Despite the old adage that "the book is always better than the movie," our hosts Kirk Vichengrad, a theatre professor, and Matthew Chernov, an entertainment journalist, argue that a successful adaptation should capture the essence of its source material while standing on its own as an achievement in a different medium. In this episode, they explore the film adaptations of the best-selling novels The Prince of Tides and First Blood, both of which earned critical and commercial success — and the enthusiastic approval of their authors, Pat Conroy and David Morrell. Through a deep dive into Barbra Streisand's 1991 directorial triumph and Sylvester Stallone's 1982 launch of the blockbuster Rambo franchise, the conversation uncovers surprising common themes and compelling insights into "the memories that haunt us and the truth that sets us free."

We look forward to hearing from you on our social media accounts! You can find us at @BabsAndSly on Facebook, X and Instagram, or via email at BabsAndSly@gmail.com. And we invite you to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed about new episodes and other surprises. Also, please click the "Send Us a Text" button below to share your thoughts with us directly. We’d love to hear your opinions of these films, our two superstars, and the podcast itself. As we grow, we're grateful for your feedback and support, which helps us spread the word of Babs and Sly: A Streisand and Stallone Podcast.

Our show's theme music is composed and provided by Brian Kinler

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For Barbra Streisand, it was the resilient culmination of a 15-year passion project. For Sylvester Stallone, it was the formidable task of following up an all-time movie classic. In 1983, they tackled those challenges from the director’s chair, bringing two very different films with music to life. By exploring the harmonies and histories of Yentl and Staying Alive, theater professor Kirk Vichengrad and entertainment journalist Matthew Chernov duet on which superstar really sang and which hit a few too many sour notes.

Listen all the way to the very end of the episode for a fun coda to the conversation!

Our show's theme music is composed and provided by Brian Kinler

We look forward to hearing from you on our social media accounts! You can find us at @BabsAndSly on Facebook, X and Instagram, or via email at BabsAndSly@gmail.com. And we invite you to follow and subscribe to the podcast to stay informed about new episodes and other surprises.

If you enjoy this episode and want to tell us, just click the "Send us a text" button below and share your thoughts directly with us!

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Memories of family road trips intersect with the related, and relatable, theme that links this episode’s two cinematic contenders: The Guilt Trip and Over The Top. So take a journey with our hosts as they reminisce about their travel adventures and share their surprising thoughts about this unlikely double-feature. And don’t miss an exciting detour featuring a very special guest!

We look forward to hearing from you on our social media accounts! You can find us at @BabsAndSly on Facebook, X and Instagram, or via email at BabsAndSly@gmail.com. And we invite you to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed about new episodes and other surprises.

Our show’s theme music is provided by Brian Kinler.

Send us a text