80s Flick Flashback

In the early ’70s, films like The Omega Man, Soylent Green, and THX-1138 painted a bleak future of chaos and government control. By 1981, the tone had shifted, with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Clash of the Titans offering escapism and classic good vs. evil battles. But then came this 80s flick, set in a dystopian 1997 where Manhattan is a prison island. The hero, a morally gray anti-hero on a mission to rescue the President, must navigate a world full of shady characters and alliances.

Join Tim Williams and guest co-host, Nicholas Pepin from the "Pop Culture Roulette" Podcast, to dive into Escape from New York on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• The idea of putting a wig on at one point in the film was improvised by Donald Pleasance.
• The shot of Maggie's corpse under the Duke's car was added after principal photography was done as  John Carpenter felt the audience wouldn't get that the impact had killed her. Carpenter and Adrienne Barbeau filmed the shot in their garage with her under their own car.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB

https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-chart/weekend/1981/07/10

https://www.gq.com/story/escape-from-new-york-40-kurt-russell-john-carpenter-grim-future

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

In the mid-1980s, few films targeted young adults, and studios were still figuring out how to connect with the emerging Generation X. Enter St. Elmo's Fire—a quintessential 80s flick that featured a star-studded cast of rising talent: Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Mare Winningham, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore. Centered around a group of recent Georgetown grads navigating the post-college world, the film perfectly captured the spirit of the Reagan era. It resonated with a generation on the cusp of adulthood. In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, join Tim Williams and guest co-host, JB Huffman, as they dive into the cultural touchstone that is St. Elmo’s Fire.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• The higher education campus featured in the movie is Georgetown University. All the main characters in the film attended this university together. However, after reviewing the script, the administrators at Georgetown University declined to allow the producers to film on campus. As a result, the on-campus scenes were shot at the University of Maryland instead. The only appearance of Georgetown University in the film is a long shot taken from across the Potomac River.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

https://ew.com/movies/2017/04/11/st-elmos-fire-oral-history/

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/st-elmos-fire-movie/

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

Remember back in the '80s when the end of the year meant tuning into those epic countdowns on the radio? Whether it was Casey Kasem with his iconic 'American Top 40' or Rick Dees bringing the laughs with his countdown hits, there was something magical about hearing the biggest songs of the year celebrated in such a big way. Today, we’re bringing that same energy as we count down our top ten episodes of 2024 based on total downloads and listens with a long-distance dediction thrown in for good measure. So grab your favorite '80s snack, and turn up the volume as we dive into our year-end countdown on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast!

A special thank you to all of the wonderful guest co-hosts that made this year's episodes so special!

Chris Adams (Retro Life 4 You Podcast)

Jeff Atkins

Ben Carpenter

Charlie Cotter

Gerry D (Totally Rad Christmas Podcast)

JB Huffman (Manly Movies Podcast)

Nicholas Pepin (Pop Culture Roulette Podcast)

Darby Mirocha

Chad Sheppard

Catherine Mary Stewart

Bethany Wells

Laramy Wells (Moving Panels Podcast)

Tyra Williams

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

In this special replay episode, we dive back into the chaotic, festive, and mischievous world of "Gremlins" (1984). Joined by special guest co-host Gerry D., we revisit this 80s classic that blends comedy, horror, and holiday spirit in a way only director Joe Dante can deliver. Gerry and I discuss first-time-watch memories, favorite scenes, and the timeless appeal of Gizmo and his unruly counterparts.

We'll also uncover behind-the-scenes stories about the effects used for the Gremlins, the film's unexpected darker tones, and its legacy as a holiday favorite (or anti-holiday, depending on how you see it!). Whether you’re a fan of Stripe’s antics or love a good dose of 80s nostalgia, this episode is a must-listen!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• There are references to the crew's previous projects, including some Spielberg shout-outs on the Kingston Falls theater marquee (where early working titles for both "Close Encounters" and "E.T." are listed), a poster for Twilight Zone: The Movie (Spielberg and Dante's first collaboration), and a mention of Dr. Fantasy (the nickname of producer Frank Marshall). The scenes set at the trade show attended by Rand Petlzer (Hoyt Axton) feature brief appearances by Spielberg, composer Jerry Goldsmith, and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet. Legendary animation director Chuck Jones even appears as Billy's artist friend in an early bar scene.
• Although it is not visible, "Four Magic Moves to Winning Golf", by Joe Dante, Sr. is on Billy's nightstand. Director Joe Dante, Jr. said his father criticized him for not making the title more visible.
• At the movie's end, Gizmo pops the window blind to expose Stripe to the sunlight. The original edit featured Gizmo lifting the shade, then Billy. Again, Spielberg suggested to Dante that the film show Gizmo to be more of the hero of the story than Billy. Dante agreed and the scene was edited to clearly show it was Gizmo that stopped Stripe.

Sources: Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes 

https://screenrant.com/gremlins-behind-scenes-details-making-trivia/ 

https://www.looper.com/133866/the-untold-truth-of-gremlins/

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

You won’t find this forgotten 80s Flick archived in the Smithsonian or on any list of Oscar-winning films. However, for thousands, maybe even millions, of Americans who grew up in the 1980s, it still holds a significant place in their cultural memory. It may be where they learned to curse, learned about love, and were introduced to the charm of country music superstar, Kenny Rogers.

The premise may seem absurd in hindsight. A washed-up race car driver, looking for a second chance, catches some kids stealing auto parts in a small Texas town. After giving chase, he discovers they are orphans who are better at repairing race cars than staying out of trouble. A corrupt local sheriff then pursues Kenny and the kids, leading to a healthy mix of humor and drama. 

So load up the camper, turn down your belt-buckle radio, and shake the dew off your Lilly as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Chris Adams and Ben Carpenter discuss “Six Pack” from 1982 on this special bonus episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.

There is no extra trivia for this episode

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, BoxOfficeMojo

https://savingcountrymusic.com/the-essence-of-kenny-rogers-captured-best-in-six-pack-movie/

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

This 80s Flick was just your standard love story: boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl turns out to be a fish. This beloved film captivated audiences with its whimsical blend of comedy, fantasy, and heartwarming romance. From the moment the mermaid first emerges from the ocean waves, the story sweeps us away on an unforgettable journey. How will she adapt to life on land? And can her budding relationship with the man who rescued her overcome the challenges of their vastly different worlds?

Join us as we dive deep into the film's enduring legacy, the talented cast, and the magic that made it an iconic romantic comedy. So catch a cab to Cape Cod, order some fresh lobster, and fill up the bathtub with salt water as Tim Williams with guest co-hosts, Ben Carpenter and Bethany Wells, discuss “Splash” from 1984 on this episode of the 80’s Flick Flashback Podcast!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• In a June 1984 issue of the British sci-fi magazine "Starburst," Ron Howard discussed the ending of "Splash." He mentioned, "At one point, we considered a bittersweet ending instead of a happy one. However, our wives protested about it so much that we decided to listen to them—and I'm really glad we did!"

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo,

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/daryl-hannah-shares-secrets-splash/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/76738/15-surprising-facts-about-splash

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

Get ready for chills as we revisit a classic that doesn’t rely on superhuman slashers or crazed killers but still managed to freeze audiences in fear. "Poltergeist" (1982) tells the story of an ordinary suburban family haunted by supernatural forces that tap into our deepest fears. From a clown doll that springs to life, to a closet that becomes a portal to another dimension, and a tree that breaks through a bedroom window, the terror builds. But nothing is more unsettling than a young girl calmly pressing her hands against a flickering TV screen and announcing: "They’re here..."

Join Tim Williams, Ben Carpenter, and Bethany Wells as they slide across the kitchen floor, grab a raw steak from the fridge, and dive into why this PG-rated fright fest has haunted HBO viewers since the 80s. Does it still give them the creeps? Tune in to this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast to find out!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• Dr. Lesh states in the movie that the paranormal activity in the Freeling home is likely caused by a poltergeist, rather than a haunting. This is because poltergeists are typically linked to a specific person, while hauntings are associated with a particular location. However, this assessment proves to be incorrect when Steven discovers that the house was built on a cemetery, indicating that the phenomenon is actually a haunting and not a poltergeist.
• The sound effect for the beast that attacks the house at the end of the movie is the source for the MGM lion roar.
• Poltergeist's special effects and score were both nominated for Oscars but lost to Spielberg's bigger film, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial", in both categories.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

⁠https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/09/poltergeist-at-40⁠

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

In 1984, amid the fears of nuclear war and the rise of consumerism, teen-centric films flourished. One often-overlooked gem stands out for its darker tone, mixing themes of consumerism, alien threats, mutation, and sinister scientists. "Night of the Comet" follows two sisters who survive a comet-induced apocalypse that turns most people into dust and some into zombies. As they navigate the desolate city, meet a fellow survivor, and face the dangers of this new world, they quickly realize that survival isn't as easy as it seems. So, grab your Mac-10, hop on a motorcycle, and join us as Chris Adams and I, along with special guest Catherine Mary Stewart, dive into the 1984 cult classic "Night of the Comet" on this special bonus episode of the 80s Flick Flashback podcast!

This is an abbreviated replay of an episode of the "Retro Life 4 You" Podcast with Chris Adams. If you would like to watch or listen to the full, unedited episode you can find it here - https://retrolife4u.com/episode/night-of-the-comet-apocalypse-80s-style

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

Say his name three times and he will appear. With his unruly green hair, pinstripe suit and unusual mannerisms, the malicious spirit became a film icon. But before the dark comedy premiered the studio and half of the cast weren't exactly convinced that audiences would be willing to take the wild ride about a bio-exorcist. The original script was vastly different, offering a darker and more deadly take before humor was eventually (and successfully) sprinkled in during production. The unique blend of absurdity and alarm proved to be the perfect mix, with this 80s Flick becoming a surprise hit at the box office, spawning a hit animated series, winning an Oscar, and becoming a Broadway musical. So take a trip with us back to Winter River Connecticut, grab your copy of the “Handbook for the Recently Deceased”, and watch out for the Sandworms as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Laramy Wells & Bethany Wells discuss “Beetlejuice” from 1988 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• Tom Duffield said "The scene with Alec Baldwin, where Geena’s standing with his head in her hand, he was just kneeling behind a black show card that was cut around his chin. Look closely, it’s all done on camera. It was real quick cut, but that’s all it was."
• The epilogue featuring Beetlejuice and the witch doctor was added during post-production. Another version of the ending showed Beetlejuice in the waiting room with the barber who welcomed Adam at the beginning of the movie (supposedly after he had died), and the barber's rambling drove Beetlejuice crazy.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

https://www.ranker.com/list/beetlejuice-behind-the-scenes/jacob-shelton

https://www.eonline.com/news/1369754/20-strange-and-unusual-secrets-about-beetlejuice-revealed

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback

Imagine pitching this to a movie studio in the 80s: two clueless slackers travel through time in a phone booth, rounding up historical figures for their high school history project. Not exactly an easy sell, right? But what started as a quirky stand-up routine from college pals Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon turned into a surprise hit. The film didn’t just make money—it inspired a sequel, an animated series, a comic book, and even its own breakfast cereal!

After a challenging production—complete with budget issues, a rewritten ending, and hundreds of auditions—Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure finally hit theaters. While initial reviews were most heinous, it steadily won over audiences, and the rest is, well, history.

So, jump into the time-traveling phone booth, practice your air guitar skills, and don’t forget to wind your watch as Nicholas Pepin, Chad Sheppard, Laramy Wells, and I discuss Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure from 1989 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

Many of the historical figures that Bill and Ted brought back died in tragic ways. Several, including Socrates, Joan of Arc, Billy the Kid, and Abraham Lincoln, were either executed or assassinated. Sigmund Freud died by assisted suicide. Some people believe Napoleon Bonaparte's death under house arrest was the result of arsenic poisoning. Historically, Genghis Khan and Ludwig van Beethoven died of natural causes.

Bill's "philosophy" to Socrates, "All we are is dust in the wind, dude," is a line from "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas. Socrates' response is, "Like sands of the hourglass, such are the days of our lives." For decades, that was the opening credits voiceover for "Days of Our Lives". Amy Stoch (Missy) appeared in 26 episodes of Days of Our Lives in 1986, while Tony Steedman (Socrates) appeared in 15 episodes in 1990.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office Mojo

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/alex-winter-bill-ted-excellent-adventure-lost-scene-interview-955329/

https://screenrant.com/bill-ted-excellent-adventure-behind-scenes-facts/

https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2551533/bill-and-teds-excellent-adventure-non-heinous-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-time-travel-movie

https://keithandthemovies.com/2020/04/22/retro-review-bill-teds-excellent-adventure-1989/

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to us, and we'd be so grateful to know what you enjoyed about our show. If we missed anything or if you have any suggestions for 80s movies, we'd love to hear them too! If you're feeling extra supportive, you can even become a subscription member through "Buy Me A Coffee". For more details and other fun extensions of our podcast, check out this link. Thank you for your support!

• https://linktr.ee/80sFlickFlashback