The History on Film Podcast

Ross is joined by returning guest, friend of the show, and resident Bondologist Paul Klein to talk 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies". They look at how the franchise continued to adapt to the End of History 90s and the evolution of the "Bond Girl", as well as the film's (shockingly accurate) prescience. Don't forget to check out HowToReadMovies.com and the Cold War Cinema podcast!FURTHER READING:McLuhan, Marshall. Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man.Chapman, James. License to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films.Moore, Alan. Watchmen.Baudrillard, Jean. Simulacra and Simulation.FURTHER WATCHING:"Yes, Madam" (1985)"SuperCop 2" (1993)"Wing Chun" (1994)"Hackers" (1995)"Watchmen" (2009)"The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We conclude this three-part mini-series with the evolution of the teen movie and cultural panics around youth culture from the early 60s up to the present day!FURTHER READING:Tropiano, Stephen. Rebels & Chicks: A History of the Hollywood Teen Movie.Doherty, Thomas. Teenagers and Teenpics: The Juvenilization of American Movies in the 1950s.Shary, Timothy. Teen Movies: American Youth on Screen.Shary, Timothy. Generation Multiplex: The Image of Youth in Contempory American Cinema.Mintz, Steven. Huck's Raft: A History of American Childhood.Starnheimer, Karen. Pop Culture Panics: How Moral Crusaders Construct Meanings of Deviance and Delinquency.FURTHER WATCHING:"Beach Party" (1963)"American Graffiti" (1972)"Cooley High" (1974)Rebel Highway (1994) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's part 2 of my series on the JD Media Archive! I take you through some of the filmmaking trends and themes from the collection, and provide some tips for exploring on your own. If you find something interesting that you want to share, email the show at [email protected] and I will feature it in our conclusion episode!FURTHER WATCHING:The JD Media Archive!FURTHER READING:Doherty, Thomas. Teenagers and Teenpics: Juvenilization of American Movies.Klein, Amanda Ann. American Film Cycles: Reframing Genres, Screening Social Problems, and Defining Subcultures.Medovoi, Leerom. Rebels: Youth and the Cold War Origins of Identity.Solinger, Rickie. Wake Up Little Susie: Single Pregnancy and Race Before Roe v. Wade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first installment of a (3 part?) mini-series on my ongoing genre study project! In this episode, you'll hear about the origins of the teen movie- including the industrial and economic conditions that helped create them, the exploitation approach to film making, and much more! Also, the Paramount decision was in 1948, NOT 1947, but I have done a lot of editing already and am very tired.Check out the JD Media Archive on YouTube!FURTHER READING:Tropiano, Stephen. Rebels and Chicks: A History of the Hollywood Teen Movie.Schaefer, Eric. Bold! Daring! Shocking! True!: A History of Exploitation Films, 1919-1959.Betrock, Alan. The I Was a Teenage Juvenile Delinquent Rock'N'Roll Horror Beach Party Movie Book: A Complete Guide to the Teen Exploitation Film, 1954-1969.May, Elaine Tyler. Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era.Coontz, Stephanie. The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap.FURTHER WATCHING:"Blackboard Jungle" (1955)"Rebel Without a Cause" (1955)The JD Media Archive!"High School High" (1996) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The show is on a brief medical hiatus, but here are some other things you might enjoy!FURTHER READING:Dockery, Daniel. Monster Kids: How Pokemon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All.Rawlins, Justin. Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance.Kelley, N. Megan. Projections of Passing: Postwar Anxieties and Hollywood Films.Coontz, Stephanie. The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap.Cowan, Ruth Schwartz. More Work for Mother: The Ironies of Household Technology from the Open Hearth to the Microwave.Shade, Colette. Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything (Essays on the Future That Never Was).Llamas Rodriguez, Juan. Y Tu Mama Tambien.Gagliardi, Paul. All Play and No Work: American Work Ideals and the Comic Plays of the Federal Theatre Project.Black and White and Read All OverFURTHER LISTENING:The Pop Culture BasementYour Favorite Bad Movie PodcastCold War CinemaMoving HistoriesRemember ShuffleFURTHER WATCHING:TheColdWarTV"Stumble"MeansTVFURTHER CAMPAIGNING:Ross Sheppard, RossForGA.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by historian Joseph Kellner to discuss spiritualist subcultures during the fall of the USSR. They discuss the ways in which these belief systems reflected the idealized New Soviet Man and how these alternative beliefs spread. Also, the ways in which American and Soviet conceptions of “nostalgia” differ, electronic music, and what the Collapse can tell us about 2026.FURTHER READING:Keller, Joseph. The Spirit of Socialism: Culture and Belief at the Soviet Collapse.FURTHER WATCHING:”Bells from the Deep” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by returning guest and HoFCast senior political correspondent Chris Bell to talk about 1998's "Bulworth". They look at how the film represents the challenges of advancing left politics during the End of History, Beatty's reputation as both a filmmaker and an activist, and how a movie about a rapping senator was able to navigate topics like healthcare reform, neoliberal austerity, and the "Sistah Souljah Moment". All this plus a brief history of the "Dick Tracy" sequels, a very special episode of "Diagnosis: Murder", and Ross delivers a heartfelt message to former president Barack Obama.Make sure to check out MeansTV! Use promo code CHRISBELL to get 10% off!FURTHER READING:Young, Kevin, Michael Schwartz, and Tarun Kumar Banerjee. Levers of Power: How the 1% Rules and What the 99% Can Do About It.Herman, Edward and Noam Chomsky. Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media.Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States.Harvey, David. A Brief History of Neoliberalism.Lenin, Vladimir. State and Revolution.Cobb Jr., Charles E. This Nonviolent Stuff'll Get You Killed: How Guns Made the Civil Rights Movement Possible.Parenti, Michael. Inventing Reality.FURTHER WATCHING:"Network" (1976)"The Boondocks""Mussolini: Son of the Century""WTO 99" (2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out my guest appearance on the Pop Culture Basement podcast!FURTHER WATCHING:“RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage” (2010)SONGS TO CHECK OUT FOR PEOPLE ONLY FAMILIAR WITH “TOM SAWYER” AND “LIMELIGHT”:“By-Tor and the Snow Dog” (Fly By Night, 1975)“Witch Hunt” (Moving Pictures, 1981)“Time Stand Still” (Hold Your Fire, 1987)“Lock and Key” (Hold Your Fire, 1987)“Nobody’s Hero” (Counterparts, 1993)“Far Cry” (Snakes & Arrows, 2007)BANDS YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:Steely DanBlue Oyster CultDream TheaterPrimusRiversidePorcupine TreeMuse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Dr. Tiffany Knoell to discuss analyzing and teaching time travel on film! They discuss how perceptions of the past and future reflect the present, how and why the "rules" of time travel matter, and much more! This episode was previously recorded tomorrow.FURTHER READING:Ni Fhlainn, Sorcha. ‘There’s Something Very Familiar About All This’: Time Machines, Cultural Tangents, and Mastering Time in H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine and the Back to the Future trilogy.Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.Adorno, Theodor and Max Horkheimer. The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception.FURTHER WATCHING:"Army of Darkness""Futurama""Star Trek: First Contact""Time and Again"CHECK OUT:"Silent Film Fridays" on Stream.place! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross squares off against the tag team of Drs. Christopher Olson and Carrie-Lynn Reinhard as they talk professional wrestling studies! They talk about wrestling as performance art, the influence it has had on cultural production and the broader entertainment industry, the boundaries of kayfabe, and much more! Ross proposes a new use case for generative AI.FURTHER READING:Johnson, Daniel Warren. Do a Powerbomb.FURTHER WATCHING:The Wrestler (2008) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross speaks with Dr. Landon Palmer about teaching 70s Hollywood Cinema! They discuss the major trends and changes to the film industry in this period, presenting these films to younger audiences, how culture perpetuates through generations, and much more!FURTHER READING:Alsop, Elizabeth. Elaine May.Henderson, Odie. Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema.Nystrom, Derek. Hard Hats, Rednecks, and Macho Men: Class in 1970s American CinemaTarantino, Quentin. Cinema Speculation.FURTHER WATCHING:"Is That Black Enough For You?!""Shampoo""The Wiz""What's Up, Doc?