German-American television director, writer, producer and comedian (1931-2014)
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Head to vibrant, fabulous South Beach on Episode 281 of Drink the Movies to celebrate the hilarious, heartwarming comedy classic, The Birdcage. We break down brilliant performances, the unforgettable chaotic family dinner, and the sharp wit that makes Mike Nichols' film an absolute masterpiece of farce. To toast to Agador Spartacus and all his chaotic culinary glory, we are shaking up a bright, spirited custom cocktail: My Guatemalanness. Untie your apron, dodge the toast, and join us as we raise a glass to living life loudly and proudly!In This Episode, We Explore:The genius of Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and the timeless art of cinematic farceBehind-the-scenes stories from the set and the film's lasting cultural impactDeconstructing the pitch-perfect pacing and comedic timing of the ultimate family dinner sequenceFeatured Cocktail Recipe: My Guatemalanness4 oz Sauvignon Blanc1 oz White Rum0.75 oz Passion Fruit Puree0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice0.5 oz Triple SecInstructions: Add all ingredients except the Sauvignon Blanc to a shaker tin with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Top with the Sauvignon Blanc and gently stir to combine.Join the Community:Love film and mixology? Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, and visit our website to explore our complete archive of movie-inspired cocktail recipes.PatreonInstagramBlueskyFacebookhttps://www.drinkthemovies.comYouTubeDiscord*Please Drink Responsibly*
Ben Curly and Mike Nichols return to the Greenwood to share their infectious enthusiasm for a jack russell terrier with a penchant for classic literature from the mid 90s.Meanwhile, Thaddeus and Rick rediscover the purity and thoughtfulness that was children's programming on public television.At a time when major media productions of Robin Hood depictions are... grim... it felt especially timely to encounter an adaptation that puts a real emphasis on making the inspirational elements of Robin Hood feel applicable to a modern audience.As inspired by this episode, 10% of all proceeds raised by Into the Greenwood from June-September will be donated to the World Central Kitchen.For more from Into the Greenwood:www.instagram.com/intogreenwood/www.threads.net/@intogreenwoodbsky.app/profile/intogreenwood.bsky.socialwww.facebook.com/intogreenwoodTo support the podcast go to:www.patreon.com/IntoGreenwoodorwww.buymeacoffee.com/intogreenwoodOr check out our merch store at: into-the-greenwood.dashery.comOur selected charity: World Central KitchenInto the Greenwood is produced and edited by Thaddeus PapkeTheme music is by Plastic3. Additional sound clips from The Adventures of Robin Hood and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves by Warner Bros. Pictures, Robin Hood by the Walt Disney Corporation, and The Adventures of Robin Hood by Sapphire Films.No part of this podcast is created with the use of generative AI.intogreenwood@gmail.comSupport the show
Forty years. Sixty countries. Thousands of entrepreneurs. After all of it, Mike Nichols of EY keeps coming back to the same word when he thinks about the best stories he has ever seen. In this episode, Patti and Mike unpack what disruption really means, how family businesses are redefining succession, and why the best entrepreneurial stories often start with someone who had nothing but an idea and the nerve to act on it.
Mostly Film – Take 242: Harrison Ford In Review — Episode 3The thinking man's thriller era. Jonathan and JP cover three films in three years — 1988, 1990, 1991 — all of them asking Ford to be quieter, more internal, and more uncomfortable than anyone expected from the man who played Han Solo and Indiana Jones.First, Frantic. Roman Polanski's Paris-set thriller — his comeback after the catastrophic failure of Pirates — with Ford as an American surgeon whose wife vanishes from their hotel room and whose attempts to get anyone in authority to care are met with total indifference. Ford suggested they rename it Moderately Disturbed. Polanski was not amused. Ennio Morricone scored it. Robert Towne rewrote parts of it uncredited. The studio cut 15 minutes and imposed a new ending that neither Ford nor Polanski wanted. It's now a cult classic, and the Hitchcock comparisons have stuck.Then Presumed Innocent — by far the biggest commercial hit of the three, $221 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, and the one where Ford plays a prosecutor on trial for the murder of his own mistress. Gordon Willis shot it. John Williams scored it with unusual restraint. Raúl Juliá walks away with it. And the 2024 Apple TV+ series with Jake Gyllenhaal remade it entirely — which version holds up?Then Regarding Henry. J.J. Abrams' first ever produced screenplay, written in his early twenties. Mike Nichols directing. Ford as a ruthless Manhattan lawyer who takes two bullets during a convenience store robbery and wakes up a different person. Bill Nunn doing some of the warmest supporting work in Ford's entire filmography. Critics gave it 47%. Audiences gave it 79%. One of those gaps that tells you something.All three films are about a professional man whose competence and authority get stripped away by forces he can't control. None of them let him punch his way out. After all three underperformed, Ford went back to Patriot Games and The Fugitive.The question for the episode: did these films close a door — or did Ford close it himself?
We are finally concluding the Mike Nichols Marathon we started all the way back in 2025 and we are doing so in style! We are joined by our great friend Hillary White to talk about Charlie Wilson's War. Over the course of our sprawling conversation you will hear us talk, among others, about this movie commenting on geopolitics of the post-9/11 era, Aaron Sorkin's sharp writing and Tom Hanks playing the kind of character he'd normally steer clear from. We discuss Philip Seymour Hoffman's scene-stealing performance, Mike Nichols reconnecting distantly with political satires and how the movie illustrates the America hasn't learned any lessons at all over the last decades. Also, because this is after all the grand finale of our marathon, we discuss what we learned throughout this project, touch on Mike Nichols's importance to the history of Hollywood and also count down our favourite movies of his. Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsFeaturing: Hillary WhiteHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
You will be genuinely impressed with the design journey of Ann Closs Farley whose latest project of Best Line Wins captures the era of Elaine Mays and Mike Nichols' comedic genuis!
In this episode, Cade and Diane discuss two films that premiered 40 years ago in theatres: Heartburn (1986) and Maximum Overdrive (1986).Watch the video version at: YouTube.com/@CadeThomas/streamsDouble Feature Movie Club is a weekly movie review show with a retro vibe.Heartburn is a 1986 American romantic comedy-drama film produced and directed by Mike Nichols, starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson. The screenplay by Nora Ephron is based on her 1983 novel, a semi-autobiographical account of her marriage to Carl Bernstein.Maximum Overdrive is a 1986 American science fiction action horror film written and directed by Stephen King in his only directorial effort. The film stars Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, John Short, Yeardley Smith and Christopher Murney. The screenplay was inspired by and loosely based on King's short story "Trucks", which was included in the author's first collection of short stories, Night Shift, and follows the events after all machines (including trucks, radios, arcade games, vending machines, etc.) become automatic when Earth crosses the tail of a comet, initiating a worldwide killing spree.
