Sun, Dec 31, 2017
Gilbert and Frank welcome (finally!) oft-discussed maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen ("It's Alive," "The Stuff," "Hell Up in Harlem"), who talks about his early days as a standup comic, his friendship with Alfred Hitchcock, the risks and rewards of "guerrilla moviemaking" and the new documentary about his life and career, "King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen." Also, Chuck Connors blows the whistle, Robert De Niro dons a yarmulke, Bette Davis stages a "comeback" and John Belushi babysits Broderick Crawford. PLUS: "Q, the Winged Serpent". Revisiting "Coronet Blue". John Wayne tosses out the script. The Coen Brothers pay "tribute" to "Branded". And Larry remembers the legendary Samuel Z. Arkoff.
Sun, Jan 7, 2018
Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at the creative and cultural revolutions of the 1960s as well as his six-decade career as a singer, songwriter and founding member of the platinum-selling pop group, The Rascals. Also, Wilson Pickett blows his stack, Tom Jones covers Sophie Tucker, Sammy Davis does the boys a solid and Felix shares his recollections of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the four lads from Liverpool. PLUS: Myron Cohen. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Laura Nyro stands her ground. Gilbert sings "The Mouse". The genius of Arif Mardin. And Felix boards a rowboat with Der Bingle.
Sun, Jan 14, 2018
Gilbert and Frank take a loving look back at some of the unforgettable talents who left us in 2017, including Jim Nabors, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Gregory, George Romero and Martin Landau. Also in this episode: Harry Dean Stanton breaks out, Gilbert hangs with Tobe Hooper, John Hurt presides over The Last Supper and Rose Marie inspires a generation of funny women. PLUS: Hymie the Robot. The First Lady of Voice Acting. The artistry of Jonathan Demme. The brilliance of Chuck Barris. And the boys remember their VERY FIRST podcast guest.
Sun, Jan 21, 2018
Writer, producer and showbiz historian Mark Evanier joins Gilbert and Frank for a loose and lively conversation about the lasciviousness of Herve Villechaize, the eccentricities of Paul Winchell, the multiple talents of Howard Morris (and Allan Melvin!) and the artistry of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Also, Red Skelton works blue, Vincent Price disses Danny Kaye, Billy Barty meets the Bay City Rollers and Groucho visits the set of "Welcome Back, Kotter." PLUS: Sergio Aragones. "Who's Minding the Mint?". Jack Benny goes to the movies. Gilbert breaks bread with Rob Petrie. And Frank sings the "Banana Splits" theme with Joe Barbera.
Sun, Jan 28, 2018
Emmy-winning writer-producer-actor Phil Rosenthal chats with Gilbert and Frank about a number of compelling topics, including the "sex appeal" of comedians, the vulgarity of network sitcoms, the ingeniousness of "Tootsie" (and "The Swimmer") and the realism and relatability of "The Honeymooners." Also, Lucy loses a ring, George Burns nabs an Oscar, Robert Mitchum dons an apron and Phil remembers his dear friend Peter Boyle. PLUS: The artistry of Alan Arkin. The wonder of Walter Matthau. Jerry Lewis plays the big room. Phil hangs with Peter O'Toole. And the most politically incorrect movie ever made.
Sun, Feb 4, 2018
Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Barbara Barrie ("Barney Miller," "Breaking Away") sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a look back at her early days in live television and shares her recollections of working with everyone from Tony Randall and Jack Klugman to James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. Also, Jack Weston gets fresh, Madeline Kahn toughs it out, Richard Mulligan saves the day and Barbara and Art Carney bomb in Chicago. PLUS: "Shock Corridor". The original Alice Kramden. The comic genius of Danny Arnold. Robert Duvall enters "The Twilight Zone". And Gilbert (once again) roasts the late, great Abe Vigoda.
