“All women, all claws. Jungle Red!”

For our season two finale, we tackle MGM’s 1939 classic satire “The Women”. From savage one-liners to that wild Technicolor fashion show, we trace how Claire Boothe Luce’s play survived the Production Code, why Anita Loos’ screenplay still stings, and where the movie trades social ambition for a romance-first ending.

We are joined by very special guest (and Brad’s husband) Maurice Chevalier and get his singular take on the proceedings. We also get granular on the craft: George Cukor’s propulsive staging and mirror shots, Adrian’s jaw-dropping costumes, Rosalind Russell’s star-turn as the feline Sylvia Fowler, and Joan Crawford’s scene (and husband) stealing performance as Crystal Allen. And of course, there’s the Queen herself—Norma Shearer— at her noblesse-obligiest as the oh-so wronged, ever suffering but pride-fool housewife, Mary.

Call it a proto–Real Housewives of 1939 or a couture cage match; either way, it’s irresistible, infuriating, and endlessly quotable.

Ah, l’amour l’amour!

If classic Hollywood, screwball rhythms, and sharp social autopsies are your thing, you’ll have plenty to love and plenty to argue with. Follow the show, share this episode with a movie lover, and leave a review to help others find us. What’s your verdict: team Mary, Sylvia, or Crystal?

Text us & We'll Respond on an Episode

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 goinghollywoodpodcast@gmail.com

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist

Podcast logo by Umeworks

He's baackkk!!!

Brad makes his return to "Going Hollywood" and we celebrate by actually letting him pick a film! And what a delightful film it is, too...from 1948 it's
"Miranda." Join us as we dive into the whimsy and wonder of this lesser-known British comedy starring the late great Glynis Johns as Miranda, a beautiful mermaid with a devastating fin and effect on males that come into her wake. What can we say? The fish can't help it. Johns, perhaps best recognized for her role as Winifred Banks in "Mary Poppins", holds special significance for Brad—who recounts personal stories about their friendship and why “Miranda” has always been close to his heart, despite never having seen it before this episode.

We discuss why the charm of "Miranda" endures: It's unique British style, rapid scene changes, and the playful performances by Johns and a fabulous supporting cast. Glynis Johns commands every frame with that unmistakable voice and mischievous ease. Along the way we explore how British censorship allowed a cheeky boldness America’s Production Code would’ve nixed, why the quick-cut structure works despite its choppiness, and how a competing Hollywood mermaid picture pushed this production to move fast and think light.

We guarantee you'll be unable to resist the siren song of this delightful comedy and the singular charms of its leading lady, Glynis Johns and "Miranda".

Text us & We'll Respond on an Episode

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 goinghollywoodpodcast@gmail.com

Listen to our Going Hollywood Playlist

Podcast logo by Umeworks