Going Hollywood - Movies and Television from the Golden Age to Today – Details, episodes & analysis
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Going Hollywood - Movies and Television from the Golden Age to Today
Brad Shreve & Tony Maietta
Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 88
Will you side with the expert or the enthusiast? Film historian Tony Maietta and movie lover Brad Shreve dive into the best of cinema and TV, from Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s biggest hits. They share insights, debate favorites, and occasionally clash—but always keep it entertaining. They’ll take you behind the scenes and in front of the camera, bringing back your favorite memories along the way.
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Dollapalooza! Part One: Exploring the “Valley Of The Dolls”(1967)
Season 2 · Episode 30
mercredi 5 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:00:58
Dolls! Dolls! Dolls!
We're climbing Mount Everest today...the Mount Everest of Camp, that is...to reach our ultimate destination, the "Valley of the Dolls" (1967).
In Part One of our two-part "Doll-apalooza", we dive headfirst into "Valley of the Dolls" to explore how a record-shattering novel morphed into a glossy, chaotic cult classic that refuses to fade. From Travilla’s couture and 60s hair architecture to the film’s stubborn 1940s morality, we map the exact fault lines where glamour cracks into melodrama—and why that crack is what keeps fans coming back.
We pull apart the legendary casting carousel, a virtual murderous row of "wanna-bes", "what-ifs" and "if-onlys", to land on the our final triumvirate: Barbara Parkins, Sharon Tate and Patty Duke. Then there’s the ultimate Hollywood what-if: Judy Garland as Helen Lawson, acting opposite a character inspired by herself, before being dismissed and replaced by Susan Hayward. Layer in the book’s real-world inspirations—Judy, Ethel Merman, Marilyn Monroe, Carol Landis—and the film becomes a hall of mirrors where gossip, myth, and performance blur.
We also examine the structural problems that make the movie so watchable: a two-decade story squeezed into a breathless sprint, montages standing in for struggle, and addiction rendered as instant meltdown. Yet the music rescues memory; André and Dory Previn’s title theme, immortalized by Dionne Warwick, laces through pop culture and keeps the film’s ache alive.
The men are mannequins, the women are meteors, and somewhere between pills and punchlines the film finds accidental truth about fame, control, and the cost of being marketable. So, press play to hear why this "beloved piece of…” well, you know—continues to be relevant to this day, over 50 years after its debut.
And please you enjoy the show, follow, share with a movie-loving friend, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite "Valley of the Dolls" moment.
Episode Artwork by the incomparable Glen Hanson @instaglenhanson
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
"Wired" Unplugged
Season 2 · Episode 29
mercredi 29 octobre 2025 • Duration 47:00
We interrupt our scheduled programs for a special milestone: one million views on Tony's "Wired" interview on YouTube! This occasion opened the door for a bigger conversation, so we pulled up a chair and dug in.
Brad asks some questions that blew past the YouTube cut: what we actually know about Natalie Wood’s final night, why rumor loves tidy villains, and how to honor a legacy without letting tragedy swallow it whole. From there, we build a clear, no-filler Elizabeth Taylor film watch list, take a deeper dive into Hollywood's gay history, and we revisit the story of Loretta Young and Clark Gable's secret love child and the lengths she took to protect her image, showing what the Production Code demanded—and what it broke.
We also take the opportunity to give much overdue shout-outs to some of the kind people who took the time to rate and review us, and give us their thoughts on which classic we should tackle next.
So, hit play for a candid, story-driven tour through Old Hollywood facts, modern myths, and the business decisions that still shape what we see. If you learned something or built a new watchlist, share this episode with a friend, follow the show, and leave a review.
And don't forget to drop a quarter in the "swear jar"!! (If you know, you know.)
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
To listen to "Origins: Sex and the City" hosted by James Andrew Miller got to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/origins-with-james-andrew-miller/id1266445999?i=1000423827162
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
All-Star Accommodations: “Grand Hotel” (1932)
Season 2 · Episode 20
mercredi 27 août 2025 • Duration 01:01:42
"Grand Hotel...people come, people go. Nothing ever happens."
With all due respect Lewis Stone, the actor who utters these immortal lines in this MGM classic, we couldn't disagree more! “Grand Hotel” (1932), stands as one of the most significant achievements in early Hollywood cinema, not only for its revolutionary approach to casting but also for its sophisticated storytelling and visual innovation.