Sun, Feb 11, 2018
Gilbert and Frank reach out to one of their favorite performers, actor Gino Conforti ("Three's Company," "Man of La Mancha") who discusses the life of a "journeyman" actor and looks back on his working relationships with Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Zero Mostel, Debbie Reynolds and Orson Welles. Also, Sophia Loren takes a spill, Jerome Robbins takes a powder, Jonathan Winters comes to dinner and Gilbert and Gino remember the late, great John Ritter. PLUS: "Bungle Abbey". Uncle Carl Laemmle. In praise of Tom Hanks. Gino "befriends" Sally Field. And the Golden Helmet of Mambrino.
Sun, Feb 18, 2018
Tony-nominated actor and singer (and friend of GGACP) Craig Bierko returns to weigh in on a wide range of topics, including: the lost era of "Clubhouse TV," the importance of a showbiz "hook," the generosity of Alan Alda and Carol Burnett and the similarities between Yiddish theatre and "Guys and Dolls." Also, Jack Paar gets intimate, Steve Martin plays to the cheap seats, Richard Dreyfuss "inhabits" Spencer Tracy and Ted Danson borrows from Dick Van Dyke. PLUS: Peter Tork. In praise of Richard Kind. Craig wows Stephen Sondheim. Gilbert teams with Larry David. And Nathan Lane pays tribute to...EVERYONE.
Sun, Feb 25, 2018
Oscar-nominated screenwriter ("The Disaster Artist," "500 Days of Summer") and GGACPsuperfan MICHAEL H. WEBER joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the studio development process, the eccentricities of Marlon Brando (and Tommy Wiseau), the cinema of Richard Curtis and the importance of truth in storytelling. Also, Jane Fonda takes a seat, Bill Murray thanks Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman pursues Hannibal Lecter and the boys list their favorite romantic comedies (and romantic comedy cliches). PLUS: Evel Knievel. "The Knack...and How to Get It". Gilbert hangs with Paul Rudd. Praising "Jerry Maguire". And Michael swaps punchlines with Steve Martin.
Sun, Mar 4, 2018
Gilbert and Frank check in with one of their favorite performers, actor-writer-director DAVE THOMAS, who talks about his years with Second City (and SCTV), his transition to dramatic series writing, his admiration for Bob Hope and his working relationships with Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Tom Poston and Martin Short. Also, Richard Harris gets rough, Buck Henry storms out, Gilbert dances with John Travolta and Mel Blanc plays Dave's dad. PLUS: "The New Show". The origin of Bob and Doug McKenzie. Yasser Arafat hits the links. Dave praises Al Jaffee. And the comedy stylings of Max von Sydow.
Sun, Mar 11, 2018
Legendary talent manager and Emmy-winning producer George Shapiro joins Gilbert and Frank to reminisce about the glory days of the Borscht Belt and the golden age of variety television and to discuss his personal and professional relationships with Steve Allen, Jimmy Durante, Carl Reiner and Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Elvis praises Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer inspires Tony Clifton, "Dem Bums" visit "The Martha Raye Show" and George explains his lifelong love affair with comedy (and comedians). PLUS: Marty Feldman. Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Nichols and May bring down the house. Richard Pryor plays God. And Danny DeVito plays...George Shapiro?
Sun, Mar 18, 2018
Actor Eddie Deezen ("Grease," "1941," "The Polar Express") joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his memorable roles in iconic '70s and '80s movies, his early days as a stand-up comic and his unforgettable encounters with Andy Griffith, John Belushi, Jerry Lewis and Mickey Rooney. Also, Eddie loses his lunch, Jack Nicholson loses his cool, Morgan Fairchild turns on the charm and Count Dracula shares the screen with "Weezie" Jefferson. PLUS: Remembering Marvin Kaplan. The return of Fake Shemp. The cinema of Fred Olen Ray. Steven Spielberg presents the Beatles. And Gilbert sings the theme from "Zapped!"
Sun, Mar 25, 2018
Gilbert and Frank celebrate their 200th (!) episode by welcoming frequent guests (and friends) Drew Friedman, Rupert Holmes and Richard Kind for a loose, laugh-filled (and frequently lewd) discussion of essential topics, including: the cinema of Fred Gwynne, the unpredictability of Jerry Lewis, the long-lost child of Uncle Miltie, and the risks and rewards of meeting one's heroes. Also, Drew puts Groucho to bed, Rupert lunches with Frank Capra, Richard lives up to his name and the panel recalls the movie that changed their lives. PLUS: The Olivia de Havilland of monster movies. In praise of Dan Castellaneta. Gilbert disses (the original) "Casino Royale". Merv Griffin co-stars with a gorilla. And the boys rank the best Richard Kind impressions.
Sun, Apr 1, 2018
Gilbert and Frank welcome "Mrs. C" herself, Emmy-nominated actress Marion Ross, who recalls her early days as a studio contract player, her struggles to find her footing in Hollywood, her curious methods of getting into character and her working relationships with Claudette Colbert, Noel Coward, Kirk Douglas and Charlton Heston. Also, Marion crushes on Clark Gable, confides in Cary Grant, sets sail with Tony Curtis and pays a call on Bogie and Bacall. PLUS: Marlene Dietrich eats lunch. Jose Ferrer makes his move. Ginger Rogers robs the cradle. And Marion remembers colleagues Tom Bosley, Pat Morita and Garry Marshall.
Sun, Apr 8, 2018
Veteran character actor Ed Begley Jr. joins Gilbert and Frank for a loving look at the glory days of the Troubadour, the timelessness of "The In-Laws," the absurdity of Hollywood urban legends and the career of his Oscar-winning dad, Ed Begley. Also, Forrest Tucker takes a nip, Steve Allen checks into "St. Elsewhere," Harry Belafonte shuts down Rodney Dangerfield and Ed hits the rink with Charlie's Angels. PLUS: Wheeler and Woolsey. "Amazon Women on the Moon". Mr. Warmth lowers the boom. Ed remembers his friend Peter Falk. And the unsolved death of John "Stumpy" Pepys.
Sun, Apr 15, 2018
Gilbert and Frank track down one of their favorite performers, singer and recording artist Tony Sandler, who looks back on his turbulent childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, his wild times in mob-run Las Vegas, his glory days as one half of "Sandler and Young" and his friendships with Sid Caesar, Sammy Davis Jr., Vincent Price and Phil Silvers (among others). Also, Louis Prima plays the Sands, Lauren Bacall makes her move, Elvis chases chorus girls and Sonny and Cher "entertain" the royal family. PLUS: Les Brown and His Band of Renown. Uncle Miltie lays down the law. Robert Goulet misses the boat. Dino does the boys a solid. And the poetry of Buddy Hackett.
Sun, Apr 22, 2018
In one of the funniest GGACP shows to date, comedian, musician and voice actor Billy West returns to weigh in on a number of topics, including the legend of "Grandpa" Al Lewis, the genius of June Foray, the uselessness of "Curly Joe" DeRita and the magnificence of the Buddy Rich and Paul Anka rants. Also, Larry Fine plays Stanley Kowalski, Lou Jacobi inspires Dr. Zoidberg, Jay Leno messes with James Mason's head and Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: El Brendel. The Mad Russian. The strange death of Ted Healy. The return of the Jackie Puppet. And Gilbert and Frank recall the long-lost Irwin Corey episode.
Sun, Apr 29, 2018
Comedian, actor, writer and GGACP fan Patton Oswalt drops by the studio (finally!) to discuss the films of Sidney Lumet and Billy Wilder, the "unnatural" art of sitcom acting, the disappearance of grindhouse theaters and the influence of "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert." Also, Larry Cohen deconstructs Superman, Gilbert imagines "Titanic, Part II," the Karate Kid opens a car dealership and Patton stages "The Day the Clown Cried." PLUS: Praising "Ratatouille". Remembering John Cazale. The artistry of Rick Baker. "Francis Ford Coppola's Dr. Strange". And the shocking climax in the case of the Golden State Killer.
Sun, May 6, 2018
Legendary character actor M. Emmet Walsh ("Blade Runner," "Fletch," "The Jerk") joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating conversation about acing auditions, stealing scenes, disappearing into roles, reinventing characters and humanizing heavies and bad guys. Also, Laurence Oliver gets "the wish," Henry Fonda rallies the troops, Lauren Bacall reads the riot act and the Coen Brothers pay in cash. PLUS: The Stanton-Walsh rule. J. Carrol Naish. Loving Lee Grant. Deconstructing "Blood Simple". And Emmet plays "tennis" with Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Harrison Ford.
