Celluloid Days

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Hello there, welcome to the first episode of Celluloid Days, my new podcast of film and film history. I’m hoping this show is a bit different as I enjoy research and I plan to use my curiosity to make things interesting. You see, this show isn’t just for the listener, but for me as well, to grow and learn, to explore films, and filmmakers.

Jeff Kelley


    • Jan 14, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 84 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Celluloid Days

    The Tale of Rondo Hatton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2024 30:20


    Rondo Hatton was a reporter/sportswriter in Tampa, Florida but he had a problem. He suffered from the awful effects of acromegaly, which gave him unique facial features. He used his strange appearance to make a career in Hollywood. His films include The Pearl of Death, The Jungle Captive, The Spider Woman Strikes Back, House of Horrors, and The Brute Man.

    Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told (1967)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 37:53


    Jack Hill wrote and directed the classic American black comedy horror film, Spider Baby. This movie stars Lon Chaney Jr., Jill Banner, Carol Ohmart, Quinn Redeker, Beverly Washburn, Sid Haig, Mary Mitchel, Karl Schanzer, and Mantan Moreland. Learn more than you ever wanted to know about this strange black-and-white film. 

    The Tale of Yvette Vickers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 27:02


    Yvette Vickers was born Yvette Iola Vedder on August 26, 1928. She was an American actress, pin-up model, and singer. Her two most famous films were Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958) as Honey Parker, and Liz Walker in Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959). She was also photographed by Russ Meyer for Playboy's Playmate of the Month in the July 1959 issue. Yvette has an interesting life story and I hope I told it well.Here is a link to John O'Dowd website about Ms. VickersREMEMBERING MY FRIEND, THE BEAUTIFUL YVETTE VICKERS

    american history movies film ms tale attack playboy playmate russ meyer foot woman liz walker giant leeches yvette vickers
    The Andromeda Strain (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 33:13


    How about we talk about the science-fiction from 1971 in the film adaption of Michael Crichton's novel, The Andromeda Strain? It was directed by Robert Wise and stars Arthur Hill, James Olson, Kate Reid, David Wayne, and Paula Kelly. It is the story of a team of scientists who investigate a deadly organism of extraterrestrial origin.

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 35:46


    Today I talk about John Hughes's film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This film was from 1986 and stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck, with supporting roles from Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones, Cindy Pickett, Edie McClurg, and Lyman Ward. Learn a little about the history of this classic! 

    Citizen Kane (1941)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 36:33


    It's my 80th episode so I thought I'd talk about one of my favorite films, Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. In this show, I will do a lot of rambling because there is so much to talk about. I could have made this show 10 times as long if I talked about everything I wanted to. I hope you enjoy it!

    The Psychotronic Man (1979)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 36:09


    In this week's show, I talk about The Psychotronic Man from 1979. This film was written, produced and starred Peter G. Spelson and was directed by Jack M. Sell, It is the story of a man who goes on a murder spree after getting psychotronic powers. It was filmed all in Chicago without permits. It was also features on Rifftrax! 

    The Tale of Madge Meredith

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 27:36


    In this episode, I talk about Madge Meredith, who, in the late 40s, was accused and convicted of kidnapping and assault and was sentenced to 5 to life in Tehachapi prison. Two and a half years later, the California State Assembly issued a report concluding: "The case of Miss Meredith, from beginning to end, is a mockery of investigation, of defense counseling, of trial procedure, and of justice itself." 

    The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 33:11


    This thrilling episode, Sam Peckinpah's 1970 forgotten classic, The Ballad of Cable Hogue. Starring Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, and David Warner, this was a change of pace for Peckinpah. Find out all about it by listening!

    Evil Dead II (1987)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 33:46


    In this episode, I talk about the 1987 film, Evil Dead 2, Dead by Dawn. Of course, I also talk about Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and more. Join us, won't you?

    Lucky Night (1939)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 33:00


    In this episode, I talk about the 1939 film Lucky Night, starring Robert Taylor and Myrna Loy and directed by Norman Taurog. It is the story of two people who meet in a park, win a lot of money, get drunk, get married, and try to make their life together work.

    The Visitor (1979 film)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 32:01


    If I told you we were going to watch a film that stars John Huston, Mel Ferrer, Glenn Ford, Lance Henriksen, and Shelley Winters, would you be interested? I would, after all, they all made great films back in the day. But The Visitor was from 1979! It is a science fiction horror film directed by Giulio Paradisi (credited as Michael J. Paradise). This is one that must be seen to be believed!

    Shaun of the Dead (2004)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 34:23


    Today I look at the fantastic 2004 zombie comedy film, Shaun of the Dead. Directed by Edgar Wright and written by Wright and Simon Pegg, I am a big fan of this flick. Pegg stars as Shaun, a downtrodden salesman in London who is caught in a zombie apocalypse with his friend Ed (Nick Frost). The film also features Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, and Penelope Wilton. It is the first installment in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. 

    Daisies (1966)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 31:04


    In this episode, I look at the 1966 Czechoslovakian surrealist comedy-drama film, Daisies! This masterpiece was written and directed by Věra Chytilová and stars Jitka Cerhová and Ivana Karbanová. It is regarded as a milestone of the Czechoslovak New Wave movement! Find out my thoughts on the bizarre little film! You can email me a daysofcelluloid@gmail.com

    The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 33:24


    In this episode, I look at the bizarre film from 1971, the British dark comedy horror film, The Abominable Dr. Phibes. This film was directed by Robert Fuest and stars Vincent Price, Joseph Cotten, Peter Jeffrey, and Virginia North. It is the story of comic revenge! Find out more than you ever wanted to know about this fantastic film!

    The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra (2001)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 35:10


    This week I look at the classic Larry Blamire film, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra from 2001. This delightful comedy is a parody of 1950s-style science fiction B films.  Written and directed by Larry, it stars Fay Masterson, Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell, Brian Howe, and Jennifer Blaire. You don't know the Lost Skeleton but you will! “This horrible mutilation has a whole lot of people on a whole lot of edges.”

    history movies film brian howe cadavra lost skeleton andrew parks larry blamire
    Hidden Figures (2016)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 44:38


    In this episode, we look at another film based on a true story. This week, Hidden Figures from 2016. This is the story of Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), who worked at NASA during the Space Race. How much is real and how much is fiction? Find out!

    The Tale of Scotty Beckett

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 24:54


    In this episode, I do something a little different. I talk about the sad life of child actor, Scotty Beckett. You might know Scotty as Winky, the comic sidekick in the popular TV show Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. He had a very troubled life.

    THX 1138 (1971)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 35:08


    It's time for me to watch a film I have not seen before, so today I watch the George Lucas directed Francis Ford Coppola produced 1971 American social science fiction film, THX 1138. This film started out as a student film called Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB and was the first film from American Zoetrope. It was a box office failure, but without that failure, we might not of had The Godfather or Star Wars!

    Godzilla 1954

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 36:22


    It is time to talk about one of my favorite films. This time, the original Godzilla from 1954. Directed by Ishirō Honda and starring Akira Takarada, Momoko Kōchi, Akihiko Hirata, and Takashi Shimura. If you have never seen this film before, it is a lot better than you might think!

    Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 38:17


    In the stimulating episode, I look at the 1979 film, Escape from Alcatraz, the American prison action thriller film starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau, and Larry Hankin. Directed by Don Siegel, this film is based on the true story of Frank Morris and his buddies who attempt to escape from the maximum security prison. In this show, I talk about what is right and what is wrong with this picture. Join me, won't you?

    Monster a Go-Go (1965) - a riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 46:11


    It is the final Monday of the month and that means that Nancy and I are going to talk about a film featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. When is a movie not a movie? When it is Monster a Go-Go from 1965. I'll give you a little history about the film and Nancy will have some fun reminiscing about the MST3k episode.

    Bombshell (1933)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 40:04


    This week I look at the 1933 film Bombshell. This classic was directed by Victor Fleming and stars Jean Harlow, Lee Tracy, Frank Morgan, Franchot Tone, Pat O'Brien, Una Merkel, and Ted Healy. This movie also gives me an excuse to talk about one of the defining figures of the pre-Code era, the one and only Jean Harlow. Please join me.  You can email me at daysofcelluloid@gmail.com

    history movies film code bombshell jean harlow frank morgan ted healy franchot tone lee tracy una merkel
    The Big Sleep (1946)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 33:46


    It's time to talk about one of my favorite films, the 1946 American film noir, The Big Sleep. Directed by Howard Hawks and based on a novel by Raymond Chandler, this classic stars Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers, and Dorothy Malone. This wonderful but confusing film has a strange history. Film Noirchives: THE BIG SLEEP

    What's Wrong With This Picture? Apollo 13 (1995)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 44:00


    This week I look at the classic film Apollo 13 from 1995. I examine this film and separate the facts from the fabrications. This American space docudrama film was directed by Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, and Gary Sinise. And Russell joins me and talks about other films that depict people taking trips to the moon! Join us, won't you?

