Podcast appearances and mentions of robert matzen

Clement Leone stands in the war room, that is filled with many memories and mementos, at his home in Lake Heritage. He is wearing the Legion of Honor award which he received at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. (Darryl Wheeler/Gettysburg Times) This interview of Clem Leone was conducted at his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania by John Fenzel and his son Luke, on June 16, 2018.  At the time of this interview, Clem was 94 years old.  The following narrative is derived from multiple sources, detailed at the end of this post.  Many of the photos of awards, models and artifacts were taken at his home. Major Clement “Clem” Leone US Army Air Force   B24 Liberator Radio Operator 2nd Air Division/445th Bomb Group/700th Squadron POW - Stalag Luft IV Poland  Nov. '44 – May ‘45 Clem Leone was born in Baltimore in 1924.  He had two brothers and three sisters and one of his brothers served in the Merchant Marines during WW II.  I asked Clem what he remembered of growing up during the Great Depression.  “It was tough makin' a living.  Not enough food to eat.”  Clem had a step father who was a railroad telegrapher.  “He made an above average salary for the time, but even so, we had to scrounge everywhere we could to get food.”  Clem attended Southern High School, loved his experience, and characterized himself as a nerd.  “I went there to learn and I graduated with honors.” When the war broke out Clem was 17.  He wanted to enlist but his mother wouldn't let him.  “When they started drafting 18 year olds she let me go.”  Clem enlisted in November of '42.  The Army gave him several tests to identify his skills which would then be used to determine his military occupation.  Clem did well on the radio test and had he had the option of radio school or auto and truck mechanic school.  Clem had already taken auto shop in high school so he figured he should learn something else and he selected radio school.  Clem headed to Fort Pickett in Virginia and then to Miami Florida for basic training.  At the time the Army needed radio operators so badly that they shortened his basic training and sent him to radio school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  There he spent 13 weeks having “morse code pounded into you.”  Clem wanted to fly and after passing a physical for flying he went to gunnery school to learn every weapon on the aircraft.  The training was primitive but creative for the time and the technology available.   Next stop for Clem was Boise, Idaho where the gunners were teamed with a pilot, co-pilot, engineer and bombardier.  There were a total of 10 in the crew for the B24 Liberator.  The crew was sent to Sioux Falls where they practiced formation flying and Clem was assigned primary responsibility for the radio and secondary responsibility for the upper machine gun turret.  In November of '43 they left for Europe.  They headed for England via Brazil and then to the Ascension Islands.  “The Ascension Islands were a tiny speck in the middle of the ocean.  My thought right away was, the Navigator just got out of cadet training.  I hope he learned his lessons.”  The Navigator got them to the Ascension Islands where they had Thanksgiving dinner while they plane was serviced.  They then flew to Africa and then to Tibenham, England.  Clem was in the 700th Squadron and Jimmy Stewart was a pilot in the 701st Squadron.  One day Jimmy Stewart needed a radio operator to go on a training flight so he could check out a new pilot.  Clem volunteered.  “He was very strict.  You never would have guessed he was a movie star celebrity.” The crew's first flight in December '43 was a training mission to get accustomed to a new pilot.  During the flight, the number 4 engine caught fire and they were able to extinguish the flames.  The pilot was looking to make an emergency landing when the number 1 engine caught fire.  The pilot hit the bail out button and the crew ejected.  Clem didn't get out of the plane until they were at 800 feet, and he hit the ground so hard he broke his leg.  All but the pilot made it out alive. On February 4th of 1944 they had their first mission that took then into Frankfurt, Germany.  They loaded onto their plane, the “Wacky Donald” and headed for Germany.  Clem recalled the flight was uneventful, with lots of flack but no Nazi fighter planes.  They arrived at their target, dropped their bombs, and started to make their turn to head back to England.  One of the planes in the formation above the Wacky Donald had one bomb stuck in its bomb bay and when it released it hit the number two engine on the Wacky Donald.  Clem looked at the window to find a huge hole in the wing.  This forced them to drop out of formation and head back to Tibenham at a much slower speed than the rest of the formation.  The pilot ordered the crew to throw all non-essential equipment, including all but 50 rounds per machine gun, out of the bomb bay to lighten the plane to maintain their altitude.  They were 5 to 6 hours from home. Clem (lower left) with his crew. Top center is Lt. Robert Blomberg, an up and comer with the 445th Bomb Group who died at the controls when his ship blew up. Others in the crew were also KIA. Notable in this team photo is the small man next to Blomberg, Lt. Donald Widmark, co-pilot and brother of future actor Richard Widmark. The co-pilot would grab a parachute and leave Blomberg behind 75 years ago today. Clem's personal rule was to stay with the ship as long as the officers did, but when he saw Widmark bail out, he said, “It was time for this guy to go.” The plane and crew limped home and didn't hit any resistance until they received heavy flack over the coast of France just before they headed over the English Channel.  The plane dropped to about 4,000 feet and then received a radio transmission, “fighters at 6 o'clock.”  Two ME-109 were closing on the Wacky Donald.  Clem was in the upper gun turret and swung the guns around and took aim at the ME-109's.  Another transmission blared “fighters at 12 o'clock.”  Clem pivoted to 12 o'clock and saw a wonderful sight; two British Spitfires.  “Boy, they were beautiful.”  The Spitfires took out one of the Nazi planes and one of the Spitfires chased the other ME-109 back to France.  The Wacky Donald continued back to their air field and Clem recalled, “The White Cliffs of Dover….man they were beautiful!”.  The runway came into sight, but the excitement wasn't over.  The pilot said “I have to put us into a dive to get enough speed to land.  Put the landing gear into the down position and just pray they lock.”  Their prayers were answered, and the pilot got them home in one piece.  “None of us were hurt, but we did a lot of sweating.” With two near misses under his belt Clem flew 4 more missions into Germany and France without incident.  With D-Day looming, Operation Argument was developed.  The objective was sustained and heavy bombing of aviation related targets in Germany.  This was also known as “Big Week”.  The crew of the "Wacky Donald" received orders to bomb a ball bearing plant in Gotha Germany, 145 miles west of Dresden.  “That was a long flight.”  The 20 plane formation took off on February 24 '44.  While making their way to the target they came under attack by the Luftwaffe using Fokker 190's.   The enemy aircraft unleashed a barrage of incendiary rockets directly at the aft section of the "Wacky Donald." Clem was on the radio when he heard a tremendous explosion and saw flames begin to consume the plane. Amidst the chaos and the 200-mile-per-hour slipstream, Clem gripped the barrels of the top turret machine gun, a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of control.  