Real Old Reels

Send us a textIt's Friday the 13th, and have we got a cautionary tale for you! The 1976 film *Freaky Friday* is a hilarious family comedy where a mother and daughter magically swap bodies, leading to a wild and fun adventure! Starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, this lighthearted film is packed with laughs, quirky situations, and heartwarming moments as they learn to appreciate each other's lives.Robin and Lisa gush about this fun Disney flick from the 70's.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a textWe did it! Happy Anniversary and thank you to all our listeners for getting us here. We've truly enjoyed talking about our favorite films! Please share and comment for us!Take a journey with Captain Sinbad to far-off islands with one-eyed monsters, two-headed birds, shrunken princesses, and a captured genie. In The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, you'll see the early days of animation at its most crafty and cunning, led by "dynamation" pioneer Ray Harryhausen. This legendary special effects expert made his mark on generations of viewers who saw unique monsters and creatures brought to life and seemingly interact with live actors in a hauntingly realistic way. Listen in as Robin and Lisa discuss a classic adventure tale!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a textRobin and Lisa discuss another Western, but this one can't be taken seriously. "Cat Ballou" is a wild Western romp where schoolteacher Cat Ballou turns outlaw to avenge her father's murder. With a drunken gunslinger, Kid Shelleen, by her side, (not to mention, a farm hand, smitten outlaw, and an uncle) they take on a ruthless land baron in a thrilling mix of comedy, gunfights, and musical showdowns, leading to an unforgettable finale. https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to our Season 4 Premiere! Robin and Lisa have a great lineup of movies that you won't want to miss. Starting us off is one of the greatest of Humphrey Bogart's and Katharine Hepburn's careers! You won't want to miss the amazing story of the making of The African Queen.Prepare for a thrilling adventure set during World War I, where a rough-and-tumble Canadian boat captain, Charlie Allnut, and a determined British missionary, Rose Sayer, team up on a daring mission to sink a German gunboat. Their perilous journey through the African wilderness ignites unexpected romance and courage.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a Text Message.Two athletes compete for Olympic victories with completely different approaches: one runs with his heart and for the glory of God, the other with a calculated study to shave off any unnecessary movement. Chariots of Fire, based on a true story, follows their paths as they cross at the 1924 Paris Olympics and how they overcome the obstacles thrown in their way. Listen as Robin and Lisa discuss one of the best sports movies of the 1980s with the most recognizable soundtrack!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a Text Message.Before the aliens in The Quiet Place there were Graboids! This creature feature from the not-too-distant past became a mega-cult classic, starring Kevin Bacon. Residents of Perfection, a town of 14, are terrorized by an unseen threat. These monsters live underground and are getting smarter every minute. Val (Bacon) and Earl (Fred Ward), the town's handy-men, lead the residents in a battle against these ruthless killers. Listen as Robin and Lisa discuss how this film came to be and how it skyrocketed to VHS legend.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a Text Message.It's Week 2 of our "Not Really Old Reels" in July! All baseball legends go to heaven in what Kevin Costner called, his generation's "It's a Wonderful Life." Field of Dreams is about following the illogical but undeniable urges to follow a dream, a voice, a journey that others can't understand or see. Even Ray Kinsella doesn't know what lies ahead when he first hears the whisper, "If you build it, he will come." Whose dreams are being realized and the lessons he learns only reveal themselves after using a little faith and overcoming the obstacles that attempt to dissuade him, all while building a baseball diamond in his cornfield. Join in the discussion with Robin and Lisa as we talk about baseball movies and our favorite parts of this 80's classic.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Send us a Text Message."Jaws," directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975, is a suspenseful thriller about a massive great white shark terrorizing a small beach town. As the body count rises, a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman team up to hunt the deadly predator, leading to an epic and terrifying confrontation. Though Jaws is an exciting film, the process leading up to its creation was just as tense and full of suspense for everyone involved. Listen as Robin and Lisa spill the tea about one of the best monster movies of all time!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless tale of idealism and integrity. James Stewart shines as Jefferson Smith, a naive yet passionate man who becomes a U.S. Senator. Amidst political corruption, Smith's unwavering belief in democracy and justice inspires hope, reminding us of the enduring power of one honest voice.Listen to Robin and Lisa discuss Frank Capra and his film that became his love letter to the United States of America.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Shadows from Venetian blinds, cigarette smoke, a dangerous woman, and a gullible insurance salesman all combine for one of the most beloved film noirs of all time. Double Indemnity has all the mood, suspense, and personal narration you'd come to expect from the genre, and Robin and Lisa are here to swoon over it! https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Laugh out loud at the fan-girl drama on full display in the film Bye Bye Birdie! This classic 60's musical pokes fun at the ravenous adoration of teens when mega rockstar Conrad Birdie is about to go into military service. He has one last TV appearance where he'll sing a brand new song and plant a smooch on Kim McAfee as a symbolic goodbye gesture to his fans.  Trouble arises when Hugo, the boy who just pinned Kim, opposes the perfidious publicity stunt. Full of catchy tunes and one-liners, Robin and Lisa can't help but get a kick out of the antics of Ann-Margret, Dick Van Dyke, and Janet Leigh!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Another slam dunk from director Billy Wilder, Witness for the Prosecution is the combined genius of humorous Wilder, a brilliant cast, and the world's favorite mystery writer, Agatha Christie. Witness for the Prosecution may not be the most famous of Agatha Christie's film adaptations, but it was her favorite one! Skillfully interwoven flashbacks, colorful supporting characters, and a great ending make for one of the best courtroom dramas ever to be shown on the silver screen! Listen to Robin and Lisa gush about another favorite.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Heaven's above! Jack Benny is an angel sent on a mission to end the world by playing his trumpet on the top of a hotel at midnight, and if he fails he can't come back to play in the celestial orchestra. Despite his purest intentions, he's met with distractions and obstacles along they way: a pretty woman in trouble, delicious food, and fallen angels who want to remain on Earth.Robin and Lisa discuss one of our childhood favorites, this never serious slapstick comedy that has you cheering for the world to explode!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Known for scaring the socks of countless Baby Boomers during the 1950s, Invaders From Mars tells the story of starstruck David MacLean, the young sole witness of aliens noisily landing in his backyard in the wee hours of the morning. His father goes to investigate but is dragged beneath the sand, only to reemerge as a stiff, cold-hearted version of his father he's never met. As more and more friends and family members are changing, David tries to get help, but it's too impossible to believe! With a little help from a sympathetic doctor, a brilliant scientist, and the US army, he confronts the alien, but is it enough to survive and save his parents? Join Robin, Lisa, and their dad, Clark, as we discuss this nearly-forgotten gem.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

