Old Interviews

Thomas Alexander
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Daily

No fancy concepts here the name say it all. Each week we bring you interesting interviews from the past. Every Friday night at 6pm tune in for a new episode. #interviews #old #oldinterviews

Episodes

  1. May 12

    Alfred Hitchcock Unfiltered: The Master of Suspense in His Own Words

    Dive into the legendary mind of cinema’s greatest director, Alfred Hitchcock, in this rare and captivating 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show. In this must-watch conversation, the "Master of Suspense" pulls back the curtain on his iconic film career, offering fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes secrets, including: • The Art of Fear: How he masterfully crafts suspense, breaks down his famous Psycho shower scene, and why he believes the audience loves to be scared. • Technical Genius: Learn the ingenious practical tricks he used for films like The Birds, Lifeboat, and Foreign Correspondent long before the age of CGI. • Director’s Wisdom: Hear his candid, often humorous, thoughts on working with actors, the invention of the "McGuffin," and why he insists on absolute control over his projects. • A Darkly Comic Mind: Discover the man behind the pussycat persona as he shares hilarious stories about his reputation as a legendary practical joker and his unique perspective on life and death. Whether you are a dedicated film student or simply a fan of classic cinema, this intimate discussion is a masterclass in storytelling from one of the most influential directors in history.

    56 min

  2. May 4

    May the 4th Special: George Lucas on the Creative Force Behind Star Wars

    In honor of Star Wars Day, dive into this insightful reflection from George Lucas. From his early days at film school and the struggles of breaking into the industry, to the creative journey of building the Star Wars universe, Lucas shares his wisdom on the artistic process, the importance of persistence, and how he turned his vision into a cultural phenomenon. May the Force be with your own creative endeavors!

    35 min

  3. May 4

    1977 NEWS SPECIAL: Parents Of Gays | First Homophobia Network Broadcast

    CBS" PARENTS OF GAYS "in 1977. Produced four years after homosexuality was declassified as an anxiety disorder and eight years after the Stonewall Riots, PARENTS OF GAYS was the first presentation on network television where homosexuality was presented as within the normal range of behavior. The special explored the emotional journeys of parents coming to terms with their child's sexual orientation during a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized.

    13 min

  4. May 2

    SHOCKING: Real 1950s Criminal Reveals His Twisted Motives Behind Bars! 🚨

    You won't believe the chilling, cold-blooded honesty in this rare archival footage. A career criminal—hidden behind a mask—sits down for an unprecedented, brutal interview that was once used to train police officers on the dark reality of the "criminal mind." Prepare to be disturbed as you discover: • The Shocking Origin: How a simple family fight spiraled into a life of grand theft auto at just 17 (0:36). • The "Criminal School": Why he claims reformatories weren't a punishment, but a place to network with other predators (2:18). • Zero Remorse: His jaw-dropping admission about why killing someone during a robbery wouldn't have bothered him one bit (3:54 - 4:32). • Living Off the Grid: His bizarre confession about manipulating older women to avoid ever having to work a real job (5:39 - 5:48). This isn't an actor. This is a real, unrepentant man explaining exactly why he chose a life of crime over everything else. Watch this haunting piece of history now—you'll never look at the "criminal mind" the same way again.

    6 min

  5. May 2

    Steve Jobs' RARE 1981 Interview: Why He Was So Rude on Set

    Step back in time to 1981 to witness a young Steve Jobs in one of his earliest, most candid interviews. While the visionary founder of Apple articulates his revolutionary ideas about the "bicycle for the mind" and the future of the personal computer, there is a fascinating, hidden tension behind the scenes. What You’ll Discover in This Exclusive Look: • The Vision: Jobs explains why he chose the term "personal computer" over "home computer" and his iconic analogy of fractional horsepower (1:59-3:14). • The Hidden Drama: Throughout the session, Jobs shows little patience for the technical setup and the interviewer's assistants. You can clearly spot moments of condescension and irritability (0:45-0:53, 16:47-16:59) as he dismisses the television production process, calling it the "lowest common denominator" (0:42). • Silicon Valley Origins: A rare glimpse into the entrepreneurial culture of the 80s and the role models who shaped Apple (12:25-13:06). This is a MUST-WATCH for anyone obsessed with tech history, the Apple origin story, and the volatile, perfectionist personality of the legendary Steve Jobs.

    20 min

  6. May 1

    YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS EXPLOSIVE 1970 CLASH! A Governor and a Sports Legend Face Off on National TV!