It's like ‘Morbius', but with a werewolf instead of a vampire, and Jack Nicholson instead of Jared Leto. 1994's ‘Wolf' was directed by the legendary Mike Nichols, had werewolf effects by the legendary Rick Baker, a score by the legendary Ennio Morricone, and yet… far from legendary… The 90's did strange things to our classic Universal Monsters, and I'm not just talking about pissing on James Spader!
Bill Berloni–renowned for training rescue animals for stage, film, and television in a storied career spanning 50 years—recounts how, as a teenage aspiring theater kid in Connecticut, he was given the opportunity to prepare the dog as the Goodspeed Opera House there launched a then-new musical, “Annie.” Berloni had zero experience training animals, but went […] The post Bill Berloni, renowned animal trainer first appeared on Talking Animals.
This interview discusses Katherine Connor Duff's short film "This Little Picky Goes to Market," which is the final installment in her "Voyeur" trilogy exploring modern performance and social media culture. Katherine explained how the film follows Penelope, an OnlyFans foot model who loses subscribers and faces online harassment, examining themes of social media's impact on creators and the treatment of individuals online. The discussion covered the film's 70s cinematic influences, including directors like Mike Nichols and Roman Polanski, as well as the challenges of modern content creation and the "witch burning" phenomenon where online creators are quickly torn down after being built up. Katherine discussed her careful approach to filmmaking with WILDsound's Matthew Toffolo, having written 30 drafts over six months for this project, and her plans to screen all three films in her trilogy at AFI in December. The conversation concluded with discussion of potential distribution strategies and Katherine's future projects, including a possible feature film or new series about American industry. This Little Piggy Goes to Market, 14min., USA Directed by Katherine Connor Duff A livestream turns into a trap when an OnlyFans foot model is pushed past her limits by her demanding subscribers. https://instagram.com/thislittlepiggyfilm https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-this-little-piggy —— Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod —— Love for you to try the Indy Film Festival AP. • Daily new film festival of the best new films from around the world. New archived festival to watch anytime. • Library of over 500+ award-winning films to watch anytime. Go to https://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 3-day trial. Check out the daily film festival (and previous ones from last month) at https://www.wildsound.ca/browse Always an amazing lineup of films. Inspiring for storytellers.
Olivia Wilde's not afraid of Virgina Woolf. That's for sure. She used the Mike Nichols' film as her “North Star” in making this film, and it's very apparent to us as we discuss all of the Oscars implications and awards season possibilities for The Invite, starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. NON-SPOILER REVIEW OF THE INVITE: The Production Backstory - 2:01 Reception Scores & Box Office - 6:13 More Reasons Why We're Rooting For This - 8:30 The Way Too Early Awards Profile - 12:55 The Premise & Our Watch Stories - 13:47 Non-Spoiler Script Thoughts & the Mike Nichols' Influence - 17:25 Reviewing These Stellar Performances & Why It's a Gothams Movie - 21:49 The Production Values - 27:24 An Oscars Lens + The Actor Awards speculation - 32:49 SPOILER WARNING // SPOILER FILLED REVIEW OF THE INVITE - 40:23 A SHOCKING CLAYTON DAVIS THEORY CONFIRMED? - 41:01 The Set-Up & Bone Chilling Resemblances to a Mike's Family - 45:34 Verbal Jousts & The Family Guy joke that'll be OUR north star for this episode - 47:24 More Superlatives for Olivia Wilde - 49:26 The Most Memorable Scenes & Commentary on Male Thinking - 51:01 A Series of Clever Moves By These Filmmakers - 56:28 Central Conflict & How Our Podcast Is Basically A Marriage - 1:00:35 That Ending - 1:07:28 Final Grades / Final Thoughts - 1:10:22 OUTRO: Stay tuned for upcoming Oscar Profile Reviews for huge new movies like The Odyssey, etc. Stay tuned for upcoming Oscar Race Checkpoints and upcoming special episodes discussing the ever-evolving Oscars Race. And stay tuned to our feed for our upcoming rewatch series on the films of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. But when you get all these, we have no idea and don't want to jinx it - maybe soon, maybe never. Until then, we thank you for supporting our show with positive ratings, reviews and of course, by telling your friends about us. Thank you. https://linktr.ee/mikemikeandoscar
In this penultimate episode of our now long-running Mike Nichols Marathon, we are touching base with Closer. Over the course of our conversation you will hear us talk about Mike Nichols revisiting his dramatic comfort zone and rediscovering the same energy that led him to direct Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Carnal Knowledge, a handful of substantial changes the movie made to Patrick Marber's play and the movie becoming a celebration of stage work captured on film. We also discuss the film's central conceit as an exploration of a variety of relationship dysfunctions, the movie as a protoplast to Inside Out and much more!Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
Listen to an engaging interview with Jessica Kubzansky whose directorial approach will elevate the brilliance of Beth Kander's new comedy Best Line Wins. The CATF premier spotlights the comic game changers Elaine May and Mike Nichols.
