The Conner & Smith Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Matt and me for Episode 136 as we take a look at Bye Bye Birdie (1995), the made-for-TV adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Featuring a standout cast including Jason Alexander, Vanessa Williams, Chynna Phillips, and Marc Kudisch, this version had all the ingredients for a great revival.

While we appreciated the performances and some fun moments throughout, the film as a whole didn’t quite soar for us. We talk through what worked, what didn’t, and how this adaptation compares to other versions of Birdie on stage and screen.

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Join Matt and me for Episode 135 as we take on Annie (1982), a vibrant and enduring entry in the movie musical canon. With a powerhouse cast including Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, Ann Reinking, Bernadette Peters, and Tim Curry, this adaptation of the Broadway hit brings bold choreography, memorable performances, and timeless songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” to the screen.

Directed by John Huston, Annie is a strong movie musical that holds up over time. We dig into the film’s direction, its musical highlights, and the cinematic choices that make this Depression-era tale of hope and found family still resonate today.

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Join Matt and me as we continue our Movie Musicals era, diving into the world of Stephen Sondheim on film. This week, we’re watching another documentary: “Original Cast Album: Company”. This famously was supposed to be the pilot to a tv show, but the guy directing it got another gig, so it turned into a one off. I’ve never seen so many cigarettes being smoked at the same time. Times sure were different then.

Don’t miss out, and be sure to watch before we discuss!

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Join Matt & I as we start a new series on Monsters of the Villa Diodati themed films that we would like to call “Monsters Among Us”. We discuss the 2023 film, ”Poor Things ”, and also chat about what other films that we might cover in this series. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Join Matt & I as “Hitchcock Abridged ” ends! We discuss the 1963 Hitchcock classic, ”The Birds”, and also chat about our own “bird encounters” through our lives. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Enjoy a classic episode of the Conner & Smith Show, featuring Heidi Blickenstaff! Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Enjoy a Classic Episode of The Conner & Smith Show featuring Eleasha Gamble and Weslie Lynne Woodley. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith

Join Matt, Ryan & I as “Hitchcock Abridged ” continues! We discuss the 2012 Hitchcock biopic, ”Hitchcock”, which features some great writing and performances, but is very speculative on the behind the scenes goings on. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith and follow Ryan on Letterboxd here: Letterboxd.com/ryanthedean/

Join Matt, Ryan & I as “Hitchcock Abridged ” continues! We discuss the 1955 Hitchcock film, ”To Catch a Thief”, which could be alternately titled “Alfred Hitchcock’s Summer Vacation in the French Riviera”. Boy this film sure is pretty. Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith and follow Ryan on Letterboxd here: Letterboxd.com/ryanthedean/

Join Matt, Ryan & I as “Hitchcock Abridged ” continues! We discuss the 1954 Hitchcock film, ”Rear Window”. So far, this one is Matt’s favorite Hitchcock film! This film may be one of the Grandfathers of reality tv. Take a closer look… Support The Conner & Smith Show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ConnerandSmith and follow Ryan on Letterboxd here: Letterboxd.com/ryanthedean/