Thank the Academy

In this episode we discuss Anatomy of a Murder, the book by Robert Traver and the original real life murder trial that inspired the story, director Otto Preminger’s code-challenging career, the importance of art to push the boundaries of society, and the important strides that this film and others made in promoting equality, diversity, and honesty in Hollywood films.

**Content Warning** open discussion of sexual assault in relation to the plot of the film and the real life Chenoweth murder trial between timestamps 06:30 and 24:45 **

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In this episode we discuss the thirty-second Best Picture winner, Ben-Hur, its record breaking eleven wins, MGM’s changing identity in midst of two back-to-back Best Picture winners, the history of Ben-Hur adaptations, and the stories behind the famous chariot race, one of Hollywood’s most famous action sequences!

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In this episode we discuss Best Picture nominee The Defiant Ones, Sidney Poitier’s rise to Hollywood stardom, the first openly blacklisted writer to win an Academy Award, Walt Disney’s pre-Disney years, his record setting twenty-two Academy Award wins, and his complicated, but inspiring legacy.

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In this episode we discuss the thirty-first Best Picture winner, Gigi, more changes to the Academy Award categories, the problematic story behind Gigi, and the end of an era for MGM Best Picture winning musicals.

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In this episode we discuss Best Picture Nominee 12 Angry Men, Henry Fonda’s first and last attempt at producing, the American systems of justice, the history of Japanese Cinema, the revolutionary writing group known as the Narutaki-gumi, and their Golden Age of cinema during the 1950’s.

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In this episode we discuss the 30th Best Picture winner, The Bridge on the River Kwai, the changes to the Academy Awards in lieu of color photography growing in popularity, Carl Foreman’s continued career as a blacklisted writer, and the history of the Death Railway built by Prisoners of War during World War II.

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In this episode we discuss Cecil B. DeMille’s final epic film, The Ten Commandments and Academy Award nominated actor and Hollywood icon James Dean! We highlight John P. Fulton, creator of the effects for the parting of the Red Sea, Charlton Heston’s performance as Moses, James Dean’s tragic car accident, his love for being a student of the Actor’s Studio, and the role that sexuality played in his short life and career.

**Content Warning** In the section on James Dean, his sexuality, sexual relationships (including mentions of a sexual relationship between a minor and an adult), and details of his death are shared. **

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In this episode we discuss The Bells of St. Mary’s and Academy Award winning Santa Claus, Edmund Gwenn. We talk about The Bells of St. Mary’s place in history as one of the most successful sequels, Ingrid Bergman’s attempt at a more lighthearted role, Edmund Gwenn’s stirring turn as Kris Kringle, and the fun had on set during the making of The Miracle on 34th Street.

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In this episode we discuss The Man with the Golden Arm, Frank Sinatra’s Best Actor snub, the Motion Picture Production Code’s weakening influence on Hollywood and art, Grace Kelly’s short, but meaningful career as an actress, and her marriage to the Prince of Monaco!

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