Remembering Debbie Reynolds

The late great Debbie Reynolds bowed into our world on April 1, 1932. To celebrate her birth date, Movie Addict Headquarters is presenting Debbie’s 2009 vintage interview as an ON DEMAND episode that will run from April 1 through April 14. One of America’s most talented and beloved show-biz stars, Debbie talks about her remarkable career as an entertainer -- and more – during this fun and revealing episode.

Listeners can hear Debbie’s vintage interview at any time by clicking on the BlogTalkRadio link at the end of this article.  

Below are a few reminders of Debbie’s impressive achievements.

Debbie earned an Oscar nomination for her brilliant performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and a Tony nomination for her fine stage work in Irene. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

Among Debbie’s popular films are: Singin’ in the Rain, The Tender Trap, How the West Was Won, Tammy and the Bachelor, The Gazebo, and Mother.
Television appearances by Debbie include important roles in Will and Grace, Kim Possible, and Halloweentown.

Debbie’s many fans also loved to see her in the exuberant live shows she performed in various venues throughout the U.S.  

As generous with her time as with her talent, Debbie was a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts and a founder of the Thalians, a charitable organization responsible for raising millions of dollars for emotionally disturbed children. She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. She was truly an entertainer extraordinaire and a national national treasure! We still miss you, Debbie.

LISTENING LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2009/09/17/debbie-reynolds-in-person  

Christmas and Love Songs Medley

Love is all around during the holiday season. That’s why Movie Addict Headquarters is presenting a special medley of songs about Christmas and Love on Tuesday, December 4. During this fifteen-minute episode, listeners are encouraged to sing along with such performers as Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Lucie Arnaz, Alice Faye and Dave Barnes. 

Each song represents the season or an oldie-but-goodie film, including MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, THE BAND WAGON, HELLO FRISCO HELLO, and MARY POPPINS. 

Among the songs scheduled are: 

All I Want for Christmas Is You  
You and the Night and the Music 
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 
You’ll Never Know  
Here Comes Santa Claus 
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

4 p.m. Eastern Time on BlogTalkRadio. An archived segment will be available after the live show.

LISTENING LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2018/12/04/christmas-love-songs-medley   

James Cagney On Demand

Beginning on July 2 and continuing through July 9, film fans have the opportunity to hear a popular Movie Addict Headquarters Tribute to James Cagney, one of Hollywood’s legendary actors. Critics Diana Saenger, James Colt Harrison and A.J. Hakari join this salute to Cagney’s remarkable move career, including his Oscar-winning performance in YANKEE DOODLE DANDY plus many of his other films. What a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July!

Listen to this On Demand episode any time during the week by clicking on the BlogTalkRadio link at the end of this article.   

Although known primarily for his many “tough-guy” roles, Cagney started out in show biz as a dancer. For his first stage performance, he danced dressed as a woman in the chorus line of Every Sailor, a 1919 revue. In later years, he even opened a dance studio for professionals and served as a choreographer. But he only danced in a small number of movies, including Footlight Parade, Taxi, The Seven Little Foys and Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Cagney earned numerous honors for his on-screen work. In addition to his Best Actor Academy Award, he garnered two other Oscar nominations. One for Angels with Dirty Faces, the other for Love Me or Leave Me. He also received the AFI Life Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor and the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.

It’s interesting to note that after Cagney’s breakthrough gangster part in The Public Enemy back in the 1930s, many moviegoers had a hard time accepting him in “good-guy” roles, but it’s still not surprising that in 1999 the AFI ranked him EIGHTH among the 50 Greatest American Screen Legends.  

The list of other films that prove Cagney’s versatility as an actor includes: White Heat, Mr. Roberts, Ragtime, One Two Three, Strawberry Blonde, The Roaring Twenties, Tribute to a Bad Man, Man of a Thousand Faces, The Oklahoma Kid, and A Lion Is in the Street.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/07/05/james-cagney-yankee-doodle-dandy 

Maureen O'Hara On Demand

Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day by listening to a MAUREEN O’HARA TRIBUTE show on Movie Addict Headquarters. This popular episode airs ON DEMAND from March 10 through March 18 on BlogTalkRadio. Listen any time by clicking the link at the end of this post.

