The Next Reel Film Podcast

### “Match me, Sidney." James Wong Howe had just won his Oscar for his black-and-white cinematography for “The Rose Tattoo” when the star of the film, Burt Lancaster, hired him to shoot his next picture, “Sweet Smell of Success.” Howe and director Alexander Mackendrick knew right away that to tell this story properly, they really needed to film on the streets of New York City at night. So they did, and in the process created a stunningly gorgeous and dark film noir that feels like it truly lives in the city, not on some Hollywood soundstage. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Black-and-White Cinematography of James Wong Howe series with Mackendrick’s wonderful 1956 film, “Sweet Smell of Success.” We talk about the chiaroscuro look that Howe captured in this film, and also look at the deep focus and camera movement and how it all helps tell the story. We chat about Ernest Lehman and Clifford Odets, the writers, looking at what they each contributed to the wickedly brilliant dialogue. We discuss the cast — notably Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison, Marty Milner, Barbara Nichols and Emile Meyer — and what they bring to the table. We touch on Walter Winchell, the figure on whom Lancaster’s character was based. And we talk about how the film was received at the time — poorly — as well as how opinion of it changed over time. It’s a film that feels biting and dangerous, and it’s one we enjoy quite a bit. Tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Script Transcript](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/sweetsmell.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtE8r-VTsPY) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1957/sweet_smell_of_success.html) - [_Sweet Smell of Success & Other Stories_ — Ernest Lehman](http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Smell-Success-Other-Stories/dp/1585670472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&s=books&keywords=sweet%2Bsmell%2Bof%2Bsuccess&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1433909396) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/E0DEC8C268) ## Trailers of the Week - Andy’s Trailer: _[Bridge of Spies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBBuzHrZBro)_ — “Okay, so it’s Tom Hanks. And Spielberg. It should be obvious why I picked this one. But it’s also about a piece of history I didn’t know about, so I find myself quite intrigued." - Pete’s Trailer: [_The Martian_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue4PCI0NamI) — “DAMON IN SPAAAAACE! I’m right in the middle of the book that spawned this movie and the trailer so far is doing great justice to the tone and spirit of the material. Very much looking forward to it!" * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Justin "JJ" Jaeger](http://thenextreel.com/justin-jaeger/) - [Chadd Stoops](http://thenextreel.com/chadd-stoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

### “Where’s the REST of me?!?!" “Kings Row” was adapted from a much racier novel from 1940 and had to be sanitized quite a bit because of the Hays Code. They had to leave some pretty big elements out — homosexuality, mercy killings, incest, nymphomania — but even with that, the film still is very dark because of the issues it does deal with. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Black and White Cinematography of James Wong Howe series with Sam Wood’s 1942 film “Kings Row.” We talk about the adaptation and what had to change in order for the producers to be given the green light, but what those changes meant for the film and how the added subtext really aids the film through today’s eyes. We chat about the cast — Robert Cummings, Ann Sheridan, Claude Rains and Ronald Reagan in particular — and what each of them bring to the table (notably Reagan in what many call his best performance). We talk about Howe’s great cinematography and what he adds to this dark story with a midwestern gothic style of shooting, giving this seemingly idyllic town at the turn of the last century a touch of noir. And we talk about Wood and his body of work, noting what we’d seen of his without realizing they were his films. It’s a film that really took us both by surprise but one that worked well for us, particularly as a film from the 40s. Tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXeIr470Y-M) - [Original poster artwork](https://www.google.com/search?q=king's+row&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tr1vVcDNGIKwogT69oKgDg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAw&biw=935&bih=776#safe=off&tbm=isch&q=king%27s+row+poster) - [_King’s Row_ — Henry Bellamann](http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Row-Henry-Bellamann/dp/B000O3S7LM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433387103&sr=1-1&keywords=king%27s+row) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/295B9C79DA) - [Star Wars & Kings Row Score Thematic Comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AokqzpdA3M) ## Trailers of the Week - [Andy’s Trailer: _Everest_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnaopfyC-Qk) — “Not an IMAX documentary but it sure feels like one. I’m quite impressed by everything about this trailer — the cast in particular." - [Pete’s Trailer: _American Ultra_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLGFwkRx2HA) — “This may not be the follow up to the Bourne films that we wanted, but it’s the follow up to the Bourne films that we needed… that we deserve." * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

