Julian Schlossberg's Movie Talk

In this lively conversation with Julian Schlossberg, Maye recalls her piano-playing mother, her friendship with Ella Fitzgerald, and the chance encounters with Steve Allen and Ed McMahon that helped change her career. At seven, Marilyn Maye won a radio contest and got her own show—a remarkably early start to a career that would include 76 appearances on Johnny Carson’s show and a Carnegie Hall concert with an 83-piece orchestra. She also shares her approach to performing: make every lyric a story, and remember that “the audience is the star.” Along the way, she reflects on Broadway roles, teaching young singers, and the people and songs she still holds close.

Stevie Wonder once ran at full speed through a college studio to join a student band rehearsing “Superstition”—one of the unforgettable stories Melissa Manchester shares with Julian Schlossberg. In part two of their conversation, Manchester recalls learning Ella Fitzgerald’s scat parts phonetically, Dolly Parton’s moving contribution to a reimagined “Midnight Blue,” and Bob Dylan’s offer to bring her a toothbrush if she went to jail over a record-company dispute. She also reflects on her years on Blossom, writing for Disney animation, and the diary she’s kept since age 14. A warm, revealing conversation full of music, star encounters, and vivid memories.

After Broadway audiences rejected Harold Pinter’s The Innocence and it closed in just ten days, Claire Bloom still remembers it as a wonderful production. In this candid conversation with Julian Schlossberg, Bloom also recalls the demanding exposure of playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, working with Anthony Hopkins on A Doll’s Life, and the unusual distance Julie Harris kept from her fellow actors while filming The Haunting. She reflects on missed opportunities with Laurence Olivier, the directors who gave her freedom—and the strong criticism she wanted—and why she never thought of herself as a movie star.

Julian Schlossberg sits down with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Melissa Manchester. They explore her creative upbringing in the Bronx, influenced by her father's career at the Metropolitan Opera and her mother's fashion empire. Melissa discusses her journey from singing jingles alongside Barry Manilow to studying under Paul Simon, her seven-year pursuit of a record deal, and her acclaimed theatrical work, including 561 performances in Funny Girl. She also shares insights into her songwriting process, tribute albums honoring music legends, and her dream of originating a Broadway role.

Julian Schlossberg talks with David Sheward, author of Rage and Glory, a biography of actor George C. Scott. Drawing on interviews with approximately 60 people, David explores Scott's turbulent life, including his five marriages, alcoholism, and legendary temper. They discuss Scott's iconic roles in Patton, Dr. Strangelove, and Anatomy of a Murder, his controversial Oscar refusal, and his desire for creative control. Schlossberg shares personal anecdotes from his own relationship with Scott, painting a portrait of a deeply complex, brilliant, yet self-destructive artist widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

Julian Schlossberg interviews acclaimed actress Claire Bloom, whose career spans theater, film, and television. Claire reflects on growing up in wartime London, her mother's theatrical influence, and her early stage debut at fifteen. She discusses pivotal career moments, including working with Charlie Chaplin on Limelight, performing Juliet at the Old Vic, and collaborating with legends like Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, and John Gielgud. Between 1952 and 1962, she made ten films, transitioning seamlessly between British theater and Hollywood, establishing herself as one of her generation's most distinguished actresses.

Julian Schlossberg interviews acclaimed actress Christine Baranski about her remarkable career. Christine shares her Polish heritage, growing up in Buffalo surrounded by theatrical influences, and overcoming a fear of singing after a childhood trauma. She discusses her journey to Juilliard, her Tony Award-winning theater work with director Mike Nichols, and her transition to television with "Cybill." Christine also reflects on memorable roles in "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," and "The Gilded Age," her experiences with Stephen Sondheim's complex work, and her gratitude for a 50-year career.

Julian Schlossberg interviews actor Michael O'Keefe, known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Great Santini and as Danny Noonan in Caddyshack. O'Keefe reflects on his upbringing, career highlights, and collaborations with legends like Robert Duvall, Jack Nicholson, and Bette Davis. He discusses lessons learned about humility, Hollywood's fickleness, and his love of theater. O'Keefe also shares his passion for poetry and songwriting, and promotes his new film, A Break in the Rain, opening at New York's Angelika Theater.

Julian Schlossberg continues his in-depth interview with filmmaker Woody Allen. They discuss Allen's first Broadway experience, his relaxed approach to acting under other directors, and his various writing collaborations. Allen reflects on the changing Broadway landscape, his preference for low-budget filmmaking, and working with actors like Michael Caine and Max von Sydow. He shares memories of conversations with Fellini and Bergman, revealing their shared insecurities. The episode concludes with Allen's candid thoughts on legacy—expressing complete indifference to how he'll be remembered after death.

Julian Schlossberg sits down with actor, director, and producer Tony Goldwyn. Tony shares his Hollywood heritage, including his grandfather Samuel Goldwyn and Pulitzer Prize-winning grandfather Sidney Howard. He discusses his sheltered upbringing, his unexpected passion for acting discovered in high school, and his breakthrough role in Ghost. Tony also reflects on transitioning into directing with A Walk on the Moon, his acclaimed role in Scandal, joining Law & Order, and collaborating with directors like Christopher Nolan and Paul Thomas Anderson. He also mentions his podcast Far From the Tree, co-hosted with his daughter.