Movie Addict Headquarters

Film critic Geoff Roberts and MAHQ's own Mack Bates drop by to discuss the latest Oscar® nominations as well as to predict winners in six key categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.  Producer Nikki Starr hosts this timely episode.     

Canadian film critic Geoff Roberts joins Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss Tim Burton's fascinating filmmaking career. Some of the topics to be covered are Burton's best and worst movies, his collaborations with actor Johnny Depp and composer Danny Elfman, how Vincent Price influenced him; his upcoming series titled WEDNESDAY and movie Beetlejuice 2. Producer Nikki Starr will co-host. Geoff Roberts is a frequent guest on Movie Addict HQ. He always completes in-depth research about each episode's topic, and that explains why he has become one of our favorites.  Geoff has been a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006 to 2009 he was a guest on “daytime” in Mississauga, Canada, giving his perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio in Stouffville. He also has contributed film commentary to ReelTalk Movie Reviews.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial wowed audiences when it was released in June of 1982. Now forty years later, this wonderful Steven Spielberg film still has many fans throughout the globe. That's why Movie Addict Headquarters is celebrating with an episode all about E.T. Happily, Canadian film critic Geoff Roberts will discuss this entertaining sci-fi offering, and film critic/actor Mack Bates has agreed to host. It should be a fun and enlightening show! Geoff Roberts is a frequent guest on Movie Addict HQ. He always completes in-depth research about each episode's topic, and that explains why he has become one of our favorite guests. Geoff has been a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006 to 2009 he was a guest on “daytime” in Mississauga, Canada, giving his perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio in Stouffville. He also contributes film commentary to ReelTalk Movie Reviews. Guest host Mack Bates has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine's official film blog. He also received an Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show. Recently Mack has appeared as an actor on various stage and radio productions.

Film critic Geoff Roberts drops by to discuss the latest Oscar® nominations as well as to predict winners in six key categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. He also discusses the new fan Oscar category. Geoff has a deep interest in the Oscars® each year and really knows his stuff! He has been fortunate to be a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006-2009 he was a guest on  Daytime in Mississauga, Canada, giving his detailed perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio 102.7 FM in Stouffville, Canada.  Producer Nikki Starr hosts this timely episode.  The 94th Annual Academy Award winners will be revealed on March 27, 2022.

Movie Addict Headquarters shines the spotlight on Jim Henson and The Muppets. Canadian film critic Geoff Roberts has agreed to discuss this fun topic with our producer Nikki Starr. He will talk about how Henson became interested in puppetry and will share backstage information about The Muppets Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock. He also plans to cover some of the iconic characters in these popular shows, including Kermit the Frog, Rowlfe, Bert & Ernie, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.  Geoff Roberts is a frequent guest on Movie Addict HQ. He always completes in-depth research about each episode's topic, and that explains why he has become one of our favorite guests.  Geoff has been a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006 to 2009 he was a guest on “daytime” in Mississauga, Canada, giving his perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio in Stouffville. He also contributes film commentary to ReelTalk Movie Reviews.    

Canadian film critic Geoff Roberts drops by to talk about the late great director/screenwriter/producer John Hughes and his remarkable movie career -- including revealing behind-the-scenes information about actors from his films. Roberts has completed in-depth research about Hughes, so movie fans should be pleased with this exclusive interview. Producer Nikki Starr will be hosting.     According to IMDb, Hughes was known for creating some of the most memorable comedy films of the 1980s and the 1990s, when he was at the height of his career. Hughes had a talent for writing coming-of-age stories with realistic adolescent characters, but he also was involved with movies like National Lampoon's Vacation.  Hughes directed the following movies. Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Curly Sue, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, She's Having a Baby, and Uncle Buck. His credits for screenplays include such films as Home Alone, Flubber, Maid in Manhattan, 101 Dalmations, Miracle on 34th Street, Just Visiting, Drillbit Taylor, and Baby's Day Out. John Hughes died on August 6, 2009. He was 59 years old.    

In one of our most unusual episodes, movie stars Kevin Costner and Meryl Streep compete in a song challenge.. Yes, you read that right! Listeners will be hearing clips of Meryl and Kevin each singing one tune. However, because Kevin's song is longer than Meryl's, we will play MERYL STREEP IS FROM THE FUTURE by Afterbirth Monkey, an entertaining Astoria based comedy band. Then Meryl will sing  YOU DON'T KNOW ME from her movie Postcards from the Edge, followed by Kevin belting out SUPERMAN with his Modern West rock/country band. There will be no interruptions, just 15 minutes of music, music, music. What fun! GUEST HOST: Amie Hakari PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

Ffilm critics Mack Bates and Geoff Roberts drop by Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss the latest Oscar nominations as well as to predict winners in six key categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Both critics share a deep interest in the Oscars each year, and they really know their movie stuff!  Producer Nikki Starr will serve as host for this timely episode. Geoff has been fortunate to be a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006-2009 he was a guest on "daytime" in Mississauga, Canada, giving his detailed perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio 102.7 FM in Stouffville, Canada. Mack has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He also received an Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show. Recently Mack has appeared as an actor on various stage and radio productions.   The 93rd Annual Academy Award winners will be revealed on April 25, 2021.

Award-winning actor Barry Bostwick discusses The Rocky Horror Picture Show in a Movie Addict Headquarters vintage tribute to that bizarre cult classic. He also talks with Alan Levy, co-founder and CEO of BlogTalkRadio, concerning the popular midnight shows connected with this outrageous movie. Bostwick, who played the key role of “Brad Majors” (Susan Sarandon’s naïve boyfriend), speaks candidly about his experiences connected with the film -- including weather problems, what it was like working with Sarandon, his favorite scene in the movie, and much more.  Bostwick has appeared in over 100 films and television productions. Although best-known as the clueless mayor on Spin City, he’s a triple-threat entertainer -- singer, dancer, actor -- who created the role of Danny Zuko in Grease on Broadway and won a Tony for his work in The Robber Bridegroom. He’s appeared in such TV programs as Cougar Town, Glee, Scrubs, Law & Order Special Victims Unit, Las Vegas, George Washington, and War and Remembrance (for which he earned a Golden Globe). Among Bostwick’s numerous movies are: Movie Movie; 101 Dalmatians II; Spy Hard; Some Guy Who Kills People; and FDR: American Badass.  Let's do The Time Warp again! 

Movie Addict Headquarters presents another 15-minute musical episode to make you smile. It’s important during these difficult times not to lose our ability to enjoy and to be entertained by wonderful songs. In this lively show, happy movie tunes are performed by the following stars: Gene Kelly, Elvis Presley, Kenny Loggins, Charlie Chaplin, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke. These tunes were show stoppers in Singin’ in the Rain, Viva Las Vegas, Footloose, Modern Times and Mary Poppins. Listeners are invited to sing along as the spirit moves them. What fun!

To help listeners get through the “stay home” blues, Movie Addict Headquarters has put together fifteen minutes of sheer musical FUN. Four funny ladies of film are featured in this special episode. The talented quartet includes Madeline Kahn, Julie Andrews, Lucille Ball and Gilda Radner. Each one performs a silly song guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Madeline Kahn sings You’d Be Surprised, a relatively unknown Irving Berlin tune she performed at Carnegie Hall as part of Berlin’s 100th Birthday Celebration in 1988. The song was also sung by Olga San Juan in Blue Skies, a 1946 movie starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Julie Andrews warbles A Spoon Full of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down from the original Mary Poppins in 1964.  Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman composed this memorable ditty. Lucille Ball belts out Mother, What Do I Do Now, her comedy burlesque number in Dance, Girl, Dance, an amusing 1940s film co-starring Maureen O’Hara. The music and lyrics for this raucous number are by Chet Forrest and Bob Wright.  Gilda Radner sings and taps her way into our hearts in I Love To Be Unhappy, an unforgettable performance from Gilda Live from New York, her 1979 stage show.  

Noted film critics Mack Bates and Geoff Roberts visit Movie Addict Headquarters again to discuss the latest Academy Award nominations as well as to predict winners in these six key categories: BEST PICTURE, BEST DIRECTOR, BEST ACTOR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, and BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Both Bates and Roberts share a deep interest in the Academy Awards each year, and they really know their movie stuff! Roberts has been fortunate to be a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006-2009 he was a guest on "daytime" in Mississauga, Canada, giving his detailed perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio 102.7 FM in Stouffville, Canada. Bates has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He also received an Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show. The 92nd Annual Academy Award winners will be revealed on Sunday, February 9, 2020..  

Movie Addict Headquarters presents an audio version of Chapter One from It Had To Be Us, a romantic memoir by Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence. This chapter deals with two important Christmases for a couple who were divorced and estranged from each other for almost 20 years.  How does Christmas help bring Harry and Elizabeth back together? Listen in and find out! Then stay for a medley of love songs that follows the Chapter One presentation and includes performances by Tony Babino, Alice Faye, Richard Vernon and Lucie Arnaz. This popular episode features lovely Lizette Amado-Bettinger and her late great husband George Bettinger reading “ remembrances” of Harry and Elizabeth in this beginning chapter of their romantic memoir. Host Betty Jo Tucker and her husband Larry co-wrote the award-winning E-book under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence, and it was adapted for the screen under the title CAKE: A Love Story. Directed and written by Misha Zubarev and Vera Ulea,  this movie won First Place in the Short Film category at the NSAEN Online Film Festival and is now available on Amazon Prime.  It stars Debra Lord Cooke, Richard Vernon, Nancy Lombardo and George Bettinger.   The multi-talented George, who won acclaim for his uncanny impressions including Groucho Marx, George Burns and the Three Stooges, made fans worldwide with his “Mom & Pop Shop” radio show.  Lizette is a versatile actress and soprano singer with experience at the Metropolitan Opera.  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.  

