My Sister Made Me Watch This

In 1986, a coming-of-age movie about four boys, one unforgettable adventure, and the complicated experience of growing up captured the hearts of audiences. Forty years later, Stand By Me remains one of the most beloved films of the decade.This week, we're heading back to 1959 and the fictional town of Castle Rock, Oregon, to revisit Rob Reiner's classic film based on Stephen King's novella The Body. We talk about the story of Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern as they set out to find the body of a missing boy, hoping to become local heroes along the way.Along the way, we discuss:How Rob Reiner came to direct the film and why he decided to make Gordie the central character.The connection between Stephen King's story and some of his own childhood experiences.The young cast, including Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell.Kiefer Sutherland as the unforgettable bully Ace Merrill and Richard Dreyfuss as the adult Gordie.The behind-the-scenes stories behind the infamous Barf-O-Rama and the terrifying train trestle scene.The fabulous '50s soundtrack and the resurgence of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me."Stephen King's reaction to the film and why he considered it one of the best adaptations of his work.The movie's 40th anniversary celebrations in Brownsville, Oregon.We also discuss other coming-of-age films, including Now and Then, and consider whether Stand By Me still resonates with audiences who didn't grow up with it.Forty years later, the fashions, music, and childhood experiences may have changed, but the emotions and friendships at the heart of this story are timeless.Have you watched Stand By Me recently? Does it still hold up? We'd love to hear what you think!Find us on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at [email protected] you're enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a rating and review, and tell a friend!My Sister Made Me Watch This — revisiting the movies and TV shows that made us who we are, one nostalgic episode at a time.

Beam us up! This week on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we're finally giving Star Trek its own episode!Cherie takes Michelle back to where it all began with Star Trek: The Original Series, the groundbreaking science-fiction show that introduced audiences to Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and the crew of the USS Enterprise.We explore how Gene Roddenberry's original vision evolved from an unconventional pilot into a television phenomenon, the role Lucille Ball played in getting the series made, and the show's groundbreaking approach to diversity and social issues. Along the way, we uncover some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including the origins of the transporter, the real story behind Spock's Vulcan salute, and how a little R2-D2 made its way into some Borg equipment.Cherie also shares stories from her years working with Paramount, including some memorable encounters with Star Trek actors William Shatner, Walter Koenig, and George Takei.Does the original series still hold up today? Or is it better remembered for the doors it opened for generations of science fiction that followed?Join us as we boldly go back to 1966!In this episode:The origins of Star Trek and Gene Roddenberry's original visionThe original pilot, The Cage, and why NBC requested a second pilotLucille Ball's surprising role in bringing Star Trek to televisionThe groundbreaking diversity of the Enterprise crewThe origins of the transporter and other iconic Star Trek technologyBehind-the-scenes trivia about Spock, Scotty, the Klingons, and moreCherie's personal stories from Paramount and science-fiction conventionsWhether Star Trek: The Original Series still holds up todayIf you're enjoying My Sister Made Me Watch This, please rate and review the show, subscribe, and share it with a fellow nostalgia lover!

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—and we're celebrating one of the most beloved Halloween traditions of our childhood! This time on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we're revisiting the 1966 animated classic that brought us Linus's unwavering faith, Snoopy's World War I flying ace adventures, Lucy's infamous football trick, and Charlie Brown's heartbreaking trick-or-treat haul: rocks.We dig into the history behind the special, from Charles Schulz's original Peanuts comic strips to the pressure to create another television blockbuster after the success of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Along the way, we explore some surprising behind-the-scenes details, including how Snoopy's flying ace fantasy became part of the Halloween story, how the voice actors brought the characters to life, and why one little girl's loose tooth nearly changed her recording schedule.Of course, we can't resist asking the important questions: Where exactly do you send a letter to the Great Pumpkin? What happens if there's no pumpkin patch nearby? Why are there apparently no responsible adults anywhere in the Peanuts universe? And seriously, what did Charlie Brown ever do to deserve all those rocks?We also look back at our own Halloween memories, debate whether the special still holds up for today's kids, and lament the days when these holiday classics were a regular part of network television.So grab some Halloween candy (preferably not rocks), find the most sincere pumpkin patch you can, and join us for a nostalgic trip back to a Halloween classic we still love.In this episode:The origins of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie BrownCharles Schulz, the Peanuts comic strip, and the making of the specialSnoopy's flying ace adventures and the mysterious Red Baron connectionThe legendary “I got a rock” sceneBehind-the-scenes stories about the animation, music, and voice castOur childhood Halloween memories and traditionsWhether this beloved special still holds up todayTune in to find out what my sister made me watch—or, in this case, what we watched together!

There’s no place like home… but apparently, there’s also no shortage of fascinating stories behind one of Hollywood’s most beloved movies!We’re back in Oz for another look at the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Last time, we started exploring the differences between L. Frank Baum’s original book and the movie we know and love. This time, we dig deeper into the film’s troubled production, uncover some surprising behind-the-scenes trivia, and look at the legacy of a movie that continues to capture imaginations more than 85 years later.From dangerous makeup and questionable on-set safety practices to Judy Garland’s treatment by the studio, the making of The Wizard of Oz wasn’t always a fairy tale. We also separate fact from fiction when it comes to one of the movie’s most persistent urban legends.But it’s not all dark history! We explore an earlier silent-film adaptation featuring a future comedy legend, discover the surprising details behind the Cowardly Lion’s costume, marvel at the history of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and revisit some of the movie’s most memorable production details. Plus, we discuss whether today’s younger generations still embrace this classic and how its influence lives on through Wicked and beyond.So follow the yellow brick road with us as we pull back the curtain on The Wizard of Oz—because there’s a lot more to this movie than meets the eye!In this episode, we discuss:The dangerous realities of making movies in Hollywood’s golden ageJudy Garland’s experience playing DorothyThe truth behind the infamous hanging Munchkin rumorThe 1925 silent-film adaptation starring Oliver Hardy as the Tin ManDorothy’s changing hairstyle and other continuity quirksThe Cowardly Lion’s surprisingly heavy costume and real lion-pelt originsThe horse of a different color and the movie’s other memorable production detailsThe fascinating history of the ruby slippers and other movie memorabiliaThe Wizard of Oz’s enduring cultural legacy and its connection to WickedJoin us for a trip back to Oz filled with movie history, unexpected revelations, and plenty of laughs along the way!Enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, rate, and review My Sister Made Me Watch This. Every rating, review, and download helps new listeners find us!And be sure to tune in next time to find out what one sister made the other watch. Something tells us it won't be good… or will it?

There’s no place like home—and there’s no movie quite like The Wizard of Oz! This week on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we’re revisiting a film we both grew up watching, from those annual television broadcasts to the magic of Dorothy’s first steps into Technicolor Oz.Inspired by a visit to the Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, we’re following the yellow brick road through the history of this beloved 1939 classic. We explore the movie’s complicated production, the actors who almost played its iconic characters, and the surprising stories behind the casting, costumes, makeup, and ruby slippers.Did you know Ray Bolger was originally cast as the Tin Man? Or that Buddy Ebsen had to leave the production after a serious reaction to the silver makeup? We also discuss the many roles played by some of the cast members, the famous costume story that might be too good to be true, and a deleted scene that could explain Dorothy’s special fondness for the Scarecrow.Along the way, we revisit childhood memories, question a few things we thought we knew, and discover that even a movie filled with magic has some fascinating stories hiding behind the curtain.And this is only Part One! We’ve barely scratched the surface of The Wizard of Oz’s darker production history, cultural influence, and lasting legacy. Join us next time as we continue our trip to Oz.In this episode, we discuss:Our childhood memories of watching The Wizard of Oz on televisionThe Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, North CarolinaThe film’s origins, production, and place in Hollywood historyThe unforgettable transition from black-and-white Kansas to colorful OzActors who almost played Dorothy, the Wizard, and the Wicked WitchThe casting switch between Ray Bolger and Buddy EbsenThe real production challenges behind the movie’s makeup and costumesThe ruby slippers—and the original book’s silver slippersThe famous Frank Baum coat story: charming legend or studio publicity?A deleted scene that sheds light on Dorothy’s relationship with the ScarecrowWhy this classic deserves a return trip down the yellow brick roadComing next: Part Two of our Wizard of Oz discussion, featuring more of the film’s darker history, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.Join the conversation!What do you remember most about The Wizard of Oz? Did you grow up watching it on television, and what movie or TV show would you like us to discuss next?Find us on Instagram and Facebook at My Sister Made Me Watch This, or email us at [email protected] you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts—and tell a friend!#MySisterMadeMeWatchThis #WizardOfOz #ClassicMovies #MovieNostalgia #HollywoodHistory