Tim Harford, host of Cautionary Tales, dives into the intriguing and often messy intersection of Hollywood and tax evasion. He unveils the scandal behind the production of 'Marty,' spotlighting Ernest Borgnine's struggles and triumphs in the industry. From the challenges of navigating casting decisions to the impact of tax laws on creativity, the discussion highlights the often-hidden pressures actors face. Harford also reflects on the excitement of award season, particularly Borgnine's emotional Oscar acceptance speech, emphasizing the complex reality of fame.
46:48
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ernest Borgnine's Big Break
Ernest Borgnine struggled with typecasting as heavies but got a rare shot at a lead role in Marty.
His emotional audition moved the director and writer to tears, securing him the part.
insights INSIGHT
Hollywood Tax Evasion Schemes
High income in Hollywood faced 94% tax making stars seek tax breaks or avoid work.
Popular loopholes included oil investments and using foldable corporations to shift income and avoid personal tax.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Filming Marty in the Bronx
Marty was filmed on location in the Bronx amidst tough local opposition.
Ernest was initially threatened but won locals over with his Italian-American roots and friendly gestures.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a seminal work that spans several decades of Franklin's life, from his childhood in Boston to his later years as a respected statesman and scientist. The autobiography is divided into four parts, each written during different periods of his life. It covers his apprenticeship to his brother James, his early career as a printer and publisher, his experiments with electricity, and his civic and political involvements. The work is notable for its insights into Franklin's personal life, his pursuit of moral perfection, and his contributions to American history and culture.
Burt Lancaster
An American Life
Kate Buford
Kate Buford's 'Burt Lancaster: An American Life' is a detailed biography that delves into the complex life of Burt Lancaster, from his early days as a circus performer to his rise as a Hollywood star. The book examines Lancaster's contributions to film, his political activism, and his personal life, offering a nuanced portrayal of a multifaceted individual. Despite not having direct access to Lancaster or his family, Buford crafts an engaging narrative based on extensive research.
If you like You Must Remember This, you might also enjoy Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford, a
podcast about stories of historic human error, catastrophes, and heists, and the lessons we can
learn from such mishaps. In this episode of Cautionary Tales, Tim examines what happens when the bright lights of Hollywood collide with the far less glamorous world of tax evasion.
When Ernest Borgnine was cast as the lead in the 1955 romantic drama, Marty, he thought it
was his big break. But he soon discovered Marty was not exactly a dream gig. Listen to
Cautionary Tales every Friday wherever you get your podcasts.
You Must Remember This 
