The Apartment (1960) ft. Christine Duncan

Dana and Tom are joined by first-time guests, Frankie and Scott (Shoot the Flick), to discuss another Best Picture nominee from 1960 with Elmer Gantry - celebrating its 65th anniversary: written and directed by Richard Brooks, cinematography by John Alton, music by Andre Previn, starring Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Arthur Kennedy, and Shirley Jones.Plot Summary: Based on a novel by Sinclair Lewis, Elmer Gantry's story follows the titular character (Burt Lancaster), a charismatic but morally dubious traveling salesman who uses his charm and persuasive skills to infiltrate the world of evangelical revivalism. He joins forces with Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), a passionate preacher, and together they build a thriving religious movement. However, Gantry's past and his self-serving nature threaten to unravel everything, leading to dramatic consequences.Guests:Frankie SparksCo-host of Shoot the Flick@shoottheflick on IG, Twitter@fsparks on LetterboxdScott EisenbergCo-host of Shoot the FlickChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Frankie and Scott00:46 Cast for Elmer Gantry03:01 Why Elmer Gantry? Relationship(s) to the Film07:01 Why Does Elmer Gantry Start with a Warning Label?08:50 What is Elmer Gantry About?19:08 Did Dana Like the Film?20:08 Did Burt Lancaster Deserve His Oscar?26:55 Background for Elmer Gantry28:13 Plot Summary for Elmer Gantry28:59 Did You Know?36:28 First Break38:21 What's Happening with Frankie and Scott?42:22 Best Performance(s)01:01:39 Best Scene(s)01:15:02 Second Break01:15:43 Best/Funniest Lines01:18:47 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:23:22 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:27:49 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:36:27 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:45:25 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:55:01 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:58:10 Remaining Questions for Elmer Gantry02:02:55 Thank You to Scott and Frankie and Final Thoughts02:06:14 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/elmer-gantry-1960-ft-shoot-the-flickFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Elmer Gantry, Burt Lancaster, false prophets, religion, film analysis, classic cinema, character development, cultural context, Oscar winners, movie history, charisma, best scenes, indelible moments, humor, legacy, classicness, rewatchability, Richard Brooks, Andre Previn, Jean Simmons, Shirley Jones, Arthur KennedyRonny...

Dana and Tom welcome back Christine Duncan to discuss the Best Picture winner of 1960, The Apartment: written and directed by Billy Wilder with I.A.L. Diamond, cinematography by Joseph LaShelle, music by Adolph Deutsch, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray.Plot Summary: C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), an ambitious office clerk in a Manhattan insurance firm, lends his apartment to philandering executives in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. His plan hits a moral snag when he discovers that Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), the elevator operator he’s fallen for, is having an affair with his boss, Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). As Baxter wrestles with loyalty, loneliness, and love, he must decide whether success is worth sacrificing integrity and happiness. A poignant blend of sharp satire and heartfelt romance, The Apartment is a bittersweet portrait of ambition and redemption in the big city.Guest:Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom15x 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, Anatomy of a Murder, Gone Girl, Roman Holiday RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Christine02:12 Why Did Chris Want to Discuss The Apartment?04:04 Cast of The Apartment05:14 How Much Would You Sacrifice for Professional Success?10:43 Background for The Apartment14:32 Relationship(s) with The Apartment16:59 Does Dana Like The Apartment?17:43 Plot Summary for The Apartment18:33 What is The Apartment About?25:30...