Brought to Hollywood from Ireland by Charles Laughton during the late 1930s, O’Hara achieved immediate acclaim for her fiery performances in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Jamaica Inn. She remained a popular box-office draw throughout her long acting career (seven decades!) and played opposite a host of A-list actors, including John Wayne, Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart. O’Hara, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 95, appeared in such classic movies as The Quiet Man, Miracle on 34th Street, How Green Was My Valley, The Spanish Main and McClintock.

Because of her beautiful red hair, O’Hara has been called the Queen of Technicolor, and her work in so many Western movies earned her a Golden Boot Award in 1991. She also received an Honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. O’Hara displayed a talent for acting as a child and was accepted into Ireland’s Abbey Theater at the age of 14. Ironically, her operatic training there seemed wasted in Hollywood. Although she was the number one choice for the lead in The King and I musical, the director didn’t want someone who made “all those pirate movies” playing Anna -- so the role went to Deborah Kerr, whose vocals had to be dubbed. Go figure!

During this encore episode, classic movie experts Diana Saenger and James Colt Harrison discuss their favorite Maureen O’Hara films and performances. Saenger is the founder of Classic Movie Guide and Harrison is a film historian who contributes movie commentary to a variety of outlets including Classic Movie Guide and Review Express.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, movie fans!

HOST:  Betty Jo Tucker
PRODUCER: Nikki Starr  
LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/03/17/actress-maureen-ohara-tribute

Susan Granger's Timeless Movies

On February 28, noted film critic Susan Granger visits Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss her book 150 Timeless Movies – a marvelous collection of film reviews -- and to share her reactions to the 89th Academy Award results, which are scheduled to be announced on February 26. Susan is an international film critic who grew up in Hollywood. She was born into a film-business family. Her father was director and producer S. Sylvan Simon, whose credits include Son of Lassie, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood and Born Yesterday. After his death, her mother remarried Armand Deutsch, an MGM producer. As a child actress, Susan appeared in movies with Abbott & Costello, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball and Lassie. For more than 25 years, Susan has been an on-air television and radio commentator and entertainment critic. Her commentaries, reviews and interviews are distributed around the world by SSG Syndicate. Susan is also the film critic for the monthly magazine, Video Librarian. 

In her Introduction for 150 Timeless Movies, Susan writes, “I believe the 150 movies that I’ve chosen for this collection of reviews, many of which made since the turn of the 21st century -- yet still including 25 classics -- will stand the test of time…Timeless movies come in all forms: animated, comedy, drama, horror, romance, war, western, documentary and science-fiction. What they all have in common is that they’re a successful creative collaboration, often revolving around love, family and the indomitable human spirit.”

Among the films included are: 2001: A Space Odyssey, African Queen, Avatar, The Bucket List, City Lights, Saving Private Ryan, The Lives of Others, The Social Network, Slumdog Millionaire , The Wizard of Oz, and 140 more must-see movies.

150 Timeless Movies is published by Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc. and can be purchased wherever books are sold including online retailers like amazon.com, bn.com, powells.com, and Walmart.com. It is available in paperback, hardcover and e-book.  

“150 Timeless Movies with Susan Granger” airs live on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, February 28, 2016. An archived segment will also be available after the live show.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2017/02/28/150-timeless-movies-with-susan-granger

It Had To Be Christmas!

As a special holiday treat, showbiz stars George and Lizette Amado-Bettinger are featured this month on Movie Addict Headquarters reading the first chapter of IT HAD TO BE US, a romantic memoir co-authored by my husband and me that’s now being adapted for the screen. George and Lizette play Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence (our pen names) in this audio version of Chapter One, which deals with two important Christmases for the estranged Lawrences. How does Christmas help bring these two together after being divorced for almost twenty years? Click on the link below this post to listen in and find out!

The Bettingers are a fun couple with a passion for bringing back the Golden Era of radio on their popular “Mom & Pop Shop Show” which airs on Tune In Radio in Florida each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. George is an actor, comedian, producer, writer and director. He’s won acclaim for his uncanny impressions including Groucho Marx, George Burns and the Three Stooges but may be best known as the voice of the red M&M. Lizette is a versatile actress and soprano singer with experience at the Metropolitan Opera. George and Lizette are truly Mr. & Mrs. Showbiz.

IT HAD TO BE US won first place in the Ebook category at the Hollywood Book Festival for its potential to be transferred to other mediums such as film, radio and TV. With the help of BlogTalkRadio listeners during the launch of the Kindle version a few years ago, the memoir hit Number One in the “Divorce” category for Kindle Ebooks. The memoir also caught the interest of filmmaker Misha Zubarev, who reports that the movie is now in pre-production. The screenplay is written, the casting complete and a shooting schedule -- in New York -- has been arranged.

    

Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence donate their author royalties from IT HAD TO BE US (published by the Long Story Short Publishing Company) to the IMAGINATION LIBRARY, a children’s literacy program sponsored by the Dollywood Foundation.

Listen to “It Had To Be Christmas" on BlogTalkRadio by clicking on the link below.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/11/29/it-had-to-be-christmas-again

Book Giveaway Drawing

In honor of the Ninth Anniversary of Movie Addict Headquarters on BlogTalkRadio, we are doing a random book giveaway drawing for the following film-related books: 

Me and Orson Welles by Robert Kaplow

Confessions of a Movie Addict by yours truly

Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies, my latest book

It Had To Be Us by Harry & Elizabeth Lawrence (aka Larry and Betty Jo Tucker)

To participate in this random drawing, just send an e-mail to reeltalk@comcast.net and put BOOK DRAWING in the subject area. Deadline is July 25, 2016.

Thanks to Denise Cassino for this colorful collage of my books included in our random drawing. 

Chris Lemmon Pays Tribute to Jack Lemmon

On June 7, Movie Addict Headquarters presents Chris Lemmon in an encore discussion of A Twist of Lemmon, the acclaimed book he wrote about his father Jack Lemmon, one of Hollywood’s greatest movie stars. Chris has created a touching memoir, one that reveals the beloved family man behind Jack Lemmon’s star persona. But, happily for movie fans, he includes many fascinating behind-the-scenes stories relating to his father’s remarkable movie career as well as personal tributes from such well-known show biz greats as Neil Simon, Blake Edwards, Cliff Robertson, Andy Garcia, Julie Andrews, Tony Curtis and Shirley MacLaine.  

Jack Lemmon was a convincing actor in so many wonderful films, including Days of Wine and Roses, Mr. Roberts, Some Like It Hot, The Odd Couple, Save the Tiger, The Apartment, Missing and The China Syndrome. He was skilled at doing both comedy and drama equally well – and moviegoers couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Chris chose show biz as his career. Among the highlights of his impressive background are appearances in over 20 films – three with his dad (Airport ’77, That’s Life! and Dad). Chris is also a screenwriter and producer.   

“Chris Lemmon Pays Tribute to Jack Lemmon" airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. During the live show listeners are invited to take part in a Chat and to share their favorite Jack Lemmon films and performances. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668
HOST: Betty Jo Tucker
PRODUCER: Nikki Starr
LINK TO LISTEN: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters

Great Film Comedians Encore!

Poet T.S. Eliot wrote that April is the cruelest month, but for Movie Addict Headquarters it is the most humorous one. So on April 12, comedy experts George Bettinger, Nancy Lombardo and Steve Mendoza will discuss great film comedians of the past and present in this hilarious encore presentation. 

All three guests boast impressive experience as actors and comics. For example, Bettinger has won acclaim with his uncanny impressions; Lombardo appears frequently in Saturday Night Live skits; and Mendoza makes people laugh with his amusing take on life. Also, through the power of imagination and technology, joining in the lively conversation are Groucho Marx, Mae West, W.C. Fields and Jimmy Durante. 

George Bettinger, aka Mr. Show Biz, hosts the entertaining Mom & Pop Shop Show on DreamStreamRadio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time; Nancy Lombardo is the hilarious host of Comedy Concepts on BlogTalkRadio every Monday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time; and Steve Mendoza has appeared in several movies, performed stand-up comedy, and is an accomplished chef and radio host.  

Among the comedians to be discussed are Charlie Chaplin, Madeline Kahn, Buster Keaton, Jack Black, Jim Carrey, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Steve Martin, Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy, Peter Sellers, Jerry Lewis and many of your other favorites. What fun!

 “Great Film Comedians Encore!” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.  A chat will be available during the live show, and an archived segment will also be available.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER:  Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/04/12/great-film-comedians-encore-show  

Happy Birthday, Debbie Reynolds!

On April 5, Movie Addict Headquarters shines the spotlight on the unsinkable Debbie Reynolds, who celebrates her 84th birthday today (April 1). Debbie has a new book out titled Make Em Laugh and received the Gene Hersholt Humanitarian Award earlier this year. Joining in the festivities will be Peter Keogh, James Colt Harrison, and Gloria Walters. 

Peter, author of My Hi De High Life, started out as a Debbie Reynolds fan, became her friend, and then the producer of Irene, her stage production in Australia. James, a film historian, confesses that he has always loved Debbie. And Gloria is in the running to be her greatest fan. All three guests will reveal their favorite Debbie Reynolds films or performances as well as why they think this talented show biz legend has remained popular worldwide for so long. 

As generous with her time as with her talent, Debbie has done fundraising for the Girl Scouts and is a founder of the Thalians, a charitable organization responsible for raising millions of dollars for emotionally disturbed children. She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. Debbie is truly a national treasure.

“Spotlight on Debbie Reynolds” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available. This show is a must-hear for Debbie Reynolds fans everywhere.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/04/05/spotlight-shines-on-debbie-reynolds

Mark Clark and Star Wars FAQ

Get ready for Star Wars: The Force Awakens by listening to Movie Addict Headquarters on December 15. That’s when  Mark Clark drops by to talk about his fascinating book, Star Wars FAQ: Everything Left To Know about the Trilogy That Changed the Movies. Mark is an author and film historian who writes about classic movies and TV shows. His latest book tells a story as thrilling and action-packed as the movies themselves, with bold characters facing apparently insurmountable odds. It’s full of frantic chases, narrow escapes, daring victories and tragic setbacks culminating in an unlikely triumph that changed the course of the galaxy -- or at least Hollywood.  

    

Mark’s previous works include Sixties Shockers: A Critical Filmography of Horror Cinema as well as books about Star Trek and essays for Science Fiction America: Essays on Sci-Fi Cinema. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville and a former film critic for the Louisville Courier-Journal.

“Star Wars FAQ with Author Mark Clark” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. An archived segment will also be available. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. 

May the Force Be with You!

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

CO-HOST: A.J. Hakari

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/12/15/star-wars-faq-with-author-mark-clark

Dishing Hollywood with Laurie Jacobson

Celebrated Hollywood author and film historian Laurie Jacobson returns to Movie Addict Headquarters on November 3rd to discuss Dishing Hollywood, her scintillating book about the most notorious scandals that have rocked Tinseltown from the early part of the 20th century up to the present. Tales of lives cut short, unsolved mysteries, dramatic suicides and steamy affairs fill the pages of Jacobson’s revealing romp through some of Hollywood’s biggest scandals involving stars like Gary Cooper, Lana Turner, Robert Mitchum, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Wood, River Phoenix and many more.        

    

Jacobson loves to talk about everything Hollywood, and in this special episode she’s agreed to cover such topics as:

Lana Turner’s involvement in a hoodlum homicide.

The impact of an arrest on Robert Mitchum’s career.

John Wayne’s “ironic” death.

The Gary Cooper mystery.

Natalie Wood’s mysterious drowning.

River Phoenix’s surprising personality change right before his death.

How Debbie Reynolds survived a major scandal.

The Frank Sinatra/Joe Di Maggio/Marilyn Monroe connection.      

“Wherever they’re discussing a scandal, a ghost or a dead movie star, I’m there,” Jacobson says. She has written and produced documentaries, television series and specials, and appears regularly on TV and radio. Her other books include Hollywood Heartbreaks,  Hollywood Haunted and Timmy’s in the Well: The Jon Provost Story, which she co-authored with her husband, the former child actor who played Timmy in TV’s Lassie.  

Laurie's interview airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, November 3,  2015. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/11/03/scandal-and-mystery-in-hollywood-history

Maureen O'Hara, R.I.P.

Maureen O’Hara, one of the great film stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, passed away last Saturday at the age of 95. She was an excellent actress and grand lady, for sure. I first saw her way back in 1939 as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was a black and white film – and I was bowled over by her beauty – even without the later technicolor that made her famous. Because of her gorgeous red hair, she was called The Queen of Technicolor.

My top three favorite O’Hara films are The Quiet Man, The Black Swan, and Dance, Girl, Dance. And my favorite O’Hara performance is her fiery turn in The Quiet Man. She really held her own with John Wayne in that one! It’s interesting that O’Hara co-starred opposite a host of A-list actors, including John Wayne, Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart. But I think she and John Wayne worked the best together. They co-starred in such films as Rio Grande, The Wings of Eagles, McClintock, and The Quiet Man.  I love what O’Hara said about their chemistry together in The Quiet Man. “I was tough, I was tall, I was strong and didn’t let anyone get away with any nonsense. He was tough, he was tall, he was strong and didn’t let anyone get away with any nonsense -- so we were a perfect pair.”

