S2 E39 The butler didn't do it! Then again, Dame Agatha Christie never wrote that tired cliche. Join us as we embark on a glamorous, deadly journey down the Nile as we dissect the 1978 adaptation of Dame Agatha Christie's masterpiece, "Death on the Nile", a film that perfectly balances humor, intrigue, and shocking violence against the breathtaking backdrop of Egypt.

Join us and a literal "boatload of Dames" as we discuss this film which represents the golden standard of ensemble mystery films. Dame Angela Lansbury delivers what might be her most deliciously unhinged performance as romance novelist Salome Otterbourne, Dame Maggie Smith brings razor-sharp wit as the dour companion Bowers, and Dame Bette Davis commands every scene as the wealthy kleptomaniac Mrs. Van Schuyler. At the center stands Dame Peter Ustinov, whose interpretation of Hercule Poirot captures the detective's essence perfectly, despite physical differences from Christie's literary description.

We explore why the "closed circle mystery" format works so brilliantly here, trapping a limited number of suspects on a luxury steamer where jealousy, greed, and murderous intent simmer beneath a veneer of 1930s sophistication. The film's Academy Award-winning costumes, stunning cinematography by Jack Cardiff, and Nino Rota's atmospheric score create a time machine effect, transporting viewers to a bygone era of elegance.

The episode delves into fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including the friendship between Ustinov and David Niven dating back to their military service, Bette Davis's surprising professionalism on set, and how the brutally hot Egyptian filming conditions affected production. We also examine Christie's inspiration for writing this particular mystery after her own Nile cruise, the cultural context of "Egypt-mania" that made this film timely in the 1970s, and key differences between the novel and its adaptation.

Whether you're a mystery aficionado, a fan of classic Hollywood, or someone who appreciates the art of storytelling at its finest, this episode illuminates why Death on the Nile remains superior to modern adaptations and stands as one of the most entertaining entries in Christie's filmed legacy. Join us for an episode as rich in character as it is in murder.

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S2 E38

"Nobody's as good as Bette when she's bad!"

So heralded a famous movie tagline from the 1940s, and nothing could be more appropriate for today’s film, Lillian Helman's tale of mendacity in the moonlight, 1941's “The Little Foxes”. In this classic film, the one and only Bette Davis plays Regina Giddens, a woman whose ambition knows no boundaries, and whose determination knows no limit. Many film scholars herald Davis’s performance as the greatest of her career…. and we agree. Delivered in mask-like makeup with an icy and lethal hardness, it is a bold and brave performance, and one that ultimately earned her a fourth consecutive Oscar nomination. It is also one that would also irreparably damage her working relationship with her favorite director, the incomparable William Wyler.

We dive deep into the fascinating production history of this 1941 adaptation of Lillian Hellman's play, originally starring Tallulah Bankhead on Broadway. The film represents a pivotal moment in Hollywood storytelling, where female ambition collides with societal constraints in early 20th century Alabama. The resulting power struggle leads to one of cinema's most disturbing acts of passive murder – Regina simply sitting motionless while her husband suffers a heart attack, refusing to retrieve his life-saving medication.

What makes this film truly exceptional beyond Davis's performance is Gregg Toland's pioneering deep-focus cinematography, allowing multiple story elements to unfold simultaneously in razor-sharp clarity. We analyze how this technique elevates key moments, particularly the famous staircase scene, creating a visual language that perfectly complements the moral complexity of the narrative.

The film's supporting cast deserves equal attention – from Herbert Marshall's principled Horace to Teresa Wright's awakening Alexandra and Patricia Collinge's heartbreaking Birdie. Together they create a rich tapestry of characters navigating a world where foxes prey on those with "tender grapes," as suggested by the biblical source of the film's title.

Whether you're a classic film enthusiast or discovering this masterpiece for the first time, this episode reveals why "The Little Foxes" continues to resonate – showing us that sometimes the most devastating victories are the ones that leave you with everything you wanted and nothing you need. Listen now to understand why this film deserved far more than its zero wins from nine Oscar nominations, and why Davis's performance should have earned her a third Academy Award.

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You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Tony's documentary "Mel & Hitch: Spoofing the Master of Suspense" is available on AMAZON at https://a.co/d/eOpDF3C

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

Reach us at goinghollywoodpodcast@gmail.com

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist

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S2 E37 As we launch into our second season, we couldn't think of a better filmmaker to celebrate than the masterful comedic genius of Mel Brooks. We give our take on two iconic films that showcase different facets of his boundary-pushing humor: "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety. A Mel Brooks, whose commitment to pushing comedy to its limits while maintaining heart and intelligence continues to inspire. What's your favorite Mel Brooks film? Let us know as we dive into a season filled with exciting themed months and special guest appearances!

Mel Brooks singing High Anxiety on YouTube.

Text us your opinion or comment

You can find transcripts, a link to Tony's website, and a link to Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Tony's documentary "Mel & Hitch: Spoofing the Master of Suspense" is available on AMAZON at https://a.co/d/eOpDF3C

Mel Brooks singing High Anxiety available on YouTube.

Text us & We'll Respond on an Episode

Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod

Reach us at goinghollywoodpodcast@gmail.com

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist

Podcast logo by Umeworks