Guest Host James Lott Jr talks On Dangerous Ground (1951), directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Robert Ryan and Ida Lupino:Release year: 1951. Runtime: 82 minutes. Genre: Film noir / crime drama. ✅ Critical & Audience ReceptionOn Rotten Tomatoes, it has a Tomatometer rating of 89% (based on 19 Critics).On Metacritic, its score is listed as “Generally Favorable” with a score of 78. The film is appreciated for its striking visuals, contrasting urban and snowy rural settings, and its score by Bernard Herrmann. 📌 Notable Production & Artistic DetailsProduced by John Houseman for RKO Radio Pictures. Screenplay by A. I. Bezzerides (based on the novel Mad with Much Heart by Gerald Butler). Music composition by Bernard Herrmann, known for his evocative style that enhances the film’s emotional tone. Cinematography by George E. Diskant. 🧮 Additional NotesThe film’s structure: It begins in a gritty urban setting and transitions into a snowy countryside — a rare shift in classic noir for that era. Though well-regarded now, contemporary reception was mixed; for example, critic Bosley Crowther of the New York Times gave it a less favorable review upon release.
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Episode 378-The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
In this episode I spoke with author Chris Yogerst about his latest book "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Few lines of movie dialogue have had greater impact than the most famous line from John Ford’s 1962 masterpiece The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: “This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” Although critics of the day did not realize its magnitude, with time The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has become cemented in our popular culture. This film connects to nearly every Western before or after, from Ford’s own Stagecoach (1939) to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
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Episode 377- Breaking Away: The Quintessential Underdog Movie
In this episode I spoke with author Steve Basford about his book "Breaking Away: The Quintessential Underdog Movie". Breaking Away, released in 1979, is the quintessential underdog movie, earning numerous award nominations and ranking in multiple Top Ten lists. Why is it so popular, to this day?What is Breaking Away about, a bike race? The race is the climactic ending of the movie, but a small portion. It's a story about class differences, honesty, pride, family, relationships, romance, and changing attitudes. In other words, it's about life.
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Episode 376- E! Networks CO Founder Larry Namer
Larry Namer is an American entertainment entrepreneur, television visionary, and media innovator best known as the co-founder of E! Entertainment Television. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Namer began his career as a cable TV engineer before moving into programming and business leadership roles across the industry. In 1990, he and his partner developed the idea for what became E!—a 24-hour network focused on Hollywood, pop culture, and entertainment news. The network grew into a global brand that forever changed how audiences consume celebrity and entertainment coverage. Following E!, Namer continued launching and consulting for media ventures worldwide. He co-founded Metan Global Entertainment Group, which specializes in developing Western-style content for Asian markets, including China. Throughout his career, he has remained a key figure in shaping entertainment media around the world. Namer is widely regarded for his pioneering vision, strategic media insights, and for helping bridge international entertainment markets in today’s global content economy. Doug Hess talks to him about all of that! Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook and the books are on Amazon.com
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Episode 375-Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel's Greasy Spoon
In this episode I spoke with Barry M. Putt, Jr about his book "Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel's Greasy Spoon". Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel’s Greasy Spoon (A Guide to the Feature Film, the TV Series, and More) takes you behind the scenes of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. It all started with Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award–winning film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Learn how the movie and series were developed, peruse the fact-filled episode log, and test your Alice trivia knowledge with a fan quiz featuring over 120 questions.Doug Hess is the Producer/Host. Forgotten Hollywood is on Facebook and the books are on Amazon!
Ireland