GGACP Classic: Tales of Hollywood with Sandy Helberg

GGACP marks the 60th anniversary of the FINAL episode of CBS' “The Twilight Zone” (aired June 19, 1964) by revisiting this panel discussion from 2019, featuring author-historian Gary Gerani, Rod Serling Memorial Foundation founder Nick Parisi and Rod Serling’s daughter Anne Serling. In this episode, the panel looks back at one of the most groundbreaking and influential programs in television history — and the visionary behind it. Also: Desi Arnaz leads the way, Ray Bradbury lends a hand, Richard Matheson joins the team and Anne reveals her dad’s favorite Twilight Zone actors. PLUS: “Rod Serling’s Night Gallery”! The brilliance of Bernard Herrmann (and Jerry Goldsmith)! Gilbert sends up Ed Wynn! And the panel picks their most underrated TZ episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary (released June 14, 1974) of Alan Pakula's classic paranoia thriller "The Parallax View" (also featuring podcast guest Paula Prentiss) with this ENCORE of a conversation and critical analysis from 2015. In this episode: Warren Beatty takes on the Warren Commission! Billy (“you can call me ‘Ray'”) Saluga “joins” the cast of SNL! The enigma of Randy Quaid! And Gilbert sings the praises of "The Last Detail"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP continues its celebration of the birthday of actor and raconteur Malcolm McDowell (b. June 13) by revisiting PART TWO of a memorable two-part episode from 2020. In this episode, Malcolm talks about the art and design of "A Clockwork Orange," the troubled history of "Caligula," the awkward truth about H.G. Wells and the lives and careers of screen legends John Gielgud, James Mason, Peter O'Toole and Robert Shaw. Also, Anthony Quinn grunts, Gene Kelly turns a cold shoulder, Albert Finney turns down "Lawrence of Arabia" and Malcolm rids the world of Captain Kirk. PLUS: J. Lee Thompson! Gore Vidal pulls out! Christopher Lee wigs out! The improvisational talents of Peter Sellers! And Malcolm remembers his mentor Lindsay Anderson! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary actor Malcolm McDowell (b. June 13) with this ENCORE of the first part of an unforgettable 2-part episode from 2020. In this installment, Malcolm weighs in on a number of essential topics, including the birth of the Beatles, the eccentricities of Stanley Kubrick, the intensity of James Cagney and the “friendship” of Danny Kaye and Laurence Olivier. Also, John Lennon has a laugh, Ian Holm holds a grudge, Mick Jagger considers “A Clockwork Orange” and Gilbert and Malcolm send up Jack the Ripper. PLUS: The Liverpool Stomp! The generosity of Albert Finney! The comedy of Derek and Clive! And Malcolm performs a “phallic monologue”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates ten (10!) years since its debut on June 1, 2014 by revisiting the very first episode of the podcast, featuring a memorable interview with comedian, author and talk show legend Dick Cavett. In this episode, Dick shares personal stories about Jack Benny, Johnny Carson, Katharine Hepburn, John Lennon and Groucho Marx (among others) and talks about the time a guest dropped dead on his set (yes, it happened). Also, Dick recalls writing for Jack Paar and Jerry Lewis and favors Gilbert and Frank with uncanny impressions of obscure character actors. PLUS: "Rashomon: The Sitcom"! The genius of Sid Caesar! The tragedy of Erin Fleming! Tarzan moves in! Dick plays The Bitter End! And Frank Nelson gets mistaken for Gale Gordon!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the beginning of Pride Month by presenting this ENCORE of a "special quarantine podcast" from 2020, featuring actor, singer, comedian and friend of the show Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario joins Gil and Frank for a highly amusing conversation about teen idols, classic game shows, favorite Hitchcock flicks, the versatility of Jack Lemmon and the difference between impressionists and comedian-impressionists. Also, “Mildred Pierce” turns 75, Julia Child fillets the Little Mermaid, Mario hops a flight with Kathleen Turner and Gilbert guest-stars in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” PLUS: “Burnt Offerings”! The musical stylings of Jerry Dixon! The Ramones visit “Steampipe Alley”! And “Aladdin Meets the Harlem Globetrotters”!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of veteran character actor and friend of the podcast Sandy Helberg (born May 28) by revisiting this wide-ranging and wildly amusing interview from 2019. In this episode, Sandy regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about Groucho Marx, Freddy Mercury, Laurence Olivier, Frank Sinatra and Ringo Starr and shares memories of appearing in "High Anxiety," "Spaceballs" and "History of the World." Also, Broderick Crawford hits the sauce, Humphrey Bogart patrols the coast, Art Metrano plays Leonardo da Vinci and Jerry Van Dyke (sort of) foils a holdup. PLUS: The genius of Lorenzo Music! Albert Einstein on ice! “Terror in the Wax Museum”! And Gilbert and Sandy co-star in “Meet Wally Sparks”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-nominated actress Lee Meriwether (b. May 27) with this ENCORE of a rare two-part installment featuring not one, but TWO of the actresses to play Catwoman during the run of the classic 1966 “Batman” series (along with Julie Newmar). In these episodes: Lee looks back on her reign as Miss America, impersonates Ed Wynn and threatens (promises?) to discipline Gilbert. Next up, Julie reminisces about working with everyone from Michael Rennie to Chad & Jeremy and favors us with her favorite Catwoman catchphrase. Also, Julie feuds with Jim Belushi, Lee hops a flight with J. Fred Muggs and Buddy Ebsen runs afoul of Shirley Temple. PLUS: “The Eddie Cantor Story”! The return of Billy Barty! Gilbert channels Sydney Greenstreet! And the ongoing mystery of Cesar Romero! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 55th anniversary of one of the most successful pop tunes of all time, the Archies' "Sugar, Sugar" (released May 24, 1969) by revisiting this 2017 interview with vocalist, record producer and Archies lead singer Ron Dante. In this episode, Ron joins Gilbert and Frank for an engaging conversation about the history of the legendary Brill Building, the birth of bubblegum music, the magic touch of Don Kirshner (and Barry Manilow) and the lost art of commercial jingles. Also, Ron mimics Donovan, Larry Fine throws in the towel, Paul Shaffer goes deep-sea fishing and Carole King’s babysitter tops the charts. PLUS: “Leader of the Laundromat”! The fabulous Toni Wine! The 1910 Fruitgum Company! “The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan”! And the return of “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy award-winning writer and friend of the podcast Alan Zweibel (b. May 20) by presenting this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Alan talks about penning jokes for Catskills comics, contributing to the glory days of “Saturday Night Live," co-creating the groundbreaking “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” and collaborating with everyone from Gilda Radner to Rob Reiner to Billy Crystal. Also: Alan heckles Larry David, “borrows from” Paul Simon, turns down “Hollywood Squares” and inspires a classic “Seinfeld” episode. PLUS: Totie Fields! Christopher Lee! The subversiveness of “Duck Soup”! Uncle Miltie gets banned! And Gilbert tries (unsuccessfully) to follow The Beatles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices