In this episode, I spoke with author Diane Kiesel about her latest book "When Charlie Met Joan: The Tragedy of the Chaplin Trials and the Failings of American Law". Charlie Chaplin, the silent screen’s “Little Tramp,” was beloved by millions of movie fans until he starred in a series of salacious, real-life federal courtroom dramas.

In this episode, I discuss the work of Director, Producer and actor Sam Wood.

Directed eight Oscar Best Picture nominees: The Good Earth (1937) (uncredited), Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939), Gone with the Wind (1939) (uncredited), Our Town (1940), Kitty Foyle (1940), Kings Row (1942), The Pride of the Yankees (1942) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943).

In this episode, I discuss with Mallory O'Meara and her latest book "Daughter of Daring: The Trick-Riding, Train-Leaping, Road-Racing Life of Helen Gibson, Hollywood’s First Stuntwoman". Helen Gibson was a woman willing to do anything to give audiences a thrill. Advertised as "The Most Daring Actress in Pictures," Helen emerged in the early days of the twentieth-century silent film scene as a rodeo rider, background actor, stunt double, and eventually one of the era’s biggest action stars.

In this episode, I spoke with author Chris Alexander about his latest book "Art! Trash! Terror! Adventures in Strange Cinema". From filmmaker, former Fangoria editor-in-chief, and Corman/Poe author Chris Alexander comes ART! TRASH! TERROR! Adventures in Strange Cinema, a treasure trove of in-depth essays and edifying interviews that celebrate some of the most eccentric and unforgettable movies in cult cinema history. 

The book will be released in the US on March 15, 2025, until then go ahead and pre-order your copy today.

In this episode, I spoke with author William Elliott Hazelgrove regarding his book " Dead Air: The Night That Orson Wells Terrified America". On a warm Halloween Eve, October 30, 1938, during a broadcast of H G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, a twenty-three-year-old Orson Welles held his hands up for radio silence in the CBS studio in New York City while millions of people ran out into the night screaming, grabbed shotguns, drove off in cars, and hid in basements, attics, or anywhere they could find to get away from Martians intent on exterminating the human race.

In this episode, I spoke with Professor Lisa Haven about her recent book "Early Buster Keaton: From the Vaudeville Stage to Comique Films 1899-1920". Since nearly every aspect of Keaton’s story and work has been written about in some form, it is the goal of this book to present a new perspective on Keaton’s early life in the entertainment business, beginning before vaudeville and moving through the Comique films, Keaton’s first foray into the industry.

Pre-order her book on Amazon or another bookstore.  Book is scheduled to be release on March 30th.  Order today!

The career of Joan Bennett! Follow on FB @forgottenhollywood

James Lott Jr has a message for listeners. And Thank You Doug Hess for ALL of your hard work.
Intro and Outro song- Dazzle In the Spotlight by the North Inglewood Jazz Symphony Orchestra (written by James Lott Jr for Lefthanded Taurus Music 2025)

In this episode I discuss the life of actress Lillian Gish.

In this episode I spoke with author Catherine Curzon about her book "The Real Bogie and Bacall". Chronicles the turbulent Hollywood love story of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, navigating fame, adversity, and enduring passion against all odds.