Going Hollywood - Movies and Television from the Golden Age to Today

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."  

So were the alleged dying words of great English actor Edmund Kean in 1833. He couldn't have known that he was giving a perfect review of our film for today, Stanley Kramer's legendary comedic epic of money-grubbing greed, "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963).

 A dying criminal's roadside confession about "$350Gs" buried under a "Big W" transforms a group of ordinary motorists into a crazed mob racing across Southern California  in an epic treasure hunt where greed obliterates all sense of decency and cooperation.

Stanley Kramer, known for serious dramas with social messages, assembled "a murderous row"  of famous comics, including  Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, Jonathan Winters, Sid Caesar,  et al., capped off by the legendary Spencer Tracy in one of his final film performances.  The film captures these mid-century comedy giants at their peak, preserving their unique talents in what has become a time capsule of American humor.

Shot in breathtaking Ultra Panavision, this visual feast pioneered spectacular stunts and chase sequences that would influence action comedies for decades.. Six decades later, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" remains the gold standard of ensemble comedy, proving that sometimes the journey is more rewarding than the treasure itself. Join the madness and discover why this film continues to inspire passionate devotion from comedy lovers everywhere.

To listen to the wonderful Ernest Gold soundtrack go to https://youtu.be/00LN9EI6XSk?si=1QCyDBdlF1tblvnT 

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

We’re having a heat wave this week on "Going Hollywood" as we tackle one of the most iconic--and controversial--films in Hollywood history, starring one of it's greatest stars. Marilyn Monroe in Billy Wilder’s “The Seven Year Itch" (1955)

The film represents a pivotal moment in Hollywood history – a technicolor confection where Marilyn's screen persona fully crystallized into the irresistible combination of sexuality and childlike innocence that captivated the world. We dive deep into what makes her performance special, examining how she elevated potentially problematic material through her impeccable comedic timing and vulnerability. 

Behind the scenes, we uncover the fascinating production challenges faced by director Billy Wilder as he navigated the strict Production Code restrictions, as well as acknowledging the specific challenges a 2025 viewing of the film and its 1950s view of gender dynamics, marriage, and female objectification presents. Rather than canceling such works, we argue for understanding them within their historical context while appreciating the elements that transcend their era – particularly Marilyn's luminous performance.

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Boy, do we have some ‘splainin to do! 

In this very special episode we dive into the revolutionary legacy of a television pioneer whose contributions have been overshadowed for decades- Desi Arnaz. While Lucille Ball rightfully earned her place in entertainment history, her husband and business partner fundamentally transformed how television works—from filming techniques to syndication models that still influence the industry today.

We begin by exploring the “I Love Lucy” episode, "Ricky Minds the Baby," which uniquely showcases Desi's comedic talents. After that, we are joined by  special guest Todd S. Purdum, author of the new book, "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television". Todd illuminates Desi's ground breaking business decisions, his turbulent personal life, and  how he and Lucy  created the largest TV production company in the world, green-lit iconic shows like “Star Trek” and “Mission Impossible”, and pioneered techniques still used today.

To purchase DESI ARNAZ: THE MAN WHO INVENTED TELEVISION by Todd S. Purdham go to:

Amazon: https://a.co/d/4ZTlE1n

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Macguffins, albinos and dwarves, oh my!

There is that and so much more in our film for today, 1978's "Foul Play". This perfect summer escape film stars Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase and a whole slew of wonderful and eccentric characters (including a pre-"Arthur" Dudley Moore) all under the guidance of filmmaker extraordinaire, Colin Higgins. 

 Higgins, the creative genius behind "9 to 5," "Harold and Maude," and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is sadly little known today, but we intend to rectify that as we discuss this delightful comedy thriller which  perfectly captures his distinctive style: brilliant comedic timing, unforgettable characters, and genuine heart...all wrapped up in this virtual love letter  to Alfred Hitchcock and the noir thrillers of the 1940s and 50s. 

"Foul Play" stars Goldie Hawn as Gloria Mundy, a librarian who inadvertently becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate the Pope after picking up a hitchhiker on the Pacific Coast Highway. Chevy Chase plays the somewhat lecherous but charming detective who falls for Gloria while investigating her increasingly outlandish claims about albinos, dwarfs, and men with scars. The chemistry between these two leads creates movie magic, supported by an incredible ensemble including Moore , Burgess Meredith, and the formidable Rachel Roberts.

 So, are you ready to take a chance on this delightful thriller comedy? Grab your popcorn, your brass knuckles and your favorite cookie-loving python and join us on a trip back to the disco-loving late 70s San Francisco. Oh, and don't forget your Scrabble dictionary...it may come in handy.

Subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into classic Hollywood gems you may have missed!

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Why return to Minneapolis in the summertime? Because some television landmarks deserve multiple visits. After our first "Mary Tyler Moore" episode last season became one of our most popular, we knew we had to revisit the WJM newsroom and dive deeper into what makes this revolutionary sitcom the gold standard against which all others are measured.

The magic of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" lies in its perfect balance of humor and authenticity. In this episode we discuss 4 MOORE landmark episodes of the series...and one that was universally considered the only "bad" episode of the show. And of course, along the way we reveal behind-the-scenes stories, bust a few long-held myths, and may even recreate a scene or two (??!)

It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but not when you're traveling with the cherished friends of the WJM newsroom. So, whether you're discovering the show for the first time or revisiting old pals, join us as we celebrate television's most influential workplace family. And yes, we promise to make you laugh—after all, that's what a good podcast can do with spunk...and we hate spunk!

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Movie Stars, ahoy!  And “The Love Boat” it ain’t— it’s the granddaddy of all disaster films: Irwin Allen’s 1972 classic, “The Poseidon Adventure”. 

A wave crashes, a ship flips, and suddenly a boat-load of Oscar-winners find themselves in a fight to survive when the world turns upside down. This groundbreaking 1972 disaster film didn't just entertain audiences—it created the template that would define an entire genre for decades to come. 

There’s got to be a morning after when you join us on this journey of Hell turned upside down!

All ashore that’s going to shore! 

“Poseidon Adventure” Poster Artwork by Dave Woodman

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211799011/dave-woodmans-the-poseidon-adventure?transaction_id=2821471324

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Now boarding TGA Flight #2 non-stop to Rome! We've got elderly stow-aways (and Oscar-winners), surly mechanics, a French New-wave muse,  and oh yes, a former movie star with a briefcase full of dynamite. 

Would you like an aisle or a window seat? 

Please fasten your seat belts as we take flight on "Airport" (Universal, 1970), the iconic film that launched the disaster film genre  dominating  1970s cinema, surprising critics by becoming Universal Pictures' biggest hit ever.  This groundbreaking movie combines melodrama with suspense as multiple characters navigate personal crises against the backdrop of a snowstorm and a mad bomber threatening a transatlantic flight.

Last call! Once the cabin doors are closed, no one will be permitted to board. 

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

In "Midnight Express" (Columbia, 1978) Brad Davis delivers a gut-wrenching performance as a young man whose brief moment of stupidity in a foreign country derails his entire life and inexorably alters his future. Based on the true story of American tourist Billy Hayes’ harrowing fight to survive and escape from a Turkish prison in the 1970s, the film garnered 6 Oscar nominations and two wins (including one for first-time screenwriter Oliver Stone) and altered US-Turkish relations for years to come.

“Midnight Express” (1978)
Directed by Alan Parker, Screenplay by Oliver Stone
Produced by Peter Guber, Alan Marshall and David Putnam
With Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quaid, Bo Hopkins, and Irene Miracle 
A Columbia Pictures Release

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

Three producers. Four formats. One television season. “The Judy Garland Show” stands as a fascinating television tragedy that should have been a triumph. 

In the second part of our special tribute to Judy Garland, we discuss the sad but inevitable decline of what was to be the climax of the legendary singer’s career. Network executives shuffled through producers, writers, and formats with bewildering frequency while Judy struggled to maintain her artistic integrity. Today, "The Judy Garland Show" serves as both a testament to Garland's extraordinary gifts and a cautionary tale about television's sometimes ruthless treatment of even its greatest artists.

JUDY art by Henry LaMarr 

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.

In the fall of 1963, television audiences witnessed something extraordinary –  the legendary Judy Garland starring in her very own weekly variety show on CBS. What should have been a triumphant venture and crowning achievement to an already legendary career became instead one of entertainment's most fascinating tragedies... and it was all captured forever on videotape.

With a roster of guest stars ranging from old pals Mickey Rooney and Martha Raye, to the powerhouse Ethel Merman, to a 21-year old singing sensation named Barbra Streisand, "The Judy Garland Show" is a testament to the unique magic of the greatest entertainer of her time, and our only visual documentation of the mature artist at the height of her powers singing the songs that defined her legacy. So, forget your troubles, come on, get happy, and join us for Part One of our special two-part episode on "The Judy Garland Show".

Text us or Leave a Voice Mail

 Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT

Reach us at [email protected]

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.