Movie Addict Headquarters presents a special musical show featuring Judy Garland and her daughter Lorna Luft singing five great tunes from the movies. These songs have been sung in the following films: THE WIZARD OF OZ, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, BRINGING UP BABY, TOO MANY GIRLS, and A DATE WITH JUDY. Garland starts the show with Over the Rainbow, of course. She follows that with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Then Lorna joins Judy in a gorgeous Mother/Daughter medley that includes: You’re Nearer,  I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, and Smiling Through the Years. The last three songs are from Lorna's wonderful SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME album.  

Movie Addict HQ begins Halloween month with a Halloween Fun Fest featuring short clips from two of our favorite interviews. Through the magic of imagination and technology,  guests Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff join the late great entertainer George Bettinger and talented actress/singer Lizette Amado-Bettinger in a lively discussion about which movie is the scariest one ever made.  Next, actor Barry Bostwick – who plays Susan Sarandon’s naïve boyfriend in The Rocky Horror Picture Show – talks about the famous Rocky Horror midnight screenings with BlogTalkRadio CEO Alan Levy, one of the first fans participating in those unique events that helped make this outrageous film so successful.    Lugosi is best known for his creepy performance as Dracula in the 1931 film of the same name, and Karloff for his scary monster in Frankenstein -- also released in 1931. Bostwick has appeared in over 100 films and television productions. He may be best-known as the clueless mayor on Spin City. However, he’s a triple-threat entertainer -- singer, dancer, actor -- who created the role of Danny Zuko in Grease on Broadway. The Rocky Horror Picture Show makes fun of B-movies, science-fiction and horror films. Adapted from the British rock musical written by Richard O’Brien, the movie was directed by Jim Sharman -- and Tim Curry made his film debut as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Surprisingly, Rocky Horror bombed when it first opened in 1975, but those entertaining midnight showings soon catapulted the film into cult status.

 Movie Addict Headquarter presents its first All-Star Extravaganza Show. This episode features clips of some favorite interviews and performances during the past 12 years of our show. The following stars are included: Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, Madeline Kahn, Robert Osborne, Rita Moreno, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, Julie Andrews, and Dick Van Dyke. Two classic films are in the spotlight for this special episode: Some Like It Hot and Singin’ in the Rain.  Tony Curtis, in one of his last interviews, talks about working with Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon in Some Like It Hot.  Rita Moreno, Robert Osborne and Debbie Reynolds share their feelings about the continued success of Singin' in the Rain.  Gene Kelly performs his iconic song and dance about rain, and  Madeline Kahn sings a rarely heard tune by Irving Berlin.  What fun! 

In this fun episode, Lorna Luft talks about Judy Garland’s role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She also discusses what it’s like to be the daughter of her famous mom. Lorna is an accomplished performer in her own right. She’s won acclaim on stage, film and television. Plus, she’s also a best-selling author, recording artist and Emmy-nominated producer. Her book, Me and My Shadows: Living with the Legacy of Judy Garland, was optioned by ABC-TV and turned into a riveting miniseries starring Judy Davis. Lorna served as co-executive producer on that project, which won 5 Emmy Awards. It’s also important to mention Lorna’s live theater experience as the Wicked Witch of the West in the UK production of The Wizard of Oz. She gives listeners an amusing hint of what that involves during her interview clips. Although released way back in 1939, The Wizard of Oz still captivates audiences throughout the world. It’s a timeless gem, and Garland’s heart-tugging performance emerged as one of the film’s highlights. Her beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” will never grow old. Listeners get to hear that wonderful melody again by tuning into this episode.   

Movie Addict Headquarters invites you to sit back, relax and listen to some beautiful movie love songs performed by an all-star cast including Debbie Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Bryan Ferry, Rita Graham, Alice Faye, and Lucie Arnaz. The songs have been featured in such classic movies as: THE BAND WAGON, WORDS AND MUSIC, TAMMY, CASABLANCA, SOME LIKE IT HOT, LEAVING LAS VEGAS, HELLO FRISCO HELLO. Listeners are encouraged to sing along with the stars in this pre-Valentine musical episode.  

Noted film critics Mack Bates and Geoff Roberts drop by to discuss the latest Academy Award nominations as well as to predict winners in these six key categories: BEST PICTURE, BEST DIRECTOR, BEST ACTOR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS. Both Bates and Roberts share a deep interest in the Academy Awards each year, and they really know their movie stuff!  Roberts has been fortunate to be a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006-2009 he was a guest on "daytime" in Mississauga, Canada, giving his detailed perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio 102.7 FM in Stouffville, Canada. Bates has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He also received an Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show. The 91st Annual Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 22, and the winners will be revealed on Sunday, February 24, 2019.    

Who doesn’t love Gilda Radner? Love, Gilda – a revealing documentary about Gilda Radner – is reviewed during this special episode, and Gilda’s famous tap dance audition gets special attention. This splendid documentary is a well-deserved homage to a terrific entertainer. Although appearing in seven movies, Gilda received her highest acclaim for the hilarious characters she brought to life on Saturday Night Live. Who can forget Emily Litella, Roseanna Roseannadanna and Bawba Wawa? In fact, Gilda was the first performer hired for SNL, and she won an Emmy for Outstanding Performance on that show. She also starred in a one-woman Broadway show called Gilda Live.  In addition to her films and TV credits, Gilda wrote It’s Always Something, a candid memoir about her struggle with cancer.   Gilda’s movies include: HAUNTED HONEYMOON, ANIMALYMPICS, THE WOMAN IN RED, THE LAST DETAIL, MOVERS AND SHAKERS, HANKY PANKY and FIRST FAMILY.

During this popular interview taped several years ago, Zack Ward, who plays the ferocious red-haired bully in A Christmas Story, reminisces about his experience filming the beloved 1983 holiday movie. Zack has been very busy since his first screen gig as the scary Scut Farkus. He’s appeared in over 80 movies and TV shows. Zack’s films include Transformers, In the Void, Aurora Borealis, Almost Famous, and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Among his numerous television credits are such popular series as Warehouse 13, Lost, Dollhouse, Deadwood, and Crossing Jordan.  A Christmas Story is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year!    

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. During this fifteen-minute episode, listeners are encouraged to sing along with such performers as Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Lucie Arnaz, Alice Faye, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke 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, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

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. 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, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

During this unusual episode, the fearless Movie Addict Players poke fun at three movies in skits performed on past Movie Addict Headquarters shows. Films receiving attention are: EAT PRAY LOVE, starring Julia Roberts and released in 2010; THE MUPPETS, which opened back in 2011; and THE LITTLE MERMAID, one of Disney’s most beloved animated musicals. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sebastian the Crab, Harry Lawrence, and Elizabeth Lawrence are the characters focused on during these short skits. Movie Addict Players providing their excellent voice talents include A.J. Hakari, Larry Tucker, Danielle Honeycutt, and Morgan Lawrence. Host Betty Jo Tucker and producer Nikki Starr join in the fun. 

This episode of Movie Addict Headquarters focuses on the remarkable journey of a true romance from page to screen. George Bettinger -- the popular actor, comedian, impressionist and radio host -- has given his permission to replay his recent Dream Stream Radio interview with Betty Jo Tucker about how It Had To Be Us -- a romantic memoir she and her husband wrote under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence -- became the inspiration for filmmaker Misha Zubarev’s award-winning short film titled CAKE: A Love Story. Included in this fun recorded conversation is actor/musician Richard Vernon’s moving rendition of “Remember the Day,” Zubarev’s original song for the movie. As an added attraction, a medley of favorite film love songs will be played, including: You and the Night and the Music (from The Band Wagon) performed by Lucie Arnaz; You Made Me Love You (from The Jazz Singer) belted out by Tony Babino; and You’ll Never Know (from Hello, Frisco, Hello) sung by Alice Faye.

Acclaimed actress Tanna Frederick returns to talk about her intriguing new movie, Train to Zakopané. An award-winning actress, director, and environmentalist, Tanna  was named Favorite Female Star by Movie Addict Headquarters listeners who voted in an e-mail election held in  2012. Her upcoming film, written and directed by Henry Jaglom, takes us back to 1928 Poland prior to World War II. Based on a true story, it deals with two strangers who meet on a train and fall for each other despite their very different backgrounds and attitudes. Tanna's impressive resume includes the following Jaglom films: Hollywood Dreams, The MWord, Irene in Time, Queen of the Lot, Ovation, and 45 Minutes from Broadway. Tanna made her directorial debut while also starring in a theatre production of Why We Have a Body at the Edgemar Center for the Arts. For her performance in Hollywood Dreams, her first feature with Jaglom (who is now her husband), Tanna was named Best Actress at WorldFest Houston, Montana International Film Festival, Fargo Film Festival and the Wild Rose Film Festival. Among Tanna’s other acting honors are Performer To Watch at Method Fest and a Maverick Award from the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival.  

On February 27, noted film critics Mack Bates and Geoff Roberts drop by Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss the latest Oscar nominations as well as to predict winners in these six key categories: BEST PICTURE; BEST DIRECTOR; BEST ACTOR; BEST ACTRESS; BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR; and BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS.  Both Bates and Roberts share a deep interest in the Academy Awards each year, and they really know their movie stuff! Roberts has been fortunate to be a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. From 2006-2009 he was a guest on "daytime" in Mississauga, Canada, giving his detailed perspective on the Academy Awards. From 2013-2014 he was the host of Front Row Center on WhiStle Radio 102.7 FM in Stouffville, Canada. Bates has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He also received an Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show. The 90th Annual Academy Award nominations were announced on January 23, and the winners will be revealed on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Jimmy Kimmel will host this year's event.  

Filmmaker Misha Zubarev and cast members discuss CAKE: A Love Story, the award-winning short film based on It Had To Be Us, a romantic memoir Betty Jo Tucker and her husband Larry wrote under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence. Zubarev, co-director/writer of the movie plans to reveal 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, join in the lively 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 First Place in the Short Film category at the NSAEN International Film Festival and an Award of Merit from IndieFest (for being a notable artistic and technical production). It was also an Official Selection at the Toronto International Short Film Festival. CAKE: A Love Story is available on Amazon Prime, and It Had To Be Us  can be ordered from Amazon's Kindle Store. 

Three noted film critics reveal their picks for the Top Ten Films of 2017 during this highly anticipated episode.  Diana Saenger, James Colt Harrison, and Richard Jack Smith also plan to discuss the most disappointing films of the year. All three critics have a passion for the cinema, They contribute reviews to ReelTalk Movie Reviews and pull no punches with their opinions. Diana, the founder of Classic Movie Guide, also operates Review Express and is the entertainment editor for San Diego’s East County Gazette. James, a film historian, has served as premier critic for the La Jolla Village News and contributes reviews to various other sites including Review Express and Classic Movie Guide. Richard, author of Incidental Gold and A Poet Among Critics, writes additional film commentary and soundtrack reviews for his own website, Hip-Notic Movie Reviews.   What movies will make it to their Top Ten lists? Films that might be under consideration include: BREATHE; THE SHAPE OF WATER; THE DARKEST HOUR; DUNKIRK; LADY BIRD; THE GREAT WALL; THE BIG SICK; GET OUT; CALL ME BY YOUR NAME; THE GREATEST SHOWMAN; THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI; and WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. 

Film critics Diana Saenger and James Colt Harrison drop by Movie Addict Headquarters to salute Bette Davis, one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. Davis received two Oscars for her extraordinary work in Dangerous and Jezebel. She became known as the intense actress who could play a variety of strong and complex characters. The Internet Movie Data Base lists 124 acting credits for this remarkable star. That list includes such diverse films as All about Eve, Now Voyager, The Letter, The Virgin Queen, A Pocketful of Miracles, Mr. Skeffington, Dark Victory, Dead Ringer, The Catered Affair, Hollywood Canteen and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? An example of the enduring interest in Bette Davis, Feud -- FX’s new limited series -- focuses on her stormy relationship with Joan Crawford. Susan Sarandon portrays Davis, and Jessica Lange plays Crawford. What inspired casting!  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. This episode is dedicated to Robert Osborne, the wonderful host of Turner Classic Movies who passed away on March 6, 2017.

Noted film critic Susan Granger drops by to discuss her book 150 Timeless Movies – a marvelous collection of film reviews -- and to share her reactions to the 89th Academy Award results. 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.  Among the films included in Susan's excellent book 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.

Movie Addict Headquarters invites you to sit back, relax and listen to some Great Movie Love Songs performed by an all-star cast including Linda Ronstadt, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Bryan Ferry, Debbie Reynolds, Rita Graham, Tony Babino, Lucie Arnaz, Alice Faye, and Lily James. The songs have been featured in such popular movies as BANDWAGON, WORDS AND MUSIC, CINDERELLA, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, LEAVING LAS VEGAS, THE JAZZ SINGER, and HELLO, FRISCO, HELLO. Listeners are encouraged to sing along with the stars. What fun! 