He looked around and found the tail gunner dead and half hanging out of the plane and one of the waist gunners dead in his position.  The other waist gunner was wounded but managed to eject.  The ball turret gunner came up to escape the fire, but he had to go back and retrieve his parachute leaving Clem and the Engineer to fight the flames with the fire extinguishers.  That proved to be pointless as massive amounts of hydraulic fluid fed the flames.  In a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, Clem's dire circumstances took a dramatic turn.  The co-pilot climbed over Clem and exited the plane through the upper hatch and bailed out.  Clem's theory was, “if the pilot or the co-pilot leaves, it's time for this boy to go.”  Later Clem learned that 13 of the 20 planes in his formation were shot down. The engulfing fire reached the wing tanks, triggering a catastrophic explosion that instantly transformed the night sky. The force of the blast was so intense that it rendered Technical Sgt. Leone unconscious and propelled him clear of the disintegrating aircraft, setting him on a terrifying free-fall towards the earth below. Plummeting from an altitude of perhaps 10,000 feet, Clem was unconscious, his body hurtling down at a speed that should have guaranteed a fatal outcome upon impact. However, fate had other plans for the feisty airman. In a miraculous twist of events, Clem regained consciousness mid-fall, his face covered in blood, yet his mind startlingly clear. With death staring him in the face, he managed to summon his wits, frantically searching for the orange metal ring on his chest that stood between life and certain death. With a decisive yank, Clem pulled the ring, deploying his parachute and transitioning from a deathly free-fall to a controlled descent. Despite his injuries, including fractured ribs sustained upon impact, Clem survived the ordeal, a testament to his incredible resilience and presence of mind in the face of overwhelming adversity. This harrowing experience not only showcased Clem's indomitable spirit but also marked the beginning of an extraordinary tale of survival against all odds.   Clem put on his parachute and climbed through the upper hatch.  At this point the plane was still flying 240 mph and Clem had to hold on to the two upper guns to keep from blowing off.  The plane was being consumed by flames and Clem was trying to decide how to exit the plane without getting caught in the spinning props or being thrown into the big double tail in the rear.  “While I was contemplating what to do apparently the ship exploded because I found myself at 14,000 feet without an airplane.”   Clem knew he was over enemy territory, and his mind was spinning on how to avoid capture.  His chute opened without a problem and he could see below that there was a pond and he was headed straight into it.  “Well wouldn't you know it, I got out of the plane safely and here I am going to land in this pond and drown because I can't swim.”  Luckily, he remembered his training on how to use his cords to direct his landing.  At about 8,000 feet he saw a crowd of civilians running toward him.  Now he remembered being told that German civilians would kill American pilots because they were told they were gangsters. Clem made sure to pull his legs up so he wouldn't break them and instead broke three ribs and hurt his back. With the crowd rapidly approaching, Clem pulled out his sidearm to try and defend himself.  He could hear them yelling, “Hollander, Hollander!”  He then realized he wasn't in Germany but rather occupied Netherlands.  Clem motioned them to come closer and tried to use his language card to speak Dutch but to no avail.  They brought Clem to a farmhouse and gave him a slice of bread with some jelly and a drink.  Clem didn't know what to expect so he gave the Dutch his firearm in case he was captured.  Better the Dutch to have it than the Nazi's.  Then came a knock at the door and it was a member of the German Home Guard; A Dutch citizen in a Nazi uniform who said, “you are my prisoner.  For you the war is over.”  Clem was led down a road by the Home Guard followed by the Dutch villagers.  Clem was directed to enter a civilian camp, but the Dutch were yelling, “no, other way!”  A 17 year old ran up to Clem and said “come” and he began running.  Without thinking Clem took off with him.  At the same time the Dutch villagers handled the guard.  “They beat the daylights out of him!” They ran into the woods and took Clem to a camouflaged underground bunker just big enough for a cot and a bucket for a latrine.  They told him to stay put and they would be back as soon as the Nazi's stopped looking for him.  A few days later they returned with a doctor.  The doctor taped his ribs and gave him some pain killers and the Dutch brought him some food.  Clem was told he would have to stay put until the villagers were able to hand him off to the Dutch underground.  He hid in the shelter for a week.  One day he heard a truck pull up and was sure the Nazi's had finally found him.  Instead, it was the Dutch underground and Clem's luck continued.  The underground took him to Amsterdam where a family hid him for a while.  They hid him in the attic and sometimes closets.  In the evenings they took him out for walks. They were trying to arrange to get Clem into France and then over the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain and from there to England. The underground thought they had found safe passage and they took Clem and began walking south until they eventually came to a train station, and they handed Clem off to a guide to take him the rest of the way.  At the train station a Nazi soldier asked him where the train was headed.  Clem was dressed in civilian clothes and had identification papers that identified him as a deaf and dumb accountant from Sumatra.  They chose Sumatra because of Clem's Mediterranean complexion and Sumatra was a Dutch possession.  They took the train to a farmhouse in southern Holland and then walked to the border of Belgium.  At the border they had to time the patrols of the Belgium border guards so they could slip across the border.  Once across the border there was a truck waiting for them that took them into Antwerp. Clem was taken to a home where he was hidden for a short time until the underground felt they had another contact that could take him into France.  After exchanging pleasantries, the contact started asking Clem about the name of his plane, when he was shot down and who had helped him.  Clem made up stories about why he couldn't remember and gave up no information.  At that point he was led to a building and was handed over to the Nazi's.  After four and a half months Clem was no longer free.  It was July of 1944 and he had no idea when the war would be over.  I asked Clem what went through his mind at that point.  He said, “I thought it was all over.”  Clem was put in a prison cell with another American that had been captured, Odell Hooper from Oklahoma.  They remained there for about a week until the Nazis had accumulated more Americans.  They were then put on a passenger train to an interrogation center. “All that time, all my mom had was the telegram she received telling her I was shot down,” Leone said. “She didn't know whether I was dead or alive.” At the interrogation center they were put into solitary for a week.  When Clem was brought before the Nazi interrogation officer he was asked for his name, rank, and serial number.  The Nazi, in a very friendly manner said, “Leone.  That's Italian.  Aren't you fighting for the wrong side?”  Clem gave then no information and was sent back to his cell.  Next, they were taken by train to Stalag Luft IV located in present day Tychowo, Poland just south of the Baltic Sea.  