Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we delve into the fascinating and terrifying enigma of the Werewolf - in both legend and film.
We spend time on the many fantastic aspects of the werewolf legend - talk about lycanthropy in stories & novels - and review what are considered the best of classic werewolf movies.
As usual, we discuss and comment on the films chosen, with audio clips from such horror classics as The Wolf Man, The Undying Monster, The Werewolf, The Beast Must Die, The Howling, and several others.
This is a unique, and scarily fun podcast - don't miss it.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we present for this Fall - the magnificent, classic film "Tomorrow Is Forever" - as a Variety Attic One-Off (where we discuss only ONE film).
This beautiful Golden Age film, is a serious and compelling love story - about the sacrifices & decisions people make when faced with wartime situations, and in general - life's adversity.
Tomorrow is Forever was directed by Irving Pichel, and stars Claudette Colbert, Orson Wells, & George Brent. It is also the film debut of both Richard Long, and a seven year old Natalie Wood.
As usual - we discuss, review, and comment - while offering several powerful audio clips.
Tomorrow is Forever is a great movie - and we think you will find this to be a very enjoyable One-Off.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, on this special podcast where we look at - and listen to - songs from popular twentieth century music - which were taken or borrowed from great classical works, dating as far back as the eighteenth century.
As we delve into various twentieth century songwriters, and their brilliant adaptations of classical pieces from Beethoven and Chopin, to Debussy and Puccini - we compare and contrast the original composition, with the updated pop gold hit.
As always, we discuss, reference and enjoy audio clips of such 20th century musical artists as Elvis Presley, The Toys, The Mindbenders, Della Reese, Perry Como, Judy Garland, Tommy Dorsey, and others - as well as listen to many of the original classical compositions.
Music and entertainment is what this podcast is all about - so give it a listen.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we showcase for this June - the wonderful, classic film “Miracle in the Rain” – as a Variety Attic One-Off (where we discuss only ONE film).
This beautiful film from the Golden Age of Hollywood, is an intelligent, realistic yet sentimental tale of loneliness, love, loss, and faith - that all unfolds in a mid-20th century tale of New York.
Written by the legendary Ben Hecht, and directed by Rudolph Mate – Miracle in the Rain stars Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Eileen Heckart, and a host of fabulous supporting actors – which make it a movie of great stature.
As always - we discuss, probe, and comment – as well as provide some really wonderful audio clips.
This podcast is very special – if you love classic films, you will love this One-Off.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to the master of Italian Horror Films – the wonderful Italian Writer, Cinematographer & Legendary Director – Mario Bava.
Mario Bava, also referred to as the “Master of the Macabre”, was responsible for many films that were known for their distinctive visual flair, stylish technical ingenuity, and modest budgets. Bava’s films could be tales of the supernatural, horror epics, or murder mysteries – which were like no other mysteries filmed at the time.
In addition to sharing audio clips from Bava classics such as ”I Vampiri," “Black Sunday," "Blood & Black Lace," “A Bay of Blood” and others - as always - we discuss the films, share experiences, and give perspectives.
If you are a fan of Italian horror films, or horror films in general - you will want to tune in.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to two great women, Martha Raye & Kate Smith - their unbelievable careers of 5 decades plus, and their contributions to three US War efforts.
As we delve into what these two performers brought to the table artistically, vocally, and as humanitarians - we explore the great cannon of talent and dedication that each possessed, which we feel has been "untapped" in recent years.
As always, we illustrate our theme with fabulous music clips, facts, and discussion.
If you appreciate great singing, great talent, and great music - this one's for you.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we delve extensively - into what elements make a great mystery - for books, film, and television.
As we probe the fact that the world loves a great mystery - we cover Sherlock Holmes & Agatha Christie, Charlie Chan, Edgar Wallace, Ellery Queen, and the Hardy Boys, up to the era of the Italian Giallo - clearly proving that the public can't get enough of a great murder mystery.
We also review and discuss the many film mysteries made in the 20th century - from silent film, through the golden era, up to the present. That present status, is a topic we talk about later on in the show - which is a key point.
