City Lights (1931)

Dana and Tom discuss the silent classic, City Lights (1931) for its 95th anniversary: written and directed by Charlie Chaplin, cinematography by Roland Totheroh and Gordon Pollock, music by Arthur Johnston and Alfred Newman, editing Charlie Chaplin and Willard Nico, starring Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers, Al Ernest Garcia, and Hank Mann.Plot Summary: City Lights, written, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin, is a silent romantic comedy about a kind-hearted Tramp who falls in love with a blind flower girl. When she mistakes him for a wealthy man, the Tramp goes to great lengths to help her, including befriending a troubled millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk.As the Tramp struggles with poverty and bad luck, his love for the flower girl pushes him toward quiet acts of sacrifice. The film blends slapstick humor with deep emotion, building to a famous final scene that reveals the Tramp’s true identity and captures Chaplin’s belief in compassion, dignity, and human connection.Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for City Lights05:07 Our Relationship(s) with City Lights10:30 Why Does Chaplin Resonate So Much with Critics?14:51 Plot Summary for City Lights15:43 What is City Lights About?19:05 Did You Know?23:13 First Break34:43 Best Performance(s)36:59 Best Scene(s)39:25 Second Break40:10 In Memoriam41:48 Best/Funniest Lines42:50 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy46:12 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance50:45 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance53:58 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness58:11 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:00:30 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:02:50 Remaining Questions for City Lights01:07:18 Remaining Thoughts01:13:35 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/city-lights-1931For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:City Lights, Charlie Chaplin, silent film, romantic comedy, film analysis, movie review, cinematic legacy, film history, emotional storytelling, classic cinemaRonny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guests, Christine Duncan (Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom) and Heather Stewart (The Revisionist Almanac's Senior European Correspondent), to discuss the indie comedy Little Miss Sunshine (2006) for its 20th anniversary: directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Feris, written by Michael Arndt, cinematography by Tim Suhrstedt, music by Mychael Danna, edited by Pamela Martin, starring Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, and Steve Carell.Plot Summary: Little Miss Sunshine is a comedy-drama about the Hoover family, a group of very different people trying to support one another. When young Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin) qualifies for the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, her parents—motivational speaker Richard (Greg Kinnear) and stressed but caring Sheryl (Toni Collette)—decide the whole family will travel with her from New Mexico to California. They pile into a rundown yellow van that becomes the setting for both humor and tension.Along the way, Olive’s foul-mouthed grandfather Edwin (Alan Arkin), her depressed uncle Frank (Steve Carell), and her silent, angry teenage brother Dwayne (Paul Dano) each face their own struggles. As the trip goes wrong in unexpected ways, the family learns that winning is not as important as sticking together. The film balances comedy and emotion to show how love and acceptance can come from even the most imperfect family.Guests:Christine DuncanWife of Dana and Mother of Tom19x guestHeather StewartThe Revisionist Almanac's Senior European Correspondent@heatherjstewart on IG, X, LetterboxdPreviously on Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), Requiem for a Dream (2000)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Little Miss Sunshine02:57 Welcome Back, Heather and Christine!10:58 Why Are Comedies So Overlooked by Awards?17:50 Personal Relationship(s) with Little Miss Sunshine26:19 What is Little Miss Sunshine About?29:43 Plot Summary for Little Miss Sunshine31:00 Did You Know?39:26 First Break40:15 What's Happening with Heather and Christine43:54 Best Performance(s)01:03:46 Best Scene(s)01:21:50 Second Break01:22:40 Best/Funniest Lines01:27:27 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:39:27 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:45:40 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:52:08 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:00:59 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:06:22 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:08:12 Remaining Questions for Little Miss Sunshine02:14:48 Thank You to Heather and Christine / Remaining...