Clem remembered when they stepped off the train they saw a long line of German guards, all very young in age and holding German Shepherds.  The Americans were told to run into the POW camp while the guards allowed the dogs to nip at their heels.  When Clem's group made it inside the camp the resident POWs told them, “You were lucky.  They usually prod you with bayonets.” “The Americans already there said we were lucky,” Leone remembered. “The captain who would prick people with bayonets had just gone on leave.” In eight months, Leone had one shower. Had him and his comrades known about the Jewish concentration camps, he admitted they probably wouldn't have gotten even the one shower so as to avoid being gassed. The camp held mainly allied air crews and most of the guards were from the Luftwaffe.  There was a connection between the aircrews which made life a tiny bit more bearable.  Clem was led to his cell by an elderly Nazi soldier who told him, “this won't be pleasant but its bearable and you will be able to live through it and you will be able to get to go home.”  Clem was offered the opportunity to be placed in the officer's camp as an orderly, but he refused.  He wanted to be with the NCO's.   The POWs were warned not to cross the warning wire” that extended around the perimeter of the camp.  If they stepped across it, they would be shot without warning.  Beyond the warning wire there was a series of fences and barbed wire entanglements to make sure no one thought of escape.  Food did exist and red Cross parcels were delivered with some regularity and had some nutrition in them.  Meals consisted of raw potatoes and bread with sticks in it.  Once they were given a block of cheese infested with bugs.  To pass the time they walked around the perimeter of the camp, played baseball with make-shift bats and balls, and played football with a make-shift football. The guards inside the camp were elderly and unarmed.  The POWs called them ferrets because they were always trying to get information from the POWs to pass along to the camp commandant.  The guards in the towers and in the Commandant's barracks were armed.  “They were nasty, and they all spoke perfect English.”  Bartering in the camp with the guards was a big business.  Cigarettes and spam carried high currency.   One of the men bartered with a guard for parts to a radio which he built into a functional transistor radio which kept the POWs somewhat informed of the progress of the war.  They knew the Allies were winning and that helped with morale. In January of '45 the Allies were advancing into Nazi Territory.  The men at the camp could hear artillery in the distance.  They thought Liberation could be not far away.  The Nazi's decided to evacuate the camp to avoid the Russian troops advancing from the east.  They decided to march the camp west.  The sick and wounded were transported by train.  On February 6, 1945, the remaining men began what would become known as the German Death March.   The men were assembled in columns of 4 or 5 across and were forced to march between 5 and 20 miles each day.  The men had inadequate clothing to provide them protection from one of Germany's harshest winters on record.  Snow and sub-zero temperatures resulted in frost bite and the complete lack of sanitation, food or drink resulted in extreme weight loss, lice, dysentery and in some cases death.  Men who could not keep up were escorted by a Nazi soldier into the woods and executed.  Sometimes the men were able to sleep in barns but often they slept in open fields exposed to the elements.  The march took the POWs through numerous German towns where they were distained by the German citizens who had endured prolonged and devastating Allied bombing.  They threw eggs and tomatoes and tried to assault the POWs.   They stole eggs for food. At one point, they collected all their cigarettes to trade with a farmer for a pig to roast. They dodged friendly fire from U.S. airplanes that had no way of knowing they were American prisoners. “Survival,” Leone said when asked what was going through his mind during the more than a year he spent in Europe. “How's this gonna end? What are they finally gonna do? Any time you don't have your freedom, I think you'd feel that way. The worst part of it as far as not having your freedom was that week in solitary.” Clem believes the march ended on May 6th, 1945.  That day they woke up and found that the guards had disappeared.   The POWs wondered what had happened.  A short while later they heard engines and soon a British Lorry appeared carrying British soldiers.    The number of men thought to have started the march was 6,000+.  The total time estimated for the march was 86 days.  It is believed the men covered 600+ miles as the Nazi's continually changed direction to avoid the advancing Soviet troops.  It is thought that 1,300+ men perished in the harsh winter conditions.  No official records were kept making it hard to get precise numbers.  Despite the lack of records this forced march is often compared to the Bataan Death March. The British took the POWs clothes and burned them.  They deloused the men and gave them plenty of time to take a nice hot shower.  Initially they were issued small portions of rations until their digestive systems became accustomed to food again.  Clem boarded the ship, The Jonathan Worth for a 13 day voyage home.  When they entered New York Harbor they were greeted with pleasure boats “with gals in bikini's and some of them had records playing don't fence me in.”  I asked Clem if he remembered seeing the Statute of Liberty.  “Oh Yes.  That was a wonderful site!”  Next, they were taken to Fort Dix and were given a big steak dinner.  They were permitted one phone call and Clem called his uncle to come pick him up.   Clem arrived back in Baltimore and had a 60 day recuperation furlough.  He looked up his high school sweetheart who had waited for him to return and they decided to get married and move to Miami where Clem was scheduled to report back for duty.  They were married and before they left on their honeymoon Clem received a letter to be ready to deploy to the Pacific.  Fortunately, when he returned from his honeymoon the war was over.   Clem went about building his life with a keen sense for making money and advancing.  He worked as an auto mechanic, then networked his way into a Pontiac dealership in the service area, became shop foreman and then went into sales and various other roles in the car business.  In a chance meeting someone asked him if he had ever considered teaching auto mechanics.  He had not but decided to give it a try because it had a pension.  Clem ended up teaching high school auto mechanics for 22 years and was beloved by his students.  He also stayed in the Army and Air Force Reserves for 33 years reaching the rank of Major.  “In my opinion, there are no real heroes in a war,” Leone said from his Mount Joy home in the Lake Heritage development. “There's nothing glorious about war. It's mayhem.” Clem Leone passed away at the age of 98 on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.  CLem received France's highest award, the Legion of Honor, at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., and also received the Purple Heart, the POW Award and the Dutch equivalent to the French Legion of Honor. Luke Fenzel with Clem Leone (June 16, 2018) John and Luke Fenzel, with Clem Leone (June 16, 2018) The above narrative was derived from the following sources: Written Account by Walter Schuppe, Avon, CT, (860) 558-1072; walter11_22@yahoo.com "WWII vet, former POW, recalls War as 'Mayhem'," Gettysburg Times Article by Mark Walters, December 6, 2010 "Death for Wacky Donald," by Robert Matzen

