The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary

Jules "Unruly Julie" McLean (The New Beverly’s Director of Operations, former Video Archives employee) joins Quentin & Roger in the store this week! First off the shelves, the crimson monster bird Rodan emerges from a volcanic crater to terrorize Tokyo. Quentin breaks down the career of director Ishirō Honda, then Roger and Julie discuss Rodan's amazing practical effects and surprising, tragic ending.

Next up, the gang goes undercover in The Quiller Memorandum. After two British SIS agents are murdered at the hands of the Phoenix, Agent Quiller is sent to Berlin to investigate. Quentin, Roger & Julie discuss George Segal's performance as Quiller, the subtext from director Michael Anderson, and the chilling final beat. Finally...wait, there are five other Planet Of The Apes movies?! Your hosts explain the origins of Treachery & Greed On The Planet Of The Apes, learn why General Urko has become a regular character in Quentin's home, and ultimately decide: ape good, human bad!

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Dr. Quentin and Dr. Roger report to Arthur Hiller’s The Hospital, where madness, murder and malpractice are running rampant! George C. Scott is the chief of medicine at a hospital in Manhattan, suicidal from his personal life collapsing and suspicious a murderer is on the loose in his facility. Quentin and Roger discuss writer Paddy Chayefsky’s masterful storytelling, Scott’s volcanic performance, and what the versatile Hiller brings to the screen.

Next up, we travel to the early American West in Ulzana’s Raid. Based on true events, fierce Apache war chief Ulzana and a contingent of warriors have jumped the reservation, and an inexperienced young lieutenant is sent to track him down with a top-notch scout and an Apache guide. We’ll discuss characters that confront hidden prejudices, surprising and brutal violence that mirrors the Vietnam War, and the working relationship between Robert Aldrich and Burt Lancaster. Finally, Quentin and Roger reach for an impossible dream and build a miracle in Steel! A building tycoon falls to his death, leaving his skyscraper unfinished. His daughter sets her sights on completing the building, assembling the Seven Samurai of the construction world to hang iron and get this job done. A remarkable movie about America coming together, the Video Archives crew discuss the unique way they watched Steel and the film’s fantastic cast.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

It should have been a love story…Quentin and Roger travel back in time to the rural South for Buster and Billie! Jan-Michael Vincent’s Buster wants to get laid; his friends suggest he get it on with the ‘easy’ girl in school, Billie. Expecting only sex, the two fall into an unlikely romance destined to end in Southern fried tragedy. The Video Archives crew discuss the history of 70s tearjerkers, Jan-Michael Vincent’s heartthrob status and how American Graffiti changed the coming of age story.

Next up, beware of the dog who thinks in Baxter! Based on the novel Hell Hound, Baxter is a black comedy about a white bull terrier who moves from owner to owner, and the misfortunes that befall them. Quentin and Roger discuss Baxter’s incredible voiceover, the genre of dog movies, and the mystery of what happened to director Jérôme Boivin. Finally, the only way out is death in Lindsay Shonteff’s outlandish heist film The Fast Kill! A successful diamond robbery goes wrong when six criminals attempt to divvy up their earnings. The duo discuss the film’s economical filmmaking, groovy music, and heart-pounding heist sequence.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

High above the clouds flies the second greatest pilot who ever lived…The Great Waldo Pepper! A biplane pilot who missed his chance at glory in World War I takes up barnstorming in George Roy Hill’s third collaboration with Robert Redford. Quentin and Roger discuss Hill as a great thematic filmmaker, the powerful use of music and silence, the crazy real-life plane stunts, and a scene so heart-wrenching, many viewers couldn’t recover. Then, they reach deep into the psyche of Waldo Pepper, discussing chasing your dreams and the consequences of living a lie.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Roger & Quentin pull off one last job in The Last Run! On our very first bootleg tape of the show, George C. Scott returns to the screen as a former mob getaway driver who returns to his old life to see if he still has it.  All he has to do is complete one last job. Quentin and Roger discuss the legendary director who planned to make the film before Richard Fleischer was brought on and find out what makes this crime film work.

Next up, the West goes wacko in Rustlers’ Rhapsody! Rex O’Herlihan (played by Tom Berenger) is a fast-drawing, silver-spurred singing cowboy, who slowly becomes aware that every town he rides into is the same as the last. For this ode to kiddie matinees, Quentin shares vivid stories of the genre from theaters long shuttered and both hosts praise the gorgeous cinematography and affectionate parody of the film. Finally, The Jet Benny Show is the oddest film we’ve covered on the podcast so far. Shot on Super 8, you’ll have to tune in to discover what this Jack Benny-themed spoof is all about…

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin and Roger take a trip with the LAPD as the boys in blue blow off steam in The Choirboys, directed by Robert Aldrich and based on the outrageous best-selling novel. The Video Archives crew take a second look at the film, discussing Aldrich and his Associates, the big ensemble cast, and the scenes that work.

Next up: the most intensive manhunt ever mounted. Hennessy is a gentle, peaceful man who’s been pushed too far, and carries in his right vest pocket the power to destroy a nation. Roger & Quentin sit on the edge of their seats as they cheer for Rod Steiger’s performance, the seamless documentary footage, and a surprising cameo. Finally, we travel to the sea for the beloved Russian fantasy film Amphibian Man. In this sci-fi fable, a pearl diver discovers the secret of Amphibian Man and desires to exploit it, not realizing that Amphibian Man has fallen in love with the pearl diver’s fiancée. A poignant story of love and loss, Quentin and Roger discuss the history of this popular movie and Soviet genre filmmaking.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Sometimes, a man is forced to defend his honor; Quentin and Roger defend theirs in their discussion of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 Straw Dogs. Based on the book “The Siege Of Trencher’s Farm,” your hosts take a look at Peckinpah’s intentions and where this sits in his filmography. Then, they’ll discuss the film itself, covering Dustin Hoffman and Susan George’s performances, the ugly nature of this movie, and whether Straw Dogs can be considered a Revengeamatic. Plus, our very first Magnetic Home Video box and an examination of IB Technicolor.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Director Joe Dante (Gremlins, Piranha, and The Movies That Made Me podcast) joins the Video Archives crew on a journey to find Servando González’s The Fool Killer! Taking place shortly after the Civil War, a young Southern boy wanders the countryside, meeting various odd characters along the way. One of them tells him the story of the vengeful Fool Killer. Quentin, Roger & Joe discuss the history of the film, the striking performances of the actors, and the director’s determination to push the boundaries on screen.

Next up, The Young Nurses have their own brand of medicine, and in their hospital, patients always come first. In this New World picture, we follow three nurses and a candy striper as they navigate their day-to-day activities inside the hospital. Quentin, Roger & Joe discuss the genre of nurse films, the relationship between Julie and Roger Corman, and Joe’s involvement with the film. Finally, let’s spend a night in the countryside with Susan, Sandra, Olga and Julie, in My Nights With Susan, Sandra, Olga and Julie. Anton has been tasked with retrieving Susan, a famous fashion model, and bringing her back to the French Riviera. Susan has other ideas, however, and Anton becomes enchanted by the strange characters that live with Susan, and slowly ensnared in their web.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin & Roger get the sun in their eyes as they watch Sergio Corbucci’s chaotic, mud-soaked Sonny & Jed. After a brief discussion of Corbucci’s life and cinematic influence, they’ll get into what makes Corbucci’s villains unique, the skill of his camera operators, and Telly Savalas’ role in the film. This movie is the reason the West was called wild!

Next, in Fernando di Leo’s Mister Scarface, a mob loan collector hatches a plan to steal millions from Video Archives favorite Jack Palance. This is revenge, Italian style! Roger & Quentin talk sans spoilers about the movie, discussing the elaborate, strange and goofy action sequences. Finally, pulling into the finish line is the greatest funny car movie ever made, American Nitro! Featuring drivers like Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme and Shirley ‘Cha Cha’ Muldowney, this documentary puts rubber to the road with spectacular crashes and crazy cars.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin & Roger join LAPD’s Vice Squad with Peter Hyams’ Busting! Starring Elliott Gould & Robert Blake, these two LA vice cops find themselves up against corrupt superiors when they try to bring a crime boss to justice. The duo discuss where Busting fits into Hyams’ career, how the film walks the line, and how the action sequences predate 80s Hong Kong cinema.

Next up, the bet is on in Little Darlings. Two fifteen year old girls from different walks of life compete to see who can lose their virginity first at summer camp. Tatum O’Neal and Kristy McNichol star in an unexpectedly realistic portrayal of female youth in the 1980s. We’ll explore what it means for a girl to become a woman, the anxieties of keeping up with your peers, and the beautiful Paramount Home Video box. Lastly, there’s more to do than ski in the Swiss Alps, especially when it comes to the psychosexual romp Julia. Roger & Quentin dive headfirst into the tale of a sexually frustrated young man named Patrick whose problems come to a head on his Swiss vacation.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

They called it an accident; he called it a murder. Join Roger & Quentin as they’re filled with rage after watching George C. Scott’s Rage. The duo talks about what happens when the class system fails, Scott’s connection to Kubrick, and what a main will do when he has nothing left to lose.

Next, the motion picture with something to offend everyone - at least, in 1965. Tony Richardson’s The Loved One is a blistering black comedy that pulls no punches with its portrayal of the mortuary business in Hollywood. Roger & Quentin discuss a star-studded supporting cast, the magic of a reel change, and the everlasting influence Richardson had on Roger. Remember kids, it’s not a rocket! Finally, Roger & Quentin sing a song for a little sparrow in 1972’s Cry For Me Billy. We’ll learn what makes a 70s Western unique and talk about the bravery of an actress who bares it all.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Jacqueline Coley (awards editor for Rotten Tomatoes) joins Roger & Quentin as they unlock the secrets of Billy Wilder’s The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes! Holmes & Watson take on the strange case of a beautiful woman whose husband has vanished, leading them on a journey of ballerinas, canaries, and even the Loch Ness Monster. Join the trio as they discuss Jacqueline’s love for Wilder, Watson’s role in the film, and what this movie meant for Wilder’s career and the wider scope of cinema.

Next, we travel to The Light At The Edge Of The World. Violent pirates execute a plan to force ships to run aground, pillaging their wrecks; a lone member of the lighthouse crew survives to fight their devious plot. Quentin, Roger & Jacqueline discuss despicable but captivating villains, Jules Verne’s original story, and lines you just shouldn’t cross. Lastly, a band of thugs who’ve robbed a casino hide in a villa owned by a wealthy industrialist and his family in René Cardona Jr.’s Hostages. The Video Archives crew talk about bang for your buck, a war against the upper class, and the original trailers on the Paragon Home Video tape.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin and Roger enter the world of fashion with Lamont Johnson’s revenge-a-matic Lipstick! A fashion model is raped by her sister’s music teacher - after she takes him to court, she finds that she’ll have to take justice into her own hands. We’ll discuss the genius of casting real-life sisters Margaux and Mariel Hemingway, as well as the intensity a score can bring to a film.

Next, we jump into the ring with Carl Reiner’s Henry Winkler vehicle The One And Only. Andy Schmidt is a larger-than-life college student with dreams of becoming an actor, but when he finally makes it to New York, he finds that no one respects his talent - that is, until he accidentally invents show wrestling. Quentin & Roger quote their favorite lines from the film and discuss exceptional performances from Winkler and Kim Darby. Finally, we wade into the canals of Venice Beach to find Slithis (or Spawn Of The Slithis, depending on who you ask.) A nuclear leak has created a sea monster who terrorizes pets, winos and hippies, leading a high school journalism teacher to solve the mystery. The Video Archives crew talk about the importance of film as a time capsule, and the art of filling a film’s world with unique characters.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

This week, Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary discuss one film and one film alone: Bob Fosse’s Star 80. In 1980, Playboy Playmate of the Year Dorothy Stratten was murdered by her boyfriend Paul Snider. Three years later, Star 80 was released, a sensational retelling of Stratten’s story that hit too close to home for some. Roger and Quentin have a serious, personal discussion on differentiating fact from fiction, a tour-de-force performance from Eric Roberts, and how Dorothy Stratten touched the hearts of many through the silver screen.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin, Roger and Eli Roth continue their exploration of American Giallo with one of Eli’s favorite films, 1976’s Alice, Sweet Alice. When Alice’s sister Karen is found brutally murdered in a church, suspicions turn towards Alice - but could a 12-year-old girl really be the killer? The group talks about the role that religion plays in giallo, how director Alfred Sole pulled off a period piece on a budget, and how the identity of the villain is just too good to spoil.

Wrapping things up in a bow, let’s all sing Happy Birthday To Me. Virginia is about to celebrate her 18th birthday, but before she can throw her party, her friends are killed off one by one. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, this film features amazing gags, unique kills, and one of the most gut-wrenching brain surgery scenes you’ll ever see. Make sure you RSVP; it’ll be a killer party.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin, Roger and guest customer Eli Roth (director of Hostel and Cabin Fever) kick off our first themed series: American Giallo! After outlining their thoughts on the genre, they start with Brian De Palma’s Dressed To Kill. A mysterious tall blonde woman wearing sunglasses murders a psychiatrist’s patient, and now she’s after the prostitute who witnessed it. Quentin, Roger and Eli talk about how the villainous Bobbi affected them, discuss the controversy surrounding the film, and reveal how the story changed from script to screen.

Next, we’ll look through Irvin Kershner’s Eyes Of Laura Mars. A famous fashion photographer develops a disturbing ability to see through the eyes of a killer. The hosts discuss strange plot devices, read excerpts from interviews that shed light on the true history of the film, and hear how Eli would have rewritten the ending. Tune in next week for the conclusion of this two part episode, with Alice Sweet Alice and Happy Birthday To Me!

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Take a trip to Boston Memorial Hospital for Michael Crichton’s Coma! People are falling into comas after routine procedures, and it’s up to one doctor to uncover the mystery. Roger & Quentin discuss the main character overcoming chauvinistic expectations, and go in-depth on Crichton’s talents as a writer and director.

Next, travel to the streets of Philly for Elaine May’s Mikey & Nicky. A small-time bookie has stolen mob money and is in hiding; the only person he can depend on is his childhood friend. A tale with a supreme split and reversal, Roger & Quentin unravel the mystery of why Elaine May chose to make this film. Lastly, we’ll travel down the river with Joe Dante’s Piranha, discussing how big studios diving into the exploitation market affected that genre, and the unique balance between comedy and humanity that Dante brings to a movie.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Quentin and Roger earn the right to take revenge in The One Armed Executioner! An Interpol agent is out for vengeance against the gangsters that cut off his arm and killed his bride. The crew discuss the palpable on-screen connection between stars Franco Guerrero and Jody Kay, the artful sound design of this film, and the trailers packaged with the Paragon Home Video tape.

Next up: in Welcome To Blood City, five strangers wake up with no memory in a world that resembles the Wild West. If they can kill twenty other people, they’ll become immortal. Quentin & Roger talk about how the great Jack Palance carries the film, how Keir Dullea breaks his typecasting, and how this premise could easily be remade today.  Lastly, in 1976’s Blind Rage, five friends get together and decide to rob a bank. The catch? All five men are blind. Roger & Quentin discuss the film’s unique heist planning sequence and never-before-seen gadgets. It’s all going down at the International House Of Pancakes on the Video Archives Podcast!

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Join Roger Avary and Quentin Tarantino as they fall deep into the stories of The Illustrated Man! Two tramps meet on the side of the road; one of their bodies is almost completely covered in tattoos—er, skin illustrations. Quentin & Roger discuss the differences between the book and the movie, an unexpected canine star, and how a Rod Steiger performance can elevate a film.

Next up, Claude Chabrol’s Dirty Hands, featuring another amazing Rod Steiger performance, Roger & Quentin refuse to ruin the ending of this one, and with its Hitchcockian connections and unexpected performances, you’ll be happy you didn’t get spoiled.  Finishing this episode is Alfredo Zacarias’s Demonoid: Messenger Of Death, in which a woman and her husband unearth an ancient curse, a demon that takes control of your left hand. Featuring lots of gags and amazing effects, this film will keep you entertained from its explosive start to its fulfilling end.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Roger & Quentin travel deep into Bavaria to unlock Michael Mann’s The Keep! Originally running at 210 minutes, Mann’s second film was notoriously cut down to half that length. Your hosts discuss their excitement at the time for Mann’s rise as a director, his influence on future filmmakers, and where it all went wrong.

Next, join us at the museum as we dig into Peter Hyams’ 1997 film The Relic! A monster movie mystery, Quentin & Roger pick apart the lore of the film and discuss if rules really matter when you’re having fun. This movie picks up in the third act, and you’ll have to come along for the ride to see how it ends.  Lastly, fill up a cup of Joe and board the Cafe Express, a charming 80s Italian comedy starring Nino Manfredi. Be ready to laugh, be ready to cry, and be ready to fight against Italian bureaucracy, one cup of coffee at a time.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Blast off to outer space with Roger and Quentin as they go toe to toe on Moonraker! Heavily influenced by the science fiction craze in the wake of Star Wars, Moonraker is one of the most polarizing Bond films of all time. Pick a side as Roger and Quentin debate Bond villains that hit too close to home, baddies that turn into goodies, and Roger Moore’s Bond.

Next, we’ll return to Earth with Clint Eastwood’s 1982 film Firefox. The Soviets have developed a new jet fighter called Firefox, and only one man is up for the job of stealing the plane before it’s used as a first strike weapon. Quentin and Roger think in Russian as they talk about fantastic use of exposition, the bankrupting of Russia, and how PTSD is used to shape character and story. And just as a treat, they’ll wrap up with a spoiler-free discussion of Peter Maris’s 1979 film Delirium. Trust us, you won’t want to look up this film before you watch it!

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

Join Roger and Quentin as they revisit one of Roger’s favorite films, the 1974 cult classic Dark Star! Originally created by John Carpenter and Dan O’Bannon as a student film, buckle up for a ride amongst the stars as we follow a group of scientists on a mission to destroy unstable stellar bodies. Quentin and Roger discuss changing opinions from opening day, the impact the film had on future movies in the genre, and a beach ball alien.

Next, we’ll return to 1979 with Ulli Lommel’s cult film Cocaine Cowboys. A rock band is on the brink of superstardom, and all that stands in the way is a lost bag of cocaine worth two million dollars. Starring Jack Palance, Tom Sullivan, Suzanna Love, and…Andy Warhol? Quentin and Roger reveal the truth behind the scenes, Andy Warhol’s influences, a Pierre Trudeau connection, and how this true story made it onto the big screen.

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You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

The Video Archives Podcast premieres next week! Follow us now and get ready for the show's launch on July 19th.

Listen for a preview of The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, coming July 19!