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Myke Emal (Host and Creator of the Cinemusts podcast), discuss Sabotage (1936) for its 89th anniversary: directed by Sir Alfred Hitchcock, written by Charles Bennett, cinematography by Bernard Knowles, music by Jack Beaver, editing by Charles Frend, starring Sylvia Sydney, Oskar Homolka, Desmond Tester, and John Loder.Plot Summary: In 1930s London, a seemingly ordinary cinema owner, Karl Verloc, hides a dangerous secret: he is part of a shadowy network of foreign saboteurs plotting terrorist attacks across the city. His wife, Mrs. Verloc, and her younger brother, Stevie, help run the theater, unaware of his double life.As London reels from a mysterious blackout caused by deliberate sabotage, Scotland Yard grows suspicious. They place an undercover detective in the shop next door to observe Verloc, hoping to uncover the group’s next move. Tension builds as Verloc is pressured by his handlers to carry out a bombing, setting off a chain of events that entangles his unsuspecting family and pushes Hitchcock’s suspense to a devastating climax.Guest:Myke EmalHost and Creator of the Cinemusts podcast@cinemusts on Twitter, Letterboxd, Facebook, and IGPreviously on Anatomy of a Murder (1959)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Sabotage03:08 Welcome Back, Myke Emal!05:09 The Eras of Alfred Hitchcock17:02 Plot Summary for Sabotage18:01 What is Sabotage About?21:19 Did You Know?24:11 First Break24:57 What's Happening with Myke Emal?25:50 GMOAT Hall of Fame31:08 Best Performance(s)36:38 Best Scene(s)47:43 Second Break48:39 In Memoriam52:45 Best/Funniest Lines54:39 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy59:16 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:04:18 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:10:14 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:14:37 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:18:25 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:20:05 Remaining Questions for Sabotage01:24:24 Thank You to Myke and Remaining Thoughts01:28:00 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sabotage-1936-ft-myke-emal" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with Betsy and Trent (co-hosts and creators of Never Seen It podcast) discuss Promising Young Woman (2020) for its 5th Anniversary: written and directed by Emerald Fennell, cinematography by Benjamin Kracun, music by Anthony Willis, editing by Frederick Thoraval, starring Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, and Jennifer Coolidge.Plot Summary: Promising Young Woman is a darkly clever thriller written and directed by Emerald Fennell. The film stars Carey Mulligan as Cassie Thomas, a woman whose life was derailed after a tragedy involving her best friend, Nina. By day, Cassie works in a coffee shop and seems aimless. But at night, she secretly confronts men who try to take advantage of women who appear drunk—forcing them to face their actions.When Cassie reconnects with an old classmate, Ryan (Bo Burnham), she begins to hope for a normal life again. However, as she seeks justice for Nina, Cassie’s plan takes a shocking and emotional turn.Guest:Betsy and TrentNever Seen It podcast (@neverseenit_pod on Twitter and Letterboxd, @neverseenitpod1 on IG, @neverseenit on TikTok, patreon.com/neverseenitpodPreviously on the 2024 Post Oscars Reaction Show, All the President's Men (1976) RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Promising Young Woman02:38 Welcome Back Betsy and Trent06:03 Initial Thoughts on Promising Young Woman09:34 After 5 Years, Do We Still Feel the Same About PYW?15:29 Picking Through the Ending20:48 Top Revenge Fantasy Movies25:40 What is the Legal Case at the End of the Film?40:14 Plot Summary for Promising Young Woman41:02 What is Promising Young Woman About?51:56 Did You Know?59:43 First Break01:02:13 What's Happening with Betsy and Trent?01:10:36 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #2-101:30:03 Thank You to Everyone01:31:06 Best Performance(s)01:43:35 Best Scene(s)02:00:24 Second Break02:01:04 In Memoriam02:09:40 Best/Funniest Lines02:12:48 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy02:22:00 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance02:28:03 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:37:53 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:47:30 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:55:21 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:56:55 Remaining Questions for Promising Young Woman03:03:23 Thank You to Betsy and Trent, Remaining Thoughts03:09:37 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or <a...

