The People vs. Oscar

Russian Literature and British theater hardly sound like a raucous good time at the cinema. So how did Matt & Chris have so much fun?!

The Oscars chose "A Man For All Seasons" in 1966, an play adaptation that revolves around Thomas Moore refusing to grant King Henry VIII a divorce. The highest grossing film of the year was the first of five parts of the epic "War & Peace." Despite seeming difficult to get into, both films proved to be rewarding experiences. Yet, who came out on top? Listen to find out.

The hills were very much alive with the Sound of Music in 1965.

The juggernaut musical still to this day is the #3 highest grossing movie of all time, adjusted for inflation. Back in 1965 it managed to also win five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. This week, Matt and Chris sit down with super-fan Dani Gregorie to delve further into what makes "The Sound of Music" such a classic.

James Bond vs. Henry Higgens // Eliza Doolittle vs. Pussy Galore

It's hard to see which is the biggest crowdpleaser? The People flocked to Sean Connery's "Goldfinger," one of the more famous Bond films and the first we tackle on the podcast. Meanwhile, the Oscars continued their musical love by awarding "My Fair Lady" the top honors. Which classic film comes out ahead? Listen to find out!

It's Diva vs. Playboy

Though both 1963 films deal with the sexual escapades of their titular characters, the two could not be more different. "Cleopatra" is Elizabeth Taylor's epic that, despite being the highest grossing film of the year, still did not turn a profit and nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. "Tom Jones," on the other hand, is a low budget English romp that holds the distinction of being the only film to have three supporting actress nominees.

Who's the bigger sexpot? Tune in to find out.

Journey with Matt, Chris and Special Guest Cody through our enlightening trek through the desert.

Everyone in 1962 went crazy for "Lawrence of Arabia." Not only was the film the Best Picture winner, but it was the highest grossing film of the year. This was a first time viewing experience for a few on the podcast. How did it play to a first time viewer? Check it out now.

Escapist Puppies or Star Crossed Lovers?

1961 brings us quite a formidable pair of films to compare. People turned out in droves for "101 Dalmatians," a classic Disney thriller with one of the most memorable villains. However, the Oscars continued to go with another musical. This time, they fell in love with "West Side Story," the engaging Romeo & Juliet tale of star crossed lovers.

Which film wins our votes? Tune in to find out!

Whether it be ancient Roman times, a 1960s office or current day Hollywood, abuse of power and harassment was always topical.

This week's People vs Oscar features two very different films. It's the rom com vs the epic. Billy Wilder's "The Apartment" mines heart and comedy from shocking workplace harassment. Meanwhile, Stanley Kubrick's "Spartacus" follows a slave who's had enough of the Roman establishment and stages an epic revolt.

Which tale prevails in the end? Listen to find out!

The '50s have come to an end, which means it's time to look back on our favorites from the decade.

Join us for our special People vs Oscar minisode where we look back on our favorite performances, craft elements and overall films from the decade.

Stay tuned towards the end to hear some other films from the era that we'd recommend that were not covered on the podcast.

You couldn't escape the juggernaut that was "Ben-Hur" in 1959. The film currently stands as the fourteenth highest grossing film of all time, between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Avatar." On top of that, it took home a record 11 Oscars, an Oscar record it holds with "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." But does the film hold up to all those accolades?

Hop in your chariot and give our "Ben-Hur" episode a listen!

Put on your dancing shoes and fine tune your voice. It's musical week at The People vs Oscar!

1958 brings us two very different classic musicals to dive into. The Oscars gave nine Oscars (a then record) to "Gigi," a light musical that could not have aged worse against our current climate. On the other end, "South Pacific" brings us to a wartime beach for a fun romp that also struggles in spurts.

Which musical gets our vote? Tune in to find out.