"More stars than there are in the heavens" was MGM's famous tagline from the 1930s, and this Best Picture Oscar winner more than proves the point. Released during the darkest year of the Great Depression, this MGM masterpiece starred Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Joan Crawford, and Wallace Beery, and created the template for what we now recognize as the "all-star cast" film – a bold and innovative concept at the time that continues to influence filmmaking nearly a century later.
So, join us as we check into an era where decadence, debauchery, and deadly ambition can all be served up with an order of room service... all happening at a magical place called Hollywood and "Grand Hotel".
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Trauma in a Snow Globe: “St. Elsewhere” (1982-1988)
Season 2 · Episode 19
mercredi 20 août 2025 • Duration 01:13:53
The fictional St. Eligius Hospital (nicknamed "St. Elsewhere" for being a dumping ground where other hospitals sent unwanted patients) became the setting for television's first truly realistic medical drama. The doctors were flawed and worked in less-than-ideal conditions. Multi-layered narratives interweave throughout episodes, with character arcs spanning entire seasons. St. Elsewhere balanced serious themes and controversial subjects with unexpected humor. It's possibly Brad's favorite series, but what does Tony think?
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Dying is Easy. "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963)
Season 2 · Episode 18
mercredi 13 août 2025 • Duration 01:25:53
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."
So were the alleged dying words of great English actor Edmund Kean in 1833. He couldn't have known that he was giving a perfect review of our film for today, Stanley Kramer's legendary comedic epic of money-grubbing greed, "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963).
A dying criminal's roadside confession about "$350Gs" buried under a "Big W" transforms a group of ordinary motorists into a crazed mob racing across Southern California in an epic treasure hunt where greed obliterates all sense of decency and cooperation.
Stanley Kramer, known for serious dramas with social messages, assembled "a murderous row" of famous comics, including Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, Jonathan Winters, Sid Caesar, et al., capped off by the legendary Spencer Tracy in one of his final film performances. The film captures these mid-century comedy giants at their peak, preserving their unique talents in what has become a time capsule of American humor.
Shot in breathtaking Ultra Panavision, this visual feast pioneered spectacular stunts and chase sequences that would influence action comedies for decades.. Six decades later, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" remains the gold standard of ensemble comedy, proving that sometimes the journey is more rewarding than the treasure itself. Join the madness and discover why this film continues to inspire passionate devotion from comedy lovers everywhere.
To listen to the wonderful Ernest Gold soundtrack go to https://youtu.be/00LN9EI6XSk?si=1QCyDBdlF1tblvnT
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Hot Child in the City: “The Seven Year Itch” (1955)
Season 2 · Episode 17
mercredi 6 août 2025 • Duration 01:02:34
We’re having a heat wave this week on "Going Hollywood" as we tackle one of the most iconic--and controversial--films in Hollywood history, starring one of it's greatest stars. Marilyn Monroe in Billy Wilder’s “The Seven Year Itch" (1955)
The film represents a pivotal moment in Hollywood history – a technicolor confection where Marilyn's screen persona fully crystallized into the irresistible combination of sexuality and childlike innocence that captivated the world. We dive deep into what makes her performance special, examining how she elevated potentially problematic material through her impeccable comedic timing and vulnerability.
Behind the scenes, we uncover the fascinating production challenges faced by director Billy Wilder as he navigated the strict Production Code restrictions, as well as acknowledging the specific challenges a 2025 viewing of the film and its 1950s view of gender dynamics, marriage, and female objectification presents. Rather than canceling such works, we argue for understanding them within their historical context while appreciating the elements that transcend their era – particularly Marilyn's luminous performance.
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Viva Desi! with special guest Todd S. Purdum
Season 2 · Episode 16
mercredi 30 juillet 2025 • Duration 01:06:04
Boy, do we have some ‘splainin to do!
In this very special episode we dive into the revolutionary legacy of a television pioneer whose contributions have been overshadowed for decades- Desi Arnaz. While Lucille Ball rightfully earned her place in entertainment history, her husband and business partner fundamentally transformed how television works—from filming techniques to syndication models that still influence the industry today.