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Dr. Sage Gray, and Tim Fielder, the co-creators of The Graphic History of Hip Hop! They discuss the process behind producing graphic histories, the cultural and political evolution of hip hop, as well as approaches to teaching the multifaceted history of music to younger generations. All the mutual aid organizations mentioned in the episode can be found below.FURTHER READING:"Dearly Beloved"The Graphic History of Hip Hop.FURTHER WATCHING:Style Wars (1982)House Party (1990)Sankofa (1993)Tupac: Resurrection (2003)FURTHER LISTENING:Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (1998)The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1999)AID GROUPS:Halle Q Brown Community CenterRise and RememberReconnect RondoPilgrim Baptist ChurchPrepare and ProsperPay Attention! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by webcomic artist David Rapoccio to discuss NFL fandom, trends in sports culture, and the Super Bowl! It's got a little bit of everything- fandom studies, predictions and analysis, why the commercials aren't good anymore, Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and a game! And if you aren't a football fan, we tell you what to talk about so you can join in on the fun.FURTHER READING:Nanni, Ryan. The New Cats Turn 20.TheDrawPlay.com!FURTHER WATCHING:The Super Bowl!"Lisa the Greek""Bart Starr""Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by professor of American Studies Dr. Benjamin Railton, author of and co-creator of Black and White and Read All Over. Together, they do a deep-dive on a relatively-obscure episode of The X-Files, "Unrequited", which looks at the contested legacy, cultural impact, and unresolved trauma of the Vietnam War and the POW/MIA movement. You don't have to be an X-Files fan to listen to this episode, but it does help if you remember what Ross Perot's 1992 campaign song was.FURTHER READING:Perlstein, Rick. The Enduring Cult of the Vietnam "Missing in Action".Lembcke, Jerry. The Spitting Image:Myth, Memory, and the Legacy of Vietnam.FURTHER WATCHING:Uncommon Valor (1983)Missing in Action (1984)Rambo: First Blood, Part II (1985)Platoon (1986)Full Metal Jacket (1987)Born on the Fourth of July (1989)Casualties of War (1989)AND CHECK OUT:Black and White and Read All Over! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Robert Spinelli and Dr. Bethan Jones to discuss the history of conspiracy theories in popular culture. They look at how conspiratorial thinking reflects social and political anxieties, the ways in which conspiracy theorists are depicted in media, and the difficulty in approaching these topics academically. FURTHER READING:Spinelli, Robert (Ed.). The Lizard People Don't Want You to Read ThisJones, Bethan. Participatory Culture Wars: Controversy, Conflict, and Complicity in FandomFURTHER WATCHING:Community S2E9, "Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design"JFKThe Truman ShowThe X-Files Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross kicks off the new mini-series "Class Notes" by speaking with Dr. Josie Torres Barth about her courses on Film and Media History! They discuss the major trends and focal points of the subject, the challenges of teaching media studies in our modern cultural ecosystem, and much more.FURTHER READING: Hilmes, Michele. Radio Voices: American Broadcasting, 1922-1952.Spigel, Lynn. Make Room for TV: Television and the Family Ideal in Postwar America.Schatz, Thomas. The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era.Monaco, James. How to Read a Film: Movies, Media, and Beyond.FURTHER WATCHING:"The Story of Film: An Odyssey""Babyface""The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari""Cleo From 5 to 7" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we bid a fond farewell to a close friend and colleague, please enjoy this collection of fun moments from the HoFCast Archives.SEGMENTS:Biopic Mailbag Question: 3:50Cartoon Music Trivia: 13:35Christmas Movie Trivia: 38:00Stranger Things Prediction: 51:16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss how the Cold War and McCarthyism reshaped the American concept of Christmas. Dr. Joy's new book, Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy looks at how Hollywood depictions of the holidays changed to reflect the pressures of domestic containment. FURTHER READING:Joy, Vaughn. Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy.Black and White and Read All OverFURTHER WATCHING:It's a Wonderful Life (1946)Klaus (2019) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by returning guest Paul T Klein to talk about Bond, James Bond- specifically the 1995 franchise revival film, "GoldenEye". They talk about how the film engages with the End of History moment, reinventing Bond for the 90s, as well as the tremendous impact the N64 adaptation had on gaming. Ross celebrates the career of Joe Don Baker.FURTHER READING:Chapman, James. "License to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films"Knoor, Alyse. "GoldenEye 007"FURTHER WATCHING:"GoldenEra"AND CHECK OUT MORE OF PAUL KLEIN'S WORK AT:howtoreadmovies.comCold War Cinema podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Drs. Bethan Jones and Diane Rodgers to discuss the first of a multi-part series on "THE X-FILES". They discuss the show's history, its influence on popular culture and politics, how it helped shape fandom on the early internet, and more!FURTHER READING:Fenwick, James and Diane A. Rodgers, Eds. The Legacy of The X-Files.Jones, Bethan. The Truth is Still Out There: Thirty Years of The X-Files.FURTHER WATCHING: "The X-Files": "Pilot" (S1E1) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by the one and only Brian David-Marshall to discuss the history and fandom of Magic: the Gathering! The world's first trading card game, Magic has had a profound influence on gaming and popular culture, and BDM has had a profound influence on Magic. They also talk holiday cookie recipes, life imitating art, and the early history of online social networking.FYI: This is part of an ongoing series of interviews I'm doing for a project, so if you are interested in hearing any more of these, let me know!FURTHER READING:Wakefield, Jamie. Quest for the Pro Tour, Secret Force: Quest for the Pro Tour 2, Tournament Reports.Adams, Tyrone and Stephen A. Smith. Electronic Tribes.Jenkins, Henry. Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture.The Routledge Companion to Media Fandom.FURTHER WATCHING:"Igniting the Spark" (2025)FURTHER GAMING:Magic: the Gathering Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by music journalist Chris DeVille to discuss his new book, Such Great Heights. They look at how the indie music boom of the early 2000s reflected larger changes in media consumption, as well as the influence of the internet and early social media. Also in this episode: an introduction to the history of technology, Rory Gilmore's taste in music, a scholarly approach to MySpace, the drama of getting RUSH tickets in 2025, and much more!FURTHER READING:DeVille, Chris. Such Great Heights:.FURTHER WATCHING:"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off""The O.C." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross is joined by Alan Siegel, senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- Forever. They discuss the show's early success, influences, production, its place in the culture wars of the early 90s, and much more! Ross and Alan also share their thoughts on "The Naked Gun" (2025) and the "King of the Hill" revival.FURTHER READING:Siegel, Alan. Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- ForeverFURTHER WATCHING:"The Simpsons"Alan's pick: "Mr. Plow"Ross's picks: "The Springfield Files", "Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross talks to writer and historian A. Brad Schwartz about the showdown between Senator Joseph McCarthy and broadcaster Edward R. Murrow as depicted in "Good Night and Good Luck", both on screen and stage. They discuss domestic containment, the evolution of broadcast news, and much more!FURTHER READING:Cloud, Stanley and Lynne Olson. The Murrow Boys: Pioneers on the Front Lines of Broadcast Journalism.Oshinsky, David. A Conspiracy so Immense: The World of Joe McCarthy.Griffith, Robert. The Politics of Fear: Joseph R. McCarthy and the Senate.Schwartz, Brad. Why We Never Got a "Murrow Moment" with Trump.Schwartz, Brad. The Media Spawned McCarthyism. Now History Is Repeating Itself.FURTHER WATCHING:"Good Night and Good Luck""The Manchurian Candidate" (1962)"Star Trek: the Next Generation", S4E21 "The Drumhead" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross talks to Dr. Sarah Juliet Lauro about her book The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death. They discuss where the zombie comes from, what it has represented historically, and how and why it continues to resonate. Happy Halloween!FURTHER READING:Lauro, Sarah Juliet. The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death.FURTHER WATCHING:"Shaun of the Dead""Atlantics""Plan Nine from Outer Space" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by returning guest Dr. Christopher Olson to talk about the career of filmmaker Charles Band! They discuss the director's filmography, his methods, and his influences. They also talk about the style and legacy of indie film-making in the era of home video.And make sure to check out our previous episode with Chris, all about his book on "Mystery Science Theater 3000"!Season 1, Episode 13: "Play MSTie for Me with Matt Foy and