Dana and Tom with Jen Han and Sarah Callen (Hosts of Movies and Us&nbsp;podcast) discuss Raging Bull (1980) for its 45th anniversary: directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin, cinematography by Michael Chapman, editing by Thelma Schoonmaker, music by Jim Henrikson, starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, and Frank Vincent.Plot Summary: Raging Bull is a biographical drama about boxer Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro. The film follows Jake’s rise in the ring during the 1940s and 1950s, showing his intense drive to win and his struggle to control his anger. His brother and manager, Joey LaMotta, played by Joe Pesci, tries to keep Jake focused, but their relationship becomes strained as Jake’s temper grows.Outside the ring, Jake’s jealousy and insecurity hurt the people closest to him, especially his wife Vickie, played by Cathy Moriarty. As Jake’s behavior pushes others away, he begins to lose everything he worked for. The movie shows how his personal battles become just as destructive as the fights in the boxing ring, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions.Guests:Jen Han and Sarah CallenHosts of Movies and Us&nbsp;podcast@moviesanduspod on IG, TikTok, YouTubeOn MediumPreviously on The Maltese FalconChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Raging Bull03:13 Welcome Back, Jen and Sarah04:40 Why Are We Discussing Raging Bull?05:59 Why Is Raging Bull A Great Movie? (aka I Feel Like I'm Taking Crazy Pills)20:14 Relationship(s) with Raging Bull24:05 Plot Summary for Raging Bull25:12 What is Raging Bull About?28:34 Did You Know?33:18 First Break34:07 What's Happening with Jen and Sarah?35:42 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #5-344:41 Best Performance(s)58:11 Best Scene(s)01:11:49 Second Break01:13:05 In Memoriam01:14:24 Best/Funniest Lines01:16:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:21:06 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:26:18 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:32:08 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:40:21 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:44:51 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:46:55 Remaining Questions for Raging Bull01:49:19 Thank You to Jen and Sarah - Final Thoughts01:57:36 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/raging-bull-1980-ft-jen-and-sarah" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Ralph Esparza, discuss the neo-noir crime thriller, Heat (1995) for its 30th anniversary: written and directed by Michael Mann, cinematography by Dante Spinotti, music by Elliott Goldenthal, editing by Dov Hoenig, Pasquale Buba, William Goldenberg, and Tom Rolf, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Tom Sizemore, Dennis Haysbert, and Danny Trejo.Plot Summary: Heat is a crime thriller that stars Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna, a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, and Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley, a highly skilled professional thief. Both men are the best at what they do, and their lives begin to collide as McCauley’s crew plans a major bank robbery.McCauley leads a disciplined team that includes characters played by Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore. They try to stay ahead of the law while preparing for one last big score. Hanna, who is obsessed with catching them, struggles to balance his dangerous job with his strained home life. When the final robbery goes wrong, it leads to a dramatic chase through the streets of Los Angeles.Guest:Ralph Esparza&nbsp;(Film Producer)Credited on Tollbooth, Mad House, Killer Date, An Occasional Hell, and One Degree Celcius@ralph_esparza on IGPreviously on Magnolia (1999), Jaws (1975) Re-RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Heat04:02 Welcome Back, Ralph Esparza04:39 Why Are We Discussing Heat?05:35 Dana's First Impressions15:10 Why Does Heat Have Such a Cult Following?20:13 Plot Summary for Heat26:50 De Niro and Pacino - Two of the Greatest?33:53 Did You Know?37:01 First Break37:45 What's Happening with Ralph?38:34 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #10-657:50 Best Performance(s)01:09:28 Best Scene(s)01:16:28 Second Break01:17:05 Upcoming GMOAT LIVE Episodes on YouTube01:22:12 In Memoriam01:27:38 Best/Funniest Lines01:32:52 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:38:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:41:26 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:48:57 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:53:45 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:56:53 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:58:21 Remaining Questions for Heat02:04:37 Thank You To Ralph and Remaining Thoughts02:14:17 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/heat-1995-ft-ralph-esparzaFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Klarissa B. (Host and Creator - I've Seen That One (IG)) revisit Psycho (1960): directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by Joseph Stefano, score by Bernard Herrmann, cinematography by John L. Russell, editing by Geroge Tomasini, starring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, and Janet Leigh.Plot Summary: Psycho begins with Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a young woman who steals a large sum of money from her job in the hope of starting a new life. While driving to see her boyfriend in another state, she becomes tired and stops for the night at a small, lonely motel run by a quiet, awkward young man named Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).Norman lives in the shadow of his mysterious and controlling mother, who he says stays in the old house behind the motel. Later that night, Marion is brutally murdered.When Marion doesn’t return home, her sister Lila (Vera Miles), and Marion’s boyfriend Sam (John Gavin), begin searching for her. A private detective named Arbogast (Martin Balsam), also investigates and grows suspicious of Norman’s strange behavior.Guest:Klarissa B.Host and Creator - I've Seen That One (IG)Previously on Roman Holiday (1953) Revisit, Jaws (1975) Re-RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Psycho06:44 Welcome Back, Klarissa B.07:30 Where is Psycho Among All-Time Hitchcock Films?09:48 Why is Psycho So Influential?17:57 Relationship(s) with Psycho23:04 Plot Summary for Psycho24:05 What is Psycho About?30:06 Was the Exposition Epilogue Necessary?39:03 Did You Know?43:09 First Break43:59 What's Happening with Klarissa B.46:39 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #15-1158:39 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:03:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:12:55 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:14:04 Second Break01:14:44 In Memoriam01:15:54 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:21:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:36 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:28:52 GMOAT Merch Store?01:29:47 Remaining Questions for Psycho01:32:31 Thank You to Klarissa and Remaining Thoughts01:39:50 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/psycho-1960For more on the episode, go to: <a...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast), discuss the Best Picture winner of 1945 - The Lost Weekend: written and directed by Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett, cinematography by John F. Seitz, music by Miklos Rozsa, editing by Doane Harrison, starring Ray Milland, Jane Wyman, and Phillip Terry.Plot Summary: The Lost Weekend follows Don Birnam (Ray Milland), a struggling writer whose life is slipping away because of alcoholism. The film takes place over one long, destructive weekend in New York City, as Don tries—and repeatedly fails—to break free from his addiction.His brother Wick (Phillip Terry) wants to help Don get sober, but Don keeps finding ways to drink again. The one steady supporter in his life is his girlfriend Helen St. James, played by Jane Wyman, who refuses to give up on him even as his behavior becomes more desperate.As Don wanders the city searching for alcohol, the film shows his downward spiral with unflinching honesty—highlighted by Milland’s powerful, Oscar-winning performance. The story builds toward a moment of truth where Don has to decide whether he’ll keep drinking or finally confront what’s destroying him.Guest:Kieran B (15x Member Club)Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd&nbsp;- BPC, Personal Letterboxd&nbsp;Previous Episodes (16x): Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Revisit,&nbsp;12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Revisit, Saw (2004), <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/up-in-the-air-2009-ft-kieran-b-and-peterson-w-hill" rel="noopener...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema), discuss the Best Picture winner of 1975, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: directed by Milos Forman, written by Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman, cinematography by Haskell Wexler, music by Jack Nitzschke, edited by Richard Chew, Lynzee Klingman, and Sheldon Kahn, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Danny Devito, and Christopher Lloyd.Plot Summary: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a powerful drama directed by Miloš Forman, based on the novel by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious man who fakes insanity to avoid prison and is sent to a mental institution. There, he clashes with Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) whose strict control over the patients crushes their spirits. McMurphy’s defiance inspires the other men, including the quiet and gentle Chief Bromden (Will Sampson), to rediscover their sense of freedom and individuality. The movie explores themes of authority, conformity, and the human spirit, ultimately showing the cost of resisting oppressive systems.Guest:Sara SheaHost and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IGPreviously on 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, Barry Lyndon (1975), Shampoo (1975), 2025 Post Oscars Reaction Show, Patton (1970)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest04:42 Welcome Back, Sara Shea!08:23 Mental Health - Then and Now23:57 Relationship(s) with Cuckoo's Nest32:25 Plot Summary for Cuckoo's Nest33:20 What is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest About?39:44 Did You Know?45:46 First Break46:32 What's Happening with Sara Shea?50:25 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #25-2101:05:44 Best Performance(s)01:31:09 Best Scene(s)01:38:08 Second Break01:38:48 In Memoriam01:39:13 Best/Funniest Lines01:41:04 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:50:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:55:14 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:02:57 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:11:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:19:23 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:21:02 Remaining Questions for Cuckoo's Nest02:27:16 Thank You to Sara and Remaining Thoughts02:35:35 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Christine Duncan, and Adam Freed (Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)) discuss The American President (1995) for its 30th Anniversary: directed by Rob Reiner, written by Aaron Sorkin, cinematography by John Seale, music by Marc Shaiman, editing by Robert Leighton, starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, and Richard Dreyfuss.Plot Summary: President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is a widowed, popular U.S. president preparing for re-election. His life changes when he meets Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), a passionate environmental lobbyist. Their romance quickly blossoms, but it also sparks political controversy as the media and his rival, Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss), question his judgment and character.As public pressure grows, Shepherd must choose between protecting his political career or following his heart. With the help of his loyal Chief of Staff A.J. MacInerney (Martin Sheen) and adviser Lewis Rothschild (Michael J. Fox), he learns that true leadership means standing up for what’s right — even when it’s unpopular.Guests:Christine Duncan&nbsp;- Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom17x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for Murder,&nbsp;Anatomy of a Murder, Gone Girl, Roman Holiday Revisit, The Apartment, Men of...