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/

1/2: Season of the Gods: A Novel Paperback – October 3, 2023 by  Robert Matzen  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Season-Gods-Novel-Robert-Matzen/dp/1735273872 A woman in wartime Hollywood and her dream of the perfect motion picture. Renie Lee has climbed the ladder in a man's world to be head of the Story Department at Warner Bros. Studios. Renie is an idealist who believes that "the perfect film" can be created. When she pulls an unproduced stage play set in Morocco out of the slush pile, she has a feeling this one is special, maybe not perfect but special enough to secure her place as an equal to the studio's most powerful men. No one agrees with her until two brash young studio writers, Julius and Philip Epstein, decide to back Renie's gamble and bring the Morocco story to the screen. Their screenplay's name: Casablanca. Renie uses her charms on executive producer Hal Wallis until he finally agrees to her plan, but the problems seem insurmountable from the start, and Renie's gamble threatens to become a career killer for not only Renie but also her confederates, the Epsteins. Set against the backdrop of Pearl harbor and the first months of World War II, Season of the Gods careens across the Warner Bros. lot, from the Writers Building to the dressing rooms and sound stages to tell the spellbinding and unlikely story of Hollywood's greatest masterpiece through the eyes of all who made it happen. 1930 Hotel Hollywood

2/2: Season of the Gods: A Novel Paperback – October 3, 2023 by  Robert Matzen  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Season-Gods-Novel-Robert-Matzen/dp/1735273872 A woman in wartime Hollywood and her dream of the perfect motion picture. Renie Lee has climbed the ladder in a man's world to be head of the Story Department at Warner Bros. Studios. Renie is an idealist who believes that "the perfect film" can be created. When she pulls an unproduced stage play set in Morocco out of the slush pile, she has a feeling this one is special, maybe not perfect but special enough to secure her place as an equal to the studio's most powerful men. No one agrees with her until two brash young studio writers, Julius and Philip Epstein, decide to back Renie's gamble and bring the Morocco story to the screen. Their screenplay's name: Casablanca. Renie uses her charms on executive producer Hal Wallis until he finally agrees to her plan, but the problems seem insurmountable from the start, and Renie's gamble threatens to become a career killer for not only Renie but also her confederates, the Epsteins. Set against the backdrop of Pearl harbor and the first months of World War II, Season of the Gods careens across the Warner Bros. lot, from the Writers Building to the dressing rooms and sound stages to tell the spellbinding and unlikely story of Hollywood's greatest masterpiece through the eyes of all who made it happen. 1942 Casablanca

PREVIEW: #HOLLYWOOD: Part of a long conversation with novelist Robert Matzen re his new novel, Season of the Goods -- the making of the epochal Holywood romance CASABLANA on the Warner Brothers set in early 1942.  Ths is a work of fiction that is also detailed research into the lives of those who made the magic of the movies while living in threatened California during wartime.  More of this later tonight. Season of the Gods: A Novel Paperback – October 3, 2023 by  Robert Matzen  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Season-Gods-Novel-Robert-Matzen/dp/1735273872 1942

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/

How should one deal with evil? What are people capable of doing when they are given unconstrained liberty? Why does democracy work when people run things physically away from the very people it wants to assist? These are a few of the questions that arise as one watches John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance (1962). Progress and civilization are wonderful—but the train that signals them also carries a lot of moral pollution. Join Mike and Dan for a dive into this perfect Western and hear what happens when they apply the famous line, “Print the legend,” to John Ford's, John Wayne's, and Jimmy Stewart's military careers. Pick up that steak and give it a listen! Robert Matzen's Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe tells the story of Stewart's learning to fly, joining the Army, and leading dangerous missions in the Second World War. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

How should one deal with evil? What are people capable of doing when they are given unconstrained liberty? Why does democracy work when people run things physically away from the very people it wants to assist? These are a few of the questions that arise as one watches John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). Progress and civilization are wonderful—but the train that signals them also carries a lot of moral pollution. Join Mike and Dan for a dive into this perfect Western and hear what happens when they apply the famous line, “Print the legend,” to John Ford's, John Wayne's, and Jimmy Stewart's military careers. Pick up that steak and give it a listen! Robert Matzen's Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe tells the story of Stewart's learning to fly, joining the Army, and leading dangerous missions in the Second World War. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should one deal with evil? What are people capable of doing when they are given unconstrained liberty? Why does democracy work when people run things physically away from the very people it wants to assist? These are a few of the questions that arise as one watches John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance (1962). Progress and civilization are wonderful—but the train that signals them also carries a lot of moral pollution. Join Mike and Dan for a dive into this perfect Western and hear what happens when they apply the famous line, “Print the legend,” to John Ford's, John Wayne's, and Jimmy Stewart's military careers. Pick up that steak and give it a listen! Robert Matzen's Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe tells the story of Stewart's learning to fly, joining the Army, and leading dangerous missions in the Second World War. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

