Thank the Academy

In this episode we discuss Robert Towne and Robert Evan’s Los Angeles Neo-Noir Chinatown. We discuss the some of the history of Los Angeles, William Muholland, and the water wars in the 1920s and 1930’s, Jack Nicholson’s stirring turn as the lead, J.J. Gettis, and problematic director Roman Polanski. We also discuss famed actress Ingrid Bergman, her early career in Sweden, her breakout films from Casablanca to Gaslight, and the controversy surrounding the release of Joan of Arc.

**Content Warning** - mentions of harrassment in regards to Roman Polanski from 23:53-26:34

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In this episode we discuss the forty-seventh Best Picture winner, The Godfather Part II! We talk about more ceremony controversy following the Best Documentary Feature win for Hearts and Minds and director Peter Davis, Bob Hope’s quick follow-up statement, and the growing relationship between Hollywood and American politics. We also talk about Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, sequels, Rober De Niro, and the lack of film response to the Vietnam War up to this point in history.

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In this episode we discuss George Lucas’s autobiographical coming of age film American Graffiti, his transition from film school to Hollywood, and friendship and business partnership with Francis Ford Coppola. We also discuss Academy Award nominated and winning child actors, the history of child actor contracts and negotiations, and Tatum O’Neal’s historic win for Best Supporting Actress. 

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In this episode we discuss the forty-sixth Best Picture winner, The Sting! We discuss Katherine Hepburn’s first ceremony appearance, Tatum O’Neal’s historic win, and the streaker that crashed the ceremony. We also talk about Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s second collaboration on The Sting, on-set pranks with director George Roy Hill, and the classic 1930’s techniques that gave this film its signature style and feeling.

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In this episode we discuss Cabaret, its journey as a story from real life, to popular musical, to Oscar winning film, Bob Fosse’s choreography and direction, and Joel Grey’s influence on the character of the Master of Ceremonies. We also discuss Liza Minelli’s life and career from growing up with famous parents, creating her own career, and making her way out of the shadow of her mother, Judy Garland.

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In this episode we discuss the forty-fifth Best Picture winner, The Godfather, the eligibility foibles during the ceremony, Marlon Brando’s rejected Oscar, Sacheen Littlefeather’s statement about the treatment of indigenous actors, and Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece!

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In this episode we discuss The Last Picture Show, Peter Bogdonavich’s career pivot from film critic to popular film producer, writer, and director, Larry McMurtry’s mark on the film industry, and the importance of this film in exploring relationships on screen. We also discuss composer John Williams’ impressive, award-winning, and decades long career, his friendship with Steven Spielberg, the impact of his incredible scores, and the simplicity of his brilliant compositions.

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In this episode we discuss the forty-fourth Best Picture winner, The French Connection, Charlie Chaplin’s Honorary Award for his contribution to filmmaking, the accurate portrayal of unethical behavior among police in New York City, and the famous car chase, driven by Gene Hackman, that affected all Hollywood car chases going forward!

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In this episode we discuss the 1970 disaster film Airport, directed by George Seaton, it’s impact on future disaster films as a genre, Burt Lancaster’s and Jean Seburg’s hesitancy at doing purely commercial films, and the immense popularity of the film despite its poor reviews. We also talk about Helen Hayes’ life and career on the stage and screen, the inspiration of her poodle Napoleon, and her many awards, accolades, and achievements.

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In this episode we discuss the forty-third Best Picture winner, Patton, George C. Scott’s refusal of the Best Actor award, Helen Hayes’ momentous and record setting win for Best Supporting Actress, Best Picture winning war epics, and the complicated legacy of General George S. Patton!

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