Director and Cast Discuss CAKE: A Love Story

During the month of February, Movie Addict Headquarters is showcasing CAKE: A Love Story, the award-winning short film based on It Had To Be Us, a romantic memoir my husband Larry and I wrote under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence. Listeners can hear this on demand episode at any time during the month by clicking on the link at the end of this article.

Misha Zubarev, co-director/writer of the movie reveals why he undertook this particular project and how the film differs from the book. Debra Lord Cooke and Richard Vernon, who play Elizabeth and Harry, talk about what it was like bringing these characters to life on screen. Plus, George Bettinger and Nancy Lombardo, who portray Elizabeth’s friends, also join in the discussion. The film’s plot focuses on how two people rediscover their lost love after being divorced and estranged from each other for almost 20 years. Although this is a serious theme, the movie includes humor – and, of course, lots of romance!

CAKE: A Love Story earned the following laurels on the 2017 film festival circuit:

First Place in the Short Film category at the NSAEN International Film Festival

Award of Merit from IndieFest (for being “a notable artistic and technical production”)

Official Selection by the Toronto International Short Film Festival.

The movie was also voted top spot at a live audience screening of short films in Savannah, Georgia.

LINK TO LISTEN: Click here.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker
CO-HOST: Larry Tucker
PRODUCER: Nikki Starr  
To watch CAKE: A Love Story on Amazon Prime click here.
To order It Had To Be Us, click here.

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   

Casablanca On Demand

During the week of November 13 through November 19, Movie Addict Headquarters celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Casablanca by featuring On Demand a special tribute show originally aired back in 2008.  Our special guest is Tom Barnes, author of Casablanca Film Trivia: Here’s Looking at You, Kid! 

Barnes includes 1,130 questions about Casablanca in his fun trivia book, and he’s worked on these questions for the past 15 years. The questions cover such areas as history, actors, script, critics, images, characters, production staff, music, geography, goofs, and clothing. Each of the 33 chapters centers on a specific category or theme, and most of the chapters end with interesting “factoids” about this fascinating movie.

Listeners can hear this popular vintage episode at any time during the week by clicking on the BlogTalkRadio link at the end of this article.  

Barnes says, “Now that Casablanca has reached old age, it is time to reflect on the film’s impact since winning the Academy Award for best picture...What better way to honor Casablanca than a book of trivia about all aspects of the film and its filming?

As a Casablanca fan, I had a great time trying to answer Barnes’ questions while reading his book. I also learned some intriguing new information about one of my favorite movies.

Because Barnes is a former teacher, that’s probably one of the reasons he does such an excellent job holding the reader’s interest in this trivia book.
Joining in the lively discussion are film critic Diana Saenger, founder of Classic Movie Guide, and avid Casablanca fan Jazz Shaw.

(Casablanca Film Trivia: Here’s Looking at You Kid! is published by Papyrus Publishing.)   

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2008/08/19/casablanca-film-tribute

NOTE:  Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events are bringing Casablanca back to the big screen for two days: November 12 and November 15, 2017. Check your local media sources to see if it’s showing in your area.   

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

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

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

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        

   

Hollywood Legends

In the Company of Legends was written just for me. Well, probably not, but I sure felt that way while reading this marvelous show biz memoir by Joan Kramer and David Heeley, who have produced outstanding documentaries about such beloved Hollywood legends as Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, Paul Newman, Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart. Although Kramer and Heeley reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes information about these classic movie stars and more, their book also describes how they put together their film portraits despite almost insurmountable obstacles. Their individual talents plus teamwork and powers of persuasion shine through in every chapter -- as does their inspiring persistence.

And who knew a book about making documentaries could be so suspenseful? For example, I was absolutely on the edge of my seat reading about how the dynamic duo persuaded Ginger Rogers to take part in one of their Fred Astaire projects. And I didn’t think they would ever succeed in proving Judy Garland frequently sang “Over the Rainbow” to President Kennedy over the phone.    

