Better Than the Movie 36: FAT CITY w/ Nick Mandernach

Could they have been a contender? The BTTM crew is back to talk about a great novel and a great film, both titled FAT CITY. Writer and performer Nick Mandernach (NEW ENGLAND REVIEW, MAKE SOME NOISE on Dropout) joins Tyler, Allan, and Justin to gush over Leonard Gardner's prose and John Huston's impeccable adaptation instincts. Two working class boxers rise and fall (and kind of rise again and decidedly fall again) in Stockton, California, portrayed by Stacy Keach and Jeff Bridges in the film.

(Also, apologies to Pauline Kael. After a belated fact-check, it was J. Hoberman who said Susan Tyrrell pulled faces in her Oscar-nominated performance here.)

If you like what you hear here, you should check out another one of our episodes on a John Huston adaptation from the back catalog: Better Than the Movie 25: THE DEAD w/ Conor Holt.

Hosted by Tyler Austin, Allan Traylor, and Justin Remer.
Produced by Justin Remer.
Recorded at the LAPL Octavia Lab.

Check out the "Better Than the Movie" audiobook playlist on Libro.fm - https://libro.fm/playlists/skylight-better-than-the-movie

Opening music: "Optimism (Instrumental)" by Duck the Piano Wire.
Closing music: "Rule of 3s (Solemnity Child)" by Elastic No-No Band.