In the heart of the American Midwest, "Oklahoma!" unfolds with romance, rivalry, and the promise of a new frontier. Set in the early 1900s, the musical follows the love story between cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey, amidst a backdrop of community tension and the challenges of the Oklahoma Territory. Rogers and Hammerstein hit the nail on the head for a series of upbeat singable show tunes, and Shirley Jones and Gordon McRae belt out the beloved songs in a funny, unforgettable musical!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Scheming husband, Tony Wendice plots the murder of his adulterous wife, Margot, to free himself of their unhappy marriage but keep her money.  In "Strangers on a Train" fashion, he lures an old acquaintance to his apartment to blackmail him into doing the job for him. Things go awry for Tony when Margot survives, and he must hurry to sweep up any breadcrumbs leading to him. Robin and Lisa discuss this Hitchcock favorite and Grace Kelly in another fun episode of Real Old Reels.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Dark and unsettling, Sunset Boulevard casts a shadow over Hollywood's regard for past idols and what happens when the sun goes down on an actress' career and the price of fame.  Real-life Gloria Swanson plays an aging silent film star whose despair and desperation to become relevant again entrench her in a pitiful delusion. Even her snarky companion, Joe, only halfway understands the extent of her madness until it's too late.Join Robin and Lisa as we discuss the background behind the amazing classic, Sunset Boulevard, and how talkies changed the business forever.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn team up for a hilarious comedy involving dinosaur bones, leopards, and constant wardrobe changes! Robin and Jenn discuss how Grant and Hepburn became the dream team for four legendary films, the amazing characterization of the Bringing Up Baby characters, and perhaps an argument for the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. You don't want to miss this screwball comedy.*Robin mentions Sylvia Scarlett and She's The Man being adaptations of "Twelfth Night," by Shakespeare, but she meant to refer to "As You Like It," in which Rosalind disguises herself as a peasant boy while wooing her love interest.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Well, shoot. Here it is 2024 and Pan Am isn't booking commercial flights to space and I can't tour the moon after spending the night at a Hilton Hotel in the sky!However, Stanley Kubrick was considered to make some of the most cutting-edge films in more ways than one. 2001: A Space Odyssey is a mesmerizing sci-fi masterpiece, spanning the dawn of man to a mysterious journey to Jupiter, it explores evolution, artificial intelligence, and the enigma of existence. With stunning visuals and a haunting score, it's a cinematic odyssey that challenges the mind and captivates the soul.Robin brings her dad on as a special guest host, and they discuss what it was like to see 2001 when it was first in theaters and what it all means!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Starring father-daughter duo Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Paper Moon is a captivating Great Depression Era film that follows a con man and Addie, who may or may not be his daughter. Filled with laughs and heart, Robin and Jenn discuss all their favorite scenes and the heart-breaking story behind the movie.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Robin and our next guest host for this month, Jenn, talk about one of Paul Newman's greatest films from the 1960s, Cool Hand Luke.  The gut-wrenching story of indomitable inmate, Luke, who creates a loyal following within a prison work camp. The other prisoners look to Luke for hope as he refuses to break under the strict rules and punishments of the camp, but soon the bosses push him too far, and Luke shows himself to be the hero he reluctantly is meant to be.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Along with Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator, To Be or Not To Be is one of the greatest WWII films to mock Hitler during the war. Made by German director, Ernst Lubitsch and starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard, this dark comedy tells the story of a Polish theater troupe on a mission to stop a spy with intel that would spell disaster and death for dozens of fellow Poles. Self-absorbed and jealous though they may be, they ultimately pull together to save the day!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Robin and guest host Chris discuss All About Eve, a historical landmark of a film with a meticulous screenplay, matchless performances by all the cast, and hand-wringing tension! There's plenty to unpack behind the scenes of this one: Bette Davis' temperamental reputation, spotting tons of our favorite stars, and knowing that the cycle of power grabs among actresses will continue forever. Not one to miss, this film lives up to the hype and you'll thoroughly enjoy the ride.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