I talk to best selling Author Robert Matzen on his wonderful book Season Of The Gods. Its all about how the film Casablanca came to be.. Its historical fiction but all the behind the scenes info and people are absolutely a true story of tinseltown.. I learned so much and gained a deeper appreciation after I read his book.. He really is great.. Thanks so much to Robert for coming on the show!! You can check out seasons Of The God and his other books here.. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Matzen/author/B001HD2ZAC?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Find out more about Robert https://robertmatzen.com Thanks to you all that listen!! Grace xo My YouTube channel called True Stories Of Tinseltown Tidbits will be starting at the beginning of 2023.. You can Contact me at  truestoriesoftinseltown@gmail.com   you can listen to podcast  www.truestoriesoftinseltown.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-of-tinseltown/id136374488  https://open.spotify.com/show/6iTSF8pIrVTbZ8QqNidVUy?  You can also listen on google play, YouTube, Amazon, I heart radio and anywhere podcasts are played. You can also IM me on my TSOTT Facebook page. I sometimes don't go on for a while, but will try be better at checking messages and posting. Best to email me.. truestoriesoftinseltown@gmail.com   www.facebook.com/truestoriesoftinseltown  

This week on the Richard Crouse Show Podcast we meet the "Marie Kondo of Digital." Her name is Christina Crook, and she has written a thoughtful book about realigning our energies, increasing intentionality, and prioritizing our well-being in the digital age. She is a pioneer and leading voice in the field of digital wellbeing and the author of a new book called "Good Burdens: How to Live Joyfully in the Digital Age.' Then, musician Jon Batiste stops by. Perhaps you know him as the bandleader on the "Stephen Colbert Show," or as an Oscar winner for his score to the Pixar movie "Soul." Today we find out about his album “We Are,” which is available now wherever you buy fine music. Then we meet Robert Matzen, acclaimed Old Hollywood biographer and author of the new book "Warrior: Audrey Hepburn," which you may have seen featured in a four-page spread in a recent issue of "People" magazine. Finally, author Jaime Weinman stops by. His new book is Anvils, Mallets & Dynamite "The Unauthorized Biography of Looney Tunes,“ an affectionate tribute and history of the home of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester and Tweety Pie, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, and many other iconic cartoon characters.

There was a time when Hollywood was synonymous with class.  Everyone was wearing dresses and suits, they talked in this weird faux-British accent, and they could all sing.  Of course, half of them were drug addicts and domestic abusers, but we don't focus on that part.  Audrey Hepburn was all of the class and none of the scandal, which made her unique enough to write a book about nearly 30 years after her death. Warrior: Audrey Hepburn - amzn.to/3pseYke See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Foizey interviews Robert Matzen about his book "Warrior: Audrey Hepburn," talks about the best airport movies with Heidi Glaus and Josh Gilbert, and talks about his junket trip to LA to see the Netflix film "The Power of the Dog."

1. On Giving Tuesday, we learned about a Hollywood name who gave back in a huge way. Author and historian, Robert Matzen, shared details from his new book Warrior: Audrey Hepburn ((00:10)) 2. Why was the miracle of Hanukkah so incredible? What's up with the dreidel game? Why latkes for dinner?? We learned about the meaning of the holiday and why the Festival of Lights is filled with miracles. ((11:51)) 3. How to deal with the in-laws during the holidays. Counselor, Julius Dudics, shares what you and your spouse can do to better the situation. ((23:20)) IMAGE CREDIT: Robert Matzen

I loved this book. It talks about Errols great love for his home, his two way mirrors, his alcohol and drug addiction and his love for young chickypoo's. Of course we get into his statutory rape trial. He found his next girlfriend at the cigarette counter in the court house. She was the ripe old age of 18...LEGAL.. WE talk Errols horrible demise. Then Robert tells about the following two owners. One was a Christian music singer, that had tons of kids and grandchildren. His wife was a good Christian woman so she removed the bar...Horrors and put in an organ. They left and next owner was Rick Nelson. His daughter Tracy lived there for a time and said she saw Errol a lot...Of course, she was a young cutie. Rick died on New Years eve going to a gig in an airplane crash.  You will love the chapter on the paranormal happenings in the house. Truly spooky.. Thanks mucho, once again to Robert. He is always a great guest.  Most of all thanks to my listeners. I love you all!! Grace xoxo Roberts amazon page https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Matzen/e/B001HD2ZAC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share   I will be starting a YouTube channel in January. I'll be doing 5 to 10 minute blips on a scandal or love life or some cool stuff I find.    You can listen anywhere podcasts are posted. www. Facebook.com/truestoriesoftinseltown I also have a group page. I'm going to make a new twitter account and be better with my instagram page. you can listen to podcast  www.truestoriesoftinseltown.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-of-tinseltown/id136374488 https://open.spotify.com/show/6iTSF8pIrVTbZ8QqNidVUy?si=zn73ahjEQKOzrMtc-8VRhg You can also listen on google play, spotify, YouTube, player FM, I heart radio, amazon music and basically anywhere podcasts are played.  I'm om Tumblr and Pinterest and will start doing shorts on tidbits from  fave classic movies, stars and interesting places in NYC from Classic Hollywood, Stay tuned!! I will be starting a you tube channel..HELP!! and will be adding my own video and little tidbits about a certain, star or movie a couple times a week.   