I agree with Robert Osborne, host of Turner Classic Movies, who calls In the Company of Legends “one of the best reasons ever for curling up with a book.” He goes on to praise the memoir because it’s about “dazzling personalities and told by people who actually knew the celebrities they write about, worked with them and, further, socialized with them, aware of their foibles and strengths from first-hand knowledge, not hearsay.”

Among the Kramer and Heeley documentaries are: Katharine Hepburn: All About Me; Bacall on Bogart; The John Garfield Story; The Adventures of Errol Flynn; The Spencer Tracy Legacy; James Stewart: A Wonderful Life; Fonda on Fonda; Fred Astaire: Puttin’ on His Top Hat; Fred Astaire: Change Partners and Dance.

In the Company of Legends, published by Beufort Books, is available on Amazon.com. If you are a movie addict like me, you should order it right away.

Also, don’t miss Kramer and Heeley on our Movie Addict Headquarters radio show. They are scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on BlogTalkRadio. After the live episode, an archived segment of their interview will be available for your listening pleasure. Here’s the link:  

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/04/28/hollywood-legends-up-close-and-personal  

             

Going for the Gold

Happy 2015, everyone! I look forward to starting out the new year by talking with film historian James Colt Harrison and Classic Movie Guide founder Diana Saenger, who will be dropping by Movie Addict Headquarters on January 6 for a preview of the upcoming 72nd Golden Globe Awards, which will take place on January 11 with funny ladies Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as co-hosts again this year. James and Diana plan to focus on the awards for Best Picture as well as Best Actor and Best Actress in the drama and comedy/musical categories. This should be a fun and enlightening episode for movie fans!

Films in contention include Boyhood, Foxcatcher, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, Selma, Into the Woods, Birdman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, St. Vincent and Pride. Nominees in the acting categories are: Eddie Redmayne, Steve Carell, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Keaton, Bill Murray, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz, Joaquin Phoenix, Julianne Moore, Rosamund Pike, Reese Witherspoon, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Aniston, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Helen Mirren and Quevenzshane Wallis.

James Colt Harrison has contributed film commentary to such outlets as the La Jolla Village News, Rage Monthly, No Cover Music Magazine and San Diego Metro Weekly. Diana Saenger not only heads up Classic Movie Guide, she's also entertainment editor for the San Diego East County Gazette and operates her own site called Review Express. 

Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on BlogTalkRadio.

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/01/06/golden-globe-awards-preview-show         

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Something Is Afoot!

When I was a teenager back in days of yore, it was such a treat to watch all those wonderful Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone. I am still an avid Sherlock fan, so I feel excited about the opportunity to talk with Ed Fitzelle concerning Sherlock Holmes movies and the actors who have portrayed this fictional master detective.  Ed, a Sherlock expert, will be dropping by Movie Addict HQ to discuss this fun topic. 

Did you know that more than 70 actors have appeared in upwards of 200 cinema projects featuring this popular character? The latest actor signing on as Sherlock is Sir Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes, a film scheduled for release in 2015. McKellen adds his name to an impressive list including such diverse actors as Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, Charlton Heston, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Nicol Williamson, John Cleese, Douglas Fairbanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Downey, Jr.

Ed Fitzelle’s company, EverythingSherlockHolmes.com, is a portal designed to help viewers enjoy Sherlock Holmes. The site contains 40 hours of moving image content (movies and TV series) plus a news section with reports relating to Sherlock as well as an international events calendar focused on Sherlock-related events around the world.

This interview airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment is also available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST:  Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/11/04/ed-fitzelle-everything-sherlock-holmes

  

Tippi Hedren and The Birds

Actress Tippi Hedren talks about her scary experiences while filming The Birds, one of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thrillers, in a candid interview to be revisited on the October 21st Movie Addict HQ show. This talented actress, who won a Golden Globe for her work in The Birds, also reminisces about playing opposite Sean Connery in Hitchcock’s disturbing Marnie as well as about working with the great Charlie Chaplin.

