The Variety Attic with Nick & Glenn

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we take an in depth look at the many films and books that appeared throughout the 1970's about demonic possession. We explore the notion that this was due to - first the novel, The Exorcist (by William Peter Blatty) – and then a few years later, William Friedken's iconic film. In this podcast, while acknowledging the 1973 film The Exorcist for the brilliant, horror masterpiece that it is, we also discuss some of the other excellent films from the 1970's that aptly dealt with the devil – then in contrast – delve into the slew of poorly made films from the decade on the subject (lots of fun). As usual, we discus and comment on many of these films, while listening to clips from movies such as The Omen, The Sentinel, Satan's School for Girls, The Mephisto Waltz, The Devil Within Her, Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby, The Evil, and much more. As mentioned, we also focus on a varied selection of the novels published at the time – books such as The Guardian, Lupe, The Search for Joseph Tully, The Godsend, and several other titles. If you enjoy films & books full of demonic horror - you will enjoy this podcast – which clearly illustrates that the 1970's was definitely "The Decade of The Devil".

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we delve into the fascinating and terrifying enigma of the Werewolf - in both legend and film. We spend time on the many fantastic aspects of the werewolf legend - talk about lycanthropy in stories & novels - and review what are considered the best of classic werewolf movies. As usual, we discuss and comment on the films chosen, with audio clips from such horror classics as The Wolf Man, The Undying Monster, The Werewolf, The Beast Must Die, The Howling, and several others. This is a unique, and scarily fun podcast - don't miss it.

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we present for this Fall - the magnificent, classic film "Tomorrow Is Forever" - as a Variety Attic One-Off (where we discuss only ONE film). This beautiful Golden Age film, is a serious and compelling love story - about the sacrifices & decisions people make when faced with wartime situations, and in general - life's adversity. Tomorrow is Forever was directed by Irving Pichel, and stars Claudette Colbert, Orson Wells, & George Brent. It is also the film debut of both Richard Long, and a seven year old Natalie Wood. As usual - we discuss, review, and comment - while offering several powerful audio clips.  Tomorrow is Forever is a great movie - and we think you will find this to be a very enjoyable One-Off.

Join us, Nick & Glenn, on this special podcast where we look at -  and listen to - songs from popular twentieth century music - which were taken or borrowed from great classical works, dating as far back as the eighteenth century. As we delve into various twentieth century songwriters, and their brilliant adaptations of classical pieces from Beethoven and Chopin, to Debussy and Puccini - we compare and contrast the original composition, with the updated pop gold hit. As always, we discuss, reference and enjoy audio clips of such 20th century musical artists as Elvis Presley, The Toys, The Mindbenders, Della Reese, Perry Como, Judy Garland, Tommy Dorsey, and others - as well as listen to many of the original classical compositions. Music and entertainment is what this podcast is all about - so give it a listen. 

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we showcase for this June - the wonderful, classic film "Miracle in the Rain" – as a Variety Attic One-Off (where we discuss only ONE film). This beautiful film from the Golden Age of Hollywood, is an intelligent, realistic yet sentimental tale of loneliness, love, loss, and faith - that all unfolds in a mid-20th century tale of New York. Written by the legendary Ben Hecht, and directed by Rudolph Mate – Miracle in the Rain stars Jane Wyman, Van Johnson, Eileen Heckart, and a host of fabulous supporting actors – which make it a movie of great stature. As always - we discuss, probe, and comment – as well as provide some really wonderful audio clips. This podcast is very special – if you love classic films, you will love this One-Off.

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to the master of Italian Horror Films – the wonderful Italian Writer, Cinematographer & Legendary Director – Mario Bava. Mario Bava, also referred to as the "Master of the Macabre", was responsible for many films that were known for their distinctive visual flair, stylish technical ingenuity, and modest budgets. Bava's films could be tales of the supernatural, horror epics, or murder mysteries – which were like no other mysteries filmed at the time. In addition to sharing audio clips from Bava classics such as "I Vampiri,"  "Black Sunday," "Blood & Black Lace," "A Bay of Blood" and others - as always - we discuss the films, share experiences, and give perspectives. If you are a fan of Italian horror films, or horror films in general  - you will want to tune in.  

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to two great women, Martha Raye & Kate Smith - their unbelievable careers of 5 decades plus, and their contributions to three US War efforts. As we delve into what these two performers brought to the table artistically, vocally, and as humanitarians - we explore the great cannon of talent and dedication that each possessed, which we feel has been "untapped" in recent years. As always, we illustrate our theme with fabulous music clips, facts, and discussion. If you appreciate great singing, great talent, and great music - this one's for you.

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we delve extensively - into what elements make a great mystery - for books, film, and television. As we probe the fact that the world loves a great mystery - we cover Sherlock Holmes & Agatha Christie, Charlie Chan, Edgar Wallace, Ellery Queen, and the Hardy Boys, up to the era of the Italian Giallo - clearly proving that the public can't get enough of a great murder mystery. We also review and discuss the many film mysteries made in the 20th century - from silent film, through the golden era, up to the present. That present status, is a topic we talk about later on in the show - which is a key point. As we chronicle certain mystery novels that have left a mark, focus on the film versions of some of these literary works, as well as mystery films with original stories and screenplays – as always, we provide audio film clips, fun facts, and discussion.  All demonstrating what makes a GREAT mystery, and what gives it lasting power. If you love a Mystery - you will LOVE this podcast!      

Join us, Nick & Glenn, as we pay tribute to two veterans of classic film horror from the 1950's through the 1970's - Barbara Steele & Barbara Shelley.   Long before Jamie Lee Curtis (of "Halloween" fame) hit the scene, two of cinema's original scream queens, Barbara Steele & Barbara Shelley left an indelible mark in film history - with their many portrayals of heroines and villainess' in classic horror movies for almost three decades.  We discuss their wonderful acting abilities and great on-screen presence, play clips, delve into their professional paths - and prove why many of their films became enduring classics of the horror genre.  If your fans of these actresses, or horror films in general, we think you'll enjoy this podcast - and will appreciate why these two icons were "the" original scream queens.  

Join us, Nick & Glenn - as we offer you what we call a Variety Attic "One-Off" (where we discuss only one film) - our first film being, "Werewolf In a Girl's Dormitory" - a wonderful Euro-Horror classic from the 1960's.  This somewhat obscure Italian/German horror film, which over the years has gained an amazing cult following, is considered a classic  of the genre. As always, we discuss many aspects of the film - play clips, & provide fun facts.