Sun, Jan 1, 2017
Gilbert and Frank take a look back at some of the best moments of an unforgettable year, featuring a lineup of memorable guests, including Dick Van Dyke, Michael McKean, Lee Grant, Bob "Super Dave" Einstein and Matthew Broderick, to name a few. Also, Pat Cooper rants, Bruce Dern praises Gilbert, Peter Bogdanovich classes up the joint and George Takei spanks William Shatner. PLUS: Dueling Paul Williams. Uncle Junior sings. Dick Cavett strips. The wonder of Bob Hope's "Joys". And the fascinating journey of Al Jaffee.
Sun, Jan 8, 2017
The "Man of a Thousand Voices," comedian and impressionist Rich Little joins Gilbert and Frank for an hour of memories and anecdotes about his legendary showbiz pals and co-stars, including Jimmy Stewart, Dean Martin, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra and Jack Benny (to name but a few). Also, Rich dubs Ernest Borgnine, George Burns takes a phone call, Johnny Carson takes his revenge and David Frye lays down the law. PLUS: The Velvet Fog. "The Caine Mutiny". Carnac the Magnificent. Ed Sullivan introduces Little Richard. And Gilbert "dances for Fred Astaire".
Sun, Jan 15, 2017
Radio and podcast personality (and lifelong Gilbert fan) Ira Glass drops by the studio to share his love of, among other things, old-school entertainment, classic comedy albums, the Frank Sinatra songbook and the grand spectacle of "The Poseidon Adventure." Also, Sammy Davis Jr. finds religion, Davy Jones finds inspiration, Ruth Buzzi hangs (or doesn't) with Orson Welles and Ira crashes the set of a legendary sitcom. PLUS: "The Komodo Dragon Expert". Red Buttons' sister. The mercurial Zero Mostel. Yoko Ono improvises. And "The Incredible Mr. Limpet!"
Sun, Jan 22, 2017
Gilbert and Frank pay loving tribute to some of the outstanding talents who passed away in 2016, including Robert Vaughn, George Kennedy, Carrie Fisher, Patty Duke and Garry Shandling. Also in this episode: Carol Brady pitches Cheerios, Garry Marshall defends Wayne Newton, William Schallert tangles with Tribbles and Steve Allen presents Guido Panzini. PLUS: The Godfather of Gore. The Slow Talkers of America. Jack Riley's doomsday cult. Gilbert hangs with Lois Lane. And we bid farewell to the Green Hornet (and Cato).
Sun, Jan 29, 2017
Comedian and actor Ronnie Schell has shared the stage and screen with virtually everyone in show business, including Andy Griffith, Carl Reiner, Redd Foxx, Rodney Dangerfield, Goldie Hawn, George Carlin and even Groucho Marx. Gilbert and Frank track down Ronnie at his LA home to talk about his early days on the nightclub circuit, his decades-long friendships with legendary funnymen Bill Dana, Pat McCormick and Harvey Korman and his memorable role as Gomer Pyle's bunkmate, Duke Slater. PLUS: Billy De Wolfe. The Kingston Trio. The reclusive Jack Burns. Sinatra drops by the Blue Angel. And the prodigious talents of Theodore Bikel.
Sun, Feb 5, 2017
Musician and vocalist Howard Kaylan (The Turtles, The Mothers of Invention, Flo and Eddie) joins Gilbert and Frank for a funny, freewheeling discussion of a host of topics, including the virtuosity of Harry Nilsson, the "free love" of the 1960s, the nostalgic appeal of "That Thing You Do!" and the underrated artistry of The Zombies. Also: Howard disses Lulu, parties with Soupy Sales, runs afoul of Jimi Hendrix and meets his personal "Louis Prima." PLUS: Kate Smith. "Don McNeill's Breakfast Club!" Donald Fagen buys a suit. John Lennon feuds with Frank Zappa. And the Turtles invade the White House.