James Wong Howe is often cited as one of the most influential cinematographers there have been. He worked in film from the early days of the silents to the mid-70s when he received his last Oscar nomination for his color work on “Funny Lady.” But his black-and-white cinematography is what he’s primarily known for. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we start up our Black and White Cinematography of James Wong Howe series with W.S. Van Dyke’s 1934 film “The Thin Man.” We talk about the joy of watching this film, and how it really doesn’t come from the mystery so much as the fantastic relationship between Nick and Norah Charles, probably the most famous sleuthing pair to ever grace the silver screen. We talk about Howe and what he brought to the table in this studio production. We chat about William Powell and Myrna Loy and how their chemistry on and off the screen is some of the best, which must be why they starred in 14 films together. We chat about the rest of the cast as well as Van Dyke and his directing style. And we discuss why a film like this works even if its story isn’t that interesting. It’s a fun film to start our new series and we have a great time talking about it. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

In case you haven’t heard, everybody seems to be talking about “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Whether they’re talking about the silly fan theories about who Tom Hardy really is playing in this film, or the ‘meninist’ groups telling people to avoid it because of its feminist agenda, or everyone else talking about the amazing action film that George Miller gave us, it certainly seems to be on people’s minds. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we finish up our Mad Max series with Miller’s latest entry, and our favorite, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Andy gets to brag about seeing it in D-Box, while both discuss how the 3D worked overall. We talk about the world building that Miller does in this film and why it works so well. We chat about Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa and Tom Hardy as Max, discussing what works — and may not work — in their roles. We discuss some of the people behind the scenes and what they bring to the table — John Seale the DP, production designer Colin Gibson, Guy Norris the action unit director and supervising stunt coordinator and Margaret Sixel, the editor. And we stew on how this fits into the storyline with the first three films. It’s a fantastic action film, likely one that will be oft repeated, and we have a great time talking about it. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

While the first two Mad Max films had so much going for them, it sure seemed like a stumble with the third of the trilogy. But that’s looking at it through today’s eyes because some critics like Roger Ebert sure loved it — he put it on his ’10 Best’ list of 1985! Okay, so George Miller had lost his producing partner, Byron Kennedy, and let George Ogilvie co-direct it with him. Maybe that’s why “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” seems to be a bit of a stumble. Maybe it was the American financing that made it feel less gritty and more… Hollywood. Whatever it was, it’s definitely the lesser of the three films. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we go beyond Thunderdome with Mel Gibson and Tina Turner, continuing our Mad Max series with Miller’s 1985 film. We talk about all of the problems it has, and how Andy still finds it a guilty pleasure while Pete downright hates it. We talk about the great concepts Miller and co-writer Terry Hayes had in putting this story together, but how poorly executed they were — every one of them. We chat about the joy of working with 400 pigs on set and what they had to do to make that work. We discuss the car chase — way too late in the movie for our tastes — and how it works in comparison with those we’ve seen come before. And we deliberate on where we think “Fury Road” will fit chronologically with these first three films. It’s a very problematic film on which we find ourselves split, but it’s a very fun film to talk about. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

With the international popularity of “Mad Max,” George Miller was excited to get back into the driver’s seat and continue with his hero as he wandered the dystopian wastes of Australia looking for fuel. It was a smart move as “Mad Max 2,” or “The Road Warrior” as it was released in the States, not only did well at the box office but helped build the cult following of this franchise. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Mad Max series with 1981’s “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” We talk about the fundamental differences in the types of story between the first and second film, and how Pete gravitates toward the familial connections in the former while Andy gravitates toward the redemption in the latter. We chat about the great cast — Bruce Spence, Michael Preston, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells, Kjell Nilsson, Virginia Hey and of course Mel Gibson — and how they fit in mess of a future. We talk stunts and car chases — of course — and how Miller really stepped it up for this film, culminating in a 13-minute tanker chase at the end. And we look at the costume design and how it’s evolved from the first film to this. We love the film, despite our differences about which is better, and have a great talk about it this week. Tune in!