When Drew Lachey (98 Degrees) and Lea Lachey (Choreographer) asked their students to anonymously write down the ways they didn't feel seen, they had no idea it would change the course of their lives. Those handwritten stories became the foundation for Label•less, the moving new Off-Broadway theatrical experience encouraging audiences to look beyond labels and reconnect through empathy. In this special The Art of Kindness conversation, Drew and Lea join Robert Peterpaul to discuss how kindness shapes every aspect of their work—from directing and teaching to parenting and creating safe spaces where artists can thrive. This podcast podcast episode covers: How their new show Label•less was born out of classroom Redefining labels from educator to parent to pop star and what they really mean Building rehearsal rooms with love instead of fear How kind leaders are better leaders Why they can't shake an interaction with one random security guard, plus more. Label•less is a groundbreaking new 90-minute musical experience that gets real about the challenges we all face in today's world. Created by Drew Lachey (98 Degrees & “Dancing With the Stars”) and choreographer Lea Lachey, Label•less features a wildly talented cast of young adults sharing real-life experiences and taking audiences on an emotional journey packed with soaring vocals and electric dancing. With an original score spanning rock, pop, and R&B, plus hit songs like “Born This Way” and “Rise Up,” Label•less is on a mission to break down barriers, remind us of our shared humanity, and envision life beyond labels. Learn more: labellessmusical.com DREW LACHEY (Creator, Co-Director, Writer, Producer), a proud Cincinnatian, is best known for his multiplatinum pop group 98 Degrees, selling more than 10 million records worldwide and achieving eight top 40 singles in the United States. He also appeared on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars” and was crowned Season 2 Champion. A Broadway veteran, he starred as Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize–winning musical Rent and as King Arthur's right-hand man, Patsy, in Mike Nichols' Tony Award–winning production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Additional onstage work includes Corny Collins in Hairspray, Charlie in Kinky Boots, and Zach in A Chorus Line. Drew also hosted ABC's “Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann,” HGTV's “$250,000 Dollar Challenge,” Design Network's “Date My House,” “America Sings,” “The Price Is Right Live,” “Let's Make a Deal Live,” and the Miss USA Pageant. He currently lives in Cincinnati, where he, along with his wife, Lea, created and run Lachey Arts, a performing arts nonprofit. LEA LACHEY (Creator, Co-Director, Choreographer, Producer) a native of Cincinnati, has worked professionally in many different areas of the entertainment industry. Whether creating for stage or film, theater or concerts, she believes in the power of storytelling. Over the years, she has worked with organizations and artists including the Radio City Rockettes, 98 Degrees, Missy Elliott, Walt Disney, the NBA, and the NFL. Her work has been seen on “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, MTV, and VH1. Over the last several years, she has had the honor of working as choreographer and dance consultant on multiple films, including Carol, starring Academy Award–winning actress Cate Blanchett and Kyle Chandler; Miles Ahead, starring Golden Globe Award–winning actor Don Cheadle and Emayatzy Corinealdi; and “A Christmas Melody,” directed by and starring Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey and starring Lacey Chabert. Lea is currently the Co-Artistic Director of Lachey Arts, a performing arts nonprofit based in Cincinnati. Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 4 ends with some much-needed poetic Cherapy! Support Breaking Form by reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts here.Aaron's STOP LYING is available from the Pitt Poetry Series. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE is available from Bridwell Press. James's ROMANTIC COMEDY is available from Four Way Books. Notes:Poets and poems we mention in this episode include:Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry"Rob Schlegel, "Poetry" Sandra Lim, "Something Something Something Grand"Margaret Walker, "Lineage"Sylvia Plath, "The Applicant"Diane Wakoski, "The Father of My Country"Carolyn Forche, "Selective Service"Mark Bibbins, "The Anxiety of Coincidence"Corey Marks, "Broken Music"Robert Frost, "Mending Wall"Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day" Louise Glück, "Anniversary"e.e. cummings, "somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond" Cher's delivery of this rant in Witches of Eastwick is iconic.Burlesque is a 2010 American backstage musical film written and directed by Steven Antin. It stars Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kristen Bell, Cam Gigandet, Eric Dane, Stanley Tucci, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, and Peter Gallagher, and features cameos from Dianna Agron and James Brolin.Mermaids is a 1990 American family comedy-drama film directed by Richard Benjamin, and starring Cher, Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder, Michael Schoeffling, and Christina Ricci in her film debut. Based on Patty Dann's 1986 novel of the same name, and set in 1963, its plot follows a neurotic teenage girl who moves with her wayward mother and younger sister to a small town in Massachusetts.Silkwood is a 1983 American biographical drama film directed by Mike Nichols, and starring Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, and Cher.The Witches of Eastwick is a 1987 American dark fantasy comedy film directed by George Miller from a screenplay by Michael Cristofer, based on the 1984 novel by John Updike. It stars Jack Nicholson alongside Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Veronica Cartwright.In Season 1, Episode 117, "Cher Revises Poetry," we ended famous poems with lines from Cher movies, including the Dolly Pelliker line, "Goddamn government fucks you coming and going!" Listen to the Green Acres theme song here.
This week on FridayFlix, we're heading to South Beach to revisit one of the funniest and most heartfelt comedies of the 1990s: The Birdcage (1996).Join us as we celebrate the incredible performances of Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria, and an unforgettable ensemble cast in this hilarious remake of the French classic La Cage aux Folles. We discuss what makes The Birdcage such a timeless comedy, from its razor-sharp dialogue and unforgettable physical comedy to its surprisingly touching message about family, acceptance, and being true to yourself.We also dive into Nathan Lane's career-defining performance as Albert, Robin Williams' more understated comedic role, and how director Mike Nichols balanced outrageous humor with genuine heart. Plus, we revisit some of the film's most iconic moments—including the "I pierced the toast!" breakfast scene, Agador's scene-stealing entrances, the unforgettable dinner sequence, and the hilarious climax that has become comedy legend.Nearly thirty years after its release, does The Birdcage still hold up? We discuss its legacy, its impact on LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream Hollywood, and why it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made.Email us your thoughts at jkentertainment247@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @fridayflixpodcast.And don't forget to follow us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony.
Maury Yeston, the celebrated composer and lyricist of the Tony Award–winning musicals , and , has not, until now, been the subject of a full-length study of his career and work. Now, through this comprehensive text, readers can appreciate the full scope of Yeston's output and his place in musical theater history. is a career chronicle combined with close examinations of some of Yeston's most noteworthy compositions, including songs from his famous musicals as well as his lesser-known works. Joshua Rosenblum gives behind-the-scenes accounts of Yeston's Broadway shows and appraises his songs with revelatory analyses that can be appreciated by musicians and lay readers alike. In addition to having full access to the composer's archive, the author conducted over a dozen interviews with Yeston, an unusually articulate, charming, and enlightening subject who offers priceless insights into his work and his process. The book also highlights the numerous well-known artistic figures and collaborators who have featured prominently in Yeston's life, including Stephen Sondheim, Placido Domingo, Federico Fellini, Jane Krakowski, Alan Jay Lerner, Yo-Yo Ma, Alan Menken, Mike Nichols, Barbra Streisand, Tommy Tune, and Jonathan Tunick. As a bonus, "Advice to Young Composers," Yeston's legendary discourse, is included in full as an appendix.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the FIFA World Cup steps into the spotlight, taking over our usual baseball segment as the global tournament delivers its own brand of drama and spectacle.In Popcorn, we turn to two landmark films. First up is Tom's pick, Mike Nichols's provocative and still‑debated Carnal Knowledge (1971). Then we shift to Leo's choice, the incendiary and influential The Battle of Algiers (1966), a film that continues to echo through political cinema.Next Show's Films: • Tom's Pick: Fat City (1972)• Leo's Pick: American Gangster (2007)Schedule Reminder: Peanuts and Popcorn will be taking its annual summer break and returns with fresh‑baked material on July 26th.