Among Hedren’s non-Hitchcock films are such offerings as Chaplin’s The Countess from Hong Kong plus Citizen Ruth, I Heart Huckabees, Pacific Heights, Jayne Mansfield’s Car, Free Samples, Return to Babylon and Roar, a movie Hedren produced and starred in with her daughter, Melanie Griffith. Her upcoming film credits include roles in The Ghost and the Whale and Lizzie’s World: The Secret of the Magic Truth. Hedren has appeared in numerous TV shows including Cougar, Raising Hope, The 4400, Hart to Hart and Murder, She Wrote.

Several charitable and humanitarian causes have benefited from Hedren’s support. She has served as a volunteer International Relief Coordinator for “Food for Hungry” and traveled worldwide to set up “relief programs following earthquakes, hurricanes, famine and war.” She is an avid supporter of the ROAR Foundation and the Shambala Preserve.

Hedren’s many awards for her acting and humanitarian efforts include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Life Achievement Award from Cinemalia (French Film Festival), the Bahai Faith Humanitarian Award, and a “Woman of Vision” Honor from Women in Film and Video.

“Actress Tippi Hedren and The Birds” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. During the live show, listeners are invited to participate in a Chat. An archived segment will also be available.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/10/21/actress-tippi-hedren-and-the-birds

     

    

It Had To Be Us Update

I feel very excited about our next Movie Addict Headquarters show! Misha Zubarev will be there for a discussion of his diverse filmmaking experience and to bring listeners up to date on the It Had To Be Us movie project. Plus, Denise Cassino, who published the Kindle edition of It Had To Be Us, will join in to share her plans for introducing new readers to this award-winning romantic memoir my husband and I co-wrote under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence. And our favorite film historian, James Colt Harrison, has agreed to co-host.   

Misha has worked in various capacities on such films as Shooter, Loneliness, Annapolis, Four Funny Families and Synedoche, New York. His film 18 and Out was chosen to be included in NBC's The Screening Room. He also directed an award-winning TV series titled "The Wisdom Tree" and was highlighted in MovieMaker Magazine. After reading It Had To Be Us, Misha became interested in adapting it for the screen. He completed the screenplay last year and plans to direct the film. 

Denise Cassino heads up the Long Story Short Publishing Company and also offers impressive promotional services through her Wizardly Web Designs site. As the publisher of the Kindle version of It Had To Be Us, she organized a launch for the book four years ago which led to a #1 ranking in an important Amazon category. She has now created an Anniversary Re-Launch, complete with the same bonus items from the original launch.  

James Colt Harrison, a founding member of the San Diego Film Critics Society, has written a history of Hollywood studios and contributed film commentary to Classic Movie Guide, Review Express, The La Jolla Village News, Rage Monthly, No Cover Music Magazine, and San Diego Metro Weekly.  

DATE: Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time)

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/08/12/filmmaker-misha-zubarev-it-had-to-be-us-1   

An archived segment will be available after the live show.  

We Love Lucille Ball

On August 5, Movie Addict HQ remembers Lucille Ball, the legendary actress and comedian who charmed people throughout the world with her movies, television shows and stage appearances. Joining in this tribute to the Queen of Comedy are James Sheridan, co-author of Lucille Ball FAQ, and Elisabeth Edwards, author of I Love Lucy: A Celebration of All Things Lucy as well as other books about the beloved show biz icon. Sheridan, a graduate of Fordham University at Lincoln Center, majored in communications and media studies. He’s a lifelong Lucy fan who could name every I Love Lucy episode in order at the age of seven! Edwards works at Desilu, LLC  -- a company Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. put together to manage their parents’ estate.  

 Because Lucille Ball’s fame developed primarily from her ultra-popular TV shows, her film career sometimes gets neglected. But check out the list below for a few titles of movies she made – and the list isn’t even complete!

DANCE, GIRL, DANCE

THE LONG, LONG TRAILER

FANCY PANTS

DUBARRY WAS A LADY

MAME

BEST FOOT FORWARD

THE BIG STREET

THE DARK CORNER

YOURS, MINE AND OURS

STAGE DOOR

THE FULLER BRUSH GIRL

SORROWFUL JONES

And here are some favorite I Love Lucy episodes:  Lucy Goes to the Hospital, The Golf Game, Ricky Loses His Voice, Lucy’s Showbiz Swan Song, Lucy Learns to Drive. Plus, who can forget Lucy and Ethel at the chocolate factory or stomping grapes?  

“Lucille Ball: Queen of Comedy” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, August 5, 2014.  If you’re a Lucy fan, please don’t miss this fun episode!

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/08/05/lucille-ball-queen-of-comedy   

   

Congratulations, Cloris Leachman!

What a great time I had this Tuesday at the Movie Addict Headquarters SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY on BlogTalkRadio! We played clips of famous guests, talked about favorite shows, and announced a book-giveaway drawing.  Joining the festivities were: Mad Movie Man A.J. Hakari, Mr. Show Biz George Bettinger, film historian James Colt Harrison and Classic Film Guide founder Diana Saenger. The Top Ten episodes during the last twelve months were revealed as well as the guest with the most listeners during the past seven years -- who just happens to be the one and only Cloris Leachman (with almost one million listeners!).

The four film-related books below are being given away during our ANNIVERSARY random drawing that closes on August 1, 2014. (Instructions for entering the drawing are covered toward the end of the episode.)

Me and Orson Welles by Robert Kaplow

Hollywood or Bust by Susan Marg

Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker

It Had To Be Us by Harry & Elizabeth Lawrence

It was a fun -- and suspenseful -- party, so be sure to listen to the archived segment by clicking on this link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/07/15/seven-years-of-movie-fun

Godzilla and Me

So happy that I get to rant and rave about the new Godzilla movie during the May 20^th Movie Addict Headquarters show. Is this film a hit or a miss? How does it compare with previous Godzilla offerings? What are the most exciting elements of Godzilla 2014? What could have been done better? Why is Godzilla so popular? Tune in and find out!  

Called King of the Monsters, Godzilla (Gojira) has been stomping around the screen for 60 years. Appearing first as a metaphor for nuclear weapons in Ishiro Honda’s 1954 Japanese film, this massive creature has become a pop culture icon with 28 films about him produced by the Toho Company. In 1998, Tri-Star released another Godzilla movie to mixed reviews, but Godzilla 2014 – presented by Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures -- is receiving mostly rave reviews.

“Godzilla and Me” airs live on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. 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/2014/05/20/godzilla-and-me   

 

   

Michael Caine and His Films

On April 29, Movie Addict Headquarters celebrates the film career of legendary actor Michael Caine. Noted film critic John P. McCarthy and award-winning blogger Fausta Rodriguez Wertz discuss Caine’s best movies plus their favorite performances from among his many film appearances. Caine, who turned 80 last month, is still going strong – and his rich upcoming movie schedule will also be covered.  

Choosing Caine’s best films and performances is not an easy task. This talented actor has won acclaim for his brilliant work in such diverse movies as Alfie, The Ipcress File, Secondhand Lions, Sleuth, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Blood and Wine, Zulu, The Italian Job, Dressed To Kill, Get Carter, Little Voice, The Man Who Would Be King, The Quiet American, Cider House Rules and Hannah and Her Sisters. He won well-deserved Oscars for his supporting roles in the last two films mentioned.

Caine performed his latest leading role in the touching drama Last Love.  His upcoming movies include: Ella Graves, a thriller with Kate Beckinsale and Samuel L. Jackson; Imagine, a comedy/drama starring Al Pacino and Annette Bening; The Secret Service, an action thriller with Colin Firth, Lady Gaga and Samuel L. Jackson; Interstellar, a sci-fi mystery with Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey;    

In addition to his impressive acting credits, Michael Caine has written a fascinating autobiography titled What’s It All About? as well as other books about acting including the popular Acting in Film: An Actor’s Take on Movie Making. 

Guests John P. McCarthy and Fausta Rodriguez Wertz are Michael Caine fans. John has written for TV Guide, Variety and USA Today. He also contributes film criticism and analysis to outlets such as Boxoffice.com, America magazine, and Catholic News Service. Besides being an award-winning blogger, Fausta is an outspoken movie buff. Both John and Fausta always come across as entertaining and informative when talking about films.

This Michael Caine Celebration airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. 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: 646-470-5668

LINK:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/04/29/michael-caine-celebration