This week on the Richard Crouse Show Podcast we meet the "Marie Kondo of Digital." Her name is Christina Crook, and she has written a thoughtful book about realigning our energies, increasing intentionality, and prioritizing our well-being in the digital age. She is a pioneer and leading voice in the field of digital wellbeing and the author of a new book called "Good Burdens: How to Live Joyfully in the Digital Age.' Then, musician Jon Batiste stops by. Perhaps you know him as the bandleader on the "Stephen Colbert Show," or as an Oscar winner for his score to the Pixar movie "Soul." Today we find out about his album “We Are,” which is available now wherever you buy fine music.   Then we meet Robert Matzen, acclaimed Old Hollywood biographer and author of the new book "Warrior: Audrey Hepburn," which you may have seen featured in a four-page spread in a recent issue of "People" magazine. Finally, author Jaime Weinman stops by. His new book is Anvils, Mallets & Dynamite "The Unauthorized Biography of Looney Tunes,“ an affectionate tribute and history of the home of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester and Tweety Pie, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Porky Pig, and many other iconic cartoon characters.

This is Robert's fourth time on the show and the fourth book we've discussed. His latest  is Warrior...Audrey Hepburn is a great companion piece to Dutch Girl. Her son Luca called his mom a badass and wanted the world to know all the courageous and kind things she did as the Ambassador Of Unicef. She traveled war zones, met the starving populations of so many countries. During her final visit before she retired from Unicef she visited a place where ten people died in the time she was there. She watched a teen take his last breath. Throughout her years she was a force to be reckoned with. Fragile in size, but not in will, compassion and spirit. Yes, Audrey was more then a badass, she was a Warrior,  We also talk her movies after retirement, her marriages and her finally meeting her soulmate Robert Wolders (her Robbie)who was with Audrey every step of the way. She loved to laugh, have a drink and be in her beloved garden in Switzerland. She adored her sons. This book is a triumph to Audrey in every way. I loved her even more after reading this book. Thanks so much to Robert for coming on the show again. You are so FAB! Mostly, thanks so much to all my listeners. You are all the BEST! Love youse all, Grace https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Matzen/e/B001HD2ZAC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share   I am on instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and just started twitter again. I believe it's Gracee@tinseltowntru. you can listen to podcast  www.truestoriesoftinseltown.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-of-tinseltown/id136374488 https://open.spotify.com/show/6iTSF8pIrVTbZ8QqNidVUy?si=zn73ahjEQKOzrMtc-8VRhg You can also listen on google play, spotify, YouTube, player FM, I heart radio, amazon music, vurbl and basically anywhere podcasts are played.     

Author Robert Matzen discusses his latest book Warrior: Audrey Hepburn which he will offer at Cinevent. He remembers his early years attending the convention. 

Biographer Robert Matzen discusses his second Hepburn book (Warrior) which covers her last 5 years working for UNICEF in war torn countries like Somalia and Sudan as well as his biographies on Jimmy Stewart and Carole Lombard. Included-portions of Global News interview with Audrey Hepburn, and Luca Dotti (son of Audrey Hepburn). Get all of our shows at one website: www.1001storiespodcast.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW... Open these links to enjoy our shows! APPLE USERS Catch 1001 Heroes on any Apple Device here (Free): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2  Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at Apple Podcast App Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at Apple Podcast now:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901 NEW Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552 Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes!  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 Catch 1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Maacabre on Apple DevIces here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-stories-tales-of-the-macabre/id1516332327 Catch 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories (& Arthur Conan Doyle) on Apple Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-sherlock-holmes-stories-best-sir-arthur-conan/id1534427618 Catch 1001 History's Best Storytellers (interviews) here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-historys-best-storytellers/id1483649026 ANDROID USERS- 1001 Radio Days right here at Player.fm FREE: https://player.fm/series/1001-radio-days 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6rzDb5uFdOhfw5X6P5lkWn 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries: https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Heroes%2C-Legends%2C-Histories-%26-Mysteries-Podcast-id1323418?country=us 1001 Stories for the Road on Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/1001-stories-for-the-road Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Stitcher here: ​​https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=479022&refid=stpr.  1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Macabre on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5P4hV28LgpG89dRNMfSDKJ 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories (& Tales from Arthur Conan Doyle) :https://www.podparadise.com/Podcast/1534427618 1001 History's Best Storytellers: (interviews) on Stitcher https://www.podparadise.com/Podcast/1534427618 Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biographer Robert Matzen discusses his second Hepburn book (Warrior) which covers her last 5 years working for UNICEF in war torn countries like Somalia and Sudan as well as his biographies on Jimmy Stewart and Carole Lombard. Included-portions of Global News interview with Audrey Hepburn, and Luca Dotti (son of Audrey Hepburn). Get all of our shows at one website: www.1001storiespodcast.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW... Open these links to enjoy our shows! APPLE USERS Catch 1001 Heroes on any Apple Device here (Free): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2  Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at Apple Podcast App Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at Apple Podcast now:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901 NEW Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552 Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes!  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 Catch 1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Maacabre on Apple DevIces here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-stories-tales-of-the-macabre/id1516332327 Catch 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories (& Arthur Conan Doyle) on Apple Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-sherlock-holmes-stories-best-sir-arthur-conan/id1534427618 Catch 1001 History's Best Storytellers (interviews) here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-historys-best-storytellers/id1483649026 ANDROID USERS- 1001 Radio Days right here at Player.fm FREE: https://player.fm/series/1001-radio-days 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6rzDb5uFdOhfw5X6P5lkWn 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries: https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Heroes%2C-Legends%2C-Histories-%26-Mysteries-Podcast-id1323418?country=us 1001 Stories for the Road on Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/1001-stories-for-the-road Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Stitcher here: ​​https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=479022&refid=stpr.  1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Macabre on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5P4hV28LgpG89dRNMfSDKJ 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories (& Tales from Arthur Conan Doyle) :https://www.podparadise.com/Podcast/1534427618 1001 History's Best Storytellers: (interviews) on Stitcher https://www.podparadise.com/Podcast/1534427618 Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking Jimmy Stewart and World War II in this edition of our "From the Front to the Films" Zoom Video Podcast.   Author Robert Matzen joins us.    