En este episodio recordamos que hace 60 años se estrenaba una de las mejores radiografías sobre el fracaso matrimonial que nos ha mostrado el cine como es “¿Quién teme a Virginia Woolf?”, la película dirigida por Mike Nichols y protagonizada por Elizaberth Taylor y Richard Burton. Y hace 120 años también venía al mundo el gran Billy Wilder al que hemos dedicado esta semana el capítulo de nuestra “Enciclopedia curiosa del cine”. Charlamos con el director Sergio Oskman sobre películas de terror y en nuestra sección de cine de aventuras viajamos en una alfombra mágica a un mundo de fantasía y exotismo oriental con “El ladrón de Bagdad”.
Today, I'm thrilled to announce my interview with two-time Tony winner Stephen Spinella, who is currently starring in Jerome at Playwrights Horizons. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including a transcendent experience onstage in ANGELS IN AMERICA, how he first met Tony Kushner, finding the gay subtext in OUR TOWN, his seven-year run in HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, co-starring with Estelle Parsons in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN, why he felt he was wrong for A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE and ELECTRA, what Meryl Streep did for him during THE SEAGULL, a funny comment from Mike Nichols, the long development of IHO, auditioning for Stephen Sondheim, the joys of SPRING AWAKENING, and so much more. Don't miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway's best actors.
In this week's episode, we celebrate queer joy in movies with three hilarious films that are widely considered classics among the LGBTQ community. - We start with a bonafide classic. Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman star in the side-splitting Mike Nichols film, The Birdcage. - Second, Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall wow audiences in the creative and subversive cult gem, But I'm A Cheerleader.- Finally, our audience voted for another cult favorite in the rom-com/spy thriller D.E.B.S. All of these films offer fresh perspectives on the queer experience and bring a welcome sense of joy to their audience. Have you seen these films? Which is your favorite?❗️SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE ❗️Support the showSign up for our Patreon for exclusive Bonus Content.Follow the podcast on Instagram @gimmethreepodcastYou can keep up with Bella on Instagram @portraitofacinephile or Letterboxd You can keep up with Nick: on Instagram @nicholasybarra, on Twitter (X) @nicholaspybarra, or on LetterboxdShout out to contributor and producer Sonja Mereu. A special thanks to Anselm Kennedy for creating Gimme Three's theme music. And another special thanks to Zoe Baumann for creating our exceptional cover art.
Pride Month keeps the celebration moving on We Drink & We Watch Things as we transition from the quiet, burning embers of 18th-century France to the bright, neon-soaked drag capital of South Beach. For our "G" selection in the lineup, we are throwing it back to 1996 for Mike Nichols and Elaine May's sublime masterclass in comedic farce: The Birdcage. Mix yourself something wonderfully refreshing - perhaps Lemar's "Straight" Bourbon - and get ready for a family dinner where absolutely nothing goes according to plan.This week, we celebrate the legendary chemistry between Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, looking at how Williams plays the perfect, anchored straight man (pun intended) to Lane's fiercely dramatic, Barbara Bush-redefining Albert. We bask in the glorious, scene-stealing supporting work of Hank Azaria as the perpetually barefoot Agador Spartacus and Gene Hackman as the ultra-conservative Senator Keeley, who unwittingly ends up in the drag escape of a lifetime. We also break down the film's incredible heart, discussing how beneath the chaotic Martha Graham choreography, the "eco-friendly" naked-boy pottery, and the frantic attempts to pass as straight, it is a deeply moving portrait of unconditional love and a radical defense of queer families.If you can instantly recite the difference between a John Wayne walk and a regular walk, or if you just want to hear us gush about the comedic genius of an Elaine May screenplay, this episode is pure joy. We're blending our adoration for this comfort-movie masterpiece with our usual casual banter, proving that when the world gets crazy, sometimes you just have to give 'em a little bit of Fosse, Fosse, Fosse!This episode VIDEO is live on YouTube AND Spotify!Follow us on Instagram to get ep sneak peaks and find out what's coming up. DM us what you want to hear about next!Interested in what we're watching off the pod? Check out Mackenzie or Lemar's Letterboxd!
In this episode of the Mike Nichols Marathon we are taking a look at one of the last major works Nichols left behind, his made-for-HBO adaptation of Tony Kushner's eponymous play Angels in America. Over the course of our conversation about this dense piece of filmmaking you will hear us talk about the genesis of this miniseries as a two-parter that Robert Altman was supposed to direct at one point, the AIDS crisis presented through the lens of magical realism and how this was both a return to a comfort zone for Mike Nichols and his attempt at leaving a mark on the world. We also talk about Emma Thompson's over-the-top performance as an angel, the many soliloquys Angels in America is brimming with, Al Pacino's turn as Roy Cohn and much more!Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
On the Season 11 premiere, of Paid in Puke Podcast, we're checking out Mike Nichols' 1990 dramedy, Postcards From the Edge, written by Carrie Fisher, based off her memoir of the same name. It stars Meryl Streep as Fisher's meta proxy, and Shirley MacLaine as her mother, (a thinly veiled stand-in for Debbie Reynolds). This film was a smash upon release, but has fallen off the radar over the years, despite the A-list cast (many of whom were already famous) and the legendary director. We discuss the uniquely Hollywood problem of being a moderately successful actor when your mother is a showbiz legend, and how hard it must be to grasp reality when your day job is based in artifice, and how sometimes moms can be like that even when they aren't Hollywood icons. On the Lunchtime Poll, we reveal what songs we would sing at a coerced post-rehab surprise party.
