The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I came to fight—not to wait and rot in a lousy hole while they murder my pal!”World War I Through 1925's Eyes: The Big Parade Marches OnKing Vidor's The Big Parade, released in 1925, represented a watershed moment in how cinema portrayed the Great War. Just seven years after World War I's conclusion, the film offered audiences an intimate look at the conflict through the eyes of an idle rich boy turned soldier. With John Gilbert leading the cast, this MGM production became one of the most financially successful films of the silent era, influencing war films for generations to come. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue our Cinema Centennial: 1925's Pioneering Visions series with a conversation about The Big Parade.A Tale of Two MoviesPete and Andy explore the film's distinct narrative halves, with Pete finding the first portion "insufferably boring" while Andy appreciates how it establishes character relationships. They discuss how the lengthy setup pays off in the devastating war sequences, though they debate whether the pacing could have been tightened.Love and WarThe hosts delve into the complex romantic storylines, analyzing Jim's relationships with both Justyn and Melisande. They examine how the language barrier between Jim and Melisande creates unique storytelling challenges in the silent format, while also noting some unintentionally humorous moments in their romance.Technical Innovation and ImpactKey discussion points include:The groundbreaking battle sequences involving actual WWI veteransThe film's innovative use of tinting and hand-painted elementsKing Vidor's directing choices and their influence on later war filmsThe remarkable performance by John Gilbert, particularly during scenes requiring his leg to be boundThe film's massive financial success and cultural impactHow the 1925 audience's proximity to WWI affected their receptionThe significance of showing an amputee protagonist returning from warHistorical Context and Modern ViewingAndy provides fascinating production background, including how military divisions helped create authentic battle scenes. Both hosts wrestle with viewing the film through modern eyes while acknowledging its revolutionary impact on audiences who had living memory of the war.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube📰 Silent Film Program from 1925🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“I will ride you down—wrench off your wheels—trample you into the sand! You shall race—to your death!”Epic Biblical Tale Celebrates CentennialBen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) stands as MGM's most ambitious and expensive silent film production, costing nearly $4 million ($71.5 million adjusted) and taking two years to complete. Director Fred Niblo crafted this adaptation of Lew Wallace's 1880 novel with groundbreaking technical achievements, including the legendary chariot race filmed with 42 cameras simultaneously. Starring Ramón Novarro as Judah Ben-Hur and Francis X. Bushman as Messala, the film pioneered both two-strip Technicolor sequences and elaborate action spectacles. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Cinema Centennial: 1925's Pioneering Visions series with a member bonus conversation about Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.Spectacular Achievement in Silent CinemaPete and Andy dive deep into the film's ambitious scope, from its innovative use of color to its massive action sequences. They particularly praise Ramón Novarro's "dandyish" interpretation of Ben-Hur, contrasting it with Charlton Heston's later portrayal. The hosts explore how the film balances its biblical elements with the personal revenge story, noting the careful handling of Jesus as a peripheral character.Technical Innovation and Human CostThe conversation turns sobering when discussing the film's famous chariot race sequence, with Andy revealing the devastating toll on horses during production. Both hosts marvel at the technical achievement while acknowledging the problematic aspects of early Hollywood filmmaking practices.Key discussion points include:The film's innovative use of two-strip Technicolor for biblical sequencesThe parallel storytelling between Ben-Hur's journey and Jesus's lifeThe impressive maritime battle sequences featuring snake-filled glass jars as weaponsThe film's influence on later epics, including William Wyler's 1959 remakeThe tragic later life of Ramón NovarroThe business dealings that led to producer Abraham Erlanger's profitable control over the productionLegacy and ImpactPete and Andy reflect on how Ben-Hur set new standards for epic filmmaking while establishing legal precedents for literary adaptations in cinema. They discuss its enduring influence on biblical epics and action spectacles, noting its impressive box office success despite the expensive profit-sharing agreement with Erlanger.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew WallaceWant More?This is a member bonus episode! While we'd love your support, you'll love what membership brings: monthly bonus episodes like this one, ad-free listening, early releases, exclusive Discord channels, and voting rights on future member movies. It truly pays to be a member.Ready to join? Visit TruStory FM to learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.