This episode features Lisa's favorite comedy of all time, It Happened One Night with the dashing Clark Gable and darling Claudette Colbert. FINALLY, the moment we've been waiting for. We love lots of old movies, clearly, but this is really one of the best and sweetest. Poor rich girl, Ellie, flees her father's yacht in Miami to reach her new husband, a renowned cad, in New York. What started out as a straightforward bus ride up the coast turns into a road trip of destiny when she meets down-on-his-luck newspaperman Peter. They strike up a partnership, though reluctantly, because they grate on each other's nerves. Will true love win out? Join Robin and Lisa as we discuss this gem of the 1930's!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Audrey Hepburn plays the lovely Princess Anne who, after reaching the end of her rope with tedious royal tasks, goes  AWOL to wander amongst the hoi polloi. Listen to Robin and Lisa discuss one of film's greatest romantic comedies and Audrey's remarkable life that led her to become one of Hollywood's most beloved stars and one of our personal favorites!If you liked hearing the fascinating stories surrounding Audrey Hepburn's life, you'll love Robert Matzen's book, Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and WWII.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Set against the backdrop of World War II, "Casablanca" follows Rick Blaine, a cynical expatriate and nightclub owner in Morocco, who must choose between his love for a former flame, Ilsa Lund, and helping her resistance leader husband escape the Nazis. Love, sacrifice, and redemption collide in this timeless classic. Be swept away with Robin and Lisa as we talk about the heart and soul of this war-torn romance.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

If you haven't seen the gold standard of chick flicks, An Affair to Remember, now's your chance! Starring Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant, two people comfortably engaged to their respective millionaires discover there may be more to life and love than the nice things. Against their better judgment, they set a date to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months: time enough to break their fiancés' hearts and get jobs. But disaster strikes. Join Robin and Lisa in our discussion about this favorite among romantic comedies, and find yourself in a proper sappy mood in time for Valentine's Day.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Like onions and ogres, this movie has layers, but what do you expect with a film starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart and directed by John Ford? Robin's favorite Western, this one has everything, even for those who are hesitant to watch the genre. Ransom Stoddard (Stewart), a seasoned politician that began as a humble attorney tells his story of the early days of Shinbone, the wild and lawless frontier of the Western territories, and the event that would shoot him to fame. When Tom Donophon (Wayne) dies, he decides to set the record straight about this unsung hero who was buried with hardly a funeral in his hometown that benefited so much from what Tom did.Sue Matheson's Bookhttps://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Listen as Robin and Lisa discuss "A Raisin in the Sun," written by Lorraine Hansberry, a seminal American play that explores the dreams and struggles of a Black family on the cusp of change. Set in 1950s Chicago, it delves into issues of race, identity, and the pursuit of a better life amid societal challenges. The film stars phenomenal performances from Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil. Believe it or not, it was based on Lorraine Hansberry's family experiences and the landmark trial Hansberry v. Lee. https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

It's time to round out your research of Elvis Presley by perusing his Hollywood pieces! The King of Rock and Roll did 31 films in 13 years, and Robin and Lisa discuss three of his most popular! King Creole, Viva Las Vegas, and Blue Hawaii, with their hit songs, beautiful costars, and gorgeous destinations, combine into irresistible 60's escapism! Celebrate Elvis' birthday and swoon over Can't Help Falling in Love, a forbidden love, and steaming hot chemistry with Ann-Margaret. Happy 89th to the King! Mark Feeney's article: FEENEY, MARK. “Elvis Movies.” The American Scholar, vol. 70, no. 1, 2001, pp. 53–60. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41213106. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

In How to Marry a Millionaire, three savvy women hatch a plan: ditch the "average Joes" for deep-pocketed gents. From glamorous escapades to comedic mishaps, they navigate high society's pitfalls in stilettos and wit. Join Robin and Lisa as we discuss Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Betty Grable as they remind us that true riches aren't just in a bank account!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

It's not Christmas without It's a Wonderful Life and James Stewart charming us with his boy-next-door persona and distinctive voice. Join our discussion about how this legendary Christmas classic was made, his harrowing war experiences, and his early stardom. Don't miss this very special episode! Note: This will be our last episode until the new year; we'll see you in 2024!To learn more about James Stewart, read Robert Matzen's Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe; a fascinating read and our source material for much of this episode.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

One of Hollywood's most renowned stars from its Golden Age, Maureen O'Hara lights up the screen in not one but two of her most celebrated classic films! Join Robin and Lisa's discussion of a holiday classic that almost wasn't made and why it remains entrenched in our hearts. Next, raise your eyebrows and laugh at the delightful chaos of "The Quiet Man," considered director John Ford's ode to his Irish ancestry.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

You've probably seen Danny Kaye in White Christmas, but have you seen him in his comedy, The Inspector General? You'll bust a gut watching Danny Kaye's antics in this one, and be sure to listen to Robin and Lisa as we discuss more about this legendary entertainer and renaissance man.  Including stories of White Christmas the movie and the song of the same name, this isn't an episode you want to miss!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Listen to Robin and Lisa gush about “The Sting”, a cinematic rollercoaster of crime and laughs, directed by George Roy Hill. Paul Newman and Robert Redford team up for a roaring ‘30s escapade, pulling off cons sharper than their perfectly tailored suits. With a soundtrack that swings and a plot full of twists, it's a comedy of cons and camaraderie that bagged seven Oscars.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

"Hello, Mom?" This week we talk about "Bells Are Ringing," a musical from 1960, in the typical Minnelli style: bright colors, swinging dance numbers, and unlikely romance. Robin and Lisa discuss Judy Holliday, a comedienne who won us over completely, and director Vincent Minnelli, an award-winning visionary who left an indelible mark on American cinema. Listen, watch, and tell us what you think!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Eighteen and counting 60's edition! "Yours, Mine and Ours" is a heartwarming 1968 family comedy film starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Based on a true story, it follows the hilarious chaos that ensues when a widow with eight children marries a widower with ten, creating a blended family of epic proportions. Join Robin and Lisa as we talk about the laughter, love, and life lessons in this delightful classic.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Happy Halloween from Robin and Lisa at Real Old Reels! Celebrate the holiday with a 1965 psychological thriller starring Bette Davis as the devoted nanny with a dark secret. Considered a grim response to Disney's Mary Poppins, Bette Davis' standout performance as the nanny of a twisted young boy will take you for a suspenseful ride full of deceit and manipulation. But who is to blame? https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Audrey Hepburn's iconic performance in "Wait Until Dark" captivates as she plays a blind woman pitted against a trio of ruthless criminals. Robin and Lisa discuss this suspenseful thriller, in which darkness becomes Hepburn's ally, creating a tense and nail-biting cat-and-mouse game that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the chilling climax.https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Hide your sugar! Ants of unusual size, mutated by nuclear bomb testing in the desert, are threatening humankind and your city may be next! Join Robin and Lisa as we spill the tea about monster movies, 1950's horror, and Leonard Nimoy. And beware of Them!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Life gets complicated for Mortimer Brewster when he finds out his aunts are killing people for charity and his psychotic brother and evil plastic surgeon sidekick stop by for a surprise visit, all on Mortimer's wedding day. Cary Grant stars in another Capra favorite of ours, Arsenic and Old Lace. Join Robin and Lisa as we discuss fun trivia about this Halloween classic film!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Ah, high school. When you and your hoodlum gang used to pile into your Chevrolet Bel Air, and slash some square's whitewall tires. Those were the days.  Relive the glory days by watching Nicholas Ray's Rebel Without a Cause with America's cool kid, James Dean!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Shakespeare does space, in this 1950's twist of his classic play, The Tempest! One of the most important pioneering science fiction films ever has stood the test of time as an engrossing story of a distant planet with some dark secrets. A monster with a grudge, a scientist with unlimited power, and the most expensive robot you've ever seen on the silver screen are just a few of the exciting delights that await you on the Forbidden Planet!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

Have you ever been in a monastery? Frank Capra's You Can't Take It With You is a heart-warming screwball comedy starring legends, such as Jean Arthur, Jimmy Stewart, and Lionel Barrymore! The timeless squabble of the prioritization of wealth and accumulation versus enjoyment and happiness is put on hilarious display in this Oscar-winning film. Hear Robin and Lisa discuss their favorite trivia and scenes and laugh along with us!Music is Balkan improvisation, by Jazz at Mladost Clubhttps://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/

How many of you have struck up a conversation with a stranger? Hopefully, it has never led to a discussion filled with as many red flags as this one!  We're talking about Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train, a discussion of trivia, favorite scenes, actors that really shine, and what you can watch next!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/