Dana and Tom discuss Inside Out (2015) for its 10th Anniversary: written and directed by Pete Docter with Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley, cinematography by Patrick Lin and Kim White, music by Michael Giacchino, starring Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, and Lewis Black.Plot Summary: Inside Out takes place largely inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley as she navigates a difficult move from Minnesota to San Francisco. Her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are personified and operate from Headquarters, guiding her reactions and memories. When Joy and Sadness are accidentally swept out of Headquarters, the remaining emotions struggle to manage Riley’s turmoil. As Joy learns to appreciate the value of Sadness, the film explores the complexity of growing up, emotional balance, and the importance of embracing all feelings.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:19 Cast of Inside Out03:04 Relationship(s) with Inside Out10:00 Background for Inside Out15:40 What is Inside Out About?18:59 Did Dana Like Inside Out?20:14 Plot Summary for Inside Out21:58 Did You Know?27:12 First Break29:07 Best Performance(s)38:30 Best Scene(s)43:46 Second Break44:25 In Memoriam48:20 Best/Funniest Lines49:25 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy53:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance56:35 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty58:04 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness59:42 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:01:04 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:02:29 Remaining Questions and Final Thoughts01:07:54 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/inside-out-2015For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Inside Out, Pixar, emotions, movie review, animation, family, nostalgia, film analysis, character development, storytelling, Disney, Amy Poehler, Pete Docter, Mindy Kaling, Michael Giacchino, Lewis Black, Kyle McLachlan, Diane Lane, Bill Hader, Phyllis SmithRonny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Scott Cole (Twitter-X/IG (@colecommascott) movie commentator), discuss Nashville (1975) for its 50th Anniversary: directed by Robert Altman, written by Joan Tewkesbury, cinematography by Paul Lohmann, music by Richard Baskin, starring Keith Carradine, Ned Beatty, Scott Glenn, and Lily Tomlin.Plot Summary: A sprawling mosaic of American life, Nashville follows 24 characters over five days leading up to a political rally in the titular city. Set against the backdrop of country music and political ambition, the film weaves together intersecting stories of musicians, wannabe stars, politicians, and ordinary citizens. Through overlapping dialogue and naturalistic performances, Altman paints a satirical yet poignant portrait of fame, identity, and the uneasy state of the nation during the 1970s. The film crescendos into a shocking act of violence, underscoring its themes of disillusionment and the chaotic intersection of celebrity and politics.Guest:Scott ColeTwitter-X/IG (@colecommascott) movie commentator, and occasional writer/contributor for The Movie Friends podcast.com (@moviefriendspodcast)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Scott03:54 Cast of Nashville05:32 Dana's First Time Seeing Nashville08:47 Did Dana Like Nashville?15:02 Background for Nashville17:26 What is Nashville About?23:18 Plot Summary for Nashville24:15 Did You Know?26:34 First Break28:30 What's Happening with Scott Cole?33:23 Best Performance(s)45:03 Best Scene(s)56:20 Second Break57:02 In Memoriam01:06:10 Best/Funniest Lines01:10:30 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:17:54 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:21:39 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:27:09 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:32:44 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:39:25 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:46:52 Remaining Questions for Nashville01:51:35 Thank You to Scott and Remaining Thoughts01:57:11 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/nashville-1975-ft-scott-coleFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Nashville, Robert Altman, film analysis, character development, 1975 movies, Best Picture nominees, country music, cinematic themes, film performances, movie discussions, film, entertainment, legacy, humor,...

Dana and Tom with 5x club member, Walter Gainer (Founder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show) discuss Toy Story 2: directed by John Lassiter, written by Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb, cinematography by Sharon Calahan, music by Randy Newman, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, and Don Rickles.Plot Summary: In Toy Story 2, Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen by a greedy toy collector, Al McWhiggin (Wayne Knight), who plans to sell him to a museum in Japan. While Woody meets new toys—Jessie the cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Bullseye the horse, and Stinky Pete the Prospector (Kelsey Grammer)—Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of Andy's toys embark on a daring rescue mission to bring Woody home. However, Woody is tempted by the idea of being preserved forever in the museum, leading to an emotional struggle between loyalty and destiny.Guest:Walter Gainer IIFounder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show@bosslocks on IG, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn@itsthegreatwalt on IG, @rampagewalter on LinkedInPreviously On: Training Day (2001), Get Out (2017), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Walter04:58 Cast of Toy Story 206:08 Why is Toy Story 2 a Good Sequel?16:56 Background for Toy Story 219:39 Relationship(s) with Toy Story 222:27 Plot Summary for Toy Story 223:17 Did You Know?28:51 First Break30:48 What's Happening? with Walter Gainer32:13 Best Performance(s)45:03 Best Scene(s)54:17 Second Break54:57 In Memoriam57:37 Best/Funniest Lines01:00:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:08:10 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:10:24 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:13:20 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:16:54 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:19:16 The