Sun, Feb 12, 2017
Gilbert and Frank talk to screen icon and animal activist Tippi Hedren about her absorbing new memoir ("Tippi"), her collaborations with co-stars Marlon Brando and Rod Taylor, her turbulent relationship with Alfred Hitchcock and her fifty-year mission to rescue and protect wild cats. Also, Cary Grant pays a visit, Sean Connery pays a compliment, JFK makes his move and Tippi befriends a raven from "The Birds." PLUS: "The Harrad Experiment". The legendary Edith Head. Charlie Chaplin saves the day. Young Gilbert checks out "Marnie". And the (arguably) most dangerous movie ever made.
Sun, Feb 19, 2017
Renowned Hollywood publicist Dick Guttman talks to Gilbert and Frank about his 60+ years as a Hollywood "flack," promoting the careers of stars like Warren Beatty, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor (among hundreds of others). Also, Dick praises Gene Hackman, pranks James Mason, parties with Marlon Brando and pens a joke for Uncle Miltie. PLUS: "The Sweet Smell of Success". Harpo speaks. Laurence Olivier hams it up. Cary Grant shares the spotlight. And the greatest year in movie history.
Sun, Feb 26, 2017
Comedian, TV writer and host of the popular Internet show/podcast "The Best Show," Tom Scharpling stops by the studio to hold court on a wide range of topics, including the comic genius of Martin Short (and Charles Grodin), the self-importance of Jerry Lewis, the body count of "Death Wish 3" and the forgotten history of "Saturday Night Live." Also: Jimmie Walker breaks out, Harry Shearer holds out, Tom feuds with Chuck Woolery and Hitler puts a hit out on the Three Stooges. PLUS: Gilbert O'Sullivan. "The Day the Clown Cried". Alex P. Keaton goes to Japan. Tom meets Lisa Simpson. And the creepiest song ever written.
Sun, Mar 5, 2017
Emmy-winning writer-director Bill Persky returns to weigh in on topics not covered in his previous appearances, including the physicality of Tim Conway, the irritability of Joey Bishop, the professionalism of Don Ameche and the star power of Sandy Koufax. Also, Jack Palance tells a joke, Harvey Korman treads the boards, Joe Namath turns heads and George Carlin takes a powder. PLUS: Burt Mustin. Gene Kelly unmasked. Super Dave goes to Tahiti. Remembering Garry Marshall. And Eva Gabor replaces Sgt. Bilko.
Sat, Mar 11, 2017
Gilbert and Frank chat with veteran character actor Jamie Farr, who looks back on 60+ years of showbiz memories, including sharing the big and small screen with legends Bob Hope, Doris Day, Sidney Poitier, Danny Kaye and Ed Wynn. Also, Jamie tours with Red Skelton, takes a class with Clint Eastwood, runs afoul of Joey Bishop and borrows a frock from Ginger Rogers. PLUS: "Murder Can Hurt You". "Who's Minding the Mint?". The mad genius of Chuck Barris. Lenny Bruce inspires Klinger. And the greatest prime-time lineup in TV history.
Sun, Mar 19, 2017
In an effort to introduce and explain the podcast to the unfamiliar or uninitiated, Gilbert and Frank assemble a collection of highlights from the first 140+ episodes, including memorable moments with Matthew Broderick, Howie Mandel, "Weird" Al Yankovic, Chevy Chase and Bob "Super Dave" Einstein (among others). Also, Uncle Junior sings, Al Jaffee turns tragedy into comedy, John Amos sends up Leonard Bernstein and Joey Pants spends a quiet day with the family. PLUS: Skelton Knaggs. Misbehaving Munchkins. Marlon Brando snubs the Academy. Slappy White makes a run for it. And Gilbert (finally) reveals his true self.
Sun, Mar 26, 2017
One of the funniest and most beloved character actors of his generation, Bernie Kopell joins Gilbert and Frank to reminisce about his six decades in show business, working with legends Steve Allen, Jack Benny and Phil Slivers and his signature roles on Get Smart, When Things Were Rotten and The Love Boat. Also, Charles Boyer apologizes, Raymond Burr takes a seat, Harvey Korman peddles encyclopedias and Bernie remembers his old pal Dick Gautier. PLUS: The world's slowest agent. Louis Armstrong hails a cab. Jonathan Winters lays down the law. In praise of Dick Van Dyke (and Mary Tyler Moore). And a surprise guest calls in to the show.
Sun, Apr 2, 2017
Gilbert and Frank welcome back actor, raconteur and GGACP superfan Richard Kind, who waxes nostalgic about everything from "Soldier in the Rain" to "My Favorite Martian" to working alongside Robert Conrad, Charles Grodin, Martin Short and the Coen Brothers. Also, Frank Gorshin turns on the charm, Slappy White teams with Steve Rossi, Gilbert drops a dime on Eugene Pallette and Richard defends "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol." PLUS: Nick Apollo Forte. "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage". Uncle Goopy reveals all. Praising M. Emmett Walsh. And Phil Collins meets Henry Mancini.
Sun, Apr 9, 2017
Liverpool-born rocker Billy J. Kramer, a member of the British Invasion and a friend/collaborator of the Beatles, joins Gilbert and Frank to explain the origin of Skiffle, the unusual appeal of the Cavern Club, the subculture known as "Teddy Boys" and Pete Best's exodus from the Fab Four. Also, Billy signs with Brian Epstein, teams with the Bee Gees, locks horns with George Martin, and covers Neil Diamond and Harry Nilsson. PLUS: "Jukebox Jury". Billy goes glam. Gilbert salutes Gene Pitney. John Lennon records in the loo. And James Brown upstages the Stones.
Sun, Apr 16, 2017
Veteran Broadway, TV and film actor Tony Roberts stops by the studio to hold court on a wide range of topics, including the intensity of Al Pacino, the minimalism of Robert Mitchum, the eccentricities of Jerome Robbins and the professionalism of Sidney Lumet. Also: Tony runs lines with Edward G. Robinson, takes flight with Mary Poppins, plays the ponies with Mickey Rooney and treads the boards with Abe Vigoda. PLUS: Everett Sloane. "Amityville 3-D". Woody Allen hits the beach. Tony's mom dates Uncle Miltie. And Sydney Greenstreet meets...Sydney Greenstreet.
Sun, Apr 23, 2017
Gilbert and Frank are joined by legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb ("Wichita Lineman," "Up, Up and Away"), who shares an entire career's worth of memories and anecdotes, including meeting Elvis, playing baccarat with Ol' Blue Eyes, turning down 40K a week to play Vegas and and sitting in on a recording session of the "White Album." Also, Jimmy parties with Paul Williams, crosses swords with Harry Nilsson, joins John Lennon on his "lost weekend" and pens megahits for longtime friend/collaborator Glen Campbell. PLUS: Father Guido Sarducci. The Nelson Riddle Orchestra. David Geffen offers advice. The musical genius of Johnny Rivers. And Jimmy plays "MacArthur Park" in...MacArthur Park.
Sun, Apr 30, 2017
In one of the most offbeat episodes to date, comedian, writer and actor Steven Wright drops by the studio to talk about his love of surrealism, his admiration for Don Rickles, his childhood obsession with "The Tonight Show" and the absurdity of telling jokes for a living. Also, Steven discovers Hal Ashby (and Cat Stevens), Gilbert chats up Norman Fell, Randy Quaid holds a press conference and Brooke Shields goes to a podiatrist. PLUS: "Summer of '42". Humphrey Bogart orders stamps. Steven nabs an Oscar. The return of Jack Frost. And Ben Gazzara enjoys the Ben Gazzara bit.
Sun, May 7, 2017
In a special live episode (in association with the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival), Gilbert and Frank welcome Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson, who recalls his early days as a sketch performer, his collaborations with comedy icons Carol Burnett, Mel Brooks and Tim Conway, and the experience of directing Dustin Hoffman to an Oscar in "Rain Man." Also, Warren Beatty breaks Gilbert's heart, Jackie Gayle riffs on "Bonanza," Rodney Dangerfield runs afoul of the law and "Diner" influences future generations of filmmakers. PLUS: The curse of The Mummy. The brilliance of Bruno Kirby. The "magic" of Art Metrano. Jack Riley salutes Jack Benny. And Barry remembers the dynamic Robin Williams.