As we chronicle certain mystery novels that have left a mark, focus on the film versions of some of these literary works, as well as mystery films with original stories and screenplays – as always, we provide audio film clips, fun facts, and discussion.
All demonstrating what makes a GREAT mystery, and what gives it lasting power.
If you love a Mystery - you will LOVE this podcast!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to two veterans of classic film horror from the 1950's through the 1970's - Barbara Steele & Barbara Shelley.
Long before Jamie Lee Curtis (of "Halloween" fame) hit the scene, two of cinema's original scream queens, Barbara Steele & Barbara Shelley left an indelible mark in film history - with their many portrayals of heroines and villainess' in classic horror movies for almost three decades.
We discuss their wonderful acting abilities and great on-screen presence, play clips, delve into their professional paths - and prove why many of their films became enduring classics of the horror genre.
If your fans of these actresses, or horror films in general, we think you'll enjoy this podcast - and will appreciate why these two icons were "the" original scream queens.
Join us, Nick & Glenn - as we offer you what we call a Variety Attic "One-Off" (where we discuss only one film) - our first film being, "Werewolf In a Girl's Dormitory" - a wonderful Euro-Horror classic from the 1960's.
This somewhat obscure Italian/German horror film, which over the years has gained an amazing cult following, is considered a classic of the genre.
As always, we discuss many aspects of the film - play clips, & provide fun facts.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to one of the most talented, diverse, and brilliant film directors and writer of all time - George Seaton.
As we probe into the achievements of Seaton, we discuss the superb "Golden Age" writer/director who crafted many of Hollywood's greatest and Academy Award winning films, and the movies themselves - ranging from Stage Door to the original Airport.
As always, we play and discuss film clips, from great movies such as The Song of Bernadette, Junior Miss, and the original Miracle on 34th Street.
If you love excellently crafted films of distinction, and exciting box office hits as well - this podcast is one you will really enjoy.
Join Us, Nick & Glenn as we delve into the phenomenon of the historic “ABC TV Movie of the Week “ – which exploded on television audiences in the early 1970s’.
We discuss the origins of the first TV anthology show called the “Tuesday Night Movie of the Week.” – which dedicated ninety minutes of weekly airtime to a still-emerging genre, and it’s successor, “The Wednesday Night Movie of the Week."
We focus on the success and the skill by which these movies were able to keep viewers interested week after week, by offering extremely well produced TV films, with excellent writing, directing, and acting.
As we pay homage to these wonderfully entertaining tales of suspense from another era – as usual, we discuss the productions, the stars, writers & directors – and play clips from the movies themselves.
We concentrate on seven of these iconic - TV films from the 1970’s, such as "Home For the Holidays," (with Eleanor Parker, Julie Harris & Sally Filed), "The Cat Creature," "The Screaming Woman" (with Olivia de Havilland), and others.
If you have a fondness for classic TV movies from the seventies, and you like exciting, suspenseful thrillers - this podcast is for you!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we take a look at 6 "Forgotten" hits from the "BRITISH INVASION" of the Pop/Rock world during the 1960's.
The history of British Rock in the early 1960's was both massive and unique.
We explore the influence and style of the iconic sound of British Rock - as it made its way over the US pop charts - and took over.
We listen to groups such as Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Honeycombs, Cliff Richard and the Shadows, & more - as we delve into six wonderful international pop hits that have not been in the limelight for some time.
If you like British Rock music from the early 1960's - don't miss this one!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we dispel the "Myth" that three misunderstood Hitchcock films - "Stage Fright," "Marnie," & "Torn Curtain," - are "not" good Hitchcock films, because they ARE - and, that the casting of the actresses: Jane Wyman, Tippi Hedrin, & Julie Andrews - WAS a great choice - NOT a poor one...and we explain why.
We play clips from each film and discuss as always, and also delve into the soundtracks of each, and their composers.
Whether you've seen these films or not, either way, it's a worthy revisit of these misunderstood Hitchcock classics!
Join us , Nick & Glenn - as we discuss four terrific "Top 100" pop hits from the 1970's.
All four hits reached the top 10 of Billboard's "Hot 100" - and have gone on to achieve iconic status.
Of the countless super hits of the 1970's, these four hold a unique place in pop/rock history; Eres Tu, Afternoon Delight, Black & White - and the final choice, was the theme song to a classic disaster film, in which a luxury liner capsizes - come on, you know the movie, and the song...
While listening to these tunes, we provide you with interesting background, and filter in some commentary.
We think you'll will enjoy this fun Variety Attic Short.
It's our Holiday Gift to you...
Join us, Nick & Glenn, on this spooky podcast - where we take a look at the wonderful films from the great "Hammer Studios" - which we appropriately call "Hammer Horror - The Vintage Years".
As we delve into several of the early great Hammer hits, such as The Brides of Dracula & Curse of the Werewolf - we also look at and discuss some lesser-known Hammer gems, such as Paranoiac & Kiss of the Vampire.
In addition to playing clips from all of the films we discuss - we also listen to some great "horror soundtracks" from Hammer, as well as other classic film scores, such as The Exorcist, Count Yorga, Vampire, Halloween, and more.
So, if you want to spend some time with Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Barbara Shelly, Oliver Reed, and some Werewolves & Vampires - check this podcast out - guaranteed, scary fun.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, in this Variety Attic short, as we pay tribute to the 1939 Classic - "The Women," based on the famous play by Clare Booth Luce.
We listen to audio clips from this classic celluloid of feminine proportions, featuring Norma Shearer, Lucille Watson, & Mary Boland. We also take a look at the woman behind "The Women," Clare Booth Luce, whose legacy as a public figure could fill numerous volumes.
Revered in her later years as a heroine of the feminist movement, Luce was an American author, politician, U.S. Ambassador and a public conservative figure - such was the great mind behind this brilliant, witty, and indelible film.
For fans of the film, we have two words - JUNGLE RED!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to one of the most enduring and classic mystery thrillers ever put to pen: The Bat - and the woman who wrote it, Mary Roberts Rinehart.
On this Variety Attic short, we'll take a look at the evolution of The Bat - as famous play, novelization, and various film adaptations. We'll be listening to clips from these various films, in addition to another film adaptation of a Rinehart story.
We'll also take a look at it's author, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and her prolific writing career-hailed as one of the great mystery writers of the early 20th century. Although not as well remembered as Agatha Christie, Rinehart is a great contender of the mystery genre, with many titles to her name.
Mystery fans...Enjoy!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we do a review of what we've been watching during this "Global Stay At Home Lockdown." From the "Airport" film franchise to Golden Era Classics, Noir, Foreign Films (from Truffaut & Antonioni, to vintage Giallos), 60's UK films, and even Brit TV - we run the gamut. In addition to discussing these wonderful films & shows, we also listen to a handful of film clips & some great music ranging from MGM Musicals to the folk rock of the 70's.
Plus, we offer a little culinary advice, a first on The Variety Attic, based on food dishes we've been making & eating, a real great past-time these days for all of us!
Two Definitive Christmas Movies: "A Christmas Carol" & "The Christmas Story" - join us, Nick & Glenn, as we focus on the sentiment and the connection between these two Holiday film classics.
Along with yuletide clips of Scrooge (Alastair Sim) & Ralphie (Peter Billingsly), we will explore particularly how each film and book they were based on captures the essence of the holiday - at a specific point in history and time.
May this holiday podcast add to the joy & meaning of the season for each and everyone of you!
Thanks for being with us throughout the year! We do appreciate it.
Happy New Year! See you in 2020.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we delve into 5 truly outstanding and truly frightening films - all made in the 1970's. In many people's opinion (including ours), these films are prime examples of the best movies dealing with suspense & terror.
In this episode we look at and discuss the great minds contributing to these five movies, and compare them to some of what has followed since, in the fright film genre.