Dana and Tom with special guests, Alex Doffek and Thomas Baches, redo their episode of Back to the Future from Season 1. Back to the Future (1985): written and directed by Robert Zemeckis with Bob Gale, cinematography by Dean Cundey, music by Alan Silvestri, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Crispin Glover.Plot Summary: In 1985, Marty McFly, an average teenager, finds himself accidentally embarking on the most extraordinary adventure of his life. Through a twist of fate, he ends up transported back to the year 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean. As he navigates the charming yet unfamiliar world of the 1950s, Marty must ensure his parents still fall in love, overcoming the odds of high school drama and the villainous Biff Tannen.With the clock ticking, Marty races against time, seeking Doc Brown's help to harness the power of a lightning strike to fuel the DeLorean and propel him back to the future. Through humor, heart, and a pulse-pounding sense of adventure, "Back to the Future" weaves a timeless story of self-discovery, love, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the course of history.Guests:Alex Doffek - Thomas' UncleThomas Baches - Alex's Best FriendChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Alex and Thomas03:14 Cast and Background for Back to the Future06:43 Relationship(s) with Back to the Future10:46 What is Back to the Future About?14:12 Whom Does Dana Understand Better?15:36 How is Back to the Future Remembered?19:26 Plot Summary for Back to the Future20:34 Did You Know?22:09 First Break22:54 Best Performance(s)33:09 Best Scene(s)44:43 Second Break45:25 In Memoriam47:49 Best/Funniest Lines51:22 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy58:16 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:03:08 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:12:01 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:21:12 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:24:53 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:26:33 Remaining Questions for Back to the Future01:43:57 Thank You to Alex and Thomas01:45:40 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/back-to-the-future-1985-redux-ft-alex-doffek-and-thomas-bachesFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Back to the Future, character analysis, cultural impact, time travel, film legacy, storytelling, performances, movie discussion, film analysis, performance, Hollywood, iconic scenes, character dynamics, political commentary, legacy, originality, cinematography, voyeurism, timelessness, favorite scenes, indelible moments, rewatchability, Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Marty McFly, Doc Brown, BiffRonny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guests, Adam Freed (Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at MovieArcher.com) and Adam Vanderwerff discuss the last of the original trilogy of Star Wars films with Return of the Jedi (1983): directed by Richard Marquand, written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, cinematography by Alan Hume, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Return of the Jedi is the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) as they battle to overthrow the oppressive Galactic Empire.After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance prepares for a final assault on the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke confronts Darth Vader, hoping to redeem his father from the dark side and put an end to Emperor Palpatine’s tyranny. With thrilling battles, emotional reunions, and the power of hope, the Rebels fight to restore freedom to the galaxy.Guests:Adam FreedManaging Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)@moviearcher on Twitter and InstagramPreviously on Batman (1989), Pulp Fiction (1994) RevisitAdam Vanderwerff (Duncan Disability Law)Previous Episodes: Office Space (1999), Ghostbusters (1984), M*A*S*H (1970)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Adam and Adam02:04 Vanderwerff's Favorite Movie05:26 Cast of Return of the Jedi06:20 Relationship(s) with Return of the Jedi14:52 Star Wars as a Whole19:47 What is Return of the Jedi About?27:46 Background for Return of the Jedi29:04 John Williams Appreciation34:31 Plot Summary for Return of the Jedi35:27 Did You Know?45:47 First Break46:32 What's Up with Freed and Vanderwerff53:19 GMOAT Hall of Fame01:08:52 Best Performance(s)01:19:24 Best Scene(s)01:29:57 Second Break01:30:38 In Memoriam01:36:05 Best/Funniest Lines01:40:20 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:47:09 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:53:35 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:00:53 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:08:27 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:17:58 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:20:01 Remaining Questions for Return of the Jedi02:24:59 Thank You to Our Guests02:27:28 Remaining Thoughts02:29:18 Just for Andrew Corns02:37:18 CreditsThis episode is also available in full video on YouTube.You can now...