Film Board Assemble! This month the thugs gather to take on Joss Whedon’s next entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” How does the comic adaptation stand up to the original books? Does Joss manage to pull off an even more character-dense film and keep it making some sort of sense? Why does Ultron smile and blink? All these questions and so many more answered this week as Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Handsome, Justin Jaeger, Mike Evans and Pete Wright gather to give the smackdown to our coming robot overlords!

### “They say people don’t believe in heroes anymore. Well, damn them! You and me, Max, we’re going to give them back their heroes!" George Miller’s film “Mad Max” came out in 1979 in Australia and became a huge success, going on to become the most profitable film ever until it was unseated from its throne by one Blair Witch. It went on to spur two sequels and, soon, a fourth. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we gear up for one of our most anticipated movies this summer by kicking off our Mad Max series with the start of it all — “Mad Max.“ Join us as we talk about why we love this film so much and how much Miller gets out of this dystopian world he’s created, despite his limited funds. We discuss the nature of this world and where it falls as far as post-acopalytic versus a near future that’s just messed up. We chat about Mel Gibson in one of his first starring roles and what he brings to the table, along with the other actors (including Hugh Keays-Byrne as Toecutter, who will be turning up on ”Fury Road" as well). We go into the amazing stunt work at length, really digging into some of the wild things they did while marveling that so few people got seriously hurt. And we look at the cinematography, art direction, costume design and composing and how each element really worked perfectly to bring this world to life. It’s a fantastic film and we’re both big fans. Tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Script Transcript](http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/m/mad-max-script-transcript-gibson.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti6rG4NmsyM) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1979/mad_max_ver1.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/6CED6650B4) - [Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Wonderful, Untold Story of “Ozploitation” Films](http://www.amazon.com/Not-Quite-Hollywood-Mark-Hartley/dp/B002VVHMIO/) * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

Orson Welles never was one who could direct in the Hollywood studio system without a hitch, and his last studio picture he directed, 1958’s “Touch of Evil,” stands testament to that fact. While the shoot itself went well, the film ran into its issues in post, leaving a truncated version that Welles wasn’t a part of (nor happy with) released on the bottom of a double bill. Luckily, through the plucky determination of producer Rick Schmidlin and editor Walter Murch, an extended version of the film, largely re-edited to Welles’ own notes to the studio, was cut together and released in ’98. The two iterations are night and day, and the film now stands as not only one of the great films noirs but also as one of Welles’ finest cinematic achievements. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we finish our film noir series with this magnificent, and dark, film. We talk about the problems Welles had with the post on this film and what some of the changes he wanted were, along with how they worked in the extended edition. We ruminate on the idea of Charlton Heston playing a Mexican, but pass that off as an unfortunate sign of the time and a decision needed in order to get the picture off the ground. We also talk about Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia, Akim Tamiroff, Dennis Weaver, Marlene Dietrich, Joseph Cotten and more. And we spend a while discussing the brilliant camerawork Welles put together with his DP, Russell Metty, along with Welles’ sense of storytelling with a camera and how he was able to create amazing dances between the camera and the actors. It’s a brilliant film — one of our favorites — so go check it out then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

Child 44 was supposed to be Oscar bait. Instead, its star-heavy cast is dragging it through opening weekend with a 27% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a deflated box office take. But why? This week, the film board gathers to take on Daniel Espinoza’s latest film of Richard Price’s once lauded Blacklist screenplay. Spoiler: This is not the script that Andy remembers — substantial changes to plot and tone appear to have neutered the final film of much of the gravitas the script had originally deserved. But, the problems do not end there. Join Andy Nelson, Tommy Handsome, Justin Jaeger, and Pete Wright as we discuss what worked, what didn’t work, and what is just plain inexcusable this week on The Next Reel’s Film Board! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