Varied audio clips are played, including the original "Black Christmas," the original "When a Stranger Calls," and a lost cult classic: "Silent Night, Bloody Night."
We talk about the creative talents behind these films, such as directors Bob Clark & Richard Fleisher - and listen to clips featuring Carole Kane, Olivia Hussey, Mia Farrow & others.
A fun, film fright show from a great decade!
Spend a "ghostly" time with us, Nick & Glenn - as we explore 6 of the scariest Haunted House Movies, listen to some of the most fun Halloween songs, and give you our list of "who NOT to go as, at this year's costume party."
Movies clips include: The Haunting, The Changeling, The House that would not Die, and more...
So, lots of scares & lots of laughs on this Variety Attic "All Hallows Eve Podcast!"
Join us, Nick & Glenn, in this follow up podcast as we delve into even more Mystery Movie Thrillers of the 1960's - (The Decade of Deception).
If you didn't catch Part 1 back in June, you might want to take a listen. In both podcasts combined we cover over 25 suspense films! We love this decade for film and music!
In this episode, Part 2, we will be covering such films as: Purple Noon, Cape Fear, Die, Die, my Darling, Blow-up, Woman of Straw, No way to treat a Lady, Daddy's gone a Hunting, Stop me before I kill, Hysteria and The Sleeping Car Murders. Some of these are border line horror films, others are great mysteries or filled with tension and suspense.
Audio clips include such greats as Alain Delon, Stefanie Powers, Robert Mitchum, Rod Steiger, Gina Lollobrigida, Sean Connery, Vanessa Redgrave, Frank Sinatra, and Tallulah Bankhead.
This podcast is really a lot of fun, and we had a blast with it. You will too!
On this Variety Attic podcast, we resurrect three great American ladies of Song who spearheaded their way through show business, and overcame the odds - professionally, physically, and otherwise.
Kay Thompson - Singer & author of "Eloise" children book fame, who was the first female music arranger at MGM, as well as a composer, dancer, choreographer, & Godmother to Liza Minnelli!
Jane Froman - Famous songstress portrayed in the bio pic -"With a Song in my Heart," starring Susan Hayward, who had a successful come back after surviving a horrific plane crash leaving her with a severely injured leg.
Connee Boswell - Legendary singer touted by Ella Fitzgerald as the woman she wanted to sound the most like, who maintained a fabulous solo career after starting out with her two siblings, "The Boswell Sisters," and always performed seated due to childhood polio.
So, join us - Nick & Glenn, as we listen to recordings of these extraordinary talents, and the glorious music they made - as we tell their stories from the 1930's through 1960's.
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we discuss the great Charlie Chan and the character's legacy in film - a Variety Attic Short.
Although we mostly focus on the films, we also discuss the origin of Charlie Chan - the character's first appearance in the books by creator & novelist, Earl Biggers. We have fun delving into the various film adaptations from Twentieth Century Fox and Monogram Studios, as well as the history of the studio's plight with this fascinating characters' film evolution.
We take you through film clips from all three of the Hollywood actors who portrayed this universally known Asian detective - Warner Oland, Sidney Toler, & Roland Winters - spanning three decades that began in 1931.
If you're a fan of mysteries, (film or otherwise) we think you'll really like this one!
Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we explore the great mystery/thriller films of the 1960's from the U.S. and the U.K. - and the great artists who contributed to them.
We'll listen to audio clips from these excellent mysteries, such as: Experiment in Terror, Ten Little Indians, Bunny Lake is Missing, Scream of Fear, Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice, and lots more. Actors featured are - Laurence Olivier, Bette Davis, Stephen Boyd, Christopher Lee, Lee Remick, Geraldine Page, & many others!
From great adaptations of Agatha Christie's famous mysteries, to superior directors of the time like Otto Preminger, Stanley Donen, Freddie Francis, and Blake Edwards (to name just a few) - we discuss it all.
These Mystery Movies of the 1960's embodied superior quality on every level - and are filled with suspense, twists, and thrills! Take a listen - it's a lot of fun...