Beachwood Canyon, don't be fooled by the droves of tourists vying for the perfect shot of the Hollywood sign or the beautiful stone gates of the village that lead to storybook houses covered with ivy and brilliant bougainvillea. The canyon has had its share of strange, and often dark, Hollywood history including religious cults, suicides, and a love triangle murder that involved popular and prolific Hollywood actor PAUL KELLY. Join us as we explore the happenings that occurred “from beneath the Hollywood sign."_________________________________________Sources:...
2023-10-1636 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“HOLLYWOOD’S WEB OF LOVE” (03)Everyone in old Hollywood can probably be connected by whom they dated, married, or slept with. Two of the most desirable lovers of the era were LANA TURNER and AVA GARDNER, both Hollywood superstars who shared a friendship, similar backgrounds, and many romantic partners, including a husband. Join us as we connect the romantic dots through old Hollywood using Lana and Ava’s little black books as our guide.__________________________________________Sources:The Lady, The Legend, The Truth: Lana (1982) by Lana Turner; Lana: The Lif...
2023-10-1634 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign"THE SORDID HISTORY OF THE KNICKERBOCKER HOTEL” (02)Planted firmly in the middle of Hollywood is the Knickerbocker Hotel, a big, boxy, building with a faded facade appearing like a sad relic from a gayer time. Only the illuminated block letters of its sign that light up the Hollywood night sky hint at the lively history of this Hollywood landmark that BETTE DAVIS, MAUREEN O’SULLIVAN, and DICK POWELL once called home. From affairs to arrests to seances to suicides, we take a deep dive into the sordid past of this once grand dame of Hollywood._________________________________________Sources:The...
2023-10-1634 min
From Beneath the Hollywood Sign“OSCAR FUMBLES” (01)Hollywood’s Oscar ceremony is like the Super Bowl for cinema lovers. But beyond the clothes, the speeches, and the musical numbers, it’s all about the winners. And some leave us scratching our heads. Did How Green Was My Valley really deserve the Best Picture Oscar over Citizen Kane in 1941? How did CARY GRANT and MYRNA LOY never win competitive Oscars? And who the hell is LUISE RAINER, and how did she rob IRENE DUNNE and BARBARA STANWYCK of their Oscars? Join STEVE CUBINE, writer of the Emmy-Award winning series Break A Hip, and NAN MCNAMARA, renowned actress and...
2023-10-1635 minFrom Beneath the Hollywood SignFrom Beneath the Hollywood Sign coming soonWhen you want Tyrone Power instead of Tom Hardy, Jennifer Jones instead of Jennifer Lawrence, or Robert Mitchum rather than Robert Pattinson, then FROM BENEATH THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN is the gin joint for you. Each week, writer and producer STEVE CUBINE and actress NAN MCNAMARA explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometime bizarre tales of Old Hollywood. So sit back and revisit a time when the pictures were still big and everyone was ready for their close-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2023-09-1801 min