Don't Kill the Messenger with movie research expert Kevin Goetz
Send Kevin a Text MessageMark Canton, producer of 300, Immortals, Men in Black, Air Force One, and My Best Friend's Wedding, former President of Worldwide Production at Warner Bros., and former Chairman of Columbia Pictures and Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Companies, joins host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about a career defined by passion and instinct. From delivering mail on the Warner Bros. lot as a college student to greenlighting some of Hollywood's most beloved films, Canton reflects on the legends he learned from, the risks he took, and why he still smells the circus every time he walks onto a sound stage.Queens, New York, and Family (02:34): Canton traces his love of film to a father who survived being shot down over France in WWII, won an Oscar for a short film on Van Gogh, and went on to do publicity for Hitchcock and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to a mother who was a published poet. The movies, he says, were always destiny.Learning from the Greats on Papillon (15:22): Working for director Franklin Schaffner in Jamaica and living between the houses of Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, Canton learned what it meant to commit to a film.From the Warner Bros. Mail Room to Running the Studio (20:31): Canton traces his rise from UCLA film student to head of Worldwide Production at Warner Bros., sharing stories about the Vacation franchise, Caddyshack, and Lethal Weapon.Taking the Helm at Columbia Pictures (39:22): Recruited by Peter Guber and Jon Peters, Canton became Chairman of Columbia Pictures and later oversaw Columbia TriStar. He reflects on the team he assembled and the record-breaking run that followed, including Jerry Maguire, My Best Friend's Wedding, Bad Boys, and Air Force One.The Art of the Difficult Screening (47:51): Canton recounts two defining test screening moments: a chaotic preview of Scorsese's The Age of Innocence in a New Jersey bowling alley, and a tough audience response to Luc Besson's Léon: The Professional that led to an ultimatum and a reworked film that became a modern classic.The Cable Guy and No Regrets (50:43): Canton defends paying Jim Carrey $17 million and notes what history confirmed: the film launched Ben Stiller's directing career, introduced Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Judd Apatow. He also recalls his affectionate standoff with Mike Nichols over the ending of Wolf.What Keeps Audiences Coming Back (54:50): Canton argues that what fills theaters today is the same thing that made Purple Rain a phenomenon: the feeling of a live, communal, irreplaceable experience.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Mark CantonProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Mark Canton:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_CantonIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004799/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcanton/?hl=enFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
Writer, Michael Elias, talks about growing up in the Catskills, where you had to make your money in the summer to survive the winter, and how that created a lot of tension. He also talks about taking acting classes, dealing with being an actor, and how acting helped him build scenes and characters. He talks about working for Glen Campbell without realizing how talented he was. He discusses his book Benders, L.A. and talks about going to Plato's Retreat and not scoring. He talks about Steve Martin and how The Frisco Kid was not what he originally thought it would be. It was originally supposed to be directed by Mike Nichols and star John Wayne. Carl Reiner may have made The Jerk better. Garry Marshall made Young Doctors in Love better, but some movies simply don't turn out the way you want them to. Michael wants people to know that Jews were all over the West and that minorities helped build this country. He says there was always a hangout somewhere. Mel Brooks was an egalitarian. Michael talks about having many writing partners, including Arnie Kogen, Rich Eustis, and Frank Shaw. He talks about getting kicked off The Ed Sullivan Show, writing for The Tonight Show, and learning from Neil Simon and Ed Weinberger. He wishes he could tell his mother what's going on in his life now and imagines writing letters to her today. He also talks about giving yourself permission to stop reading books halfway through. He remembers me playing with the microphone at my bar mitzvah. He talks about paying rent at forty-two dollars a month while working as a substitute teacher. His father, a doctor, never really understood what he did until he saw the pilot of Head of the Class. Howard Hesseman had demands even though he was about to be fired. Bio: Michael Elias grew up in the Catskill Mountains, a Red Diaper Borscht Belt Baby in a world of artists, intellectuals, tumlers, folk singers, boxers, and Jewish gangsters, some of whom sleep at the bottom of Loch Sheldrake. His childhood heroes were Jerry Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Rocky Marciano, and Abe ‘Kid Twist' Reles. Educated in the classics at St. John's College, Elias took his knowledge of ancient Greek and philosophy to New York, trained at the Actors Studio, acted in The Living Theatre, La MaMa and the Judson Poets Theatre. From there Elias and Frank Shaw dove into the world of stand-up comedy, playing coffee shops, night clubs, with five stints on The Tonight Show. Fired from Ed Sullivan they abandoned the act and came to Hollywood where he and Shaw wrote sit-coms, variety shows, and The Frisco Kid. After parting ways, Elias participated in the anti-Vietnam War movement, earned a subpoena from a Nixon grand jury, and teamed up with Rich Eustis and created Head of the Class. Elias continues to write novels and screenplays in Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife Bianca Roberts and their dachshund Mabel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the talented playwright Beth Kander as she talks about her new script that will be premiered at the Contempory American Theater Festival starting on July 10th--The Best Line Wins: A Play Inspired by the Improvised Lives of Elaine May and Mike Nichols. Get your tickets today!
In this episode of our ongoing Mike Nichols Marathon we are talking about the 2001 made-for-HBO movie titled Wit. Over the course of our conversation you will hear us talk about the circumstances that led to Mike Nichols moving to the small screen, how HBO spearheaded the shift in appreciation of made-for-TV productions and how a one-woman stage production was transcribe to the screen with the help of Emma Thompson who also starred in the movie. We also discuss the intricate design of the story that moves between different frames of discussion about life and death, Mike Nichols's desire to confront his own mortality and much more. We also spend a little time arguing whether Wit carries a deeper reading that both the filmmaker and the critics failed to find or if one of us is looking for patterns where there aren't any to be found. Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
Guests Include: Attorney Mike Pugliese, State Rep Amanda Nedweski, Wisconsin GOP State Chair Brian Schimming, Badger Institute's Mike Nichols,, Dr. Duke Show's Duke Pesta WILL's Dan Lennington
Elizabeth Taylor's Passion for Men (1989) + Postcards from the Edge (1987), Wishful Drinking (2008), Shockaholic (2011), and The Princess Diarist (2016) by Carrie Fisher + Steve Rash's Under the Rainbow (1980) + John Landis' The Blues Brothers (1980) + Penelope Spheeris' Hollywood Vice Squad (1986) + Mike Nichols' Postcards from the Edge (1990) + Michael Hoffman's Soapdish (1991) + Alexis Bloom and Fisher Stevens' Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016) with Steven Settefratti 4/23/26 S8E27 To hear this episode and the complete continuing story of The Perfume Nationalist please subscribe on Patreon.
Working Girl, directed by Mike Nichols, stars Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, with Alec Baldwin and Joan Cusack. Tess, played by Melanie Griffith, ascends the corporate ladder using her book smarts and street smarts, and by pretending to be somebody she's not. Tess strives to do big things, and has plenty of good ideas to get her foot in the door until she's caught, accused of being an imposter. With Sigourney Weaver as her boss Katharine, and Harrison Ford as Jack Trainer the love interest, the movie has plenty of laughs, and lessons too. Professor Karen Cheng joins the show to talk about what makes Working Girls such a fun, rewatchable movie.-Professor Karen Cheng is the author of Designing Type, a comprehensive, systematic guide to the design of letters, published by Yale University Press. Since its initial publication in 2006, Designing Type has been translated into German, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, and it has been ranked #14 on a list of "Top 50 Typography Books of the Last 50 Years" in the journal Visible Language. As a researcher, Cheng has investigated how scientists can collaborate with designers to aid public and interdisciplinary communication. She is co-author of the widely referenced "A Brief Guide to Designing Effective Figures for the Scientific Paper" and has published on the positive impact of visual design on scientific communication and the role of visual design critiques in research practice, in the Information Design Journal. Cheng holds a Master's Degree in Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning and an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1997, she worked in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble.https://art.washington.edu/people/karen-chenghttps://vimeo.com/52861172Designing Typehttps://amzn.to/4dZeNYvType Directors Club book discussionhttps://youtu.be/uEMtKyn1aGA"A Brief Guide to Designing Effective Figures for the Scientific Paper"https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.201102518Positive Impact of Visual Design on Scientific Communicationhttps://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/idj.23.1.09cheThe Role of Visual Design Critiques in Research Practicehttps://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/idj.22008.sem-Working Girl (1988)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096463/https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlPpI8knqNhttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/08/working-girl-remake-selena-gomez-Other movies and shows discussed:Anchroman 2 (2013)Freaky Friday (1976, 2003)The Intern (2015)Murderbot (2025)Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)Shrinking (2023-)Ted Lasso (2020-)Trading Places (1983)
Today, I'm thrilled to announce my interview with three-time Tony nominee Linda Emond, who is currently starring in BECKY SHAW. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including her winding road to her Broadway debut in 1776, working with Mike Nichols and Philip Seymour Hoffman on DEATH OF A SALESMAN, why she initially said no to CABARET, having a role written for her in IHO, performing Tony Kushner's monologue HOMEBODY, workshopping THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING, co-starring with Brent Spiner in LIFE X 3, developing the musical OVER AND OVER, reviving A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY, what draws her to a project, and so much more. Don't miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway's best.