Sun, May 14, 2017
Gilbert and Frank talk with producer, archivist and fellow Marx Brothers fanatic Robert S. Bader about his lifelong obsession with the boys as well as his fascinating (and meticulously researched) new book, "Four of the Three Musketeers: The Marx Brothers On Stage." Also: Gummo goes to war, Harpo "courts" Amelia Earhart, Grouchocashes in on "Skidoo" and Gilbert hangs with Chico's daughter. PLUS: Swain's Rats and Cats. The real-life Sunshine Boys. BugsySiegel buys the farm. Dennis Hopper plays Napoleon. And the mystery of the disappearing Marx Brother.
Sun, May 21, 2017
Gilbert and Frank welcome one of their personal heroes to the show, iconic writer-actor-director Carl Reiner, who recalls his earliest years in the business, shares his admiration for Steve Allen, Sid Caesar and Dick Van Dyke and looks back on his feature film collaborations ("The Jerk," "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid") with Steve Martin. Also, Gilbert and Carl roast Joan Rivers, Ruth Gordon bites George Segal's tush, Queen Elizabeth praises "The 2000 Year Old Man," and Sheldon Leonard rescues "Head of the Family." PLUS: Iron Balls McGinty. Monty the Talking Dog. The late, great Edith Head. Mickey Rooney sends up Ben Turpin. And the legend of Le Petomane.
Sun, May 28, 2017
Pop vocalist, record producer and "Sugar Sugar" singer Ron Dante joins Gilbert and Frank for an engaging and enjoyable conversation about the history of the legendary Brill Building, the birth of The Archies, the magic touch of Don Kirshner (and Barry Manilow) and the lost art of commercial jingles. Also, Ron mimics Donovan, Larry Fine throws in the towel, Paul Shaffer goes deep-sea fishing and Carole King's babysitter tops the charts. PLUS: "Leader of the Laundromat". The fabulous Toni Wine. The 1910 Fruitgum Company. "The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan". And the return of "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep".
Sun, Jun 4, 2017
Actor, film historian, memorabilia collector and self-described "Monster Kid" Bob Burns regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about meeting Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, George Pal and William Castle, among others. Also, Bob mentors Rick Baker, tours with Eddie Munster, brings Lon Chaney Jr. to tears, and visits the set of "Plan 9 from Outer Space." PLUS: "Shock Theater". Ray "Crash" Corrigan. "Invasion of the Saucer Men". Tor Johnson goes to the movies. And Bob confirms the "legend" of Forrest Tucker.
Sun, Jun 11, 2017
Man of a thousand talents - singer, songwriter, record producer, playwright and novelist Rupert Holmes joins Gilbert and Frank to discuss the lost art of "story songs," the visual allure of Hammer films, the mimicry gifts of Peter Bogdanovich and the unsung musicianship of the Wrecking Crew. Also, Rupert lunches with Groucho (and Frank Capra!), pens tunes for Barbra Streisand, joins forces with Jerry Lewis and reveals the origin of "The Pina Colada Song." PLUS: "The Indestructible Man". The magic of Orson Welles. Gene Pitney makes a note. Darren McGavin takes a steam. And Rupert hangs with the Jackson 5.
Sun, Jun 18, 2017
Gilbert and Frank welcome actor-director Richard Benjamin for an enlightening and thoroughly entertaining discussion about his six-decade career in Hollywood as well as his memories of working with Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Mike Nichols and Orson Welles. Also, James Mason pulls a fast one, Walter Matthau plays the ponies, Johnny Guitar meets Lawrence of Arabia and Richard helms a comedy classic ("My Favorite Year"). PLUS: The genius of Michael Crichton. The brilliance of Buck Henry. George Burns orders soup. Richard pursues Albert Finney. And Gilbert sings the theme from "Goodbye Columbus".