88 avsnitt • Längd: 35 min • Månadsvis
This uplifting Classic Hollywood podcast offers inspirational insights into the films of the Golden Age & the stars who made them great.
The podcast Vanguard of Hollywood is created by Shannon Allen. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
As Private First Class Midge Riley in 1964’s Kissin’ Cousins, Cynthia Pepper holds the distinction of being one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies. In the film, Cynthia lived the dream of countless Elvis fans as she was chased by Elvis, sung to by Elvis, and kissed by Elvis. Even more enviable, behind the scenes, Cynthia formed a true friendship with her legendary leading man. Listen as Shannon and Cynthia discuss Cynthia’s time with Elvis, as well as her roles on countless classic television shows, including My Three Sons and The Addams Family.
Ann-Margret is a living legend. From Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) to Tommy (1975) and Grumpy Old Men (1993), from her Billboard charting music career to her show stopping TV specials, Ann-Margret’s multi-dimensional talent and charisma are unrivaled.
Join Ann-Margret and Shannon as they discuss Ann-Margret’s beautiful relationship with her parents, her incredible career, the wonderful costars and friends she worked with -- Pat Boone, Lucille Ball, Dean Martin, and John Wayne, to name a few -- her continued support of our troops, and the faith and gratitude that form the remarkable foundation of this living legend.
Tim Matheson’s Hollywood career spans nearly seven decades. From working alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours, to his iconic role in the classic 1978 comedy Animal House, to the record-breaking hit Netflix series, Virgin River, Tim Matheson has done it all. Listen as Shannon and Tim discuss Tim’s new book, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches, and what inspired Tim to write his book: the Classic Hollywood legends he was privileged to work with, and what he learned from them.
Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and opening for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips and James Brown. Reggio made the successful transition from musician to tap dancer. He performs and teaches tap around the world, and has worked with countless tap legends, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, The Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, and his mentor Ernest “Brownie” Brown. Reggio’s immense contributions to preserving the art and tradition of tap have been richly recognized: In 2021, Reggio received the National Medal of Honor from the United States’ National Endowment of the Arts. Listen as Reggio and Shannon discuss Reggio’s inspiring career, and what it’s like to be named a National Living Treasure.
Joy Harmon is a baker, actress, author, mother, and grandmother. From her many television and film roles, you undoubtedly recognize Joy best as the beautiful blue-eyed blonde from the iconic car wash scene in the 1967 Paul Newman classic, Cool Hand Luke. Joy left her acting career behind in 1973 to focus on raising her family, and along the way began a successful bakery, Aunt Joy’s Cakes, that serves individuals, cafes, and Hollywood studios. Listen to be inspired by the faith, strength, and sweetness that, to quote the celebrated line from Cool Hand Luke, make Joy Harmon “a natural born world-shaker.”
Cissy Wellman is an actress, director, dancer, and author. She is the daughter of the revered Classic Hollywood director, William Wellman, who directed such films as Wings (1927) and the original A Star is Born (1937). Cissy had the rare opportunity to grow up among the biggest names from the Golden Age, and formed personal relationships with such legends as director Howard Hawks and John Wayne. Cissy’s own career includes television roles on Charlie’s Angels, The Waltons, and Hart to Hart. Her film credits include roles in Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Made Men (1999), and, most recently, in the 2024 film, Little Death, opposite David Schwimmer. Listen as Cissy shares behind the scenes stories from her career, invaluable insights on the Classic Hollywood legends she knew, and what makes the Golden Age exceptional.
You probably know Beverly Washburn best as Lizabeth Searcy in the 1957 Disney classic, Old Yeller, or from the 1967 horror cult classic, Spider Baby, but Beverly’s film and television credits boast countless memorable performances. This Emmy nominated actress has worked with such Classic Hollywood legends as Bing Crosby, Jimmy Stewart, Alan Ladd, Loretta Young, Lon Chaney, Jr., Jack Benny, Lou Costello, Barbara Stanwyck, and Frank Capra. Beverly’s rare ability to cry on cue naturally was put to good use from the start of her career, and contributed to her reputation as one of the best kid actors of her generation. Listen for all about Beverly’s remarkable career, and be inspired by her boundless kindness and gratitude.
Rusty Frank is a Lindy Hop (swing) dancer, tap dancer, choreographer, producer, teacher, and dance preservationist. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories, for which Rusty interviewed such tap luminaries as Ann Miller, Donald O’Connor, Shirley Temple, Gene Nelson, and The Nicholas Brothers. Join Shannon and Rusty as they discuss Rusty’s book, dance career, the tap legends she got to know personally, and her remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident.
Donna Loren was the quintessential “It” girl of the 1960’s who caught America’s eye as the one and only Dr. Pepper Girl. But Donna held America’s interest with her impossibly beautiful singing voice. From the Mickey Mouse Club to her roles in the beloved Beach Party films, TV’s Batman, The Monkees, and as a cast member of America’s first live rock n’ roll television show, Shindig, Donna Loren proved herself to be one of the most talented singers of her generation. Listen as Donna shares all about her fascinating life and career.
Blonde and beautiful, you probably know Marta Kristen best as Judy Robinson in the beloved sci-fi classic television show, Lost in Space (1965-1968). From her early years hiding from Nazis in an underground orphanage in Norway, to her versatile performances on the stage and screen, to her nearly 40-year marriage, and a children’s book Marta is currently writing and illustrating herself, the beauty of Marta Kristen literally radiates from within. Listen to Shannon’s interview with Marta to be inspired by her extraordinary life.
Shannon joins Gene Kelly’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly, in the Gene Kelly Archives for this special interview. As Gene’s wife and official biographer, Patricia brings a unique perspective to her work: No one knows Gene like Patricia, and she is the definitive source on all things relating to her legendary husband. Listen as Patricia shares about her life with Gene, debunks several Singin’ in the Rain (1952) myths, and highlights Gene’s rich creative legacy in front of, and behind, the camera.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Classic baseball history and a thank you note written by Jackie Robinson inspire this episode about the importance of giving thanks.
Shannon offers a birthday tribute to comedian and actor Joe E. Brown, Hollywood's nicest guy
Paul Newman ages youthfully, Patricia Neal wins the Oscar, and Paul was not mean to Patricia. From 1963, it's Hud.
Was Paul Newman mean to Patricia Neal? Shannon's research reveals the truth and why a rumor has been accepted as fact for decades.
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 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)? Here's what we know about Vera-Ellen's complicated relationship with food and body image.
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"
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
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.
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 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?
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.
A Rumor Casts a Shadow on the Legacy of Jimmy Stewart. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? The Answer is No. Here's Why.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Jimmy Stewart Becomes a Western Star, Talks with Horses, Finds True Love, and Makes a Million Dollars. From 1950, it's Winchester '73.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
Peter Cushing Creates Frankenstein, Kills Dracula, and Finds Film Stardom while Christopher Lee Serenades Him with Opera. Shannon Explores Peter’s Hammer Horror Years!
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.
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.
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.
Dorothy Dandridge is Nominated for an Oscar, Proves She’s Sexy, Becomes a Mega Star, and Takes the Cannes Film Festival by Storm! From 1954, it's Carmen Jones.
Dorothy Dandridge Works Hard for Her Daughter, Fights Jim Crow on the Nightclub Scene, Insures Her Designer Gowns for $250,000, And Proves She’s An Actress to Be Reckoned With. From 1953, it's Bright Road.
Dorothy Dandridge Is the First Female African American Movie Star, Marries a Nicholas Brother, Loves to Cook, And Gives Marilyn Monroe a Leotard! Join Shannon for her introduction to this month's Star of the Month, Dorothy Dandridge.
Esther Williams Breaks Her Neck, Finds Fulfillment Post-Stardom, Becomes a Godmother to an Olympic Sport, and Proves This Million Dollar Mermaid Could Act! Shannon concludes this month's celebration of Esther Williams with the 1956 film, The Unguarded Moment.
Esther Williams Juggles Motherhood and Stardom, Van Johnson Is Adorable, Lena Horne Steals the Show, and Paula Raymond Is a Should-Be-Star! This week is all about 1950's Duchess of Idaho.
Esther Williams Says No to MGM For a Year, Revolutionizes Synchronized Swimming, Looks Perfect Underwater, And Can Light the Pool On FIRE! From 1944, it's Bathing Beauty.
Esther Williams Is Sassy, Almost An Olympian, An Excellent Cook, Learns How to Swim Pretty, and Invents the Swimming Musical! Join Shannon as she introduces her Star of the Month, Esther Williams.
Tony Curtis Takes Mug Shots, Hides His Handsomeness, Talks Painting Technique with The Rolling Stones, And Makes the Cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Join Shannon for her final week celebrating Star of the Month Tony Curtis: It's 1968's The Boston Strangler.
Tony Curtis Reminds Us to Say "Thank You," Jack Lemmon Gets a Pie in the Face, and Tony and Natalie Wood Almost Light Each Other On Fire!
Tony Curtis Fulfills a Childhood Dream, Inspires Matt Bomer’s Neil Caffrey, and Fights with a Pig While Cary Grant Trips on LSD! Join Shannon for 1959's Operation Petticoat.
Tony Curtis Puts the Cat in the Bag and the Bag in the River, Proves He’s More than Just a Pretty Face, Becomes an Honorary Member of the Rat Pack, And Plays Jazz Flute for Frank Sinatra! Join Shannon this week for 1957's Sweet Smell of Success.
Tony Curtis Survives the Streets of New York, Joins the Navy, Inspires Elvis, Has AMAZING Hair, Loves Beautiful Women, and Can Paint!
Billy Travilla Creates Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Look, Gets Errol Flynn to Wear Tights, Wins An Academy Award, and Can Out-Pleat Anyone! Shannon celebrates the Classic Hollywood Fashion Designer Billy Travilla.
Ann Sheridan Pays Warner Bros. $35,000 and Drives a Motorcycle, Cary Grant is a War Bride, Howard Hawks Likes Comedy, And Everybody Gets Sick! From 1949, I Was a Male War Bride.
Ann Sheridan Can Curse Like a Sailor on a Stormy Night, Shows Warner Bros. She’s More Than “The Oomph Girl,” And Looks Stunning in the Gorgeous Gowns of Billy Travilla. Shannon Reviews the 1947 Film Noir, Nora Prentiss.
Ann Sheridan Has Plenty of "Oomph," Does Her Own Singing, is Voted Best Dressed, Fights Warner Bros. for Better Roles, and Moves to Mexico. This is Shannon's introduction to the June Star of the Month, Ann Sheridan.
Barbara Stanwyck is George Washington, Billy Wilder Defines Film Noir, Fred MacMurray Doesn't Murder Husbands, and Edward G. Robinson is Not a Communist. Join Shannon as she discusses the groundbreaking film from 1944, Double Indemnity.
Edward G. Robinson Receives Death Threats From Nazis, Almost Joins the French Army, Inspires the German Underground, and is the First Star to Visit Normandy After D-Day. From 1939, it's Confessions of a Nazi Spy.
Betty Davis Battles it Out with Jack Warner in London, Edward G. Robinson Gets Script Approval, and Humphrey Bogart Almost Leaves Hollywood! It's all part of 1937's Kid Galahad.
Edward G. Robinson Fights for the Lead, Has Trouble with a Machine Gun, Becomes a Superstar Overnight, and Buys a Renoir. This is 1931's Little Caesar.
Edward G. Robinson Epitomizes the American Dream, Loves Cigars and Art, Overcomes the Blacklist, and is Nothing Like His Gangster Screen Image. Join Shannon as she introduces the May Star of the Month, Edward G. Robinson.
Jane Russell becomes a redhead, Richard Egan goes platinum blonde, Howard Hughes leaves the movie business, and Jane starts her own production company. It’s 1956’s The Revolt of Mamie Stover!
Marilyn Monroe proves she's a star, Jane Russell becomes a mom, Marilyn scandalizes Joan Crawford, and Jane and Marilyn shock Hollywood with their friendship. It's all part of 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Jane Russell is a typical war bride, Bob Hope almost gets blood poisoning, Jane and Bob become best buds, and mountains move! It's all part of Shannon's review of The Paleface (1948).
Doris Day breaks her leg, sings with the big bands, becomes the most beloved movie star ever, gets her money back, and is basically magic. It's Shannon's birthday tribute to her favorite Classic Hollywood star.
Jane Russell helps the children, says no to Howard Hughes' bra design, needs her sleep, and proves that church ladies can still be sassy and curse like sailors. It's all part of Shannon's introduction to the April Star of the Month, Jane Russell.
George Raft teaches Joe E. Brown and Jack Lemmon to tango, Marilyn Monroe out-earns the boys, Billy Wilder goes crazy, and Tony Curtis likes tight pants. It's "Some Like It Hot" (1959)!
In the final week highlighting the March Star of the Month, Joe E. Brown, Shannon explores Marilyn Monroe's terrible on-set behavior, Tony Curtis' infamous "kissing Hitler" comment, Billy Wilder's script inspiration, and just how far Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon went to get into character!
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.