In this episode of our ongoing Mike Nichols Marathon we are entering the 21st century with his sex comedy What Planet Are You From? Over the course of our conversation you will hear us talk at length about the many ways in which the production of this movie turned into a disaster, look behind the curtain to see what possibly drove Nichols to sign on to direct it and how it was unsalvageable for many reasons, the most important of which was the animosity between Nichols and the film's star and screenwriter Garry Shandling. We also talk about the film's crisis of identity as it wobbles between a sex comedy and a relationship satire but neither of these two directions show any edge or teeth, how this film looked mild and tame in the landscape of its comedic competition and much more!Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
Sean and Lexi dedicate the episode to Lexi's late dog Rafa and start a werewolf-movie run, focusing their main discussion on Wolf (1994) after also recording coverage of Bad Moon for Patreon. They highlight Wolf's key creatives and cast (including director Mike Nichols and stars Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and James Spader) and recap the central setup: Nicholson's publishing executive is bitten after hitting a wolf, begins changing, and faces escalating personal and workplace turmoil involving Spader's character and Nicholson's wife. The conversation touches on major story turns, the werewolf transformation elements, and the film's climax and ending.00:00 Patreon Split Update00:52 Vampire Movie Rant03:17 Live Panel Announcement04:20 Show Intro Banter05:27 Rafiki Tribute07:06 Why Werewolf Movies09:51 Nineties Horror Talk12:45 Wolf Discovery Story20:37 Mike Nichols Deep Dive26:55 Rafiki Casting Bit29:59 Cast and Twin Towers Bit32:09 Plot Setup Begins35:37 Wolf Bite Incident37:17 Office Betrayal Drama41:50 Wolfman Awakens42:32 Gallop to Stewarts45:06 Affair Sparks Revenge45:24 Meet Michelle Pfeiffer47:59 PBJ Date and Milk53:12 Amulet and Pagan Expert55:50 Take Back the Company57:52 Piss and Power Move01:02:22 Hotel Handcuffs Hookup01:06:03 Wife Murder Fallout01:09:14 Spader Turns Werewolf01:12:07 Barn Showdown Finale01:14:50 She Wolf Ending01:16:42 Why Wolf Rules01:19:32 Patreon Plugs and Wrap
(Recorded February 2025) Nathan Lane sits down with Mike and recounts moments from his legendary career — discussing what it was like to work with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Robin Williams. He shares what he likes most in a director, who he's jealous of, and what he remembers of twenty-something year old Mike. Plus, an incredible story about working with Joaquin Phoenix on the film Beau is Afraid. Please consider donating to Broadway Cares Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
(Recorded February 2025) Nathan Lane sits down with Mike and recounts moments from his legendary career — discussing what it was like to work with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Robin Williams. He shares what he likes most in a director, who he's jealous of, and what he remembers of twenty-something year old Mike. Plus, an incredible story about working with Joaquin Phoenix on the film Beau is Afraid. Please consider donating to Broadway Cares Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
“Living for the STREEP” Series: We are here to celebrate the career of Mary Louise Streep….now known to most as Meryl Streep who has become widely known by critics, film-lovers, and audiences as likely our GREATEST LIVING ACTRESS. Ever since her earlier breakout roles in the late 1970's in films such as The Deer Hunter, and Kramer Vs. Kramer, she has carved out a filmography filled with brilliant performances in memorable films spanning a variety of genres including biopics, thrillers, family dramas, AND comedies. During this time, she has also earned a STAGGERING TWENTY-ONE Oscar nominations including THREE wins. Over the next several months, I will be revisiting one notable Streep film each month – each highlighting a different type of performance – culminating with the May 1 release of the long-awaited sequel featuring one of her more ICONIC roles as Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada 2.Directed by the legendary Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Catch 22, Working Girl), this is the harrowing true story of Karen Silkwood (Oscar-winner Meryl Streep) who worked at a plutonium processing plant in Oklahome in the mid '70's. At one point, she is exposed to radioactive materials and she eventually becomes a whistleblower on dangerous practices at this plant. Tragically she died under mysterious circumstances just as she was set to divulge information to the media. This film received massive acclaim upon release and was also a box office hit - it was also nominated for five Oscars including for Best Director (Nichols), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress (Streep), Best Picture, and Best Supporting Actress for Cher who plays Karen's housemate. The stacked cast also includes Kurt Russell, Craig T. Nelson, Fred Ward, Ron Silver, Charles Hallahan, and Bruce McGilll among several other notable actors. Host & Editor: Geoff GershonProducer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Gay homosexuals Nick and Joseph review Postcards from the Edge a 1990 American comedy drama film directed by Mike Nichols. The screenplay by Carrie Fisher is based on her 1987 semi-autobiographical novel. The film stars Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, and Dennis Quaid.Additional topics include:The 2026 Academy AwardsXavier Smalls' anti-LGBT commentsMama Tina's gumboThe deaths of Judy Pace, Kiki Shepard, and Chuck NorrisJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FishJellyFilmReviewsWant to send them stuff? Fish Jelly PO Box 461752 Los Angeles, CA 90046Find merch here: https://fishjellyfilmreviews.myspreadshop.com/allVenmo @fishjellyVisit their website at www.fishjellyfilms.comFind their podcast at the following: Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fish-jelly Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/388hcJA50qkMsrTfu04peH Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fish-jelly/id1564138767Find them on Instagram: Nick (@ragingbells) Joseph (@joroyolo) Fish Jelly (@fishjellyfilms)Find them on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/ragingbells/ https://letterboxd.com/joroyolo/Nick and Joseph are both Tomatometer-approved critics at Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/nicholas-bell https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/joseph-robinson
In this episode of our continuing Mike Nichols Marathon we are sitting down to talk about Primary Colors. Over the course of our conversation you will hear us do our level best to circumnavigate the problematic nature of this movie which is based on the 1992 Bill Clinton primary campaign but is wholly dramatized and filled with fictitious, and oftentimes composite, characters. We talk about how Nichols and May balance between satire and outright takedown of US politics, how the movie treats the "great man" theory and how it effectively looks like a modern reimagining of Macbeth. We also discuss John Travolta's relationship with food, Allison Janey's theatrical falling skills and Billy Bob Thornton's numerous antics. Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