Christopher Olson"And our episode on how the VHS changed the film industry!Season 1, Episode 7: "Make it a Blockbuster Night with Frederick Wasser"FURTHER READING:Band, Charles. Confessions of a Puppetmaster: A Hollywood Memoir of Ghouls, Guts, and Gonzo Filmmaking.FURTHER WATCHING:Chris: "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Trancers", "The Primevals"Ryan: "Pink Flamingos", "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death"Ross: "Groom Lake" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And now for something completely different. Ross and Ryan are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Weinstock to discuss the cultural history of famed British comedy troupe Monty Python. They discuss the group's influences and output, English absurdist comedy, fandom as a language, and much more.FURTHER READING:Weinstock, Jeffrey (ed. with Kate Egan). And Now for Something Completely Different: Critical Approaches to Monty Python.FURTHER WATCHING:The works of Monty Python!BONUS:Check out a recent segment Dr. Weinstock did with CBS on Rocky Horror! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by friend of the show David Morton to talk with Chris Morgan about 90s Nickelodeon and his book "The Nickelodeon '90s: Cartoons, Game Shows, and a Whole Bunch of Slime". They discuss the origins of the network, cable network fandom, and how and why the network changed. They also discuss some of the shows from that era, and how they informed the network's sensibilities. Let us know which shows were your favorites! Email [email protected]!FURTHER READING:Morgan, Chris. The Nickelodeon '90s: Cartoons, Game Shows, and a Whole Bunch of Slime.FURTHER WATCHING:"The Orange Years" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan speak with media historian Dr. Josh Shepperd about the founding of American public broadcasting and his book, Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting. They look at how and why public media came to be, the value it has today, and why it is so important to protect. FURTHER READING:Shepperd, Josh. Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting.CALL TO ACTION:Support your local public media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan kick off the start of season 2 by welcoming on The Feral Historian! They discuss three iconic films oriented around "the end of history", how and why that concept came into being, and its legacy. Unfortunately, Ross had to leave this one early, but not before making some truly terrible jokes. We're back, y'all!FURTHER READING:Hoel, Erik. We Can't Imagine an "End of History" in Sci-Fi AnymoreFURTHER WATCHING:The Feral Historian on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 kicks off on September 22nd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan celebrate summer break with an ALL-TIME great summertime, chill out, hang out, good vibes movie- "That Thing You Do!" (1996). They discuss making fake songs sound real, the movie's legacy as a millennial touchstone, the relationship between the music and film industries in the 1950s and 60s, Ross's love of rom-coms, and much more! Plus, HoFCast listeners share their thoughts on the film- and you can too! Whether you're watching it for the first time or the hundredth, let us know what you think of the movie, and we will share it on a future episode! We plan to do this for select episodes in season 2 as well, so make sure to follow us on social media to know what else we are working on! Happy summer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're hitting the road this summer! Hear Ross and Ryan's guest appearances this month on "The Revisionist's Almanac" and "Deep Cuts: the Game"!Listen to our segment on Raiders of the Lost Ark for The Revisionist's Almanac on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts!Hear Ryan play Deep Cuts: the Game on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts!Thank you again to Andrew and Jeff for including us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan correct the record one last time as they triumphantly conclude the award-winning first season of The History on Film Podcast. There's also a call for submissions and guests, as well as a sneak peek at season two! And finally, we bring on an expert to answer the defining question of our times- "what the hell is a chicken jockey?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season One of the History on Film Podcast comes to a thrilling conclusion! We talk briefly with Dr. Chris Kempshall, and then spend the rest of the episode speaking with historian and Galactic Civil War veteran Beaumont Kin about their latest book, The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire.What lessons can we take from a galaxy far, far away? FURTHER READING:Kempshall, Christopher. Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire.FURTHER WATCHING:Any and all Star Wars, but especially "Andor" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by filmmakers Derek Murphy and Mitchell Zemil, creators of the MeansTV documentary series "Preserving Worlds". They discuss the preservation of early, obsolete, or obscure online games, and the communities that are dedicated to their continuation. We look at the challenges of maintaining and documenting these games, why it's so important, pitch a Florida-based social networking game, and much more!FURTHER READING:Bollmer, Grant. Theorizing Digital Cultures.Cohen, Daniel and Roy Rosenzweig. Digital History: A Guide to Gathering, Preserving, and Presenting the Past on the Web.FURTHER WATCHING:"Preserving Worlds" on MeansTVALSO CHECK OUT:The Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan finish out Musical May 2025 with 2012's film adaptation of "Les Miserables". They discuss the enduring messages of the film/musical/book, how historians use culture to interrogate the past, and much more. Also, "Andor"!FURTHER READING:Darnton, Robert. The Great Cat Massacre.FURTHER WATCHING:"Les Miserables" (1998) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An incoming transmission from Darth Vader himself interrupts the show and our intrepid hosts are forced to make a deal to save their lives - and by enlisting some help, they may just be up to the task!In this trailer, we preview the Season One finale of The History on Film Podcast, which will premier on June 9th, where Ross and Ryan will give an in-universe look at Star Wars history and discuss the history of the Galactic Empire with Dr. Chris Kempshall, author of "Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan continue Musical May with 1980's "Xanadu"! I'll be honest, this one is less about history and more about good vibes, so enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second week of Musical May, Ross and Ryan discuss 1972's "Cabaret". They discuss the fragility of interwar Germany and the rise of fascism, the artistic influences on the film, and why this film is painfully relevant still.FURTHER READING:Weitz, Eric. Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy.Swett, Pamela. Neighbors and Enemies: The Culture of Radicalism in Berlin, 1929-1933.Isherwood, Christopher. Goodbye to Berlin.FURTHER WATCHING:"Cabaret" (1972)"Don't Be a Sucker" (1946)"Paths of Glory" (1957)"Metropolis" (1927)"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first-ever installment of Musical May, Ross and Ryan dig into 1961's "West Side Story"! They look at how the film depicts social anxieties around juvenile delinquency, reflects the Puerto Rican experiences of the Great Migration, and discuss some of the structural components of adapting a musical for the screen.FURTHER READING:Gilbert, James. A Cycle of Outrage: America's Reaction to the Juvenile Delinquent in the 1950s.Tropiano, Steven: Rebels and Chicks: A History of the Hollywood Teen Movie.May, Elaine Tyler. Homeward bound: American Families in the Cold War Era.FURTHER WATCHING:Let us know which version of "West Side Story" you prefer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Musical May 2025! Here is the release schedule for the month:May 5: "West Side Story" (1961)May 12: "Cabaret" (1971)May 19: "Xanadu" (1980)May 26: "Les Miserables" (2012) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross talks with Dr. Claudia Calhoun about her recent book, Only the Names Have Been Changed and the history of Dragnet. They cover the show's reception, its multiple iterations, and how it reflected changes to American policing. They also discuss the show's legacy and its outsized role in shaping narratives around tv cops- from "Law and Order" to "Reno 911!".FURTHER READING:Calhoun, Claudia. Only the Names Have Been Changed: Dragnet, the Police Procedural, and Postwar Culture.FURTHER LISTENING:Dragnet radio recordings! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by historian Max Felker-Kantor to talk all about anti-drug films and Max's new book on the history of the infamous D.A.R.E. program. Together, they look at how drug abuse awareness programs have changed in America, how they haven't, the role that these films have in shaping our relationships to policing, and which Teenage Mutant Nina Turtle is appropriate for a conversation about not using marijuana.FURTHER READING:Felker-Kantor, Max. DARE to Say No: Policing and the War on Drugs in SchoolsFURTHER WATCHING:Reefer MadnessThe Narcotic StoryDrug TalkCartoon All-Stars to the Rescue!FURTHER LISTENING:Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue! - What a Cartoon podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan talk to author and podcast host David Moscrop about a few of his recent articles on the (dismal) state of the media industries. Topics include the dangers of digital "ownership" and the obsolescence of physical media, Netflix slop, what to order at the movie theater concession stand, and the battle over book access on the Internet Archive.FURTHER READING:Digital Ownership and the End of Physical MediaWelcome to the Era of Garbage Film and Television StreamingCopyright Keepers Just Destroyed a Huge Digital LibraryMoscrop, David. Too Dumb for Democracy? Why we Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones.FURTHER WATCHING:The Lion in Winter (1968)FURTHER LISTENING:The David Moscrop ShowFollow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are in office hours this week, discussing the last batch of episodes as well as what is coming up ahead. Ross talks about the production history of 2001's "Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within" and the impact it had on Hollywood despite flopping at the box office. And there's a fun trivia game!We want to hear how you did on the trivia game! Email or post your score on social media with the tag #HoFCast, and we'll send you stickers!Ross: 17/20Ryan: 15/20Make sure to check out our recent appearance on the Pop Culture Basement podcast to hear all about the early days of Pokemon fandom in the US!Follow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by award-winning actor/director/musician/writer/impressionist Stephen Sorrentino! We talk about his newest project, Amends of the Father, and so much more. Hear about what goes into running a film festival, the current state of independent moviemaking, Mr. Sorrentino's incredible life in the film industry, and so much more.NOTE: There are spoilers for Amends of the Father in the second half of the episode, but there is a clear warning before we get into them. Make sure to watch the movie and then come back to hear us talk all about it!FURTHER WATCHING:Amends of the FatherFollow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan are joined by film and media scholar Paul Klein to discuss the 1936 classic, Modern Times. They talk about Chaplin and his politics, the ways in which the film reflects America during the Great Depression, and why the film itself is as relevant as ever.Further Reading:Voltaire. Candide, or Optimism.Eyman, Scott. Charlie Chaplin vs. America: When Art, Sex, and Politics Collided.Further Watching:The Great Dictator (1940)Chaplin (1992)Make sure to check out Ross and Ryan's guest appearance on the Pop Culture Basement podcast! Available wherever you're listening to this!Follow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan talk with Dr. William Tsutsui, historian, author, and leading expert on all things Godzilla. From the original film's anti-nuclear message to modern classics like "Godzilla Minus One", we cover everything from head to toes about the king of the monsters. Like literally, we talk about why Godzilla's toes are important to the tone of the films.FURTHER READING: Tsutsui, William. Godzilla on my Mind.Tsutsui and Ito, eds. In Godzilla's Footsteps.Tsutsui, William. Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization.FURTHER WATCHING:Bill's Picks: Gojira (1954), Godzilla Minus One, Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)Ross's Picks: Gojira (1954), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), Destroy All Monsters (1968)Ryan's Picks: Godzilla vs. King Gidorah (1991), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1971) Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)Follow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross and Ryan talk about Saturday Night Live with their guests, Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg, the authors of The SNL Companion. They cover the show's history, their favorite sketches, the importance of the Muppets in popular culture, and much more!FURTHER READING:Tropiano, Stephen and Steven Ginsberg. The SNL Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Seasons, Sketches, and Stars of Saturday Night Live.FURTHER WATCHING:Saturday Night (2024)We mention a LOT of Sketches in this episode, so go check out an old favorite or one that you haven't seen before. :)~Follow the show on Instagram! @histonfilmpodOr email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.