    12 to the Moon (1960) - a riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 46:27


    It is the last Monday of the month and that means that Nancy and I are going to talk about a film featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. In this episode, we are talking about 12 to the Moon from 1960. I'll give you a little history about the film and Nancy will have some fun reminiscing about the MST3k episode.

    Zardoz 1974

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 50:51


    In this episode, we look at the 1974 science fantasy film, Zardoz. This thrilling picture was written, produced, and directed by John Boorman and starred Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. Joining me today are Nancy, Gordon, and Russell. Find out what the four of us thought of this film! 

    Excalibur (1981)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 43:35


    In this episode, I talk about one of my favorite films, Excalibur from 1981. This is an epic medieval fantasy film directed, co-written, and produced by John Boorman, that retells the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, based loosely on the 15th-century Arthurian romance Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory. Russell also joins me and tells us a little about the history of the King Arthur Legend.

    What's Wrong With This Picture? Man of a Thousand Faces (1957)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 41:34


    This week we look at the film Man of a Thousand Faces from 1957, starring James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, and Jim Backus. It is the story of the life and times of silent screen actor, Lon Chaney. Or is it? Find out how accurate this film is. And as a bonus, Russell will tell you all about his son, Lon Chaney Jr., or Creighton Tull Chaney.

    On the Beach (1959)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 42:46


    To celebrate Australia Day, Russell takes over the show to chat about the 1959 film On The Beach, Directed by Stanley Kramer and starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire, Anthony Perkins, and Donna Anderson. This film is about.. the end of the world. Enjoy!

    Untamed Youth (1957) - a riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 41:19


    This week we look at the Mamie Van Doren classic film, Untamed Youth. I'll talk about Van Doren and the film, and Nancy will join me in the second half to talk about that Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode from the first season.

    Cabaret (1972)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 29:59


    On this episode, I watch a film I have never seen before, the 1972 Bob Fosse American musical period drama film, Cabaret. The film stars Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Marisa Berenson, Fritz Wepper, and Joel Grey. Cabaret earned a total of 10 Academy Award nominations (winning 8 of them) and holds the record for most Academy Awards for a film that did not also win Best Picture.

    Raising Arizona (1987)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 33:59


    This week, I look at one of my favorite films, the 1987 comedy, Raising Arizona, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. This wonderful film stars Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson, William Forsythe, John Goodman, Frances McDormand, Sam McMurray, and Randall "Tex" Cobb. Come join me as I tell you a little bit about this film!

    What's Wrong With This Picture? Ed Wood (1994)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 43:08


    Here are a few links you may find interestingThe Haunted World Of Edward D Wood Jr (1995)Incredibly Strange Film Show - Ed WoodTHE PLAN 9 COMPANION: A PLAN 9 DocumentaryRed Skelton Show with Bela LugosiBela Lugosi just out of rehab(1955)

    Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) - a riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 32:24


    The legendarily bad movie "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" got the full Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment in their third season. Join Nancy and Jeff as we cover this fan favorite episode! Merry Christmas!

    Comfort and Joy (1984)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 20:27


    When a Glasgow disk jockey is dumped by his kleptomaniac girlfriend just before Christmas, his misery is interrupted by running afoul of an ice cream vendor turf war. Join Nancy Frye as she takes a look at the 1984 Bill Forsyth dark comedy, "Comfort and Joy". “Comfort and Joy” is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b7eQNcZxEM0“When Bill Paterson Met Bill Forsyth” https://youtu.be/zl5d4o1c8_E

    A Midnight Clear (1992), Joyeux Noel (2005), Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 29:58


    Join Gordon and Nancy Frye for a brief look at three Christmas films you've probably never seen, let alone heard of. "A Midnight Clear" (1992), "Joyeux Noel" (2005), and "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" (2010). "A Midnight Clear is everywhere for free, usually with ads, and on Prime for rent."Joyeux Noel" is on Apple TV (or Tubi, with ads)Rare Exports is on Hulu, and the Rare Exports shorts are on YouTube:https://youtu.be/V65zvJHd120https://youtu.be/0EkgzL0qGYc

    December 7th: The Attack on Pearl Harbor (1943)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 22:11


    Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the War Department asked the newly-formed Navy Field Photo Unit to quickly generate a documentary showing the world that the US was not only un-phased but raring to retaliate. What they actually got was...something else. Join Gordon and Nancy to talk about this 1943 documentary film.The short (discussed) version: https://youtu.be/_uBKVz9k_CMThe long version: https://youtu.be/gb7XUDlhz6kMark Harris lecture on "Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the 2nd World War":  https://youtu.be/_l8GWJPuhLAAudrey Amidon's article at the Natl. Archives: https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2014/12/03/its-no-citizen-kane-legendary-cinematographer-gregg-toland-directs-december-7th/

    Secret Agent Super Dragon (1963) - A riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 37:07


    In this spine-tingling episode, we take on the 1966 spy film Secret Agent Super Dragon. I'll talk about the original film and Nancy will tackle the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version. This film was directed by Giorgio Ferroni and stars Ray Danton, Margaret Lee, Carlo D'Angelo. Jess Hahn, and Marisa Mell. Can Super Dragon stop an evil organization was taking over the world?

    Detour (1945)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 34:51


    You can watch this wonderful film here!Detour (1945)

    Living in Oblivion (1995)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 27:55


    In this episode, I look at the fantastic American independent black comedy film, Living in Oblivion, written and directed by Tom DiCillo. This classic stars Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, Danielle von Zerneck, James LeGros, and Peter Dinklage in his film debut. It's a low-budget film about all the problems of making a low-budget film.

    What's Wrong With This Picture? Gunfight at the OK Corral (1957)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 55:41


    In 1957, Paramount Pictures made a film of the famous gunfight and the events that lead up to the killing. It was called Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, directed by John Sturges and starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming, Jo Van Fleet, and John Ireland. Just how accurate is this movie? Well as it turns out, not very. Nancy and Gordon join me in talking about the classic American western.

    Dracula (1931)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 35:43


    It is Halloween so we look at the 1931 Universal classic, Dracula. This film stars Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, and Edward Van Sloan. It is an American pre-Code supernatural horror film directed and co-produced by Tod Browning. I'll take about the English Language version and Russell will dig a little into the Spanish version, made at the same time. Happy Halloween!

    The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961) - A riffing review

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 42:34


    If you'd like to see my mini-doc on Coleman Francis, here are the linksThe Search for Coleman Francis!The Search for Coleman Francis Part 2

    The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre (1964)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 31:41


    This week, we look at the 1964 film, The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre. It was written and directed by Joseph Stefano and stars Martin Landau, Judith Anderson, Diane Baker, and Tom Simcox. It is the story of a blind man who gets phone calls from his dead mother, and his wife hires an architect to look into the problem. And what does all this have to do with what happened at Sierra de Cobre? It is a very atmospheric made-for-TV film.

    A Hard Day's Night (1964)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 31:32


    Some Links to the Sources I usedSci-Fi Zone on FacebookThe Beatles Uncommon Chords A HARD DAY'S NIGHT Album by Mike PachelliA Hard Day's Night: Criterion Releases 4K UHD - Solzy at the moviesTHE BEATLES | A HARD DAY'S NIGHT | Documentary FilmRichard Lester on the Beatles and A Hard Day's Night - BFI

    What's Wrong With This Picture? The Elephant Man (1980)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 28:15


    Here are a few links you may be interested in.The Making of the Elephant ManThe True Story of The Elephant ManThe Elephant Man: a study in human dignity by Ashley Montagu

    The Crawling Hand (1963)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 33:12


    You Can watch both the original film and the MST3K version on YouTubeThe Crawling Hand (1963)The Crawling Hand MST3K (1989)Rod Lauren - If I Had A Girl

    City Lights (1931)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 25:04


    To watch Unknown Chaplin:Unknown Chaplin: I -- My Happiest YearsUnknown Chaplin - Episode 2 (The Great Director)Unknown Chaplin - Episode 3 (Hidden Treasures)

    The Story of Georges Méliès

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 28:22


    In this episode, I talk about the life and time of French illusionist, actor, and film director, Georges Méliès. He was one of the considered among the most important early science fiction films, known for his use of special effects, popularizing such techniques as substitution splices, multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, dissolves, and hand-painted color.

    The films of Lost Worlds from 1925 to 1977

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 46:57


    In this week's episode, we are talking about lost world type film. You know, those films where a group of people find an island or a planet filled with prehistoric animals, dinosaurs and such as The Lost World (1925), Unknown Island (1948), Lost Continent (1951), King Dinosaur (1955), The Land That Time Forgot (1974) and much, much more! I hope you will join us!

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