Hello, and welcome to another month of Apocalypse Video's look at the wondrous world of Nature. For the month of March, we leave behind the ocean waters and take to the skies to observe the many species that inhabit the world above our heads. This…is March of the Penguins (...And Other Bird Related Films).All month long we'll be discussing everything from penguins - to extravagant plumage in Miami; bizarre worlds filled with talking herons - to the madcap zaniness of Ducks. No feather will be left unturned.In this first installment, we'll join the emperor penguins of Antarctica on their long march to their breeding grounds where we will witness first hand the arduous journey that they undergo every year - a journey across many miles, wrought with danger, but fueled by the love of a mother and father.This…is March of the Penguins.I'm your host, Dave, and joining me as we try our best not to drop the penguin eggs are fellow cinephiles and nature lovers Mike, Jackie, and Ryan.Topics of discussion in this episode include the shocking revelation that not all of the penguins in the film were what they appeared to be (or sound like); Ryan takes us down a Happy Feet tangent; and finally, our old friend (Free) Willy pops up to blow our minds…and break our hearts.Be sure to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also Like Us on Facebook, Follow Us on Instagram, or shoot us an email at apocalypsevideopod@gmail.comAnd thus concludes our look at the titular March of the Penguins. When we return, we'll be getting into the other Bird Related Films portion of our theme as we head over to Miami to witness the extravagant plumage on display in Mike Nichols' The Birdcage.
In ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976), Travis Bickle railed against social decay, moral corruption, and the depraved filth he perceived in the near-bankrupt New York City of the mid 1970s. An insomniac, alienated Vietnam War vet, his taxi trips revealed the city to him as a “sewer” filled with “scum” that needed to be “cleansed”. Around the same time, another taxi driver, a real one, Jamie Gillis, was also recording audio diaries in a similar way. Jamie worked in cabs on and off in the 70s while he acted in adult films and the occasional play. But his tapes were the opposite of Travis Bickle's: Jamie reveled in the city's seediness and the sexual possibilities it offered, and he documented his days with a detail that was as graphic as it was honest. And so, perhaps Jamie Gillis was what Travis Bickle feared: Jamie was the moral decay. He was the other Taxi Driver. Not to say that Jamie was untroubled. He was plagued by doubts, questions, and phobias – his “sickness”, he called it. He feared that the initial promise of the porn film business, that had made him a star of sorts after his leading turn in The Opening of Misty Beethoven (1976), was about to come crashing down – that adult films would never live up to his high expectations, that he was turning into a sexual jester, and that he would never fulfill his potential. So what is the story behind his recordings? In 1976, Jamie met Gael Greene, a well-known character in the city. She belonged to the blue bloods of Manhattan society, having been New York magazine’s high-profile restaurant critic for the previous decade. She was a smart, sleek, feline blonde, ten years older than Jamie, well known and well-regarded in polite and cultured circles. And she was obsessed by Jamie's sexually wanton lifestyle. They first met when she was promoting her erotic novel, ‘Blue Skies, No Candy': “He knew my work. I knew his,” she later wrote. Jamie stopped, picked up the book, read a few lines, and laughed. “You’re the food writer from New York magazine,” he said to her. “And your hero has my name.” Gael replied: “And you’re that actor. From those movies.” She described him at the time as young, surprisingly shy, with shiny black curls and perfect posture. Even better-looking in person, she noted. “You were wonderful in Misty Beethoven,” she told him. “That was fun to make,” Jamie replied,” because I liked the woman in that one.” “What do you do when you don’t like the woman?” Gael asked. Jamie looked her straight in the eyes, and said, “I can always get myself in the mood.” They started a relationship that was tempestuous and torrid. They were an odd couple, but well-suited too: Jamie's business was sex and his passion was food. And Gael's interest and passion were, well, sex and food. She claimed that “the two greatest discoveries of the 20th century were the Cuisinart and the clitoris,” and she was quick to reach for sexual metaphors whenever describing the ecstasy of tasting food in the upper crust restaurants of the city. “Sex and food have been completely intertwined since the beginning of time,” she said. They saw each other often, dealing with the pleasures, jealousy, and complications that resulted. Gael couldn't get enough of Jamie's sexual explorations, and Jamie slipped into her world – overnight becoming her guest at places that had never been available to him. But Gael, the insatiable critic as she was called, wanted more from their union. She believed Jamie could, and should, be a big-name actor, and so she connected him with A-list players in the industry – auditions with directors like Mike Nichols, strategy meetings with super agents like Sue Mengers. She took him to Europe to try new restaurants, and stay with friends like Julia Childs. And came the book: it was Gael's idea. She persuaded Jamie they should write their story by documenting their hedonistic life together. It would capture the era through the eyes of two disparate people with similar lusts and appetites. Jamie agreed: he figured that with Gael's literary track record and contacts, it could be a hit, raising his profile, and enabling him to fulfill his vague dream of becoming a full-time theater actor. Gael suggested Jamie keep an audio diary for one year. He would tape his innermost thoughts, feelings, desires, and the crude, unexpurgated details of his everyday life in all its seamy detail. In return, she would add her own experiences – and they would turn it all into a biographical tale of two lovers crisscrossing 1970s New York, slipping between the city's high society events and its grimy porn film scene. So Jamie started recording: but his tapes ended up being more than a diary. They document a spiral – a downward journey into a damaged soul as he dealt with questions that plagued him: ambition, sexuality, art, talent, lust, and love. The recordings that resulted – unfiltered after hours reflections, candid and honest, are presented here for the first time. Needless to say, turn off now if you are liable to be offended. This is Part 1 of the story of Jamie Gillis and Gael Greene in 1978. This podcast is 49 minutes long. * The post The Porn Star and the Foodie: Jamie Gillis & Gael Greene in 1978 Part 1, The Other Taxi Driver appeared first on The Rialto Report.