    This historic and intense 1970 episode of The Dick Cavett Show features a heated, high-stakes debate between Georgia Governor Lester Maddox and legendary athlete and activist Jim Brown. The most shocking moments: • Defining Racism and Segregation: Maddox attempts to defend his segregationist stance as a form of "racial pride," a claim Brown immediately challenges on moral grounds. • The Clash Over Law: The two argue over the constitutionality of forced integration versus segregation, with Maddox claiming the Supreme Court went "outside the Constitution" (1:20 - 4:10). • The Muhammad Ali Controversy: The debate turns white-hot when Maddox condemns Muhammad Ali for his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, while Brown staunchly defends Ali's right to take a personal, legal stand (4:30 - 6:50). • Economic Equality: Brown pivots to the real issue: the economic development of Black Americans rather than forced integration, though the two struggle to get through a sentence without interrupting one another (9:15 - 10:45). • The 'Security' Confrontation: The tension reaches a breaking point when Jim Brown calls out Maddox for bringing a state trooper behind the curtain, sparking a defensive and awkward explanation from the Governor (11:05 - 12:50).

    13 min

  7. Apr 29

    Orson Welles

    This 1960 interview with Orson Welles in Paris offers a profound look into the life and philosophy of the legendary filmmaker and actor. Across the conversation, Welles addresses the trajectory of his career, his collaborative process, and his views on the medium of film. ### Career and Artistic Philosophy • Early Success and Public Perception: Welles reflects on his early career, noting that he experienced a significant success in Ireland at a young age (4:11), and describes feeling that his subsequent career has been a 'downhill' journey in the eyes of the public (4:19). He rejects the idea of 'spreading himself too thin,' arguing that artists should explore multiple mediums rather than specialize (8:32). • Directing and Acting: When discussing his dual role as actor and director, Welles asserts that in film, it is quite easy to direct oneself (35:24). He emphasizes that while he values his collaborations, particularly with cinematographers like Greg Toland (40:12), he remains more interested in experimentation than established, safe success (9:15). • The 'Citizen Kane' Legacy: Welles expresses a surprising dislike for the 'Rosebud' device in Citizen Kane, calling it a 'rather tawdry device' (22:15) and a 'dollar book gag' (22:25). He credits the technical innovations of the film partly to the 'great spirit' of Toland and partly to his own 'gift of ignorance'—not knowing what he was supposedly not allowed to do (43:08). ### Personal Philosophy and 'Home' • The Concept of Home: In a poignant moment (21:38), Welles reveals that the idea of 'home' is a struggle for him. Because his childhood was defined by constant relocation, he never formed a singular sense of home, despite having lived in many places (21:49). He expresses a fondness for Spain, specifically Avila, which he describes as a 'strange, tragic place' (24:53). • On Criticism and Posterity: Welles admits that he is 'against posterity on principle' (9:30), finding it as vulgar as the obsession with success. He also shares his belief in amateurism as the best approach to criticism (14:13), arguing that professionals often lack the necessary detachment to evaluate art in their own fields. ### Views on Media • Television: Welles offers a critical assessment of television, labeling it a 'second-rate' and 'secondhand' medium for entertainment (47:49). He believes television is better suited as a medium for journalism, communication, and ideas rather than drama (48:38).

    50 min

  8. Apr 27

    John Candy

    This video is a rare, in-depth 1986 interview with the legendary comedian and actor John Candy, conducted by the esteemed Canadian broadcaster Brian Linehan for his program City Lights. The interview offers a candid look at Candy's career trajectory and his experiences within the Hollywood studio system during the mid-80s. Key themes and discussions include: • Early Career & Second City: Candy reflects on his formative years with Second City in both Toronto and Chicago, sharing stories about being "tricked" into his first audition (3:11-4:54) and his early struggles as a working actor (36:58-38:20). • Hollywood Realities: He discusses the complexities of film production, including the legal drama behind Armed and Dangerous (6:15-8:59), the difficulties of working with large studios like Disney/Touchstone (31:09-33:11), and his experiences turning down projects like Three Amigos (28:22-30:59). • Collaborations: Candy shares insights into his creative relationships with friends and colleagues like Eugene Levy (9:33-10:04, 33:28-34:47), Carl Reiner (14:38-16:21), and the memorable experience of meeting Steven Spielberg (16:35-18:04). Modern parallels and similar industry issues: While the technology and specific players have changed, many of the issues Candy faced remain relevant for artists today: • The "Development Hell" of Projects: Candy’s frustration with the legal and creative reshuffling of Armed and Dangerous mirrors the modern experience of projects getting stuck in development limbo or being heavily altered by studio changes before they reach the screen. • Gender Disparity in Casting: Candy notes that the industry was "slower for women" during his time (20:29-21:23). Today, while there is more visibility, conversations persist regarding equity, fair representation, and the struggle for female-led projects to receive the same studio backing as male-led comedies. • The Corporate Shuffle: His story about signing a deal at Disney only to have the executives change shortly after (31:17-33:11) is a common grievance for creators. In the modern era of massive media mergers and frequent leadership turnover in streaming services, writers and producers often find their projects shelved or ignored when the "new guard" arrives.

