Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Welcome to the first episode of our ‘For Shame’ series, where we educate ourselves in classic films that we as a group have not seen. First up is Frank Capra’s beloved ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’. Is Jimmy Stewart as lovable as ever? Does the schmaltz factor run high here like in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? Will we filibuster for 24 hours in podcast form?!? Stay tuned!

People, Movies, and Links Discussed

Next movie – Alien

While we were saddened by many losses in 2014, today we’re happy to celebrate the lives and careers of those that we lost with this, the 2014 edition of our annual ‘In Memoriam’ special episode. We each picked two people to discuss – one at length, and one lightning round, and we also received submissions from three very special guests.

Who we lost in 2014:

Harold Ramis

Bob Hoskins

Casey Kasem

Eli Wallach

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Mike Nichols – tribute by Geoffrey Palmer

James Garner – tribute by Alison Klawiter

Robin Williams – tribute by Kate O’Reilly

We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile. pic.twitter.com/UOY8LTjVRA

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) August 11, 2014

James Rebhorn

Jan Hooks

Christine Cavanaugh

Joan Rivers

Mickey Rooney

Next episode’s movie – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Casablanca

Welcome to part two of our discussion of Casablanca. We first dig into some great listener feedback, as well as reveal who the big winners were from our recasting choices in part one. Then we go on to talk about the plot and filmmaking changes we would make in a remake of the film. Along the way we discuss whether the original movie is a film noir, including a breakdown of what exactly that means, and whether we would want to maintain a film noir tone in our remake. We dig into the ‘classiness’ of the original – what made it feel that way, and what could we do to maintain that? Finally we talk about alternative settings that could work for our remake/s.

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Links and Movies Discussed

Our piano man/karaoke jams:

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Next episode’s movie – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Casablanca

Of all the movie podcast episodes in all the podcast clients in the world, you had to put your earbuds into ours. Here in part one of our discussion of one of the greatest movies ever made, Casablanca,  we tackle the difficult task of recasting the movie in today’s world. Along the way we discuss airplane beverages, cliché origins, giving face, and Monopoly in Morocco. Enjoy!

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Links and Movies Discussed

Goodfellas

Welcome to part two of our discussion of Goodfellas. We first go over some fantastic listener feedback and re-casting choices, and reveal which of our re-casting choices were the big winner. Then we go on to talk about how to respect and maintain the ‘big ass movie’ status of the original, how the movie compared to the book,  the fact that the movie meanders, but in a focused way, the effective use of voiceover and music choices in the original, and finally talk through Scorsese’s New York focused gangster film history.

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Links and Movies Discussed

Next movie – Casablanca