This week on Out on the Lanai, we're joined by writer Hiko Mitsuzuka for a deep dive into the career of Herb Edelman, the man behind Dorothy's delightfully insufferable ex-husband, Stan Zbornak. We discuss their favorite Stan episodes, how Edelman elevated Bea Arthur's Dorothy and made her funnier, and the wild story of how his career took off after Mike Nichols happened to get into his cab. It's a celebration of one of The Golden Girls' most memorable recurring characters and the actor who brought him to life.Follow Hiko Mitsuzuka: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstechoSave $50 off LifeRX and join H. Alan Scott on their health journey using the code: ALANLifeRX: https://tinyurl.com/mv8yzufsJoin our Patreon at http://patreon.com/GoldenGirlsPodcastWatch video versions of the podcast on YouTube.com/OutonTheLanaiFor more Golden Girls greatness, visit OutOnTheLanai.com and follow us at...instagram.com/OutOnTheLanaiOfficialfacebook.com/GoldenGirlsPodcasttwitter.com/GoldenGirlsPodFOLLOW H. ALAN SCOTT/SADIE PINES...instagram.com/SadiePinesinstagram.com/HAlanScottlinktr.ee/HAlanScottFOLLOW KERRI DOHERTY...instagram.com/squidsytwitter.com/SquidEatSquidSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of our ongoing Mike Nichols Marathon we are discussing the 1996 The Birdcage. Over the course of our conversation you will hear us talk about this movie being a massive comeback for Mike Nichols and a triumph of Elaine May's screenwriting. We touch on the many talents of the film's diverse cast that included Robin Williams in an out-of-character calm role, Nathan Lane as the flamboyant diva Albert and how they faced off against the conservative characters played by Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest. We talk about the many subtle quirks and inside jokes in the movie, The Birdcage as a movie that melted conservative hearts in 1996 and how it would have been impossible to remake it today without risking backlash from all corners. Tune in and enjoy!Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/uncutgemspod (3$/month) and support us by gaining access to ALL of our exclusive podcasts, such as bonus tie-ins, themed retrospectives and director marathons!Hosts: Jakub Flasz & Randy BurrowsFeaturing: Hillary WhiteHead over to our website to find out more! (uncutgemspodcast.com)Follow us on Twitter (@UncutGemsPod) and IG (@UncutGemsPod)Buy us a coffee over at Ko-Fi.com (ko-fi.com/uncutgemspod)Subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/uncutgemspod)
“Living for the STREEP” Series: We are here to celebrate the career of Mary Louise Streep….now known to most as Meryl Streep who has become widely known by critics, film-lovers, and audiences as likely our GREATEST LIVING ACTRESS. Ever since her earlier breakout roles in the late 1970's in films such as The Deer Hunter, and Kramer Vs. Kramer, she has carved out a filmography filled with brilliant performances in memorable films spanning a variety of genres including biopics, thrillers, family dramas, AND comedies. During this time, she has also earned a STAGGERING TWENTY-ONE Oscar nominations including THREE wins. Over the next several months, I will be revisiting one notable Streep film each month – each highlighting a different type of performance – culminating with the May 1 release of the long-awaited sequel featuring one of her more ICONIC roles as Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada 2.The late, great Oscar-winning filmmaker Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Silkwood, Working Girl) directed this biting comedic drama about Diane, an actress Diane (Meryl Streep) struggling with drug addication and her complicated relationship with her mother (Shirley MacClaine) who was also a famous performer. Also written by the late, great Carrie Fisher (Star Wars, When Harry Met Sally) who was adapting her own semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, this story delves mostly into Diane's frought (and often comedic) misadventures following her recent treatment at a drug clinic including her on-set struggles, her romantic life, and her attempts to carve out a new career for herself. This quotable gem featured a stacked supporting cast including Dennis Quaid, Annette Bening, Oliver Platt, Richard Dreyfuss, and the late, great Gene Hackman. Host: Geoff GershonEdited By Ella GershonProducer: Marlene Gershon Send us a textSupport the showhttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Best of WIO: Stephen Colbert (Recorded January 2025)This week the legendary Stephen Colbert returns to the podcast. Mike and Stephen discuss the behind-the-scenes of Stephen's Late Night job as well as his Chicago improv days. Stephen talks wisdom passed down to him by David Letterman, Del Close, and Mike Nichols, and shares what makes him cry most easily. Plus, Stephen's thoughts on meeting George Lucas and the Pope.Please consider donating to Radio Lollipop Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic Neil Simon comedy “The Sunshine Boys” (released November, 1975) by revisiting this memorable interview with the film's co-star, actor-director Richard Benjamin. In this episode, Richard looks back on his six-decade career in Hollywood and recalls memories of working with Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Mike Nichols and Orson Welles. Also, James Mason pulls a fast one, Walter Matthau plays the ponies, George Burns orders the soup and Johnny Guitar meets Lawrence of Arabia. PLUS: “He & She”! The genius of Michael Crichton! The brilliance of Buck Henry! Richard pursues Albert Finney! And Gilbert sings the theme from “Goodbye Columbus”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Speed reading might sound impressive, but research shows that slowing down can actually improve comprehension, retention, and enjoyment. In this opening segment, we explore why reading at a slower pace could be the real key to getting the most out of your books and articles. https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-slow-reading-is-actually-a-good-thing-because-being-a-speed-reader-is-overrated-73092 On average, people juggle about 22 goals at any given time — but chasing all of them often leads to frustration and burnout. My guest, Jon Acuff, bestselling speaker and author of nine books, including All It Takes is a Goal (https://amzn.to/3PtSiOF), shares a fresh, motivating approach to goal setting. Learn how to identify the goals that truly matter, let go of the ones that don't, and build momentum toward the ones that can change your life. “It's raining cats and dogs,” “go cold turkey,” “know the ropes” — we say these things all the time, but rarely stop to ask where they originated. Caroline Taggart, longtime publishing professional and author of Humble Pie and Cold Turkey: English Expressions and Their Origins (https://amzn.to/3ZazBTw), takes us on a fun journey into the surprising and sometimes bizarre backstories of the phrases we use every day. Winning arguments isn't easy — but there's one simple strategy that dramatically improves your chances. In this closing segment, I share the key insight from Mike Nichols, author of The Lost Art of Listening (https://amzn.to/3ErzkSy), that can help you argue smarter, connect better, and maybe even change a few minds. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now! DELL: Huge savings on Dell AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors are here, and they are newly designed to help you do more, faster. Upgrade today by visiting https://Dell.com/Deals QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool this fall with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit https://forhers.com/something to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices