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Robin and our next guest host for this month, Jenn, talk about one of Paul Newman's greatest films from the 1960s, Cool Hand Luke.  The gut-wrenching story of indomitable inmate, Luke, who creates a loyal following within a prison work camp. The other prisoners look to Luke for hope as he refuses to break under the strict rules and punishments of the camp, but soon the bosses push him too far, and Luke shows himself to be the hero he reluctantly is meant to be.

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Along with Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator, To Be or Not To Be is one of the greatest WWII films to mock Hitler during the war. Made by German director, Ernst Lubitsch and starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard, this dark comedy tells the story of a Polish theater troupe on a mission to stop a spy with intel that would spell disaster and death for dozens of fellow Poles. Self-absorbed and jealous though they may be, they ultimately pull together to save the day!

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Robin and guest host Chris discuss All About Eve, a historical landmark of a film with a meticulous screenplay, matchless performances by all the cast, and hand-wringing tension! There's plenty to unpack behind the scenes of this one: Bette Davis' temperamental reputation, spotting tons of our favorite stars, and knowing that the cycle of power grabs among actresses will continue forever. Not one to miss, this film lives up to the hype and you'll thoroughly enjoy the ride.

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This episode features Lisa's favorite comedy of all time, It Happened One Night with the dashing Clark Gable and darling Claudette Colbert. FINALLY, the moment we've been waiting for. We love lots of old movies, clearly, but this is really one of the best and sweetest. Poor rich girl, Ellie, flees her father's yacht in Miami to reach her new husband, a renowned cad, in New York. What started out as a straightforward bus ride up the coast turns into a road trip of destiny when she meets down-on-his-luck newspaperman Peter. They strike up a partnership, though reluctantly, because they grate on each other's nerves. Will true love win out? Join Robin and Lisa as we discuss this gem of the 1930's!

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Audrey Hepburn plays the lovely Princess Anne who, after reaching the end of her rope with tedious royal tasks, goes  AWOL to wander amongst the hoi polloi. Listen to Robin and Lisa discuss one of film's greatest romantic comedies and Audrey's remarkable life that led her to become one of Hollywood's most beloved stars and one of our personal favorites!

If you liked hearing the fascinating stories surrounding Audrey Hepburn's life, you'll love Robert Matzen's book, Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and WWII.

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Set against the backdrop of World War II, "Casablanca" follows Rick Blaine, a cynical expatriate and nightclub owner in Morocco, who must choose between his love for a former flame, Ilsa Lund, and helping her resistance leader husband escape the Nazis. Love, sacrifice, and redemption collide in this timeless classic. Be swept away with Robin and Lisa as we talk about the heart and soul of this war-torn romance.

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If you haven't seen the gold standard of chick flicks, An Affair to Remember, now's your chance! Starring Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant, two people comfortably engaged to their respective millionaires discover there may be more to life and love than the nice things. Against their better judgment, they set a date to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months: time enough to break their fiancés' hearts and get jobs. But disaster strikes. Join Robin and Lisa in our discussion about this favorite among romantic comedies, and find yourself in a proper sappy mood in time for Valentine's Day.

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Like onions and ogres, this movie has layers, but what do you expect with a film starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart and directed by John Ford? Robin's favorite Western, this one has everything, even for those who are hesitant to watch the genre.

Ransom Stoddard (Stewart), a seasoned politician that began as a humble attorney tells his story of the early days of Shinbone, the wild and lawless frontier of the Western territories, and the event that would shoot him to fame. When Tom Donophon (Wayne) dies, he decides to set the record straight about this unsung hero who was buried with hardly a funeral in his hometown that benefited so much from what Tom did.


Sue Matheson's Book

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Listen as Robin and Lisa discuss "A Raisin in the Sun," written by Lorraine Hansberry, a seminal American play that explores the dreams and struggles of a Black family on the cusp of change. Set in 1950s Chicago, it delves into issues of race, identity, and the pursuit of a better life amid societal challenges. The film stars phenomenal performances from Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil. Believe it or not, it was based on Lorraine Hansberry's family experiences and the landmark trial Hansberry v. Lee. 

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It's time to round out your research of Elvis Presley by perusing his Hollywood pieces! The King of Rock and Roll did 31 films in 13 years, and Robin and Lisa discuss three of his most popular! King Creole, Viva Las Vegas, and Blue Hawaii, with their hit songs, beautiful costars, and gorgeous destinations, combine into irresistible 60's escapism! Celebrate Elvis' birthday and swoon over Can't Help Falling in Love, a forbidden love, and steaming hot chemistry with Ann-Margaret. Happy 89th to the King!

Mark Feeney's article: FEENEY, MARK. “Elvis Movies.” The American Scholar, vol. 70, no. 1, 2001, pp. 53–60. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41213106. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.

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