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three times a charm with my guest Robert Matzen as we talk about his book Mission:Jimmy Stewart And The Fight To Save Europe.  We learn all about James time as a pilot in World War 2 and the horror he experienced. His PTSD, his outlook on life and Hollywood after the war. We also talk about Jimmy's love of A List actresses, who he almost married, his affair with Marlene Dietrich resulting in pregnancy than an abortion.  Jimmy was known as quite the ladies man...WHO KNEW??  Not me.. I want to thank Robert for being my guest again. This was his third visit and he's just great.  Mostly I want to thank my listeners. You all are the best. xoxo  Grace Roberts books https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Matzen/e/B001HD2ZAC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1598198689&sr=8-2 Check out my Facebook page. I add new stuff constantly. Its a great group of people.  www.facebook.com/truestoriesoftinseltown you can listen to podcast  www.truestoriesoftinseltown.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-of-tinseltown/id136374488 https://open.spotify.com/show/6iTSF8pIrVTbZ8QqNidVUy?si=zn73ahjEQKOzrMtc-8VRhg   I'm on google play, spotify, YouTube, player FM, I heart radio, amazon and basically anywhere podcasts are played. I'm also on weekly at www.racketeerradio.com. Lots of great music and shows.  I'm also on Pinterest, Tumblr, twitter and instagram.  

Robert talks about Audreys young life before and during The Nazi occupation of The Netherlands. More than anything Audrey loved to dance so her thoughts of dancing helped her through the hunger and the horror. Audrey actually danced and was given money which she promptly gave to The Resistance. Learn about her hunger, her Nazi sympathizers parents. Her father was held in a jail in England during the war. He later was exiled to Ireland which like Switzerland was neutral. Her mother met Hitler and was like a giddy schoolgirl. She kept her autographed gold frame photo of she and Hitler til the end of her life. In the beginning days of the takeover of the Netherlands her mother had a nazi boyfriend. She allegedly stopped in 1942 being a sweetheart to the Nazi's. Audrey loved her parents but was horrified as well.  As an adult Audrey did not talk much about her days in World War 11. She would always remember a specific act of the Nazi's that was perpetrated against her uncle and 4 more innocent men.  Audrey also lent her help to the United Nations. Her last trip to Somalia had been very hard on her. Soon Audrey was diagnosed with cancer and died. She was an amazing woman and Robert captures her life so vividly.    Thanks so much To Robert. He is a wonderful guest. Thanks mostly to you, the listeners. You are the best. Grace Roberts authors page  https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Matzen/e/B001HD2ZAC?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000   My new website should be making its debut early next week Please follow me on my Facebook page. I generally add new content daily, but haven't these past few days. Will begin again. Its lots of fun and such a great group of posters. www.facebook.com/truestoriesoftinseltown You can listen on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-tinseltown-i-speak-to-author-john-dileo/id1363744889?i=1000420286269 www.truestoriesoftinseltown.podbean.com and anywhere podcasts are posted.           

This is the twenty-first episode of "Talking with Authors" by HEC Media and HEC Books. We're a program dedicated to speaking with some of the best selling authors around, covering many different genres.Today, our author is documentary filmmaker and writer of books about Hollywood history, Robert Matzen. We spoke with him as he was on tour in November of 2019 with his book “Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II” by publisher GoodKnight Books.Robert Matzen was working on his second book in the mid-2010s about Hollywood actors during World War II, when he learned that Audrey Hepburn actually lived in German occupied The Netherlands throughout the conflict. It had been believed that she’d been part of the Dutch resistance during that time, but Robert, ever the documentarian, couldn’t find any definitive writings that could confirm that OR much about her life during that time. The reason…her parents’ pre-war sympathies and activities. Even with press questions at time, they yielded nothing.But later he was able to connect with the sons of Audrey Hepburn and spend a great deal of time in The Netherlands to unearth the details of the decade’s hidden subject and write about it himself first…to his amazement. We’ll learn about some of these details, how they were gotten, and how Audrey Hepburn’s life as a child in a war zone lead her to her support children suffering in conflicts around the world as an adult in our conversation with filmmaker and writer Robert Matzen on this edition Talking With Authors from HEC Media and HEC Books.Here’s our host and interviewer this time, Paul Schankman.HEC Media is a production company out of St. Louis, Missouri. With the help of independent bookstore Left Bank Books and St. Louis County Library, we are able to sit down with these amazing writers and thought leaders to discuss their work, their inspiration, and what makes them special. You can watch video versions of most of our interviews at hecmedia.org.Host, editor, and producer of this episode - Paul SchankmanPhotography - Peter Foggy, Ken CalcaterraAudio - Paul LangdonEditor and Graphics - Jayne Ballew and Gregg KoppSupervising Producer - Julie WinkleProduction Support - Christina ChastainHEC Media Executive Director - Dennis RiggsTalking with Authors Podcast Executive Producer - Christina ChastainPodcast Producer - Rod MilamPodcast Host - Rod MilamYou can follow us on all social media platforms. Just search for "Talking with Authors":Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/talkingwithauthorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithauthorsTwitter: https://twitter.com/TalkingwAuthors

I talk to Robert Matzen about Carole Lombard and her fatal plane crash. He tells us theories on the flight. How Carole flying or taking the train was chosen by a toss of a coin. She and Clark Gables life up to the crash and Clark after the crash. Is it true the fight they had before she left was about Lana Turner? Carole was the first Hollywood star going on the road to sell war bonds. She sold millions of dollars worth of them. Robert not only talks about the loss of Carole, her mom and Otto, but of all the doomed passengers on flight 3. Certainly not a feel good podcast, but filled with loads of info we never knew. How such a beautiful, vital woman's life was extinguished on the side of a mountain in Nevada   Thanks so much to Robert. He was great.   Mostly thanks to the listeners. I appreciate you all so much.  Grace xoxo Check out Robert at www.facebook.com/robertmatzen He has written Mission. Its about Jimmy Stewarts time in WW11 as a flyer and his reentry into Hollywood. Also The Little Dutch girl about Audrey Hepburn and her time in World War11   Grace please follow my Facebook page www.facebook.com/truestoriesoftinseltown https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-stories-of-tinseltown/id1363744889 You can listen on spotify, radiofm, google listen, luminary radio, I heart radio, Spreaker and anywhere they play podcasts.  www.racketeerradio.com My website will be up soon. I'm on Pinterest, Tumblr, instagram and twitter.