Author Pamela Jaye Smith visits Movie Addict Headquarters to talk about her book ROMANTIC COMEDIES: THESE FILMS CAN SAVE YOUR LOVE LIFE!  Pamela is a perfect guest to get us ready for Valentine’s Day. She loves both romance and adventure in myths and movies. Her book is a tribute to love and the movies that show us how to find, hold, and relish it in our romantic relationships. Pamela's fascinating movie guide is filled with some of the best-loved and most popular romantic comedies, including Sabrina, Sleepless in Seattle, My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Princess Bride and Four Weddings and a Funeral. The lessons learned from watching movies like these offer valuable advice about keeping your love life healthy. An added treat during this episode is the debut of Remember the Day, an original song from the upcoming film Cake: A Love Story. 

Movie Addict Headquarters celebrates Valentine’s Day early with this special episode. Noted actors/comedians George Bettinger and Nancy Lombardo have been invited to drop by for a discussion of their experiences as cast members in the upcoming short film based on IT HAD TO BE US, an award-winning romantic memoir co-written by host Betty Jo Tucker and her husband under the pen names of Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence. Filming of CAKE: A LOVE STORY was completed in late December, and the project is now in postproduction. It co-stars Debra Lord Cooke and Richard Vernon as Elizabeth and Harry. Co-writers/directors Misha Zubarev and Vera Zubarev report that Nancy and George, who portray Elizabeth’s friends, kept everyone in stitches on the set!  A clip about It Had To Be Us from George’s YOU TELL, YOU SELL show will also be played during this episode.

Film critics Nell Minow, Mack Bates and Geoff Roberts drop by Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss the latest Oscar nominations as well as to predict winners in six key categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. All three critics share a deep interest in the Oscars each year. Nell, the famous Movie Mom, writes film commentary for Belief.net and is the author of several fascinating film-related books. Geoff has been a guest on a variety of Canadian and American radio and TV programs. Mack has written freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and served as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. The 89th Annual Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 24, and the winners will be revealed on February 26. 

Film critics Diana Saenger and James Colt Harrison visit Movie Addict Headquarters to talk about Annette Bening’s films and performances. No stranger to acting honors,  Bening earned Oscar nominations for her brilliant work in American Beauty, Being Julia, The Grifters and The Kids Are All Right. She received a Tony Award nomination for Coastal Disturbances and Golden Globes for Being Julia and The Kids Are All Right plus numerous other accolades. This year, Annette was honored with a Career Achievement Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Her new film, 20 Century Women, is generating Oscar buzz. Will she receive another nomination – or perhaps even take home the little golden guy this year?  She has two other films scheduled for 2017: The Seagull and Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (in which she plays the late Gloria Grahame).  Diana Saenger and James Colt Harrison are two favorite guests on Movie Addict Headquarters. Diana, founder of Classic Movie Guide and Review Express, is also Entertainment Editor of the San Diego East County Gazette. James has written a history of Hollywood studios and contributed film commentary to various sites including Classic Movie Guide and Review Express.  

Noted film critics Diana Saenger, James Colt Harrison, Richard Jack Smith and A.J. Hakari share their picks for the top ten movies of 2016. They also plan to discuss the most disappointing films of the year. All four critics have a passion for the cinema and pull no punches with their opinions. Diana, the founder of Classic Movie Guide, also operates Review Express and is the entertainment editor for San Diego’s East County Gazette. James, a film historian, has served as premier critic for the La Jolla Village News and contributes reviews to various sites including Review Express and Classic Movie Guide. Richard, author of Incidental Gold and A Poet Among Critics, does film commentary for ReelTalk Movie Reviews; and A.J. Hakari, The Mad Movie Man, writes reviews for outlets like ReelTalk Movie Reviews and his own popular movie blog CineSlice. 

Actors Zack Ward and Julie Matthews discuss their experiences as cast members of A Christmas Story, one of filmdom’s favorite family comedies. Film critic A.J. Hakari, the Mad Movie Man, also joins in the fun. Back in 1983, Zack Ward portrayed Scut Farkus -- the scary red-haired bully -- in A Christmas Story. Since then, he has appeared in many other movies and TV shows. Among Zack’s films are Transformers, Almost Famous and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. His television credits include work on such series as Deadwood, Dollhouse, Crossing Jordan, Cold Case, CSI, NCIS and Titus.  Julie Matthews, one of the carolers in A Christmas Story, also helped with the film’s casting. During the past 20 years, she has achieved success as a character actress, vocalist and model. Her impressive show biz background includes work as an agent, casting director, talent scout, producer, TV director, acting coach, publicist and writer. In addition to A Christmas Story, Julie has appeared on-screen in such movies as Major League and Bob Roberts. 

