Teenage Golden Age

In this episode, Eliana and Simone take a break from interviews to quiz each other on classic film trivia. From naming iconic actors to recalling memorable scenes, they test their knowledge and reflect on what makes these films so memorable. It’s a relaxed, fun conversation for anyone who enjoys classic cinema.

In this episode, Eliana talks to Alessandra Seggi about her book Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences. The book explores how American films about the youth from 1900 to 2019 portray suicide, often focusing on outside social pressures rather than personal or psychological struggles. These portrayals are frequently simplistic or one-sided, so the book encourages media literacy as a way to help young viewers better understand and question what they see on screen.

In this episode, Eliana sits down with Lyndsy Spence to discuss her book Where Madness Lies: The Double Life of Vivien Leigh. Where Madness Lies explores the life of Vivien Leigh, the celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire, and her turbulent twenty-year relationship with Laurence Olivier. Beginning in 1953 with a devastating breakdown and institutionalization, the book delves into Leigh’s struggle with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, her mistreatment by the medical system, and the emotional toll of Olivier’s infidelity as she fought to reclaim her life and career.

In this episode, Eliana and Simone talk with Joseph McBride about his book, George Cukor’s People: Acting for a Master Director! George Cukor’s People is a critical study of the legendary director, highlighting his ability to bring out deeply emotional and psychologically rich performances from actors while subtly infusing his work with themes of gender fluidity and social transgression. Through insightful essays and lavish illustrations, McBride challenges the reductive stereotype of Cukor as merely a "woman’s director," instead portraying him as a masterful, subversive filmmaker whose legacy remains strikingly modern.

In this episode, Eliana sits down with Jason Colavito to discuss his biography, Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean. James Dean redefined American masculinity by blending vulnerability with strength, creating a bold and, at times, unsettling new image of manhood. His lasting influence is deeply tied to his identity as a queer man, challenging midcentury norms and leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond.

In this episode, Eliana brings Burt Kearns back to discuss his latest biography, SHEMP! The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy. SHEMP! is the definitive biography of Shemp Howard, an original member of the Three Stooges who left the group in 1932 to build a prolific solo career in over a hundred films across multiple genres. Author Burt Kearns challenges long-standing myths about Shemp, revealing his influence in Hollywood’s Golden Age and the behind-the-scenes forces that led to his return to the Stooges. Through extensive research and interviews, the book highlights Shemp’s enduring legacy, his impact on comedy, and the devoted following he continues to inspire.

In this episode, Eliana sits down with Matthew Strohl to discuss his newest book, Hard to Watch: How to Fall in Love with Difficult Movies. Despite unprecedented access to a vast array of films through streaming, physical media, and repertory theaters, most viewers stick to the familiar and popular. In Hard to Watch, philosopher Matthew Strohl argues that by avoiding so-called "difficult" films, we miss out on the unique rewards they offer.

In this episode, Eliana welcomes Patrick Keating to discuss his book Film Noir and the Art of Lighting. Keating’s book examines the dynamic lighting of film noir, not just as symbolism but as a key storytelling tool in Hollywood cinema. Through analyses of eleven classic films, it explores how shifts between light and shadow enhance emotion, character development, and narrative tension.