Dana and Tom with 10x club member, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class), and 5x club member, Andrew Corns (Host and Creator of the Revisionist Almanac), discuss the sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for its 45th anniversary: directed by Irvin Kerschner, written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, music by John Williams, cinematography by Peter Suschitzky, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: After their triumphant but costly victory against the Empire, the Rebel Alliance struggles to evade Darth Vader’s relentless pursuit. Forced into hiding on the remote ice planet Hoth, they soon find themselves under attack, prompting a desperate escape across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), guided by visions of wisdom, seeks out the reclusive Jedi Master Yoda to sharpen his abilities and prepare for the battles ahead. As Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) attempt to evade Imperial forces, they seek refuge in the seemingly safe Cloud City—only to find betrayal lurking within. When Luke abandons his training to confront Vader, he faces a chilling revelation that will shake the foundation of his destiny and alter the course of the Rebellion forever.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004), Gladiator...

Dana and Tom with 5x club member, Shane Rogers (Comedian and Host of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs) and Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison) discuss the movie that created the biggest film franchise of all-time, Star Wars (1977): written and directed by George Lucas, cinematography by Gilbert Taylor, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Star Wars is set in a galaxy far, far away under the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire. The story follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who discovers his destiny when he comes across a pair of droids carrying secret plans for the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. With the guidance of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as the help of a roguish pilot, Han Solo, his co-pilot Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, Luke embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and to aid the Rebel Alliance in their fight for freedom. The film is a tale of heroism, hope, and the battle between good and evil.Guests:Shane RogersComedian and Host of Midnight Facts for InsomniacsPreviously on Broadcast News (1987), The Big Lebowski (1998), Superman: The Movie (1978), There's Something About Mary (1998), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Ex Machina (2015)Jesse Sertlefellow group member of CineMadisonpreviously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)@jsertle on IGChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Shane and Jesse02:31 A Significant Movie in the History of GMOAT03:13 Cast and Background for Star Wars08:18 Relationship(s) with Star Wars18:25 What is Star Wars About?23:43 Will Star Wars Ever Be at the Peak of Culture Again?34:15 Plot Summary for Star Wars35:19 Did You Know?37:11 First Break38:00 What's Up with Shane Rogers and Jesse Sertle39:29 Best Performance(s)48:45 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:00:08 Second Break01:00:47 In Memoriam01:04:04 Best/Funniest Lines01:08:24 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:14:04 The Stanley Rubric -...

Dana and Tom with 10x guests, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios&nbsp;and Host of B2B Business Class) and Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd&nbsp;- BPC, Letterboxd&nbsp;- Personal) discuss the Best Picture Winner of 2000, Gladiator: directed by Ridley Scott, written by John Logan, David Franzione, William Nicholson, cinematography by John Mathieson, music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, and Djimon Hounsou.Plot Summary: In Gladiator, Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) leads his army to victory in a decisive battle under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The emperor, disillusioned with his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), wishes to pass power to Maximus to restore the Roman Republic. Before this plan can be enacted, Commodus murders his father and seizes the throne.Refusing to serve the new emperor, Maximus is sentenced to death. He escapes execution but returns home to find his wife and son brutally murdered by Commodus’s men. Captured and sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator under the training of Proximo (Oliver Reed), a former gladiator himself. Maximus ultimately works his way to Rome, igniting a battle not just for revenge but for the soul of Rome.As the story builds to a final confrontation, Maximus must fight one last time—against a corrupt emperor and the cruelty of the empire—to restore honor and justice and to fulfill a dying emperor’s last hope.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios&nbsp;and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb&nbsp;/ Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008), <a...