As a special holiday treat, showbiz stars George and Lizette Bettinger are featured again on Movie Addict Headquarters reading the first chapter of IT HAD TOBE US, an award-winning romantic memoir which has been adapted for the screen by Misha Zubarev and Vera Ulea. They play co-authors Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence 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? Listen in and find out! Also, host Betty Jo Tucker (aka Elizabeth Lawrence) will give an update of the filming progress.The Bettingers are a fun couple with a passion for bringing back the Golden Era of radio on their popular Mom & Pop Shop Show. 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. 

Lisa Loving Dalton, best-selling author of Falling for the Stars: A Stunt Gal’s Tattle Tales, talks about her terrific book - a magical behind-the-scenes look at the stars and moviemaking through the eyes of a woman who went toe-to-toe with the Hollywood elite. The book also tells a compelling story of an insecure Hollywood arrival who rose to the top of her field but paid a high price and sought non-traditional healing to survive her stunt injuries. Dalton has stunt doubled for celebrity superstars like Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Katharine Hepburn, Sean Connery, Robin Williams, Madonna and Robert Downey Jr. She appeared in over 200 films and TV shows including Ghostbusters, Carnavale, FX, Legal Eagles, Splash, Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman and Melrose Place. She knows what it’s like to hang over cliffs, get hit by a moving car, drop from five stories up, and dodge a bridge full of speeding cars. But after a career-ending spinal injury, she researched medical and alternative paths and is now certified in NLP, Hypnosis and Neurological Repaterning, which are ways she learned to heal.  For more information, go to www.lisadalton.com. 

Movie Addict Headquarters presents its annual tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a discussion of Fox’s new remake of that outrageous cult classic and by revisiting award-winning actor Barry Bostwick’s candid interview about his experiences connected with the original film -- including weather problems, what it was like working with Susan Sarandon, his favorite scene in the movie, and much more. Actor/radio host Chuck Skull has also been invited to participate in this special episode.  Surprisingly, Rocky Horror bombed when it first opened in 1975, but those entertaining midnight showings soon catapulted the film into cult status. Adapted from the British rock musical written by Richard O’Brien, the film was directed by Jim Sharman. Tim Curry made his dynamic screen debut as the flamboyant transvestite, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Bostwick and Susan Sarandon play an innocent couple who stumble into the Doctor’s Annual Transylvania Convention, with shocking results for everyone involved. 

Renowned film critics Nell Minow, A.J. Hakari and Mack Bates drop by to discuss the movie release schedule for Fall of 2016. Their goal? To help moviegoers pick which offerings from over 100 films opening between September and the end of the year deserve their attention. Because Nell, Mack and A.J. never shy away from expressing candid opinions about everything cinematic, they make a perfect trio for this timely topic. Nell, the famous Movie Mom, writes film commentary for Beliefnet and is the author of several books about movies.  Mack has contributed freelance articles to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and serves as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. A.J., the Mad Movie Man, has written film reviews for a number of sites including ReelTalk Movie Reviews, Review Express, and Classic Movie Guide. He is also the founder of CineSlice, his own popular movie blog. This should be another lively and fun episode for movie fans!  

Atlanta-born filmmaker Ken Feinberg drops by Movie Addict Headquarters to give listeners a sneak peek at SANTA’S BOOT CAMP, a family holiday motion picture opening in November. This fun movie stars a bunch of kids and features a cameo by Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts. Feinberg once made a nice living in Los Angeles playing big, bad-looking meanies on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed, but he became disappointed about running into a wall of typecasting. That prompted him to move back to Atlanta and start the Creative Studios of Atlanta Film Academy for young actors. SANTA’S BOOT CAMP provided the students with an opportunity to work in a real film. This movie is a hilarious look behind the scenes at Santa’s Workshop where the Elves go on strike and a handful of regular kids must save the day. 

Noted film critics Diana Saenger and James Colt Harrison discuss the 2016 remake of Ben-Hur. This recent version is the fourth movie adaptation of General Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The first was a 1907 short film; the second a 1925 silent feature; and the third a 1959 Cinemascope production starring Charlton Heston. This 1959 film won a Best Picture Oscar plus ten more golden statuettes. Jack Huston stars in the 2016 version, which is directed by Timur Bekmambetov.  Diana and James are frequent guests on Movie Addict HQ. Saenger founded and operates Classic Movie Guide as well as Review Express. Harrison, a film historian, contributes reviews to both sites and posts in-depth previews/reviews on his Facebook page. These two popular guests are also founding members of the San Diego Film Critics Society.   

Filmmaker Ben Cresciman drops by Movie Addict Headquarters to discuss Sun Choke, his new psychological thriller. A perfect melding of style and substance, Sun Choke has received rave reviews. This unique film, written and directed by Cresciman, stars Sarah Hagan as a young woman trying to get well and Barbara Crampton as her longtime nanny. When things go wrong with their relationship, the horrors begin. Cresciman, who grew up in Los Angeles, admits that director David Lynch and his Mulholland Drive have influenced his work. After finishing his first film Negative Space, Cresciman was accepted into the USC screenwriting MFA program. Sun Choke is his second feature film.      

