Episode 161: 1939's Wizard of Oz and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

'Tis the season for Bing Crosby, as Going My Way turns 80 and White Christmas blows out 70 candles! An affectionate look at both holiday classics that'll make you want to sing with Bing about glistening treetops. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun facts, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

A pair of post-war holiday films are in season with 1945's Christmas in Connecticut, starring Barbara Stanwyck, and 1947's It Happened on 5th Avenue, Oscar nominee for Best Writing (Original Story) ... plus, behind-the-scenes fun facts, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

Mary Tyler Moore, Tony Curtis, Jonathon Brandmeier, Joseph Bologna, and, in a brief but satisfying cameo, Sonny Bono all deliver the turkey in this spoof about a dysfunctional family with about 300 different storylines compressed into an 89-minute-long running time! Return guest Cesare of The Rad Revival House Podcast joins me in a spirited discussion about this head-scratcher of a network TV movie. Plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

Alfred Hitchcock was an auteur in every sense, and he knew how to create atmosphere. He wasn't called the "Master of Suspense" for nothing. Two of his celebrated films both celebrate their 70th anniversary, and Carlo of The Movie Loot Podcast returns to join me in taking a closer look at both! Plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

The three co-hosts of The Gold Standard Oscars return to join me as we revisit Eddie Redmayne in his Oscar-winning role as Stephen Hawking the same year that Benedict Cumberbatch gave Alan Turing his long-overdue recognition in his own Oscar-nominated performance. Two real-life geniuses who left their mark on the world, two tragic stories, two superlative portrayals! Plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

Halloween season draws to a close with one last pairing of horror films (for now): 1966's Eye of the Devil, starring David Niven, Deborah Kerr, David Hemmings, the beautiful and talented Sharon Tate, and horror icon Donald Pleasence and 1968's Witchfinder General, starring the dashing, debonair, and diabolical Vincent Price! Friend Dan J. joins to discuss both obscure films that deserve more recognition than they get. Happy Halloween!

A low budget, a willing cast, deplorable working conditions, a Volkswagen van, and a chainsaw - what more could be needed to create an enduring cult classic of the horror genre? Chris, aka The Movie Psycho, of the Just Go Watch Podcast, returns to join me in blowing out 50 birthday candles to this unforgettable piece of cinema legend! Plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

Return guest Ian of the Cult Connections podcast joins me for a look at two horror films with a lake in a woodsy area as the eerie setting for a slasher: the titular bay in Mario Bava's A Bay of Blood (1971) and Crystal Lake in Sean S. Cunningham's Friday the 13th (1980)! We excitedly dissect these films as every horror fan should. Plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shoutouts! Music used : " Dark Horror Theme " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" - Music link : * [No Copyright Music] HORROR THEME | ... SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: * [No Copyright Music] Dark Horror Them... Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/33RWRtP Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here's a look at two fine spooky chillers: Alejandro Amenábar's The Others, starring Nicole Kidman, and Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak, starring Mia Wasikowska! A pair of films that show both directors at the top of their game - plus, behind-the-scenes fun facts, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!

While reflecting on how it's been three years since friends of the show Jamie and Eric guested to talk about the Halloween franchise, speak of the devil - here they are again for a look at the child spawn of Satan in the 1976 chiller The Omen! We talk favorite scenes, the portrayal of 'Damien,' behind-the-scenes fun facts, and more - plus, poll results, interactive trivia, and listener shout-outs!