We begin by exploring the “I Love Lucy” episode, "Ricky Minds the Baby," which uniquely showcases Desi's comedic talents. After that, we are joined by special guest Todd S. Purdum, author of the new book, "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television". Todd illuminates Desi's ground breaking business decisions, his turbulent personal life, and how he and Lucy created the largest TV production company in the world, green-lit iconic shows like “Star Trek” and “Mission Impossible”, and pioneered techniques still used today.
To purchase DESI ARNAZ: THE MAN WHO INVENTED TELEVISION by Todd S. Purdham go to:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/4ZTlE1n
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Dial H for Higgins: “Foul Play” (1978)
Season 2 · Episode 15
mercredi 23 juillet 2025 • Duration 57:47
Macguffins, albinos and dwarves, oh my!
There is that and so much more in our film for today, 1978's "Foul Play". This perfect summer escape film stars Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase and a whole slew of wonderful and eccentric characters (including a pre-"Arthur" Dudley Moore) all under the guidance of filmmaker extraordinaire, Colin Higgins.
Higgins, the creative genius behind "9 to 5," "Harold and Maude," and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is sadly little known today, but we intend to rectify that as we discuss this delightful comedy thriller which perfectly captures his distinctive style: brilliant comedic timing, unforgettable characters, and genuine heart...all wrapped up in this virtual love letter to Alfred Hitchcock and the noir thrillers of the 1940s and 50s.
"Foul Play" stars Goldie Hawn as Gloria Mundy, a librarian who inadvertently becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate the Pope after picking up a hitchhiker on the Pacific Coast Highway. Chevy Chase plays the somewhat lecherous but charming detective who falls for Gloria while investigating her increasingly outlandish claims about albinos, dwarfs, and men with scars. The chemistry between these two leads creates movie magic, supported by an incredible ensemble including Moore , Burgess Meredith, and the formidable Rachel Roberts.
So, are you ready to take a chance on this delightful thriller comedy? Grab your popcorn, your brass knuckles and your favorite cookie-loving python and join us on a trip back to the disco-loving late 70s San Francisco. Oh, and don't forget your Scrabble dictionary...it may come in handy.
Subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into classic Hollywood gems you may have missed!
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
4 Moore for Mary: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” II
Season 2 · Episode 14
mercredi 16 juillet 2025 • Duration 01:32:11
Why return to Minneapolis in the summertime? Because some television landmarks deserve multiple visits. After our first "Mary Tyler Moore" episode last season became one of our most popular, we knew we had to revisit the WJM newsroom and dive deeper into what makes this revolutionary sitcom the gold standard against which all others are measured.
The magic of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" lies in its perfect balance of humor and authenticity. In this episode we discuss 4 MOORE landmark episodes of the series...and one that was universally considered the only "bad" episode of the show. And of course, along the way we reveal behind-the-scenes stories, bust a few long-held myths, and may even recreate a scene or two (??!)
It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but not when you're traveling with the cherished friends of the WJM newsroom. So, whether you're discovering the show for the first time or revisiting old pals, join us as we celebrate television's most influential workplace family. And yes, we promise to make you laugh—after all, that's what a good podcast can do with spunk...and we hate spunk!
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
Bottom’s Up! “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972)
Season 2 · Episode 13
mercredi 9 juillet 2025 • Duration 01:08:37
Movie Stars, ahoy! And “The Love Boat” it ain’t— it’s the granddaddy of all disaster films: Irwin Allen’s 1972 classic, “The Poseidon Adventure”.
A wave crashes, a ship flips, and suddenly a boat-load of Oscar-winners find themselves in a fight to survive when the world turns upside down. This groundbreaking 1972 disaster film didn't just entertain audiences—it created the template that would define an entire genre for decades to come.
There’s got to be a morning after when you join us on this journey of Hell turned upside down!
All ashore that’s going to shore!
“Poseidon Adventure” Poster Artwork by Dave Woodman
Brad's YouTube channel, Our Chosen Spanish Life. youtube.com/@ourchosenspanishlife
Links to Tony's website, and Brad's website at www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com
Follow us on Instagram @goinghollywoodpod
To watch "The True Story of the Barrymores," go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CZTHYN6D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
To watch Tony's WIRED video "Tech Support: Old Hollywood" go to https://youtu.be/6hxXfxhQSz0?si=TO4Xv6q87XhBnqDT
Reach us at goinghollywoodpod@gmail.com
Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist on Spotify.
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