32 episodes

Discussions of movies remembered from the days when it was necessary to actually go to the movies. Most guests have written books on the subjects under discussion.

Movie Nights & Matinees Bill Groves

    • TV & Film
    • 4.9 • 7 Ratings

Discussions of movies remembered from the days when it was necessary to actually go to the movies. Most guests have written books on the subjects under discussion.

    Episode 30 - Here Comes the Cavalry

    Episode 30 - Here Comes the Cavalry

    Author Michael F. Blake returns to chat with me and Jim about his latest book, The Cavalry Trilogy:  John Ford, John Wayne, and the Making of Three Classic Westerns.  Ride along as we talk about the men and the movies; spotlighting Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and Rio Grande, with a few others getting mentions along the way.
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 58 min
    Episode 29 - Weaving Worlds

    Episode 29 - Weaving Worlds

    I'm joined by author Cathy Whitlock to talk about the subject of production design as chronicled in her gorgeous book Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction.  Among the films discussed are Citizen Kane, Top Hat, Things to Come, The Wizard of Oz, Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia and You Only Live Twice, to name a few. 
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 52 min
    Episode 28 - Scene Me a Song

    Episode 28 - Scene Me a Song

    Author Gary May joins me to talk about the career of M.K. Jerome, whose songs enhanced many a golden age Hollywood film, especially during his tenure at Warner Bros.  Moe, as he was known to friends, family and colleagues, is the subject of Gary's book The Tunesmith, The Musical Journey of M.K. Jerome.  Gary has significant insight into  Moe's life and career, given that Moe was Gary's grandfather.  Listen in as we discuss Moe's contributions to film in a variety of genres, and in support of stars such as Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn and James Cagney.  Oh, and there's also that movie you might have heard mentioned once or twice called Casablanca.
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 48 min
    Episode 27 - Writ Large Screen: Agatha Christie

    Episode 27 - Writ Large Screen: Agatha Christie

    Agatha Christie scholar and author Mark Aldridge joins me to discuss movies adapted from the writings of the famed mystery writer, as chronicled in Mark's book Agatha Christie on Screen.  Gather with us in the virtual parlor as we discuss, among other films, Love From a Stranger, And Then There Were None, Witness for the Prosecution and Murder on the Orient Express. 
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Episode 26 - Abbott & Costello Meet Biffle & Shooster

    Episode 26 - Abbott & Costello Meet Biffle & Shooster

    Jim and I are joined by the multi-talented Nick Santa Maria, co-author of The Annotated Abbott and Costello and the alphabetically first half of the retro comedy team Biffle and Shooster.  We chat about Bud and Lou, and what made them and their comedy formula so special, then segue into the creation and assemblage of the neo-vintage (seriously?) short comedies produced and compiled into The Misadventures of Biffle and Shooster.
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 1 hr
    Episode 25 - Maltin on Maltin

    Episode 25 - Maltin on Maltin

    As our first guest of 2024, Jim and I are thrilled to welcome the one and only Leonard Maltin, whose tenure as the movie critic for Entertainment Tonight spanned three decades, and whose books are a staple of any respectable movie reference library, in addition to his highly informative and entertaining autobiography.  Join us as we discuss his career, his books, and here and there a specific movie.
    Let us know what you think about this episode!
    A Bill&Debi Production

    • 52 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

donniec. ,

My New Favorite Podcast!

If you’re a fan of good old MOVIE movies, this podcast is for you. The highest compliment I can pay here is that every episode has recalled the thrill I felt as a child in the early 1970s pouring through the many film books my dad bought for me. Books like “A Thousand and One Delights”, “Days of Thrills and Adventure “ and so many more. Bill Groves somehow recaptures that childhood sense of wonder, and this slightly worn-out 64 year old really appreciates it. Loved the Blondie episode. You can check out the original Columbia opening titles to “Blondie Has Servant Trouble” on YouTube. You’ll love them. Finally, did I miss a mention that Penny Singleton has a second claim to immortality as the voice of wife Jane on The Jetsons? So many reasons to love that woman!

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