The Wizard of Oz (1939)

09/23/18 • 22 min

THE WIZARD OF OZ is a 1939 classic film beloved by children everywhere, but how does it hold up when you watch it as a grownup? For starters, the Wicked Witch of the West seems even MORE terrifying! James and Lara get into it with our “Audience of TWO”, Natalie Lipka and Wayne Frazier of the Hollywood Close-Up podcast. They also discuss the child star that MGM head Louis B. Mayer originally wanted to play Dorothy, who was set to play the Tin Man before the character's makeup made him sick, why director Victor Fleming had to leave the project, and so much more in an episode that will take you Over the Rainbow.

Previous Episode

Giant (1956)

Film production designer Scott Chambliss (TOMORROWLAND, STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS) joins James and Lara to discuss this GIANT of a film. Director George Stevens took on some serious themes in this 1956 Classic that are still relevant today, and the performances from Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean are powerful. Scott talks about some of the famous shots from the film, and shares how one mightapproach a production of GIANT today.

Next Episode

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Elia Kazan's Oscar-winning 1951 film, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams. Kazan directed the Broadway play, and brought all of the leads -- except one -- for the movie. James and Lara discuss that decision, along with the different acting styles of Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. Was there an actual streetcar named “Desire” in New Orleans? And what does sweat have to do with all of this? Join us for an episode that explores themes that still feel very raw and current today?