“The land is ours. Tomorrow is ours!”Revolutionary Cinema: Battleship Potemkin Turns 100Sergei Eisenstein's landmark 1925 Soviet silent film Battleship Potemkin revolutionized cinema through its innovative use of montage and dramatic storytelling. Commissioned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1905 Russian Revolution, Eisenstein focused on a single episode—the mutiny aboard the Potemkin—rather than attempting to capture the entire revolutionary period. This decision allowed him to create an intimate yet universal story about the power of collective action against oppression. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we kick off the Cinema Centennial: 1925's Pioneering Visions series with a conversation about Battleship Potemkin.Mastering MontagePete and Andy explore how Eisenstein's groundbreaking editing techniques created meaning through the juxtaposition of images. They discuss the evolution of the term "montage" from its origins in Soviet cinema theory to its modern usage, highlighting how Battleship Potemkin established foundational principles of film editing that continue to influence filmmakers today.Propaganda vs. AuthenticityThe hosts debate whether the film's revolutionary message feels propagandistic or authentic, with both agreeing that Eisenstein's sincere belief in the story's themes elevates it beyond mere propaganda. They note how the director's decision to focus on collective protagonists rather than individual heroes creates a unique narrative perspective.The Odessa Steps SequenceAndy and Pete analyze the famous Odessa Steps sequence, discussing how its shocking violence and masterful editing create an unforgettable statement about state oppression. They explore how this sequence has influenced countless films while noting that its full impact can only be appreciated within the context of the complete film.Key discussion points:The significance of the film's various musical scores over the decadesHow the film's depiction of religious figures reflected Soviet attitudesThe lasting influence of Eisenstein's editing techniquesThe film's historical accuracy versus its emotional truthVisual symbolism, particularly the hand-painted red flagThe movie's enduring presence in critics' and filmmakers' all-time greatest films listsLegacy and ImpactBoth hosts emphasize how Battleship Potemkin remains remarkably fresh and energetic despite its age, praising its technical innovation and emotional power. Pete, watching it for the first time, expresses surprise at how engaging and modern the film feels, while Andy notes how effectively it maintains its revolutionary spirit across multiple viewings.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Theatrical Trailer (featuring the Tennant/Lowe score)Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces.”Hollywood's Dark Mirror: Sunset Boulevard (1950)Billy Wilder's noir masterpiece Sunset Boulevard stands as both a scathing critique of Hollywood and a haunting character study. Released in 1950, this tale of an aging silent film star and a struggling screenwriter expertly blends elements of film noir, dark comedy, and psychological drama. Gloria Swanson delivers a towering performance as Norma Desmond, while William Holden portrays the ill-fated Joe Gillis. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we wrap up our Platinum Performances: The 1950 Best Actress Oscar Race series with a conversation about Sunset Boulevard.Performance AnalysisPete and Andy dive deep into Swanson's mesmerizing portrayal, discussing how her own silent film career adds meta-textual layers to her performance. They explore the intentional theatrical quality of her acting, agreeing that what could be seen as "over-the-top" perfectly serves the character's psychological state.Meta-Hollywood ElementsThe hosts examine the film's bold critique of the Hollywood system, noting how real-world elements enhance the story's impact. They discuss the strategic casting of silent era figures like Buster Keaton and the use of actual footage from Swanson's unfinished film Queen Kelly.Key discussion points include:The effectiveness of William Holden's performance as Joe GillisEric von Stroheim's complex role as Max and its connection to Hollywood historyThe controversial "fatal flaw" Pete identifies in the filmThe significance of the film's noir elements, including the dead narrator deviceThe hosts' differing views on Betty Schaefer's character arcAnalysis of the 1950 Best Actress Oscar race and why Judy Holliday ultimately wonLegacy and ImpactPete and Andy discuss the film's enduring influence on cinema, including its numerous homages and attempted adaptations. They explore how Sunset Boulevard continues to resonate with modern audiences through its examination of fame, aging, and Hollywood's disposable nature.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“What I’d give for a sink full of dirty dishes.”Women Behind Bars: A Groundbreaking Prison DramaCaged (1950), directed by John Cromwell, established the template for women's prison films while earning three Academy Award nominations. Eleanor Parker stars as Marie Allen, a pregnant 19-year-old imprisoned as an accessory to her husband's failed robbery. The film's stark portrayal of prison life and institutional corruption marked a serious dramatic approach that would later influence exploitation films. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Platinum Performances: The 1950 Best Actress Oscar Race series with a conversation about Caged.Breaking New Ground in Prison DramaPete and Andy discuss how Caged differs from later exploitation films by taking a serious dramatic approach. They explore how Cromwell crafts a devastating portrait of institutional corruption without relying on sensationalized violence. The hosts particularly praise the film's examination of how the prison system transforms Marie from an innocent newcomer into a hardened criminal.Performance and ProductionEleanor Parker's nuanced performance as Marie draws high praise from both hosts, who find her character arc from naive innocent to hardened criminal entirely convincing. Hope Emerson's portrayal of the cruel matron Harper and Agnes Moorhead as the reform-minded superintendent create a compelling dramatic tension that drives the narrative.Key discussion points include:The film's influence on the women-in-prison genreCinematographer Carl Guthrie's use of stark lighting and compositionsThe portrayal of institutional corruption versus overt violenceEleanor Parker's Oscar-nominated performanceThe film's commentary on systemic issues in women's prisonsJohn Cromwell's direction and careful handling of sensitive subject matterThe movie's enduring relevance to modern prison reform discussionsLegacy and ImpactPete and Andy reflect on how Caged remains relevant 75 years later, discussing how many of the systemic issues it portrays persist in modern prisons. They note how the film's serious treatment of its subject matter set it apart from later exploitation films while establishing many of the genre's conventions. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📺 SCTV’s Parody Broads Behind Bars📚 Adapted from Women Without Men article in Collier's by Bernard C. Schoenfeld and Virginia KelloggSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“I want everybody to be smart. I want 'em to be as smart as they can be. A world full of ignorant people is too dangerous to live in.”A Comedy of Intelligence: Breaking Down Born YesterdayGeorge Cukor's 1950 comedy Born Yesterday stars Judy Holliday as Billie Dawn, a former showgirl who finds herself caught between her corrupt businessman boyfriend Harry Brock (Broderick Crawford) and Paul Verrall (William Holden), the journalist hired to educate her. Based on Garson Kanin's hit Broadway play, the film earned Holliday an Academy Award for Best Actress, beating out Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard, Bette Davis in All About Eve, and other notable performances that year. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we kick off our Platinum Performances: The 1950 Best Actress Oscar Race series with a conversation about Born Yesterday.A Surprising Character EvolutionBoth hosts initially approached Billie Dawn's character with trepidation, expecting a one-dimensional "dumb blonde" performance. However, they were quickly won over by Holliday's nuanced portrayal, which combines physical comedy with emotional depth. Andy particularly praised her comedic timing, while Pete noted how she transcends the script's limitations to create a fully realized character.Political Relevance Then and NowThe film's exploration of political corruption through Harry's attempts to influence a congressman resonated strongly with both hosts. While Pete initially viewed these elements as "fossilized" 1950s commentary, Andy argued that the themes of lobbying and political manipulation remain remarkably relevant today. They discussed how the film's civics lessons, though potentially didactic, serve an important narrative purpose.Key Discussion Points:Judy Holliday's masterful performance balancing comedy and character developmentThe film's examination of education as a path to empowermentWilliam Holden's understated approach to his role as Paul... perhaps too understated?Broderick Crawford's portrayal of Harry as an archetypal bullyThe movie's progressive stance on gender politics for 1950George Cukor's innovative rehearsal technique using live studio audiencesThe Hayes Code's influence on the film's content and presentationLegacy and ImpactWe explored how Born Yesterday occupies a unique place in American cinema, combining elements of screwball comedy, romantic comedy, political satire, and social commentary. They noted its influence on later films dealing with similar themes of education and empowerment, while acknowledging its limitations as a product of its time. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from Born Yesterday by Garson KaninSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“How come I've got to run into a squirt like you nearly every place I go these days? What are you trying to do? Show off for your friends?”A Thoughtful Western About Fame's Heavy BurdenThe Gunfighter (1950) emerged from an unexpected path to production, with the story originally written for John Wayne, who declined due to a grudge against Columbia Pictures. The film ultimately landed at 20th Century Fox with Gregory Peck in the lead role, much to Wayne's chagrin. Directed by Henry King, this "adult Western" marked a significant shift in the genre, focusing more on character psychology than action. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue our Platinum Performances series, but for this member bonus episode, focusing on The 1950 Best Writing Oscar Race, with a conversation about The Gunfighter.A Character Study in Black and WhitePete and Andy explore how the film's black-and-white cinematography enhances its themes, particularly in the contrast between interior and exterior scenes. They discuss how the saloon serves as a pressure cooker setting while the stark outdoor scenes create visual tension that mirrors the protagonist's predicament.The Weight of CelebrityThe hosts delve deep into Jimmy Ringo's character, examining how Gregory Peck portrays a man trapped by his own reputation. They discuss how the film subverts traditional Western tropes by focusing on the psychological toll of gunfighter fame rather than glorifying violence.Key Discussion PointsThe significance of Millard Mitchell's Marshal character as both friend and foilHelen Westcott's nuanced performance as PeggyThe film's innovative approach to Western storytellingThe impact of Alfred Newman's understated scoreThe powerful ending and its lasting implicationsSkip Homeyer's portrayal of Hunt Bromley as Ringo's dark reflectionLegacy and InfluencePete and Andy examine how The Gunfighter influenced subsequent Westerns and discuss its potential upcoming remake with Ethan Hawke. They note the film's unique position in the evolution of the Western genre, particularly its role in establishing more psychologically complex narratives.A Western That Still ResonatesThe hosts agree that The Gunfighter remains remarkably relevant, particularly in its exploration of celebrity culture and the impossibility of escaping one's past. They praise the film's tight pacing, thoughtful character development, and Gregory Peck's commanding performance. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerWant More?This is a member bonus episode! While we'd love your support, you'll love what membership brings: monthly bonus episodes like this one, ad-free listening, early releases, exclusive Discord channels, and voting rights on future member movies. It truly pays to be a member.Ready to join? Visit TruStory FM to learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.

“I know when they're going to come because a few seconds earlier, I feel something. The doctors call it ‘aura’.”Into the Mind of a Taxidermist: Exploring The AuraFabián Bielinsky's final film The Aura (2005) marked his second and tragically last collaboration with Argentine star Ricardo Darín before the director's untimely death at age 47. Following their success with Nine Queens, this psychological thriller follows an epileptic taxidermist who becomes entangled in a casino heist after accidentally killing a man during a hunting trip. The film showcases Bielinsky's masterful direction and Darín's nuanced performance in what would become one of Argentine cinema's most compelling neo-noir entries. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we return to our Ricardo Darín series with a conversation about The Aura.A Study in Point of ViewPete and Andy explore how Bielinsky crafted the film's unique perspective, particularly through the protagonist's epileptic seizures. The hosts discuss the innovative camera techniques used to convey these moments, including the circular dolly track combined with zoom effects that create a deeply unsettling viewer experience. They note how this technical prowess serves the larger narrative about perception and reality.Criminal Aspirations vs. RealityThe conversation delves into Darín's character Esteban, a taxidermist who fantasizes about perfect heists but struggles with human relationships. Andy highlights how the film subverts heist movie tropes, while Pete observes how Esteban's professional isolation mirrors his social limitations. Both hosts praise the film's exploration of the gap between criminal fantasy and brutal reality.Key Discussion Points:The film's distinctive green color palette and its relationship to the protagonist's mental stateA masterful transition sequence between airplane and jeep that impressed both hostsThe significance of the protagonist's profession as a taxidermistHow the episodic structure of days creates distinct character studiesThe role of the dog in the narrative's darker elementsBielinsky's planned trilogy and what might have beenVisual Storytelling and Technical AchievementThe hosts examine how Bielinsky and cinematographer Checco Varese created the film's distinctive look, praising their ability to make the forest environment both beautiful and menacing. Pete particularly notes how the desaturated green palette reinforces the protagonist's alienation from his environment.Legacy and ImpactAndy and Pete reflect on the film's place in Argentine cinema and its tragic position as Bielinsky's final work. They discuss how The Aura builds on themes from Nine Queens while creating something entirely unique in the crime genre. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Cinema of the World | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical TrailerSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“I tell you something, man, I’d really love to get my hands on that sleepy-eyed bastard.”From Iran With Mayhem: The Curious Case of The Invincible SixJean Negulesco's 1970 action-adventure The Invincible Six represents a fascinating moment in Iranian cinema history. Shot during Iran's pre-revolution period of international co-productions, this Seven Samurai-inspired tale brought together an eclectic international cast including Stuart Whitman, Elke Sommer, and Curt Jurgens. The film, adapted from Michael Barrett's novel "The Heroes of Yuca," transplants its source material from South America to the Iranian desert, showcasing the country's dramatic landscapes through Negulesco's celebrated widescreen compositions. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we wrap up our return to our Seven Samurai Family series with a conversation about The Invincible Six.A Peculiar Addition to the Seven Samurai LegacyPete and Andy explore how this unique entry fits into their ongoing examination of Seven Samurai-inspired films. While acknowledging the film's numerous flaws, they find themselves surprisingly engaged by its peculiar charms, particularly the chemistry among its international ensemble cast and the film's ambitious use of Iranian locations.Technical Achievement vs Narrative StrugglesDespite working with significant technical limitations (the only available version being a poor-quality 4:3 VHS transfer), the hosts recognize Negulesco's skilled visual composition and effective use of the Iranian landscape. They discuss how the director's expertise with CinemaScope potentially created a more visually striking film than what's currently available to viewers.Key discussion points include:The film's unusual opening heist sequence involving the Iranian crown jewelsThe gradual team-building approach and character dynamicsJames Mitchum's scene-chewing performance as the villainThe stark contrast between the film's representation of Iran and post-revolution Iranian cinemaThe surprising violence and adult themes given the Iranian co-production statusThe memorable final showdown and its unexpectedly brutal conclusionPerformance and Production ContextPete and Andy spend considerable time discussing the cast's contributions, particularly highlighting Stuart Whitman's charismatic presence and Curt Jurgens' welcome appearance. They also explore the historical context of Iranian international co-productions and how The Invincible Six marked the end of Negulesco's ambitious plans for further Iranian-American collaborations.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Opening Heist Clip📚 Adapted from The Heroes of Yuca by Michael BarrettSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Live fast, fight well, and have a beautiful ending.”Space Cowboys and Samurai Meet in Roger Corman's Star WarsRoger Corman's 1980 space opera Battle Beyond the Stars reimagines Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai with a distinctly B-movie flair. Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami from a John Sayles screenplay, this low-budget response to Star Wars features Richard Thomas as a young hero gathering warriors to defend his peaceful farming planet from an intergalactic warlord. With early work from James Cameron as art director and James Horner composing, the film showcases talent that would later define 1980s science fiction. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Seven Samurai Family series with a conversation about Battle Beyond the Stars.A Star-Studded B-Movie CastPete and Andy explore the film's impressive ensemble, including George Peppard as Space Cowboy, Robert Vaughn essentially reprising his Magnificent Seven role, and Sybil Danning as a fierce Valkyrie warrior. They particularly praise John Saxon's scenery-chewing turn as the villainous Sador and discuss how Richard Thomas serves effectively as an audience surrogate despite a somewhat bland protagonist role.Seven Samurai in SpaceThe hosts examine how Battle Beyond the Stars adapts the core elements of Seven Samurai while adding distinctly space opera touches. They note how the film manages to establish its diverse warrior characters and their motivations efficiently despite its shorter runtime, while maintaining the original's themes of sacrifice and community defense.Key discussion points include:James Cameron's distinctive production design, particularly the anatomically-inspired spacecraftThe innovative thermal aliens who communicate through temperature changesJames Horner's score and its reuse in later Corman productionsThe film's successful blend of space opera tropes with samurai story elementsEarly appearances by future Hollywood talentsGeorge Peppard's scene-stealing performance as Space CowboyThe effective use of practical effects despite budget constraintsLegacy and ImpactPete and Andy discuss how Battle Beyond the Stars exemplifies Roger Corman's talent for maximizing limited resources while nurturing future talent. They explore how the film's assets were recycled in numerous subsequent productions, and its place in both the Corman filmography and space opera genre. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer📚 Adapted from Seven Samurai by Akira KurosawaSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible