Best Toshiro Podcasts (2024)

1
98: Toshirô Mifune Can Get It! 1:07:43

2d ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Shot in the postwar ruins of occupied Tokyo, Akira Kurosawa’s early buddy-cop thriller will make you feel every drop of sweat in its sweltering summer heat wave. A rookie cop (Toshiro Mifune) loses his gun to a pickpocket; the gun ends up in the hands of a desperate ex-soldier with nothing to lose. As his weapon gets used in a series of escalating,…

1
99: Jesus versus the Bikini Girls 1:03:36

20m ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Our summer travels continue this week to Italy, where Federico Fellini is our guide. The title translates to “the sweet life” in English, and that’s what star Marcello Mastroianni seeks in Rome, over the course of seven days. Mastroianni is a tabloid journalist, and we follow him through seven stories, during the film. Anita Ekberg is the female st…

1
97: Come On, Someone Shoot Him! 47:57

9d ago47:57

47:57

We begin our International Summer Vacation season with a prime example of the French New Wave. Breathless is directed by Jean-Luc Godard, and stars Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg. The film is notable for its visual style, and the impact it had on the careers of its leading actors. Belmondo plays a criminal who wants to be Humphrey Bogart. He sp…

1
96: I Think He Might Be A Sociopah 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

Down in the depths of precode cinema, where Shelly likes to spend torrid nights, there’s a depiction of how a department store can be a little Peyton Place, and how Warren William is never to be trusted. The great precode lothario stars with very young Loretta Young and Wallace Ford (who we just saw as a middle-aged creep in The Breaking Point) as …

1
95: My Film Erogenous Zones 1:12:56

3M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Here are Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift at their hottest, with an adaptation of Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy. Just as in Night of the Hunter, Shelley Winters maybe ought to watch her back. George Stevens directs, and here, he’s beginning his epic period. In the 50s, he’ll direct Giant and Shane, among others. This one is full of me…

1
94: Mourning Culottes 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

Johnny Guitar (1954): It’s unusual, it’s weird, and it’s unlike any other film made by these stars. And it’s our first LTS western. Because maybe your show runner has a slightly twisted appreciation for the genre. Nicholas Ray, whose directorial chops we last experienced with In A Lonely Place, directs Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden and Mercedes Mc…

1
93: Situational Gales 49:58

4M ago49:58

49:58

Every once in awhile, your host takes a flier, choosing a film for us to watch that I’ve seen once or twice, if at all. Also arising from the 2022 draft episode is this English romance from 1945. It’s from the filmmaking team of Powell and Pressburger, and stars Wendy Hiller, so on credentials alone, it’s worth your attention. A young woman travels…

1
92: We've Got All the French You Need 1:05:27

4M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Gene Kelly was at the height of his powers in 1951, starring in musicals for MGM, and choreographing some of them. Here, Vincent Minelli directs, but the dancing is by Kelly. Leslie Caron makes her film debut, and the rest of the cast has a decidedly continental vibe. The film is “inspired” by George Gershwin’s 1928 musical of the same name, but th…

1
91: I Wouldn't Go to Salinas Either 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

Unlike the mid-40s film that first brought us Bogie and Bacall, The Breaking Point is a relatively faithful adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s story, To Have and Have Not. This one stars John Garfield (in one of his final films) and Patricia Neal. Michael Curtiz directs, but if that suggests a routine Warner Bothers potboiler (I love those) it is not…

1
90: Ruth Chatterton is Jacked 53:07

4M ago53:07

53:07

This 1936 film is based on the well-known novel of the same name, by Sinclair Lewis. It’s the story of a successful middle-aged man (Walter Huston) who wants something new from his life. That’s what his wife (Ruth Chatterton) wants, too, but their ideas are very different, and not compatible. And there’s Mary Astor, living her best life in an Itali…

1
Firefly Wings 6:18

7M ago6:18

6:18

Yuna is an average girl from her era who wants to see her mother. But she accidentally travels to the future due to her parents' untimely deaths. Five years later, Yuna meets a mysterious young man, and they embark on their grand journey. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing at the Jotoheim of Chanines. Credits: Yu Rivers (Creator) Kevin Rivers (Executive…

1
89: You Can't Be Evil in a Cardigan 1:05:14

8M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

If the Jeopardy answer is “A Christmas-themed film of the mid-1940s”, you might expect the question to be “What is ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’” or “What is ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’” But on this year’s LTS holiday episode, those questions would be wrong! Our movie this year comes with stars like Victor Moore and Don DeFore, not Jimmy Stewart or Donna R…

1
88: Plausibly Evil 55:59

8M ago55:59

55:59

I hear that Alec Guinness made a couple of movies in the 1970s or 80s that you may know. This is not that. This is a classic Ealing Studios comedy in which Alec plays eight characters. Because it’s a British comedy, I was not surprised to find that it dealt with social class. Robert Hamer directs, and Dennis Price is the actual star. This episode i…

1
87: The Barbara Stanwyck of Five-Year-Olds 1:10:37

8M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

This is a disturbing film: also a good one. Charles Laughton’s only directorial outing focuses on a con man (and worse) terrorizing a pair of children as they run from him. He’s attempting to secure some money he covets, and to shut up those meddling kids. Robert Mitchum is our charismatic villain and star, along with Shelley Winters and silent lum…

1
86: Bring a Fan and a Bucket 49:21

8M ago49:21

49:21

For me, this movie answers some important LTS questions: what did that Ernst Lubitsch guy direct besides To Be Or Not To Be? How was Herbert Marshall ever a romantic lead? And finally, where are the precodes? It’s been forever! TIP also give me the chance to introduce Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins, the fashion-forward queen of Warner Brothers befo…

1
85: No Talking! 1:35:52

8M ago1:35:52

1:35:52

For this episode, we’re breaking format a bit. Instead of focusing on one film, we’ll talk about several: all from the silent film era. It’s not a draft, but each panelist has picked a movie, and we’ve all watched them! Our guide is guest host, Micki Maynard! Silent Sampler Micheline Maynard with Shelly Brisbin, Nathan Alderman, Dr. Drang, Annette …

1
84: The Healthy Habits of Hat Check Girls 56:17

9M ago56:17

56:17

Nicholas Ray directs Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Graham. Bogie is Dix Steele, who should not be confused for Captain Picard’s hollowdeck alter ego, Dixon Hill. (Am I the only one who does that?) Bogie is not a detective, but a screenwriter suspected of murder. In A Lonely Place is considered one of the best film noir made, and Bogart and Graham give…

1
83: The Original Sin is Littering 50:58

9M ago50:58

50:58

It’s the age-old story: Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl get married, girl’s psychosexual hangups put strain on their marriage, girl may or may not begin turning into a large murderous panther because of an ancient family curse … you know, the usual. Horror auteur Val Lewton and ace director Jacques Tourneur spin a low budget…

1
82: Diva with a Monkey 1:07:36

11M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

We watch Billy Wilder’s story of a silent film queen’s life in middle age and the screenwriter who stumbles into her world. Noir, melodrama, dark humor, horror. It’s all here in this classic, staring Gloria Swanson. She’s all of 46 when she made this movie, but a has-been like her character. This episode is full of excellent trivia and unexpected c…

1
81: I Will Defend the Weenie King 54:09

11M ago54:09

54:09

Probably the best of the Sturges comedies, The Palm Beach Story is part romance, part screwball comedy, part drawing room comedy. The performances sparkle, the movie looks great, and the plot is inventive. Joel McCrea and Claudette Colbert are our delightful stars. And I get to talk about Mary Astor some more. Don’t miss this one, kids. The Palm Be…

1
80: Weapons-Grade Winsome 50:39

11M ago50:39

50:39

Fair warning: this recap of a Preston Sturges film from 1937 also features Barbie content. Easy Living Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr, Randy Dotinga and Nathan Alderman Referenced Works Easy Living (1937) Show Notes & Links Get in touch with the show at lts@theincomparable.com or on the socials. The Movie: review/commentary o…

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79: Stock Your Noir Bar 31:25

11M ago31:25

31:25

Shelly talks with the “czar of noir” about his new book, his favorite films noir and what’s happening at Turner Classic Movies.By The Incomparable

1
78: Subversive on so Many Levels 41:31

12M ago41:31

41:31

Who would dare comment on the inherently propagandistic aspects of the war effort, right in the middle of World War II? That would be Preston Sturges. A soldier is discharged from the Army because he has hay fever, but is declared a war hero when he returns to his hometown. Eddie Bracken and Ella Raines (last seen on LTS in Phantom Lady) are your s…

1
77: A Film Noir and a Dessert Topping 42:57

12M ago42:57

42:57

The Summer of Sturges continues with a movie that’s not in a class with The Lady Eve. But we still need to talk about it. World-renown conductor Rex Harrison suspects his much younger wife (Linda Darnell) of cheating on him, and he dreams up three different ways to punish her for it.By The Incomparable

1
76: A Trunk Full of Dinner Jackets 1:05:56

1y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

We begin the summer of (Preston) Sturgess celebration with a true classic. Director and stars were at their best here, and it’s a treat to watch LTS’ favorite dame work her magic on Henry Fonda. I have four more Sturgess offerings coming up, but this one is hard to beat.By The Incomparable

1
75: Paul is the Cat 1:16:15

1y ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Audrey Hepburn is iconic as Holly Gollighty. Is there more to say? Of course. That’s why we have a podcast.By The Incomparable

1
74: I Would Watch A Whole Movie About Greenberg 1:09:33

1+ y ago1:09:33

1:09:33

The Lubitsch Touch applied to Nazi occupation? You bet. Carole Lombard and Jack Benny star as members of an acting troupe in Poland, scrambling after the Nazis arrive. It’s funny and serious all at once, with great performances. The film was released two months after Lombard died in a plane crash, and would have earned good will, had the subject ma…

1
73: Manly Seamanship 1:21:55

1+ y ago1:21:55

1:21:55

We return to Huston (John) and Bogart, but there’s also Lauren Bacall, Claire Trevor (Oscar winner for this), Edward G. Robinson and more. The cast is trapped together in a Florida hotel, awaiting a hurricane. It’s a film noir, so there are secrets and gun play, plus the eventual storm to contend with. And a boat.…

1
72: He's Got Acreage 54:07

1+ y ago54:07

54:07

Here’s a movie from Douglas Sirk’s high period. We’ve only talked about Sirk in the context of “Lured,” a movie I think is underrated, but one that looks nothing like this splashy 50s melodrama. This one stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson. And I get to talk about Agnes Moorehead. So, bonus! Can a lonely widow find love with a tree farmer? Stay tuned.…

1
71: She Killed a Man in Reno 1:00:37

1+ y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

“A fascinating crumminess.” That’s how Pauline Kael described Joseph Lewis’ “Gun Crazy,” a noir whose cast you probably won’t know, but whose visual style and essential seediness are compelling. It’s a story about two people with a mutual obsession with guns, but it’s told with sensitivity and a focus on their relationship.…

1
70: Things Just Keep Happening and Nothing Makes Sense 1:00:06

1+ y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Suggested by Lisa Schmeiser: If you liked “The Apartment” or “Mad Men,” welcome back to mid-century NYC office culture. We’re on Madison Avenue, inside the cutthroat world of publishing. Our guides are Hope Lange, Stephen Boyd, Suzy Parker, Martha Hyer, Diane Baker, Brian Ahenre and Miss Joan Crawford. Jean Negulesco handles direction.…

1
69: The Billionaire's Vaudeville 1:17:47

1+ y ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Ethel Merman in her heyday. What more do you need to know? Merman didn’t make a lot of movies, so here’s a glimpse at what theatre audiences saw during her long Broadway career. Also along for the Irving Berlin musical are Donald O’Connor, Dan Dailey, Johnnie Ray and Mitzi Gaynor. And, um, who’s that other blonde person? Marilyn Monroe is here, too…

1
68: Laird Cregar Hulks Out 47:37

1+ y ago47:37

47:37

It’s a dark, moody thriller set in a London square. See Linda Darnell change her image, at the tender age of 22; see Laird Cregar take his shot at being a leading man.By The Incomparable

1
67: Gene Kelly's Butt 1:23:53

1+ y ago1:23:53

1:23:53

Another year draws to a close, and so many classic movies remain undiscussed on Lions, Towers & Shields. But many of your regular panelists have feelings, as well as recommendations for the future. So I invited them to share them in a themed draft episode. NOTE: LTS will return in March 2023. We'll cover at least 21 films next year, but the episode…

1
66: I'm Not Just Your Preston Sturges, I'm Your Indiana 44:44

1+ y ago44:44

44:44

Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray team up, not to kill for insurance money, but to share a sweet but unlikely holiday road trip. It’s the last movie Preston Sturges wrote before he turned fully to directing. Happy holidays from your friends at Lions, Towers & Shields.By The Incomparable

1
65: This Is Not Jessica Fletcher 1:17:07

1+ y ago1:17:07

1:17:07

The John Frankenheimer classic tells you all you need to know about Angela Lansbury’s talent. And it’s a crackerjack political thriller, too.By The Incomparable

1
64: Justice for Bill 54:01

1+ y ago54:01

54:01

The Clock is Judy Garland’s first dramatic role. She’s teamed with Robert Walker, who’s a soldier on leave when they meet in New York City. It’s a little bit Affair to Remember, and a little bit On the Town. Really sweet, well-acted romantic film. Directed by Garland’s soon-to-be husband Vincente Minnelli.…

1
63: It's All About The Last 12 Minutes 57:20

1+ y ago57:20

57:20

Keeper of the Flame is a drama about the dangers of fascism, set early in WWII and directed by George Cukor, the man who made Gaslight, but was better known for comedies and “women’s” films. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn star in the far better of their two dramatic pairings. Be warned, we talk about politics, both old and new. And, um, Texas …

1
The Journey Begins 2:56

1+ y ago2:56

2:56

Shion embarks on a journey to find the Glaive, an ancient artifact that can perform miracles by granting a wish from the first one who obtains it. Shion must leave his friends to save the Earth from destruction. Credits: Yu Rivers (Creators) Kevin Rivers (Executive Producer) Mike Ciporkin (Voice Director/Casting Director) Voice Cast/Crew: Sean Paul…

1
62: Shelly's Own String of Murders 56:15

1+ y ago56:15

56:15

Britain’s Ealing Studios is best known for its comedies, including The Ladykillers, The Lavender Hill Mob, and Kind Hearts And Coronets. But this 1945 precursor to those famously funny films deals more with chills than chuckles. Four directors tag-team to adapt a mix of original and classic tales, including one based on a story by H.G. Wells. It’s …

1
61: Big Theremin Energy and an Implied Train 0:37

2y ago0:37

0:37

We celebrate the life of Marsha Hunt, who passed away at age 104, last month. She appeared in “Raw Deal” with Dennis O’Keefe and Claire Trevor. It’s a late 40s film noir with wonderful cinematography by John Alton.By The Incomparable

1
60: Celebrate the Teresa Wright-aissance 1:43:39

2y ago1:43:39

1:43:39

Director William Wyler’s film tells the stories of three men returning home from World War II and the impact on their lives, their families and their careers. Great performances from Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Myrna Loy and acting newcomer Harold Russell. Lesser-known faves of mine, Gladys George and Cathy O’Donnell are also great …

1
59: That's So Raven 41:53

2y ago41:53

41:53

The first Alan Ladd/Veronica Lake pairing is a film noir/thriller about a hit man doing his job and getting even. Alan Ladd’s cat is unbilled. Please also enjoy Laird Cregar, about whom there’s so much to say!By The Incomparable

1
58: He's Culturing Me 39:09

2y ago39:09

39:09

The film version of Cole Porter’s show, which is based on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” (got that?) landed in the middle of MGM’s big technicolor musical era, the 1950s. Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson and Ann Miller are your stars, and a very young Bob Fosse is among the standouts in the cast. Movie censors got to Porter’s lyrics, which gives u…

1
57: Cookie Full of Arsenic 55:28

2y ago55:28

55:28

Burt Lancaster plays a newspaper columnist who is based on Walter Winchell. Winchell was a powerful, vindictive dude, and Lancaster is deliciously evil here, going after the man his sister loves, because he can. Tony Curtis co-stars as a man doing Lancaster’s bidding to advance his own career. The film is based on Ernest Lehman’s novel, and the scr…

1
56: John Lund is also Present 45:30

2y ago45:30

45:30

Barbara Stanwyck is back, and we’ve got her. Here’s a noir melodrama with its share of flaws that I like, regardless. And man, IMDB gives a LOT more plot than I would have. “A pregnant woman adopts the identity of a railroad crash victim and starts a new life with the woman’s wealthy in-laws, but is soon blackmailed by her devious ex.” It’s stylish…

1
55: Intense Chemistry with a Block of Wood 50:06

2y ago50:06

50:06

Call it “minor Hitchcock.” Spellbound tells the story of an amnesiac man who can’t remember the murder of which he’s suspected, and the psychiatrist (it’s 1945, so I have to say “lady” psychiatrist) who helps him sort it out. Gregory Peck is early in his film career, and Ingrid Bergman is all, see you later, Charles Boyer. That’s a “Gaslight” joke.…

1
54: For the Love of Linotype 1:30:43

2y ago1:30:43

1:30:43

The history of newspapers and typography is this movie’s subject. Director Sam Fuller made this love letter to journalism, and in this episode, we echo that love right back, with the aid of an actual typography historian. Get the movie on YouTube and watch along with us. We’ll count you in!By The Incomparable

1
53: The Ambiguously Gay Duo 1:00:10

2y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Put the blame on mame, boys. And also on George McCreedy and Glenn Ford. It’s a love triangle and an erotic noir. But many people just focus on Rita Hayworth’s song and the dress she sang it in. Gilda also features plenty of gay subtext, which we’ll discuss at length, as well as why some films of this era “got away” with gay themes, while others di…

1
52: If Douglas Sirk Made Friday the 13th 14:18

2y ago14:18

14:18

To paraphrase IMDB, it’s a love story until it’s an obsession story. Then it really gets weird. Gene Tierney is gonna make you kinda mad in this Technicolor, noir thriller. We love it!By The Incomparable

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