GGACP Classic: Griffin Dunne

GGACP celebrates the recent release of actor-producer Griffin Dunne's book, "The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir" by revisiting this memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Griffin talks about blending horror and comedy, teaming with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the cynical cinema of Billy Wilder and the lives (and work) of Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne. Also, Jerry Lewis adapts Gore Vidal, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Griffin sneaks onto the set of “Gilligan’s Island” and Tim Burton (almost) directs “After Hours.” PLUS: Howdy Doody! “Who’s That Girl”! “The Panic in Needle Park”! The genius of Harry Nilsson! And the artistry of GGACP guest Rick Baker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of veteran character actor Jamie Farr (b. July 1) with this ENCORE presentation of an entertaining interview from 2017. In this episode, Jamie looks back on 60+ years of showbiz memories, including sharing the big and small screen with legends Bob Hope, Doris Day, Sidney Poitier, Danny Kaye and Ed Wynn. Also, Jamie tours with Red Skelton, takes a class with Clint Eastwood, runs afoul of Joey Bishop and borrows a frock from Ginger Rogers. PLUS: “Murder Can Hurt You”! “Who’s Minding the Mint?”! The mad genius of Chuck Barris! Lenny Bruce inspires Klinger! And the greatest prime-time lineup in TV history!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the recent release of the musical documentary "Killing Me Softly with His Songs" (now streaming) by revisiting this memorable interview with Grammy and Emmy winner Charles Fox. In this episode, Charles looks back on a six-decade career of writing top 40 hits as well as themes for TV shows (“Happy Days,” “Wonder Woman,” "The Love Boat"), feature films (“Barbarella,” “9 to 5”) and game shows (“Match Game,” “What’s My Line?”). Also, Charles teams with Barry Manilow, pens a tune for Burt Reynolds, witnesses the Ed Ames tomahawk incident and remembers friends Neal Hefti, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini. PLUS: “Love, American Style”! The Charles Fox Singers! The inventiveness of Ernie Kovacs! Gilbert sings the soundtrack from “Zapped!” And the boys pay loving tribute to Paul Williams! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Tony and Emmy-nominated actress-singer Michele Lee (b. June 24) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2021. In this episode, Michele looks back at her seven-decade career in television (“Knots Landing”), movies (“The Comic,” “The Love Bug”) and on the Broadway stage (“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and remembers the bawdiness of Red Skelton, the naughtiness of Buddy Hackett, the courageousness of Don Rickles and the flirtatiousness of Frank Sinatra. Also, Michele cuts the rug with Fred Astaire, treads the boards with Robert Morse, takes directing tips from Jerry Lewis and plays Lou Costello’s wife in the infamous “Bud and Lou.” PLUS: “Rod Serling’s Night Gallery”! “Scandalous Me: The Jacqueline Susann Story”! In praise of Dick Van Dyke! And Michele shares the screen with Liberace, Danny Kaye and Sammy Davis Jr! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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