    41 min

  9. Apr 24

    Freddie Prinze

    This 1974 interview with the legendary comedian Freddie Prinze offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a young entertainer who was, in many ways, ahead of his time. Here is a description of the video with comparisons to today's cultural landscape: • The Early Rise of Social Commentary (4:17-5:17): Much like today’s viral stand-up comedians who leverage social media to broadcast unfiltered political and social critiques, Prinze was already pushing boundaries in 1974. He speaks about using comedy to process societal struggles, a precursor to the modern 'stand-up as commentary' model popularized by creators on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. • Identity and Representation (7:35-8:30): Prinze, being of Hungarian Jewish and Puerto Rican descent, reflects on his identity long before the modern cultural emphasis on intersectionality and authentic representation. He navigated a time when casting and comedic stereotypes were rigid, whereas today's industry is more focused on diverse storytelling—a shift Prinze was clearly advocating for during his career. • The Cycle of Marginalization (9:20-10:05): In a biting bit about the 'formula' of ethnic groups and entry-level jobs in America, Prinze describes a systemic cycle of inequality that feels strikingly relevant to modern discussions on socioeconomic mobility and the history of labor in the United States. • Authenticity vs. Industry Pressure (0:55-1:55): Prinze’s journey from failing high school economics to the Tonight Show and Chico and the Man mirrors the 'hustle culture' we see today. He emphasizes that 'through failure you’ll find out the formula for success' (10:52), a sentiment that remains a foundational mantra for modern content creators and entrepreneurs navigating an unpredictable digital economy. This interview isn't just a historical artifact; it’s a masterclass in how a young, charismatic #interview #oldinterview

    11 min

  10. Apr 23

    Malcolm X

    This video features a 1963 interview with Malcolm X at the University of California, Berkeley, where he discusses the philosophy of the Nation of Islam, the civil rights movement, and his views on racial integration. ### Key Topics Discussed • Violence and Self-Defense: Malcolm X argues that the Nation of Islam is not an aggressive organization but reserves the right to self-defense (1:57). He claims that the label of 'violence' is used by white society to paint Muslims negatively while ignoring the historical and systemic violence inflicted upon Black people (2:26). • Opposition to Integration: He rejects the concept of racial integration, viewing it as a false goal. He advocates for Black separation and independence, suggesting that Black Americans should focus on building their own institutions and economy rather than seeking validation or inclusion from a system he views as fundamentally discriminatory (4:41, 37:48). • Criticism of Civil Rights Leaders: He expresses skepticism toward the non-violent direct action movement led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., arguing that political and legal efforts have failed to secure concrete progress for Black Americans (10:59, 11:43). ### Reflections on Modern Society While this interview took place over 60 years ago, many of the themes remain central to contemporary discourse: • Systemic Inequality: The frustration Malcolm X expresses regarding the efficacy of legislation in achieving true equality mirrors ongoing debates today about the impact of policy vs. systemic change. • The Role of 'Allies': His critique of white liberals and their involvement in Black-led organizations (21:56) remains a recurring point of tension in modern social justice movements, where the balance between 'support' and 'control' is frequently debated. • Intellectual Independence: His call for Black people to develop 'intellectual independence' (7:28) parallels modern movements emphasizing Black-owned businesses, self-sufficiency, and the importance of curated narratives within the Black community.

    39 min

  11. Apr 22

    Rod Serling

    This archival recording from the Library of Congress features a candid and insightful conversation with the legendary writer and creator of The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling. In this discussion (0:00 - 29:43), Serling sits down with James Dickey (Consultant in Poetry at the Library of Congress) and Bernie Harrison (television critic) to explore the state of the television medium in the late 1960s.

    30 min
  • 11 Episodes

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About

No fancy concepts here the name say it all. Each week we bring you interesting interviews from the past. Every Friday night at 6pm tune in for a new episode. #interviews #old #oldinterviews

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Alexander
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Thomas Alexander
  • Show Website
    Old Interviews