Sun, May 13, 2018
Gilbert and Frank are thrilled to welcome producer-director Richard Donner ("Superman," "The Omen," "Lethal Weapon"), who discusses the importance of teamwork, the eccentricities of Marlon Brando, the joys of collaborating with Rod Serling and the challenge of (faithfully) adapting the Man of Steel for the big screen. Also, Gregory Peck cashes in, Gene Hackman plays hardball, Jackie Gleason bends the elbow and Richard recalls working with Hollywood's greatest character actors. PLUS: Miguelito Loveless. "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". Celebrating Don Rickles. Gilbert auditions for "Scrooged". And Richard remembers his friend Christopher Reeve.
Sun, May 20, 2018
Gilbert and Frank welcome one of their favorite performers, Academy Award winner Keith Carradine, for a fond look back at his frequent collaborations with mentor Robert Altman, his friendships with co-stars Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Mitchum, and the life and career of his dad, horror legend John Carradine. Also, Harvey Keitel loosens up, Jerry Lewis shoots hoops, Rod Steiger pays a surprise visit and Jessica Tandy lights up the stage. PLUS: "Love American Style". Sam Fuller eats a stogie. Kwai Chang Caine hosts SNL. Deconstructing "The Aristocrats". And Keith wins an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Sun, May 27, 2018
Metallica guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Kirk Hammett visits the studio to discuss his lifelong love affair with horror films, his priceless collection of movie memorabilia, his sympathy for "misunderstood" monsters and the shared connection between horror fans and metal heads. Also, Karloff goes digital, Kirk meets Robert Crumb, Forrest Ackerman drives a hard bargain and Gilbert pens a fan letter to Lon Chaney Jr. PLUS: "White Zombie". "It Conquered the World". Maria Ouspenskaya returns. The art of Basil Gogos. And Horrible Herman, the Asiatic Insect.
Sun, Jun 3, 2018
Gilbert and Frank welcome a favorite performer (sorry...performers!), legendary ventriloquist Willie Tyler and his longtime partner, Lester, for an entertaining conversation about the history of the "Chitlin Circuit," ventriloquism-themed horror movies, the mob's influence in Vegas and and the golden age of "the Motown Sound." Also: Steve Rossi teams with Slappy White, George Kirby channels Pearl Bailey, Edgar Bergen offers sage advice and Willie opens for Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. PLUS: Jules Podell. Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. Don Rickles takes a front seat. Lester meets George Jefferson. And the many talents of Paul Winchell.
Sun, Jun 10, 2018
In celebration of Father's Day, Gilbert and Frank welcome Emmy-winning comedy writers Arnie and Jay Kogen ("The Carol Burnett Show," "Newhart," "The Simpsons," "Frasier") for a hilarious conversation about failed pilots, cheesy variety shows, the outrageousness of Pat McCormick and the "unwritten rules" of writing for television. Also, Soupy Sales takes flight, Jackie Mason takes offense, Garry Shandling gripes about the sunset and the Kogens party with the Jackson 5. PLUS: "Monkey World". The genius of James L. Brooks. "The World's Oldest Fireman". Jay reinterprets "The Aristocrats". And Gilbert and Arnie remember "Thicke of the Night".
Sun, Jun 17, 2018
Actor, director, producer and counterculture hero Peter Fonda stops by the studio for a fascinating conversation about the making of "Easy Rider," his difficult relationship with his legendary dad and his encounters with Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau and Ernest Hemingway (among others). Also, Dennis Hopper holds a grudge, Elvis straps on a helmet, Jack Nicholson replaces Rip Torn and Victor Mature gives a bravura performance. PLUS: The genius of Terry Southern. In praise of Christopher Plummer. The Monkees foot the bill. The Beatles find inspiration. And Peter names his favorite Henry Fonda movie.