The Movie Shelf
By The Movie Shelf
Married couple Eric & Sannah pick a movie off their shelf to talk about.
The Movie ShelfJul 23, 2021
00:00
01:01:18
18. The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944)
We're excited to welcome writer, friend, and fellow movie fan Hannah Long on to the show to talk about one of our very family comedies, Preston Sturges's "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek."
Read Hannah's piece about "Ride the High Country" and Terry Teachout on Plough Quarterly.
This is the second Preston Sturges film we have discussed on The Movie Shelf. See our discussion with Titus Techera on "Christmas in July" here.
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Read Hannah's piece about "Ride the High Country" and Terry Teachout on Plough Quarterly.
This is the second Preston Sturges film we have discussed on The Movie Shelf. See our discussion with Titus Techera on "Christmas in July" here.
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Apr 14, 202301:09:12
17. The Sound of Music (1965)
In this episode of The Movie Shelf, Sannah & Eric pick one of the most popular films of all time: The Sound of Music. Robert Wise directed this classic family favorite, the second Rodgers & Hammerstein movie musical adaptation discussed on the podcast (check out episode 11, on Oklahoma!, as well). We talk about how this movie continues to win over families with its beautiful vistas, memorable performances from Christopher Plummer & Julie Andrews, and classic music, while also addressing (and perhaps recognizing) some faults. We also get into the history of the Von Trapp family. We compare “The Sound of Music” with the German film “The Trapp Family” and its sequel, “The Trapp Family in America,” both of which predate the Hollywood musical version. Sannah is on Twitter at @SannahMcDonough and Eric is @confilmbuff. Thanks for listening.
Feb 17, 202351:04
16. Adam Sandler the Artist, Pt. 2
Adam Sandler deserves a critical re-evaluation as a great American artist working in the low- and middle-brow. In recent years, critics have begun to recognize Sandler as a great actor, due to his work with the Safdie brothers, Noah Baumbach, and P. T. Anderson. However, we believe in the future film critics and historians will reflect on his filmography and see him for what he is: a great comic artist, an auteur, even a poet, for the working class and average American concerns, especially for the '90s and '00s but with continuing relevance into the '10s and '20s.
In this, part two of our analysis of what interests Adam Sandler, we pick right back up where we left off in part one, beginning with a discussion of "Mr. Deeds." We feel this re-imagined Capra film is central to understanding Sandler's message. While stopping here and there to mention some key elements of other films, we focus the rest of our discussion on "Spanglish" and our underdog pick, "The Cobbler." The latter was key for our guest, Ethan McGuire, in his own re-evaluation of Sandler.
You can listen to part one here.
Follow Ethan McGuire on Twitter @AHeavyMetalPen. For links to his various writings check out his website, TheFlummoxed.com. For his film and culture essays for The Dispatch, click here.
Contact Eric on Twitter @confilmbuff and Sannah @SannahMcDonough.
Jan 22, 202301:01:27
15. Adam Sandler the Artist, Pt. 1
What topic could be important enough to bring Eric & Sannah back after a year and half break? Adam Sandler, what else? The Sandman was recently announced as the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and we have guest Ethan McGuire (@AHeavyMetalPen) on with an analysis—and, ultimately, a defense—of Sandler as an American artist, an auteur, even a poet, working in the low and middle brow. Despite a negative reputation that has lasted far too long, we all agree—Sandler is worthy of respect from audiences and critics alike. Don’t believe us? We still think you’ll find Ethan’s defense worth a listen. Note: we chose to focus on a select few films, especially those which can help to understand Sandler’s point of view as an artist. As such, we won’t spend much time on recent critical favorites like Uncut Gems, which show off his acting abilities but don’t get at his interests.
Jan 17, 202356:38
14. Titus Techera on Christmas in July (1940) & Preston Sturges
Special guest Titus Techera joins Eric and Sannah to discuss Preston Sturges’ second film as writer-director, “Christmas in July” (1940), starring Dick Powell and Ellen Drew. Themes discussed include advertising, our need for acceptance, America’s obsession with aristocracy, using “science” as a way to elevate our status, and more!
Titus Techera is the Executive Director of the American Cinema Foundation and hosts the ACFmovie podcast. He is a contributor to Law & Liberty, Modern Age, and other publications. He’s also on Substack at pomocon.substack.com, and he tweets as @titusfilm.
You can find Eric on Twitter at @confilmbuff and Sannah at @sannahmcdonough.
Jul 23, 202101:01:18
13. Rear Window (1954)
In episode 13, Sannah and Eric talk about “Rear Window,” one of the best of the best from the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. This film came around the beginning of Hitchcock’s great string of films in the 1950s that showed the master in peak form. We talk about the surface-level reading of the film as a perfectly constructed thriller, but also delve into the deeper themes that come out after multiple viewings, including how the director uses the angle of the “voyeur” to show how Jeff puts his own dilemma with Lisa into the lives of those who live around him. Join us for this discussion and subscribe to the podcast for more.
Jul 15, 202150:23
12. The Rocketeer (1991)
For its 30th anniversary, Sannah and Eric talk about the 1991 live-action Disney adventure film, The Rocketeer, based on the comic of the same name by Dave Stevens. Inspired by old serials and newer hits like the Indiana Jones movies, The Rocketeer hits a sweet spot between old school Disney magic and well-constructed, classic adventure. Directed by the always-inventive Joe Johnston, this stylish, pulpy family film is a classic in our house. It stars Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, and Timothy Dalton, fresh from his turn as James Bond.
Jul 08, 202155:06
11. Oklahoma! (1955)
Coming to you from Kansas City, where everything’s up to date and where we’ve gone about as “fur” as we can go, is episode 11 of The Movie Shelf. Eric and Sannah visit the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic “Oklahoma!”, directed by Fred Zinnemann, where the corn grows as high as an elephant’s eye, and a simple backdrop of a country dance gives way to an exploration of naivety, optimism, romance, and morality in the face of changing times. And all that in a family musical! We begin by discussing the blu-ray release and its differing Todd-AO and CinemaScope versions, and its release on Disney+. Then we talk about the movie, its characters, and its themes, and why it deserves a revisit. Eric is on Twitter at @confilmbuff and Sannah is @SannahMcDonough. Thanks for listening!
May 26, 202155:19
10. A Night to Remember (1958) vs. Titanic (1997) - and More!
Sannah & Eric are back to talk about movie adaptations of the Titanic disaster. There have been many through the years. We start by comparing the two must-sees from the list: Roy Ward Baker’s adaptation of Walter Lord’s famous book of the same name, “A Night to Remember” (1958), and James Cameron’s wildly successful “Titanic” (1997). The bulk of our discussion focuses on these two. Then we spend the rest of the time discussing various other adaptations we’ve seen, giving our recommendations for the ones we feel are worth seeing. Other films included are: Saved from the Titanic (1912) (Lost film) La Hantise (1912) In Nacht und Eis (1912) Atlantic (1929) Cavalcade (1933) Titanic (1943) (aka “Nazi Titanic”) Titanic (1953) The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) S.O.S. Titanic (1979) Raise the Titanic (1980) The Legend of the Titanic (1999) Titanic: The Legend Goes On (2000) Ghosts of the Abyss (2003) Titanic’s Final Mystery (Smithsonian documentary from 2012) Thanks for listening!
Apr 12, 202101:28:58
9. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
In episode 9, join Eric & Sannah as they revisit one of the most entertaining movies ever made: that Technicolor, swashbuckling spectacle starring Errol Flynn, Olivia De Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. Yes, they’re talking about “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” from 1938.
They talk about Warner Bros.’s decision to reinvent their crime movie image in the 30s and how they led not only to the decision to make this movie, but also to making it in Technicolor. They also go through the perfect cast before eventually describing their favorite scenes, and what makes this movie work so well and age so little, including its enormous influence on later adventure films such as Star Wars.
Thanks as always for listening. You can find Eric on Twitter @ConFilmBuff, and Sannah @SannahMcDonough.
They talk about Warner Bros.’s decision to reinvent their crime movie image in the 30s and how they led not only to the decision to make this movie, but also to making it in Technicolor. They also go through the perfect cast before eventually describing their favorite scenes, and what makes this movie work so well and age so little, including its enormous influence on later adventure films such as Star Wars.
Thanks as always for listening. You can find Eric on Twitter @ConFilmBuff, and Sannah @SannahMcDonough.
Sep 03, 202056:28
8. Lost in America (1985)
In this, the third part and final part of their 1985 comedies series, Eric & Sannah talk about “Lost in America,” written and directed by the one and only Albert Brooks. It’s not only one of their favorite comedies of 1985, it’s one their favorites, period. Also starring the funny and charming Julie Hagerty, this film has wealthy married couple David and Linda Howard modeling their lives after Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in “Easy Rider,” dropping out of society in a “bold” experiment that leads to some predictably disastrous results, especially for the couple’s precious “nest egg.” Listen as Eric & Sannah go through the film and reminisce about their favorite parts.
Eric is on Twitter @ConFilmBuff and Sannah is, too, @SannahMcDonough.
Eric is on Twitter @ConFilmBuff and Sannah is, too, @SannahMcDonough.
Aug 20, 202059:24
7. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Continuing our series of comedies from 1985, Sannah, Eric, and guest Matthew Allred discuss “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” that zany brainchild of Paul Reubens and director Tim Burton. It’s also Burton’s first feature film and first collaboration with composer Danny Elfman. Join us as we share what we love about this odd twist on a road movie. Find Matthew on Instagram @map_entertainments and on Twitter @map_entertainme. Find Sannah on Twitter @SannahMcDonough and Eric @ConFilmBuff. Thanks for listening!
Aug 06, 202058:21
6. Brazil (1985)
In episode 6, Eric & Sannah were inspired by the recent passing of actor Ian Holm to revisit his role in Terry Gilliam’s dark comedic vision of the future, “Brazil.” We talk about the song that inspired the film, and the infamous story of the film’s troubled distribution in the U.S., before going into the film itself. Listen, share, and connect! Find Sannah on Twitter @SannahMcDonough and Eric @ConFilmBuff.
Jul 28, 202001:01:34
5. Inception (2010)
In Episode 5, Eric & Sannah celebrate the tenth anniversary of Christopher Nolan's "Inception" by taking it off the shelf to watch and discuss it. For context, we briefly discuss the highest grossing film of 2010 (Eric has a criticism that may not be popular...) as well as the Best Picture winner. We then move into our favorite parts of the film itself. We also hit topics such as whether or not it's all a dream, fan theories, Hans Zimmer's score, and much more... For example, can you enter a projection's dream?? We then finish the episode with our own Nolan movie rankings. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.Also, don't forget to follow us on your podcast app of choice and leave a review.Follow Sannah on twitter @SannahMcDonoughFollow Eric on twitter @ConFilmBuff
Mar 17, 202049:06
4. The Gold Rush (1925 & 1942)
On this episode of The Movie Shelf, Eric & Sannah delve into the wonderful world of silent comedy with one of their favorite Charlie Chaplin films, "The Gold Rush." This film was originally released in 1925, but later rereleased by Chaplin in 1942 with his own music and spoken words added, and a few edits made (George Lucas-style!). We go into the history of the film and talk about our favorite moments.We fell in love with this film when we brought home the excellent Criterion blu-ray a few years ago, and we think you will too!
Feb 20, 202042:22
3. “A Christmas Carol" Extravaganza!
Eric & Sannah spent the last few weeks watching many movie adaptations of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," and they have some opinions about each of them! They start at the very beginning, talking about how Edison brought the story to cinematic life in the 1901 "Marley's Ghost," and continue on from there, discussing each of the following versions at least briefly, and spending more time on some of the more famous ones: the 1935 Seymour Hicks version, 1938 MGM version, 1951 Alastair Sim version, 1954 Fredric March version, 1970 ("Scrooge" with Albert Finney), 1971 animated short, "Mickey's Christmas Carol," the 1984 George C. Scott version, "The Muppets Christmas Carol," and the 2009 Robert Zemeckis version with Jim Carrey. Phew!At the end, they give awards for the best of various categories, including "Best Scrooge," "Best Bob Cratchit," and more.This is a big episode, so listen along. Oh, and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Dec 20, 201901:38:50
2. Out of the Past (1947) and Noirvember!
In honor of Noirvember, Eric & Sannah pick Jacques Tourneur's 1947 classic noir, "Out of the Past," off the shelf to discuss. The film stars Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, and Kirk Douglas. They start with a general discussion on the meaning of film noir before going into the film itself.
Nov 19, 201944:42
1. Halloween Picks
Eric & Sannah discuss some of their favorite movies to watch around Halloween time as people who generally don't like horror or gore. They each give a top 5. They then focus on a tradition they're quite fond of -- "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."
Oct 29, 201949:37