For a long time I’ve been fascinated by movie stars who chose to join the military and saw combat in World War Two. And one star in particular has always interested me, ‘Jimmy Stewart’.  A big star in the 1930’s, in 1940 he would win the Oscar for best man in The Philadelphia Story’ and was nominated for one for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, yet when war came he was insistent on not avoiding it and joined the United States Army Airforce flying combat missions over Europe. Joining me to discuss Jimmy Stewart’s military career is Robert Matzen, author of Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight For Europe.  

An interview with Robert Matzen, author of "Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II" published by GoodKnight Books. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-junot-files/support

Author Robert Matzen takes a different approach to the traditional Hollywood biography. His books tie in movie stars of old with their WW II experience.

A look back at Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn and her experiences during World War II with biographer Robert Matzen

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Hepburn was justly known for her long acting career, yet her early life is largely unknown. In his book, Robert Matzen describes how she lived during the World War II period in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Based on many interviews and other primary sources, Robert shows how she was affected by the war. Listen in as we talk about his new book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (GoodKnight Books, 2019). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today is Robert Matzen, author of "Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe." Robert shares why Stewart’s family history instilled an iron sense of duty towards serving his country in the military and how Stewart spent his single day off as an actor training to be an Army pilot in the years leading up to WWII. We also discuss how Stewart had to fight military brass and his boss at MGM Studios to ensure that he actually saw combat instead of staying stateside to make propaganda films. Robert then gets into detail about the combat missions Stewart flew during WWII, his leadership style as an officer, and how the war took a toll on him physically and emotionally. We end our conversation talking about how the war influenced Stewart’s film career when he returned home and how it may have helped him create one of cinema's most iconic characters, George Bailey. If you’re a fan of Jimmy Stewart, you don’t want to miss this show.

On a Saturday in March 1941, Jimmy Stewart, America's boy-next-door actor, left Hollywood behind and took the oath of service in the United States Army Air Corps. Once in the service, Stewart ducked the press at every opportunity and to a large extent for the next four years remained behind the secure perimeters of air bases in the Western Hemisphere serving his country. Then at war's end he refused to discuss what had happened "over there," and continued to be tight lipped about it to the end of his life. In effect, Jimmy Stewart took the story of his military service with him to the grave. “Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe” tells that story by presenting the first in-depth look behind the scenes at Jimmy Stewart's life in the skies over Germany through 20 combat missions, and, ultimately, his return to Hollywood the changed man who embarked on production of his first post-war film, “It's a Wonderful Life.” Robert Matzen spent 10 years working in communications for NASA Headquarters. He is also a filmmaker whose work has been nationally broadcast and has won major awards. His 2001 historical documentary, “When the Forest Ran Red,” was broadcast on PBS and is now recognized as the classic interpretation of the French and Indian War in America.

Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. His experiences flying bombing missions had a lasting impact on the actor. Biographer Robert Matzen says Stewart made the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" while working through PTSD. Matzen discusses Jimmy Stewart's war experiences on The Steve Fast Show.

The Total Tutor Neil Haley will interview Robert Matzen, Author of Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe. About Robert Matzen: Robert Matzen is the author of seven books, including the award-winning Errol & Olivia: Ego & Obsession in Golden Era Hollywood and the bestselling Fireball: Carole Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3, which rose to #2 on the Amazon bestseller list for Biographies, won the 2015 ‘Biography of the Year' Benjamin Franklin Award, and earned praise from the Smithsonian Institution. Regularly interviewed by international press, including the New York Post, Hollywood Reporter, and BBC, Matzen's previous print work includes many articles about classic films, and the Greenwood Press reference volume, Carole Lombard: A Bio-Bibliography. His work as a filmmaker earned national awards and his feature documentary about George Washington, When the Forest Ran Red, is a genre classic. He has also written and directed several films for NASA. In March 1941, Jimmy Stewart, America's boy next door and recent Academy Award winner, left fame and fortune behind and joined the United States Army Air Corps to fulfill his family mission and serve his country. He rose from private to colonel and participated in 20 often-brutal World War II combat missions over Germany and France. In mere months the war took away his boyish looks as he faced near-death experiences and the loss of men under his command. The war finally won, he returned home with millions of other veterans to face an uncertain future, suffering what we now know as PTSD. Younger stars like Gregory Peck were now getting roles that might have been Stewart's, and he didn't know if he would ever work in Hollywood again. Then came It's a Wonderful Life.  

Author Robert Matzen talks about his book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe, chronicling actor James Stewart's history as a trainer, pilot, and squadron commander in World War II.

Podcast Episode #8 Talking um … uh … Jimmy StewartThe Jimmy Stewart Museum Podcast Show Notes Author Robert Matzen ('Fireball: Carol Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3')  talks with Tim about his latest book, 'Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe' — the untold story of actor James Stewart's service in World War II as an Army Air […] The post Podcast Episode #8, Robert Matzen, author of ‘Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe’ appeared first on Jimmy Stewart Museum.

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books, 2016), reviews Stewart’s life in a military family and his role in the allied victory in Europe. He also discusses how the war affected Stewarts immediate post-war film career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books, 2016), reviews Stewart’s life in a military family and his role in the allied victory in Europe. He also discusses how the war affected Stewarts immediate post-war film career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books, 2016), reviews Stewart’s life in a military family and his role in the allied victory in Europe. He also discusses how the war affected Stewarts immediate post-war film career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books, 2016), reviews Stewart’s life in a military family and his role in the allied victory in Europe. He also discusses how the war affected Stewarts immediate post-war film career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books,... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Stewart has a well-deserved reputation as one of the major stars of the classic film era. Yet his life was greatly affected by his experiences as a bomber pilot in World War II. Robert Matzen, author of the book, Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (GoodKnight Books, 2016), reviews Stewart’s life in a military family and his role in the allied victory in Europe. He also discusses how the war affected Stewarts immediate post-war film career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices