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Vanguard of Hollywood

84 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago -

A Feel-Good Classic Hollywood Podcast | This uplifting Classic Hollywood podcast offers inspirational insights into the films of the Golden Age & the stars who made them great.

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Episodes

A Force of Nature: An Interview with Paul Petersen

March 28, 2024 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

You probably know Paul Petersen best as Donna Reed's son on The Donna Reed Show, but Paul's show business career began as one of the original sixteen Mouseketeers. In addition to working with Hollywood Legends like Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, Paul also enjoyed a successful music career with Motown. But Paul is most proud of his work to better the lives of kid actors. Listen as Paul shares about his Hollywood career and inspiring work with his foundation, A Minor Consideration.

Marilyn Monroe's Little Brother: An Interview with Scott Morrow

March 18, 2024 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

As one of the most featured child actors of the Golden Age, Scott Morrow has more than 95 television credits and 16 feature films to his name. From Peyton Place to An Affair to Remember and The Donna Reed Show, Scott worked with the best of the best. Listen as Scott shares highlights from his remarkable career, and memories of his sweet brother-sister relationship with Marilyn Monroe.

Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties with Foster Hirsch

December 27, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

In this interview special, Shannon welcomes back film historian Foster Hirsch to discuss his new book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties. Listen to discover which mogul saved Hollywood, if the blacklist could have been avoided, and what Jimmy Stewart and Marlon Brando have in common.

A Lucky Interview with Mimi Gibson

December 20, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

In this special episode, Shannon interviews Mimi Gibson, one of the most sought-after child actresses of the 1950s and 1960s. Mimi is best known as the voice of Lucky in 101 Dalmatians (1961) and as Cary Grant's daughter in Houseboat (1958). Listen as Mimi shares her stories and experiences from working during the most exciting time in movies and television, and her post-acting work to better the lives of today's working kids in Hollywood.

The Importance of Thank You Notes: A Lesson from Jackie Robinson

November 23, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Classic baseball history and a thank you note written by Jackie Robinson inspire this episode about the importance of giving thanks.

Joe E. Brown: Hollywood’s Nicest Guy

July 31, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MB

Shannon offers a birthday tribute to comedian and actor Joe E. Brown, Hollywood's nicest guy

Hud (1963), Pat Neal’s Oscar, and Newman’s Villain

June 21, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

Paul Newman ages youthfully, Patricia Neal wins the Oscar, and Paul was not mean to Patricia. From 1963, it's Hud.

Paul Newman Was Not Mean to Patricia Neal. Here’s Why It Matters

May 11, 2023 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

Was Paul Newman mean to Patricia Neal? Shannon's research reveals the truth and why a rumor has been accepted as fact for decades.

The Long, Hot Summer (1958) & The Newmans

March 10, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

 Paul Newman Almost Fails in Hollywood, Orson Welles Hates the Method, Joanne Wins an Oscar, & the Newmans Put Their Marriage First. It's The Long, Hot Summer (1958).

Paul Newman: Old Hollywood Class and Modern Cool

January 26, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

Paul Newman goes to Yale, Sells Encyclopedias, Races Cars, Gets Better with Age, and Prefers Steak at Home.  Join Shannon for her birthday tribute to Paul Newman.

Was Vera-Ellen Anorexic in White Christmas (1954)?

December 23, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

Was Vera-Ellen Anorexic in White Christmas (1954)? Here's what we know about Vera-Ellen's complicated relationship with food and body image.

They Are Wisest: O. Henry’s ”The Gift of the Magi”

December 22, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question and recites one of her favorite Christmas stories: O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi"

Meet John Doe (1941) with Introduction by Shannon

December 21, 2022 10:00 - 2 hours - 123 MB

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question. The audio version of a video introduction and a film follows: Visit https://vanguardofhollywood.com/watch-meet-john-doe-1941/ to watch Shannon's introduction and stream Meet John Doe (1941) in its entirety

It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play and What Happened to Alfalfa

December 20, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 91 MB

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question and introduces the full Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life.

Week Before Christmas: Introduction and Meal Plan

December 19, 2022 10:00 - 5 minutes - 7.53 MB

Listen to Vanguard of Hollywood daily this week for Christmas movie trivia, recipes that are delicious and budget-friendly, and some of Shannon's favorite Christmas stories.

Bette vs. Joan: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? 60th Anniversary

November 09, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 25 MB

Bette Davis Feuds with Joan Crawford, Does What No Makeup Artist Dares, and runs to the Hollywood Hills. Celebrating 60 years, it's Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Charade (1963) with Introduction by Shannon

August 22, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 164 MB

This episode is the audio from a video introduction and a film.  Visit VanguardOfHollywood.com to watch Shannon's introduction and stream Charade (1963) in its entirety.   https://vanguardofhollywood.com/watch-charade-1963/

Jimmy Stewart Was Not Racist. Here’s Why.

June 27, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

A Rumor Casts a Shadow on the Legacy of Jimmy Stewart. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? The Answer is No. Here's Why.

Platinum Perfection: A Lana Turner Birthday Tribute

February 08, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

Lana Turner is the Definition of Movie Star, Loves Hot Sauce and Fashion, Goes Through Seven Husbands, is Saved by Her Daughter, & Can Make Anyone Laugh. It’s Shannon’s Birthday Tribute to Lana Turner.

Elegance and Eloquence: A Sidney Poitier Tribute

January 11, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

Sidney Poitier Wins Best Actor, Is the Highest Paid Star in Hollywood, Goes Vegetarian, and Continues to Inspire with His Amazing Life Story. Join Shannon as she pays tribute to Sidney Poitier.

Inspiration from Jimmy Stewart, Frank Capra, & It’s a Wonderful Life

December 23, 2021 11:27 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

In this special episode, Vanguard of Hollywood ventures into video with the inspiring story of Jimmy Stewart and It's a Wonderful Life (1946).

Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King - Interview With Foster Hirsch

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MB

Otto Preminger Goes Independent, Takes Down the Production Code Administration, Fights Censorship, & Doesn't Hold Back His Temper.  Film historian Foster Hirsch joins Shannon for a discussion of his gripping book, Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King.

All Heart: Doris Day & Why She Matters

October 08, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

Doris Day Exudes Confidence, Heckles an Umpire, Wants to Be a Housewife, Talks to Me on the Phone, & Can Literally Do it All. Shannon introduces the latest Star Spotlight, Doris Day.

Inside Marilyn Monroe's Closet: The Classic Hollywood Collection of Greg Schreiner

August 18, 2021 09:00 - 41 minutes - 47 MB

Greg Schreiner owns one of the largest private collections of Classic Hollywood costumes, including Marilyn Monroe’s screen worn and publicity gowns. In this interview special of Vanguard of Hollywood, Shannon and Greg discuss the priceless costumes in Greg’s collection that made Marilyn Monroe and the stars of Classic Hollywood great.

Dean Martin: A Few Things You Didn't Know | Special Minisode

August 04, 2021 09:00 - 7 minutes - 7.7 MB

Dean Martin is a Man of Simple Snacks, Has Frank Sinatra's Back, Shows His Gratitude, and is Home for Dinner Every Night. This is Shannon's Minisode Special on Dean Martin.

The Costellos: Film's First Family with Terry Chester Shulman

July 21, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

In this special episode, Shannon interviews Terry Chester Shulman, author of Film’s First Family: The Untold Story of the Costellos. The groundbreaking film innovations of Maurice Costello and the fascinating lives of his daughters, Dolores and Helene, are discussed.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967): A Revolutionary Ride with Tracy, Hepburn, and Sidney Poitier

July 02, 2021 09:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MB

Katharine Hepburn MacGyvers a Sports Car, Ranks Higher than the Pope, Takes Care of Spencer Tracy, and Sidney Poitier is the Classiest Man Alive.  Shannon wraps up her Star Spotlight on Katharine Hepburn with 1967's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

A Little Bit of Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, and Jane Russell | Special Minisode

June 16, 2021 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.1 MB

Jack Lemmon's Got Two Words for You, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable are BFF's, and Jane Russell Puts Out One Hundred Fleeces.  It's the 50th Episode Special of Vanguard of Hollywood.

A Great Adventure: Katharine Hepburn & The African Queen

June 01, 2021 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

Katharine Hepburn Beats the Jungle with Bogie & Bacall, Steals the Show in Her Pants, Tackles Shakespeare, and Proves that Middle-Aged Actresses Rock. From 1951, it’s The African Queen.

Cutting Her Down to Size? Katharine Hepburn & Woman of the Year

May 03, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MB

Katharine Hepburn Meets Spencer Tracy, Pulls a Fast One on MGM, Wears Her Power Platforms, and Proves She’s Here to Stay. From 1942, it’s Woman of the Year.

Isn't She Yar: Katharine Hepburn & The Philadelphia Story Comeback

April 19, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

Katharine Hepburn Survives an Actual Hurricane, Golfs with Howard Hughes, Flies with Jimmy Stewart, and Pulls Off the Most Epic Comeback in Hollywood History.  From 1940, it’s The Philadelphia Story.

They Say She's a Has-Been: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant & Bringing Up Baby (1938)

April 02, 2021 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

Katharine Hepburn Wrangles a Leopard, Locksteps with Cary Grant, Learns the Circus Grip, And Sets Out to Prove She Isn’t a Has-Been.  From 1938, it's Bringing Up Baby.

Katharine Hepburn: A Fierce Hollywood Original

March 18, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

Katharine Hepburn Paddles Her Own Canoe, Proves Her Resilience in Hollywood, Is as Elegant as Audrey and Grace, and May Just Walk Around the Set in Her Underpants.  Shannon introduces the latest Star Spotlight, Katharine Hepburn.

John Garfield, HUAC, and He Ran All the Way (1951)

March 03, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

Shelley Winters Avoids Sequined Harem Pants and John Garfield Refuses to Rat on His Friends to HUAC. From 1951, it’s He Ran All the Way.

