Two weeks ago, we held our first ever History Banter live event, hosted by the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Richardson, Texas and in conjunction with the Brookhaven College Department of History. We watched the 2005 film adaptation of Alan Moore’s graphic novel, V for Vendetta. The Alamo Drafthouse gave everyone Guy Fawkes masks (image below) and we had a panel following the movie, in which Brad and I were joined by friends-of-the-show Dr. Jennifer Allen and Ahad Hayaud-Din. This is the live recording of the panel discussion, where we discuss the history behind the real Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes copycats, and what this movie can tell us about authoritarianism, fascism, anarchism, terrorism, and Bradism. Not so much the last one…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Did Sylvester Stallone win the Cold War?
Intro music from this episode:
“Where No Eagles Fly” from Tyranny by Julian Casablancas and the Voidz – juliancasablancas.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined once again by Jason Venable (The Podcast That Goes Snikt!!) to discuss the history of Marvel Comics’ X-Men, from their introduction in 1963 to the most recent X-Men movies. Why do the X-Men remain so popular? How has the comic followed or led the arc of social change? Did Stan Lee plan the parallels to civil rights all along, or was he just lucky? Will Brad issue a formal apology for briefly suggesting that comic book publishers may be more interested in making money than advocating for social change? All this and more…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – V for Vendetta (2005) LIVE!
Intro music from this episode:
“Fall in Love” from Voices by Phantogram – phantogram.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by Ahad Hayaud-Din to discuss the 2007 film Charlie Wilson’s War. This film tells the story of a congressmen from Texas, who, along with a conservative Houston socialite and a CIA agent, pushed the United States to get more involved in helping Afghanistan stop the Soviet invasion. US involvement in that war is credited with helping escalate the collapse of the Soviet Union, but it also laid the seeds for the American invasion of Afghanistan in 2002. In this podcast, we’ll discuss the Soviet Invasion, refugee crises, war crimes, radical Islam, backroom politics, the US invasion of Afghanistan, and Brad’s concern for what Russian soldiers do in their downtime.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – A history of the X-Men in comics and film
Intro music from this episode:
“Move/Stay” from Holy Weather by Civil Twilight – civiltwilightband.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by Jason Venable (The Podcast That Goes Snikt!!) to discuss the history of Marvel Comics’ Captain America, including his introduction in 1941 fighting Nazis in World War II, the “fake” Captain America of the 1950s, his reappearance in 1964, and the most recent movies. Why is Captain American still relevant? Were there real super-soldier programs during World War II? And will Brad ever be able to convince people to call him Dr. Folsom?
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – A history of the X-Men in comics and film
Intro music from this episode:
“Who Needs You” from Disgraceland by The Orwells – theorwells.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by Jason Venable (The Podcast That Goes Snikt!!) to discuss a new comic book series based on the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806). Manifest Destiny, by Image Comics, follows Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacajawea, and the rest of the expedition as they explore the Louisiana Purchase and fight various monsters in a mystical version of an early-19th-century United States. We also talk about the Lewis-and-Clark-themed parody Almost Heroes (1998), in which Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and Tommy Boy (Chris Farley) try to beat Lewis & Clark to the Pacific Ocean. Why are these the most well-known recent depictions of the expedition? Did Buffalotaurs and Veggie Monsters really exist? And why should we care about Lewis and Clark anyway?
