Movie Poster Mysteries…Solved!
I bought my first movie still when I was 12 years old at a used bookstore in Hackensack, New Jersey. It was a nice shot of Buster Keaton that cost 25 cents, which was exactly what I could afford.…
A Jazz Approach to ‘Vertigo’
I love listening to jazz—or what I now have to identify as “mainstream” or “straight-ahead” jazz, to be clear—so I always look forward to a new release from clarinet master Ken Peplowski. His new CD, Enrapture, on Capri Records…
The Epicenter of Pop Culture: South by Southwest
It was a no-brainer to say yes when the South by Southwest festival asked if I’d like to do a live version of my podcast in Austin this year. My colleague Baron Vaughn and daughter Jessie (my other partner…
Happy Birthday, Jerry Lewis!
I’ll never forget the first time I set eyes on Jerry Lewis. I was six years old and my parents took me to see The Delicate Delinquent. It was his first solo movie without Dean Martin, but I didn’t know…
Walt Disney Returns to TCM
I’m happy to be hosting another evening of Treasures from the Disney Vault this Wednesday on Turner Classic Movies beginning at 8pm EST/5pm PST. What makes it even more special for me is that they shot my introductions at…
John Wayne: Hand Painted
While visiting Cincinnati, Ohio last week for a lecture I was fortunate enough to discover the American Sign Museum, thanks to local preservationist Paul Muller, who arranged for me to get a personal tour with managing director Brad Huberman.…
Oscars: The Morning After
I’ve always looked forward to the Academy Awards, so I don’t want to sound jaded in discussing this year’s seemingly endless road to the Dolby Theatre. But here is how I feel, the morning after: If just one person…