 Dragon Dronet and Chuck Skull visit Movie Addict Headquarters for the third time to discuss special effects in the movies. Their impressive movie credentials include exciting motion pictures like The Planet of the Apes, The Scorpion King, Night Train, Conan the Barbarian, Chronicles of Riddick, Eraser – and many more. When he was only 10 years old, Dragon won a year-long scholarship to the Renaissance School of Art in Oakland, California. He is now an expert in props, costumes, weapons, miniatures, stunts, martial arts and swords. Among his accomplishments are doing the props for Total Recall and choreographing the gorilla fight scenes in Tim Burton’s The Planet of the Apes. Chuck is known for his work in Night Train, Under Lock and Key and Death Riders. He also hosts radio shows on the Wacko Network (which airs now on MIXLR), including the popular “Chuck’s Golden Age of Radio.”

Author/actor/film critic Phil Hall returns to Movie Addict Headquarters to talk about his new book, In Search of Lost Films. Phil is on an important mission this time, and he reveals all about it in this special episode. It’s no surprise that Hall would become interested in finding lost movies. He’s a distinguished film critic with impeccable research credentials that make his latest book as well as his previous ones -- including The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time and The History of Independent Cinema – so enlightening and worthwhile. Phil will explain why so many films throughout the world have disappeared. He also plans to describe a few of these films as well as strange places where some lost films have already been found. 

Who is the best film president? Movie Addict Headquarters presents rousing stump speeches for nominees Harrison Ford (Air Force One), Bill Pullman (Independence Day), Morgan Freeman (Deep Impact), Henry Fonda (Fail Safe) and Polly Bergen (Kisses for My President). These five candidates have been chosen from a list of other candidates including Michael Douglas, Peter Sellers, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Jeff Bridges, Jack Nicholson, Stephen Colbert, and Daniel Day Lewis. Recorded stump speeches are delivered by film critic A.J. Hakari, co-host Jazz Shaw, award-winning blogger Fausta Rodriguez, producer Nikki Starr and host Betty Jo Tucker.   

Movie Addict Headquarters gets ready for National Dance Day, which falls on the last Saturday of July each year, with performances by Gene Kelly, Lucille Ball, Lily James, Dick Van Dyke, Lucie Arnaz, Elvis Presley, Julie Andrews and more. Tap, rumba, waltz, musical comedy, burlesque, ballet and other dance styles on film will be included in this special episode. 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, and we are happy to highlight such a worthy cause! 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, Viva Las Vegas,  Make Your Move, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Band Wagon and Footloose. C'mom -- let's dance!

Who ya gonna call? Movie Addict Headquarters calls on film critic A.J. Hakari to talk about the original Ghostbusters and the negative reaction about remaking this movie with an all-female main cast. Also,  though the magic of imagination and technology, the late great Joe Franklin drops by to talk about his appearance in the first Ghostbusters film, and comedian George Bettinger calls in along with his friends Humphrey Bogart, Jackie Mason, and George Jessel. Plus, host Betty Jo Tucker shares her candid opinion about the 2016 comedy starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.  A.J. Hakari, the Mad Movie Man, writes film reviews for a number of sites including ReelTalk Movie Reviews, Review Express, Classic Movie Guide and his own popular film blog CineSlice. George Bettinger hosts The Mom & Pop Shop Radio Show, which airs on tune in radio from Miramar, Florida, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Noted film critics James Colt Harrison and Diana Saenger discuss the diverse film career of Sally Field. This talented actress has entertained her many fans for almost five decades. She earned two Best Actress Oscars – one for Norma Rae and another for Places in the Heart. She also received an Academy Award nomination for her work in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln. Her resume includes eleven Golden Globe nominations, eight Emmy nominations and seven Screen Actors Guild nominations. Field’s recent performance in Hello, My Name Is Doris has won widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. Will Field win another Oscar for her latest movie role? Field has played opposite A-list leads like Paul Newman, Tom Hanks, Kevin Kline, James Garner, Burt Reynolds and Robin Williams. She can do both comedy and drama equally well. Her list of movies includes such varied films as Soapdish, Murphy’s Romance, Smokey and the Bandit, Mrs. Doubtfire, Punchline, The End, Steel Magnolias, Norma Rae, Places in the Heart, Forrest Gump, Kiss Me Goodbye. And we can’t forget to mention Field’s earlier television series The Flying Nun and Gidget. Yes, indeed, Movie Addict Headquarters likes Sally Field. Really!