Celluloid Days
Hello there, welcome to the first episode of Celluloid Days, my new podcast of film and film history. I’m hoping this show is a bit different as I enjoy research and I plan to use my curiosity to make things interesting. You see, this show isn’t just for the listener, but for me as well, to grow and learn, to explore films, and filmmakers.
The Tale of Rondo Hatton
Rondo Hatton was a reporter/sportswriter in Tampa, Florida but he had a problem. He suffered from the awful effects of acromegaly, which gave him unique facial features. He used his strange appearance to make a career in Hollywood. His films include The Pearl of Death, The Jungle Captive, The Spider Woman Strikes Back, House of Horrors, and The Brute Man.
Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told (1967)
Jack Hill wrote and directed the classic American black comedy horror film, Spider Baby. This movie stars Lon Chaney Jr., Jill Banner, Carol Ohmart, Quinn Redeker, Beverly Washburn, Sid Haig, Mary Mitchel, Karl Schanzer, and Mantan Moreland. Learn more than you ever wanted to know about this strange black-and-white film.
The Tale of Yvette Vickers
Yvette Vickers was born Yvette Iola Vedder on August 26, 1928. She was an American actress, pin-up model, and singer. Her two most famous films were Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958) as Honey Parker, and Liz Walker in Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959). She was also photographed by Russ Meyer for Playboy's Playmate of the Month in the July 1959 issue. Yvette has an interesting life story and I hope I told it well.
Here is a link to John O'Dowd website about Ms. Vickers
REMEMBERING MY FRIEND, THE BEAUTIFUL YVETTE VICKERS
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
How about we talk about the science-fiction from 1971 in the film adaption of Michael Crichton's novel, The Andromeda Strain? It was directed by Robert Wise and stars Arthur Hill, James Olson, Kate Reid, David Wayne, and Paula Kelly. It is the story of a team of scientists who investigate a deadly organism of extraterrestrial origin.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Today I talk about John Hughes’s film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This film was from 1986 and stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck, with supporting roles from Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones, Cindy Pickett, Edie McClurg, and Lyman Ward. Learn a little about the history of this classic!
Citizen Kane (1941)
It’s my 80th episode so I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite films, Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane. In this show, I will do a lot of rambling because there is so much to talk about. I could have made this show 10 times as long if I talked about everything I wanted to. I hope you enjoy it!
The Psychotronic Man (1979)
In this week’s show, I talk about The Psychotronic Man from 1979. This film was written, produced and starred Peter G. Spelson and was directed by Jack M. Sell, It is the story of a man who goes on a murder spree after getting psychotronic powers. It was filmed all in Chicago without permits. It was also features on Rifftrax!
The Tale of Madge Meredith
In this episode, I talk about Madge Meredith, who, in the late 40s, was accused and convicted of kidnapping and assault and was sentenced to 5 to life in Tehachapi prison. Two and a half years later, the California State Assembly issued a report concluding: "The case of Miss Meredith, from beginning to end, is a mockery of investigation, of defense counseling, of trial procedure, and of justice itself."
The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
This thrilling episode, Sam Peckinpah’s 1970 forgotten classic, The Ballad of Cable Hogue. Starring Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, and David Warner, this was a change of pace for Peckinpah. Find out all about it by listening!
Evil Dead II (1987)
In this episode, I talk about the 1987 film, Evil Dead 2, Dead by Dawn. Of course, I also talk about Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and more. Join us, won't you?