Lana Turner, John Garfield, and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

February 18, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

Lana Turner Rocks a Turban and Hot Pants, John Garfield is the First Major Star to Entertain the Troops, Bette Davis Says YES, and Lana and Julie Really Are Just Friends. From 1946, it's The Postman Always Rings Twice.

John Garfield: Hollywood's First Rebel

February 05, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

John Garfield is a Fighter, Inspires Hollywood’s Future Rebels, Asks for His Man-Maker, and Just May Give You $200.  Shannon introduces Star Spotlight John Garfield.

Rear Window (1954), Jimmy Stewart, Hitchcock, and Grace Kelly

January 20, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB

Alfred Hitchcock is the Master of Suspense, Grace Kelly Isn’t Cold, and Jimmy Stewart Stands a True Hero in Every Sense of the Word. From 1954, it’s Rear Window.

Winchester '73, A New Jimmy Stewart, and Gloria

January 06, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MB

Jimmy Stewart Becomes a Western Star, Talks with Horses, Finds True Love, and Makes a Million Dollars. From 1950, it's Winchester '73.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) & Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot

December 23, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

Jimmy Stewart Is a Bomber Pilot and the Highest Ranking Star in the Military, Lives in Henry Fonda’s Playhouse, and If You Ever Make a Film About An Angel Getting Wings, He’s Your Guy.  From 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

December 18, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

Jimmy Stewart Can Dance and Proves He’s a Leading Man, Henry Fonda Has 35 Cats, Greta Garbo Moves Far Away, and Frank Capra’s Name Is Above the Title. Join Shannon for 1939's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Star of the Month: Jimmy Stewart

December 09, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Jimmy Stewart Plays the Accordion, Hates Oatmeal, Builds Model Airplanes with Henry Fonda, Loves His Wife, Is a War Hero, and A Genuinely Nice Guy. But don't mess with him! Shannon introduces Star of the Month Jimmy Stewart.

A Place in the Sun (1951) & Shelley Winters vs. Frank Sinatra!

December 02, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

Shelley Winters Ditches the Glamour, Elizabeth Taylor Can’t Have Babies, George Stevens Dives Into a Lake, and Frank Sinatra’s Got Two Words For You.  Join Shannon for the final episode of this month's star, Shelley Winters.

A Double Life (1947), Shelley Winters, and Marilyn Monroe

November 18, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Shelley Winters Speaks Southern Brooklynese, Proves She’s a Blonde Bombshell Who Can Act, Is Roommates with Marilyn Monroe, and Inspires Marilyn to Smile with Her Mouth Open and Break A Leg!  From 1947, it's A Double Life.

Star of the Month: Shelley Winters

November 11, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

Shelley Winters Likes to Eat, Is a Blonde Bombshell, Wins Two Oscars, Romances Hollywood’s Hottest Men, and Shares a Mink Coat with Marilyn Monroe!  Shannon introduces the Star of the Month, Shelley Winters.

Catherine Deneuve: All About the Elusive French Icon

November 04, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

Catherine Deneuve Loves Fancy Shoes, Hates Her Last Name, Is As Private as Garbo, Becomes the Face of Chanel, Splurges on Houseplants, and Makes Mick Jagger Her Best Man.  Here are QUITE a few things about Catherine Deneuve you didn’t know!  Discover this elusive French icon in this Special Edition episode of Vanguard of Hollywood.

Star Wars (1977), Peter Cushing, and the Vision of George Lucas

October 28, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB

Harrison Ford Breaks His Arm While Doing Carpentry, Peter Cushing Wears Slippers and Smells of Lavender, Carrie Fisher Doesn’t Lose 10 Pounds, and George Lucas Abandons the Film. Don't miss this final week of Star of the Month, Peter Cushing, as Shannon presents Star Wars!

Dracula, Frankenstein, and Peter Cushing's Hammer Horror Years

October 21, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Peter Cushing Creates Frankenstein, Kills Dracula, and Finds Film Stardom while Christopher Lee Serenades Him with Opera. Shannon Explores Peter’s Hammer Horror Years!

Hamlet (1948)

October 14, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Peter Cushing Falls Down a Flight of Stairs, Vivien Leigh Buys Him Model Soldiers, Laurence Olivier Is Knighted, and Shows Acrobats How to Swan Dive!  Join Shannon for 1948's Hamlet.

Star of the Month: Peter Cushing

October 07, 2020 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

Peter Cushing Kills Dracula, Is Afraid of the Dark, Loves His Wife, Has An English Sense of Humor, Goes Vegetarian, and Adores Marmalade!  Shannon introduces this month's star,  "the gentleman of horror," Peter Cushing.

Tamango (1958) and Dorothy Dandridge's Last Years

September 30, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Dorothy Dandridge Tragically Dies at Age 42, and Endures More in Her Last Six Years of Life Than Anyone Ever Should, But the Amazing Strides She Made with Her Career Onscreen Are Still Felt and Appreciated Today.  Join Shannon for Her Farewell to This Month's Star, Dorothy Dandridge.