Maureen O’Hara was brought to Hollywood from Ireland by Charles Laughton during the late 1930s and achieved immediate acclaim for her stunning performances in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Jamaica Inn. She remained a popular box-office draw throughout her long acting career, which lasted for seven decades! I think she must have been wonderful to work with -- and that means a lot in Hollywood.

It’s no surprise that Maureen displayed an impressive talent for acting as a child and was accepted into Ireland’s Abbey Theater at the age of 14. Ironically, her operatic training there seemed wasted in Hollywood. Although she was the number one choice for the lead in The King and I musical, the director didn’t want someone who made “all those pirate movies” playing Anna – so the role went to Deborah Kerr, whose vocals had to be dubbed. Go figure!  But I was surprised to learn that her work in so many Western movies earned her a Golden Boot Award in 1991.

As one of O’Hara’s many fans, I was very happy when she received an Honorary Oscar in 2014 for “her inspiring performances that glowed with passion, warmth and strength.”

If I had to pick three words to describe Maureen O’Hara, they would be:

FIERY

GORGEOUS

MULTI-TALENTED

May she rest in peace. My deepest condolences to her family, fans and friends.

(Listen to a St. Patrick’s Day “Maureen O’Hara Tribute” on Movie Addict Headquarters by clicking on the link below.)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/03/17/actress-maureen-ohara-tribute

Horror Month on Movie Addict Headquarters

Boo!!! We love to celebrate Horror Month on Movie Addict Headquarters. Below is information about the wonderful guests who have agreed to join us this October. 

October 6. Laurie Jacobson, a celebrated Hollywood author and film historian, plans to discuss Hollywood Haunted, her entertaining and enlightening book that covers more than 100 years of ghostly goings-on in Hollywood. This should be a great show to help us get in the mood for Halloween!

October 13. Filmmaker David Spaltro will make a return visit – this time to talk about his new horror movie, In the Dark, a very scary flick highlighting demonic possession.   

October 20. We plan to revisit the great Barry Bostwick and his interview about The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. 

If you dare, listen at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Eastern Time, 3 p.m. Central Time, 2 p.m. Mountain Time) each Tuesday or to the archived segments available on BlogTalkRadio after every live episode.  

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters 

Will Harrison Ford Win Again?

Although the next presidential election won’t take place until November of 2016, media outlets are already focusing on the preliminary campaigns. And that explains why Movie Addict Headquarters is now holding its third Best Film President Election. Here is your chance to vote for the actor you think should be named Best Film President. Just listen to five rousing campaign speeches taped previously as well as to information about important new candidates. Then send in your vote to reeltalk@comcast.net by September 30, 2015. As a thank you for voting, your name will be added to a drawing for a free copy of Confessions of a Movie Addict, my funny life-at-the-movies memoir.     

Although numerous actors have portrayed a U.S. President in the movies, the candidates for this event have been chosen from the list of nominees below.  (Harrison Ford won our first two elections!)   

Harrison Ford in AIRFORCE ONE
Peter Sellers in DR. STRANGELOVE
Kevin Kline in DAVE
Michael Douglas in THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
Morgan Freeman in DEEP IMPACT
Bill Pullman in INDEPENDENCE DAY
Polly Bergen in KISSES FOR MY PRESIDENT
Henry Fonda in FAIL SAFE
Danny Glover in 2012
Jeff Bridges in THE CONTENDER
Jack Nicholson in MARS ATTACKS
Stephen Colbert in MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
Daniel Day Lewis in LINCOLN

Listen to rousing campaign speeches and information about other candidates by clicking on the BlogTalkRadio link below.  

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/09/08/best-film-president-debate-round-three      

Is Meryl Streep from the Future?

Actress Meryl Streep shines in her new film Ricki and the Flash. As a a rock-and-roll singer, she shows off her considerable vocal talent. Is there any part she can't play? Known for being a perfectionist in preparing for her roles, Streep also boasts the ability to master any accent. No wonder she's earned three Oscars and nineteen Academy Award nominations. Her remarkable film career even inspired Afterbirth Monkey, an Astoria based comedy band, to come up with an amusing song titled "Is Meryl Streep from the Future?" 

Clearly, it is time for Movie Addict Headquarters to do a show about Streep. So on August 25th, I will be sharing my review of  Ricki and the Flash, and film critic Mack Bates has agreed to discuss Streep's illustrious acting career. Mack, a popular guest on Movie Addict Headquarters, has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and serves as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He also received a local Emmy for his work on The Robert and Rosie Show.

“Meryl Streep: Her Films and Performances” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr
LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters 

                    

     

For Al Pacino Fans

Al Pacino is on a roll this year! His impressive performances in Danny Collins and Manglehorn are earning rave reviews. He nails both characters and makes us care what happens to them despite the many mistakes of their past. I look forward to talking about these films on our August 4th Movie Addict Headquarters episode. Plus, noted critics James Colt Harrison and Diana Saenger will be dropping by to discuss their favorite Pacino movies and performances. James, a film historian, served as the premier film critic for the La Jolla Village News and has contributed film commentary for Rage Monthly, No Cover Music Magazine and San Diego Metro Weekly. Diana, founder of Classic Movie Guide, is the entertainment editor for the San Diego East County Gazette and operates her own site called Review Express.         

Considered by many to be one of the greatest actors in all of film history, Pacino began his movie career in Me, Natalie, a 1969 motion picture starring Patty Duke, Elsa Lancaster and James Farentino. He now boasts over 50 acting credits on IMDb. His awards include a Best Actor Academy Award for Scent of a Woman and additional Oscar nominations for Dog Day Afternoon, Glengarry Glen Ross, Dick Tracy, The Godfather, Serpico, And Justice For All and Godfather: Part II.

 “Al Pacino Double Feature” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time, 2 p.m. Mountain Time, 3 p.m. Central Time) on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER:  646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/08/04/al-pacino-double-feature-and-favorite-performances        

   

Movie Tunes and National Dance Day

I had such fun putting together the Movie Addict Headquarters show this week! On our Tuesday episode, which aired on BlogTalkRadio, we helped listeners get ready for National Dance Day (July 25) by playing clips of performances by Gene Kelly, James Cagney, Lucille Ball, Lily James, Dick Van Dyke, Lucie Arnaz, Julie Andrews and more. Tap, rumba, waltz, musical comedy, burlesque, ballet and other dance styles on film are included in this special episode. The show is available now for your listening pleasure. Just click on the link at the end of this post. 

National Dance Day was created to raise awareness about and encourage Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to maintain good health. Back in 2010, Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the resolution in Congress, and the last Saturday in July was designated as an “unofficial” national holiday by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” and co-president of the Dizzy Feet Foundation. 

This Movie Addict Headquarters episode salutes dancing from such films as Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Tap, Cinderella, Addicted to Love, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dance Girl Dance, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Make Your Move, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Band Wagon and Footloose.

C’mon --- let’s dance!!!
      

LISTENING LINK:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/07/21/movie-tunes-for-national-dance-day 

A Terrific Madeline Kahn Biography

I think Madeline Kahn ranks as one of the greatest funny ladies of the silver screen. Thanks to the magic of movies, it is still a treat to watch Madeline combine her impressive singing ability and unique flair for comedy in such iconic films as Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother. I am happy to report that a biography of this beloved actress has been released recently. And it is terrific!

With Madeline Kahn: Being the Music – A Life, author William V. Madison gives readers a riveting behind-the-scenes look at Madeline’s personal and professional life. His well-researched and fascinating book tells an inspiring story about the persistence and dedication of an insecure but highly talented artist. It will be my pleasure to talk with Madison during our next Movie Addict Headquarters show on BlogTalkRadio. The episode airs at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. An archived segment will be available after the live show.

George Bettinger, from The Mom & Pop Shop Show on DreamStream Radio, has agreed to co-host with me. And Nikki Starr, our producer extraordinaire, will be helping with the Chat Room. We should have a great time!

Below is the link for your listening pleasure:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/06/23/madeline-kahn-biographer-william-v-madison  

     

Listeners Love The Birds

The results are in. Our The Birds Again show ranks as the most listened to Movie Addict Headquarters episode of the past EIGHT years. 

Congratulations and thanks to Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, film historian James Colt Harrison, and actress Tippi Hedren!

If you missed this popular 2014 BlogTalkRadio show, just click on the link below.   

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2012/09/11/the-birds-again