### “Bad news sells best, because good news is no news." From “Double Indemnity” in 1944 through “The Apartment” in 1960 (maybe even “One, Two, Three” in ’61), Billy Wilder really hit his stride. His films were all over the map genre-wise, yet he showed how great a director he was because they’re all incredibly memorable. With his successes, however, he certainly didn’t shy away from making dark pictures from time to time, and “Ace in the Hole” is arguably his darkest. Released in 1951, it came out a time when neither the public nor the critics were ready for something like it and it flopped. Hard. But with time, it’s found a new audience and has been canonized as one of his greatest achievements. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Film Noir series with “Ace in the Hole.” We dig deep into our personal opinions about how well the film works — Andy loves is while Pete had problems with it. We delve into what the story is trying to say and debate about how well it’s actually doing what it sets out to do. We chat about the cast — Kirk Douglas, Jan Sterling, Robert Arthur, Porter Hall and more — and look at what they bring to the table. We talk about Wilder and his directing here, along with Charles Lang’s cinematography and Hugo Friedhofer’s brilliant score. And we debate over the placement of the film on our Flickchart, wondering if the rock/paper/scissors battles will ever work better in Pete’s favor. It’s a great week talking about a divisive film. Tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Script Transcript](https://www.copy.com/s/Gic1ACJWzqILrhIL/Billy-Wilder-Lesser-Samuels-Walter-Newman-s-screenplay-for-Ace-in-the-Hole-aka-The-Big-Carnival-NOTE-For-educational-purposes-only.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQCp_EEbqZU) - [Original poster artwork](https://www.google.com/search?site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1402&bih=707&q=ace+in+the+hole+poster&oq=ace+in+the+hole+poster&gs_l=img.3..0j0i8i30.1211.3222.0.3712.22.16.0.4.4.0.130.1302.10j5.15.0.msedr...0...1ac.1.64.img..3.19.1309.u_Tdza-md24) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/AC6B8C3AC1) * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

### “You’re like a leaf that the wind blows from one gutter to another." The two films most often cited as the ultimate representations of film noir are Billy Wilder’s 1944 film “Double Indemnity” and Jacques Tourneur’s 1947 film “Out of the Past.” Tourneur’s film gives us Robert Mitchum at his laconic best, Jane Greer at her sexiest and Kirk Douglas in one of his earliest roles but already defined by his machismo. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Film Noir seåries with “Out of the Past.” We talk about what we love about it and how well it represents film noir, as well as the convoluted plot which certainly seems to get more complicated as it progresses. We look at that plot and question how much it affects the viewing of the film or if the noirish nature of the story allows for one to look past the plot and just focus on the mood. We chat about the talent, like Mitchum, Greer and Douglas as well as others, and what they bring to the table with each of their well-written characters. We discuss the crew, including Tourneur, and how their work helps shape this film. And we pine for the 1987 SNL skit with Mitchum and Greer in which they did a spoof of this classic called ‘Out of Gas.’ It’s a brilliant film noir and just a brilliant film — one of our favorites. We have a great time talking about it. Tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saurMhQHblc) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1947/out_of_the_past.html) - [_Build My Gallows High_ — by Daniel Mainwaring as Geoffrey Homes](http://www.amazon.com/Build-Gallows-High-Film-Ink/dp/1853754129/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=build%2Bmy%2Bgallows%2Bhigh&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1428614171) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/F2BED87EEF) - [The Next Reel Richard Dysart Series](http://thenextreel.com/tnr/?tag=Richard+Dysart) * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

### “I’ve wanted to laugh in your face ever since I first met you. You’re old and ugly and I’m sick of you! Sick! Sick! Sick!" Fritz Lang may have often had conflicts with his producers, but when he turned out a great film, he made so great that it’s easy to look past his argumentative nature and just focus on the end product. Well, perhaps more so now than at the time. Sure, he had his stinkers, but looking at a magnificent film like “Scarlet Street,” it’s easy to forgive any battles he started and just relish the brilliance of the story. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Film Noir series with Lang’s 1945 masterpiece, “Scarlet Street.” We delve into the murky depths of the theme of the story — is it one more of guilt or one more of jealousy? We wallow in the emasculated character of Christopher Cross, played by Edward G. Robinson, and his nemeses Kitty and Johnny, played by Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea. We dig in the shadows of Fritz Lang’s history and the cinematic tools he uses to tell his story here along with his cinematographer, his editor, and his composer. And we lose ourselves in the haunting paintings of John Decker, wondering if he really lacks perspective just like Cross does. It’s a fabulous film and a very strong representation of film noir. Definitely check this one out — there’s a gorgeous print of it out there which makes the film look brand new — then tune in to the show! ## Film Sundries - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=scarlet-street) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RccSjjKBJZk) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1945/scarlet_street_ver2.html) - [_La Chienne_ — Jean Renoir](http://www.amazon.com/Chienne-Region-Free-DVD-Audio/dp/7802282756/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427947598&sr=8-1&keywords=La+Chienne) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/9492AF573E) * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)

### “That’s life. Whichever way you turn, fate sticks out a foot to trip you." There are good films noir and there are bad films noir. But rarely do you have a case like 1945’s “Detour,” directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, where the poor quality that would make it a bad film could actually be construed as elements that make it a good film. In fact, this is arguably the only case where that happened. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Film Noir series with Ulmer’s “Detour.” We talk about the origins of the film on poverty row and what that meant at the time, as well as talk about some of the films that Ulmer made under this umbrella. We really dig into the quality — or lack thereof — of this film and debate if it really helps lend to the noir aesthetic or if it just makes it reek of a cheap film. We deliberate over the quality of the performances provided by Tom Neal and Ann Savage and decide we love her but are split on Neal. And we look at it in context of the world of noir, touching on the femme fatale, the poor sap of a hero, the black and white cinematography, the tone, etc. It’s a film that, if viewed without any look into the history or without a conversation about it, likely could be seen as just a bad film, but when really digging into it, there’s something more to it and it certainly is worth talking about. So check it out and tune in! ## Film Sundries - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60EDJnENT8) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1945/detour_ver2.html) - [_Detour_ — Martin Goldsmith](http://www.amazon.com/DETOUR-Martin-M-Goldsmith-ebook/dp/B00O07SCX6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?qid=1427397579&sr=8-1&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&_encoding=UTF8) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/9488415C70) - [_Who the Devil Made It?_ — Peter Bogdanovich (great interview with Edgar G. Ulmer](http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Made-Conversations-Peter-Bogdanovich-ebook/dp/B0082XLXUI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?qid=1427397579&sr=8-1&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&_encoding=UTF8) - [The Ebert Review](http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-detour-1945)

### “It’s time we fight back. " The Film Board Gathers! This month we take on the latest in the Divergent series, Insurgent! This time around, Tris Prior is battling her nemeses internal and external at the hand of director Robert Schwentke and writers Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman, and Mark Bomback. How’d it hold up, you ask? Did Mekhi Phifer reprise his stand out performance as Mekhi Phifer? Did Miles Teller play any rhythm instrument at all? Did Theo James brood? We answer all these questions, and address the most pressing issue of all: #InsurgentBedHead. All this in the capable hands of Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and new addition to the gang of thugs, Justin Jaeger makes his debut! So join us, listen in, embrace the spoils, and only then should you make the decision to see this film. ## Film Sundries - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suZcGoRLXkU) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2015/insurgent_ver16.html) - [Original Material](http://www.amazon.com/Insurgent-Divergent-Trilogy-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00655U3WE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?qid=1427083117&sr=8-1&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&_encoding=UTF8) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/493293A1E0) * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops) - [Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/steamrobot/)