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – A history of Captain American in comics and film
Intro music from this episode:
“Compulsion” from Kingdom of Rust by Doves – facebook.com/Doves
This week, Dr. Jennifer Allen and I (Cameron Sinclair) discuss The Madness of King George (1994). Covering the late 18th century illness of King George III of England, the film touches on themes of mental illness, the medical profession, the balance of power between the King and Parliament, and royal family dynamics. Starring Nigel Hawthorne as King George III, Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte, Rupert Everett as George IV, Ian Holm as Dr. Francis Willis, and other British actors. How well does the film depict this bizarre/tragic episode of British royal history? How horrifying were the “treatments” for physical and mental illnesses in the late 18th century? And as Americans, why should we even care about the George III? The ghost of George Washington may be disappointed by our sympathy…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Lewis & Clark and Manifest Destiny (Image Comics, 2014)
Intro music from this episode:
“IAMACEO” from IAMACEO by Starflyer 59 – starflyer59.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) look at the Discovery Channel original miniseries, Klondike (2014). Based on the book Gold Diggers, by Charlotte Gray, the series centers on the 1890s gold rush in the Canadian Yukon. It follows the lives of a number of characters including: Bill Haskell (Richard Madden) and Byron Epstein (Augustus Prew), would-be gold miners and childhood friends who travel to the Klondike and stake out a claim; Belinda Mulrooney (Abbie Cornish) and the Count (Tim Roth), two real estate moguls in a life or death competition over the boom town of Dawson City; a prostitute, a Canadian Mountie, and a couple of falsely-accused Tlingit Native Americans; a wolf-shooting Catholic priest; and a con man. This 6-hour series has lots of man vs. nature, man vs. man, and man vs. self conflict. How well does this series represent the insanity of 19th-century gold rushes? In particular, does it get the history right for the Yukon/Klondike Gold Rush? Does Tim Roth play the same character he plays in most of his movies? And, does Robb Stark use his newly-discovered gold to buy ships for Calisi, so they can join forces and defeat the Lannisters…wait, wrong show.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – The Madness of King George (1994)
Intro music from this episode:
“Treason! Animals.” from Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action by Franz Ferdinand – franzferdinand.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by our good friends William Yancey and Javier Lopez to look at season 1 of the FX show, The Americans (2013-), starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as deep-cover Soviet KGB agents living in the United States. Set in the 1980 during the early years of the Reagan Administration, the show following the lives of these two spies, as well as the lives of an FBI agent (Noah Emmerich) hunting spies and a Russian informant (Annet Mahendru) looking for asylum. Throw in some sex, wigs, and giant 1980s glasses and you get the gist of this show. Is the show convincing? Does it get American viewers to feel sympathy for Soviet spies trying to destroy America? And how tragic/crazy/odd is Martha (Alison Wright)?
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Klondike (2014)
Intro music from this episode:
“Welcome to Japan” from Comedown Machine by The Strokes – thestrokes.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by our good friend William C. Yancey to look at Disney’s The Lone Ranger (2012), starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. This movie attempts to recreate/update the classic 1950s TV series into a dark, action-packed, Disney movie, with mixed results. We take them to task on the Texas Rangers, the Comanche, the Transcontinental Railroad, geography, old-west tropes, and much more…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – The Americans (FX, 2013-)
Intro music from this episode:
“Taxi” from Dial M by Starflyer 59 sf59.com
“The Lone Ranger Theme” from the 1949 pilot episode – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wZOyjHDIZ0
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) talk with Texas Ranger expert Jody Ginn to get more information on Frank Hamer and the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde. We’ll talk more about both the 1967 and 2013 films, as well as about the Texas Rangers organization in the early 1900s. Why was Frank Hamer involved in the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde? Who played a better Hamer, 2013 William Hurt or 1967 Denver Pyle (Uncle Jessie from the Dukes of Hazard)? And, could the real Frank Hamer actually hear gunshots before they were even fired? All this and more…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – The Lone Ranger (2013)
Intro music from this episode:
“Do I Wanna Know” from AM by Arctic Monkeys
arcticmonkeys.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) review the most recent film portrayal of the legendary outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Bonnie and Clyde (2013) produced and aired by the History Channel, A&E, and Lifetime, covers the lives and crime spree of this Texas couple, played by Holliday Granger and Emile Hirsch, as well as their demise, led by legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, played by William Hurt. We do a little comparison with the 1967 Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, Bonnie and Clyde, but mostly stick to the new film. How well does this film portray the historical figures of Bonnie and Clyde? Did Clyde really have visions of the future? Was Bonnie the driving force in their relationship? And, why did Clyde’s sister-in-law Blanch call her husband Daddy? All this and more…
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Bonnie and Clyde (part 2): Frank Hamer and the Texas Rangers
Intro music from this episode:
“Weapon of Choice” from Baby 81 by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) put together a list of World War II movies and discuss the 10 best and 10 worst. If you’re looking for some movies to watch over the holidays, or looking for gift ideas, maybe this will help you pick some good movies (and avoid some bad ones). We haven’t seen everything, so if you think our list is lacking, let us know what we should have included. Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – TBA
Intro music from this episode:
“Before Your Very Eyes…” from Amok by Atoms for Peace
atomsforpeace.info/
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) each put together a list of 5 video game ideas based on historical events. From first-person shooters to grand strategy games, from the Mongolian Empire to a time traveling detective, we try to lay the groundwork for a collection of historically-based games. Video game developers give us a call!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – TBA
Intro music from this episode:
“The Rifle’s Spiral” from Port of Morrow by The Shins
theshins.com
This week, I (Cameron Sinclair) am joined by Dr. Jennifer Allen to discuss Jack the Ripper, Victorian England’s most notorious killer, and the 2001 film, From Hell, starring Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, and some other British people. Did this movie get the murders right? How well does this movie replicate Victorian England? Was the lead investigator really an opium smoking psychic? And, does Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) make this movie a dark prequel to the Harry Potter series? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Historical Video Game Ideas
Intro music from this episode:
“We Exist” from Reflektor by Arcade Fire
arcadefire.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by Dr. Alexander Mendoza to discuss the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. This series, set in the 1920s, tells the story of Prohibition, organized crime, political corruption, violence, sex, and a host of other themes. How well does the HBO replicate Atlantic City in the 1920s? Was Al Capone really so crazy? And, how awesome is Richard Harrow? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – From Hell (2001)
Intro music from this episode:
“Bullet” from Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action by Franz Ferdinand
franzferdinand.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) review the 2012 drama, Emperor, directed by Peter Webber, and starring Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones as Douglas MacArthur. This movie portrays the events surrounding Douglas MacArthur’s decision to allow Emperor Hirohito to remain on the throne following Japan’s defeat in World War II. The movie follows the investigation of General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox) into how involved the Emperor was in the Japanese war effort. All the while, the viewer is exposed to the devastation of Japanese cities following the American-led firebombing campaigns and the atomic bomb drops. How well does the shocking imagery fit the historical reality? How well does Tommy Lee Jones do MacArthur? And, was Bonner Fellers a real name? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – HBO’s Boardwalk Empire (2010-present)
Intro music from this episode:
“Young” from Low Wishes by Air Review
airreview.net
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by Dr. Harland Hagler to discuss the classic, 1939 epic Gone with the Wind. Based on the Pulitzer-prize winning novel by Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, and the classic characters it created, both represented and defined the way several generations thought about the Old South and the Civil War Era. In spite of a tremendous amount of historical work showing otherwise, the historical interpretation brought to life in this movie continues to shape the way many people think. In order to deal with this almost 4-hr epic, we cover a lot of ground in this podcast, including the Civil War, Reconstruction, Lost Cause mythology, racism, misogyny, over acting, family history, and Brad’s never-ending quest to find a catch phrase… this episode has it all. And as always, we’ll cover historical accuracy, entertainment, and a few ridiculous things unrelated to anything.
As always, let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Emperor (2012)
Intro music from this episode:
“Gamma Ray” from Modern Guilt by Beck
beck.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined once again by our friend Dong Ha to discuss the Vietnam War. This time, we review the 2002 war epic We Were Soldiers, starring Mel Gibson, Madeline Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam Elliot, Kerri Russell, Barry Pepper, Chris Cline, and a fresh-faced Jon Hamm. As always, we’ll cover historical accuracy, entertainment, and a few ridiculous things unrelated to anything. We’ll also spend some time comparing the different interpretations of the war in this movie as compared to Platoon (1986), which we reviewed with Dong on Episode 14.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast - TBA
Intro music from this episode:
“Starlight” from Black Holes & Revelations by Muse
muse.mu
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) each put together a list of 5 stories from history that we thought would make good television series. From war to sports to raunchy political comedy, we try to cover a lot of different ground. TV producers give a call!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – We Were Soldiers (2002)
Intro music from this episode:
“Enjoy the Silence” originally by Depeche Mode, but performed here by Anberlin
anberlin.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by our friend and fellow graduate student, Dong Ha. In this episode, we review Oliver Stone’s Platoon from 1986, staring a whole host of stars (many of whom were just getting started), including Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker, and many more. Dong will provide both academic and personal experiences to discuss the Vietnam War and Oliver Stone’s interpretation of it. Meanwhile, Brad and I will bring our usual dry humor and nonsense.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – 10 Television Series Ideas from History
Intro music from this episode:
“Tap Out” from Comedown Machine by The Strokes
thestrokes.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) take a break from our usual movie review format. Instead, we each put together a list of 5 stories from history that we thought should be movies, but as far as we know, have never been put on the silver screen. From big-budget action blockbusters to political thrillers to indie-movie-style family dramas, we try to bring a little something for everyone. Hollywood producers give a call!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Platoon (1986)
Intro music from this episode:
“Black Dresses” by Matthew and the Arrogant Sea
matthewandthearrogantsea.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined again by professor of history Andrew J. Torget. In this episode, we review Django Unchained (2012), directed by Quentin Tarantino, and starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Samuel L. Jackson. By setting a 1970s-style spaghetti western in the Old South, Quentin Tarantino combines American slavery, old west bounty hunters, the German tale of Siegfried and Brunhilda, and brutal, unrelenting violence. How accurate is Tarantino’s depiction of slavery? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – 10 historical events that should be made into movies
Intro music from this episode:
“Kid on My Shoulders” from Fort Nightly by White Rabbits
whiterabbitsmusic.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by historian J. Todd Moye, the head of the Tuskegee Airmen Oral History project for the National Parks Service. For this podcast, we change format a little and look at the ways in which the Tuskegee Airmen, the famous World War II African-American pilots, have been represented in film from the 1945 Wings for This Man, narrated by Ronald Reagan, to the 2012 Red Tails, directed by George Lucas, but with with our primary emphasis on HBO’s The Tuskegee Airmen (1995). These films, mainly the latest two, weave together stories of World War II air combat, racism, and political conflict, to tell stories of personal triumph and the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Django Unchained (2012)
Intro music from this episode:
“Stop Breakin’ Down” from The Power and the Glory by Bill Mallonee
volsounds.com
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) return to our podcasting roots as a duo and review Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, starring a host of big-name actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Liam Neeson, John C. Reilly, Cameron Diaz, and more. This film tells a tale of violence, corruption, poverty, electoral politics, nativism, honor, and a little bit of love and betrayal, all set in the Five Points slum of New York City during the Civil War. Too many themes? Maybe. But what about the history? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)
Intro music from this episode by Moon Duo
This week, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by distinguished historian and Professor Emeritus Donald E. Chipman. With the expertise of Dr. Chipman, we will review Apocalypto, the 2006 film directed by Mel Gibson, depicting a fictional story set in the post-classic Mayan period. In this film, Gibson tells the story of Mayan people, Mayan temples, human sacrifice, a jaguar, and a guy trying to rescue his family, all with a tremendous amount of violence. How well does the movie stand up against the real history? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/Historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Gangs of New York (2002)
Music from this episode by Starflyer 59
This week, in another History Movie Showdown, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) are joined by historian Andrew J. Torget. With the expertise of Dr. Torget, we will review and compare two movies that tell the tale of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a pivotal battle in the struggle for Texas Independence. In that battle, almost 200 Texan defenders (Anglo and Hispanic) died following a 13-day siege by the forces of Mexican General and President, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In this podcast, we pit the 1960 classic, The Alamo, staring and directed by John Wayne, against the 2004 The Alamo, directed by John Lee Hancock, and then both against the real history. Director John Wayne vs. John Lee Hancock, actor John Wayne vs. Billy Bob Thornton, time-traveling old-man Juan Seguin vs. young Juan Seguin, evil Santa Anna vs. evil-er Santa Anna, and Cold War America vs. Post-911 America. Which film best represents the history, and which will suffer eternal shame? Find out here!
Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/Historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
On the next podcast – Apocalypto (2006)
Music from this episode by Starflyer 59
This week, in our first ever History Movie Showdown, Brad Folsom and I (Cameron Sinclair) review and compare two movies that are both based on the founding of the Jamestown colony and on the relationship between Pocahontas, a Powhatan Native American, and John Smith, and English adventurer. In this podcast, we pit the visions of director Terrance Malick against those of Walt Disney Pictures, and then both against the real history. We’ll examine the portrayals of the Jamestown colonists, the Powhatan Indians, as well as that of historical figures, such as Pocahontas, John Smith, and John Rolf. Which movie comes closest to the real history? Listen to find out and let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/Historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
Music from this episode by Lions on the Lawn
This week Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair each make a list of the top 5 historical-themed television series of the last 20 years. In this podcast they compare and discuss their lists. Don’t worry, however, there are no spoilers in this episode, just brief overviews of each show. Agree? Disagree? Are there better shows they missed? Let us know what you think! Tweet us (@historybanter), post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/Historybantercom), or email us ([email protected]). Thanks again for listening!
Music from this episode:
Intro – “Holdin on to Black Metal” by My Morning Jacket
Outro – “Nevermind the Earth is Shaking” by Lions on the Lawn
This week Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair review Argo, the 2012 film based on the true story of six American embassy workers, who were stranded in Tehran during the Iran Hostage Crisis and the joint US-Canadian effort to rescue them. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, the movie centers on CIA operative Tony Mendez, as he produced an unlikely scheme to use a phoney Hollywood sci-fi movie to rescue them. Our reviewers examine the portrayals of the Iran Hostage Crisis, Ben Affleck as a CIA spook, the rescue operation, Hollywood’s participation, and of course, the overall quality of the movie.
Music from this episode:
Intro – “Kick Drum Heart” by The Avett Brothers
Outro – “All Die Young” by Smith Westerns
Podcast Correction: Jack Kirby co-created a large number of Marvel Comics characters, including Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman.
This week Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair review Lawless, the 2012 film based on the true story of 1920s bootleggers in rural Virginia. Based on the novel, The Wettest County in the World (2008), by Matt Bondurant, the movie portrays a dramatized version of the author’s grandfather, Jack Bondurant, and his two brothers, Forest and Howard, as they produce illegal moonshine during national Prohibition (1920-1933). Our reviewers examine the portrayals of Prohibition-era bootlegging, the 1920s rural/urban culture war, the Franklin County Moonshine Conspiracy, and the overall quality of the movie.
Music from this episode:
Intro – “Please Ask For Help” by Telekinesis
Outro – “Devil’s Waitin'” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This week Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair review And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself, the 2003 HBO movie, starring Antonio Banderas as Pancho Villa. This film portrays the efforts of an American producer to make a movie based on the life of Pancho Villa by filming the Mexican Revolutionary in action. Our reviewers examine the historical accuracies and inaccuracies of the events surrounding the making of the movie, the portrayal of Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution, and the overall quality of the movie.
Music from this episode:
Intro ' 'Soul of a Man ' by Beck
Outro ' 'Just Like the Fools ' by Lions on the Lawn
This week Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair review The Conspirator, the 2010 courtroom drama, directed by Robert Redford. This film portrays the trial of Mary Surratt, one of the accused conspirators in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Our reviewers examine the historical accuracies and inaccuracies of the events surrounding the trial of Surratt, the contemporary message of the film, and the overall quality of the movie.
Music from this episode:
Intro ' 'Wake Up Early ' by Starflyer 59
Outro ' 'Nevermind the Earth is Shaking ' by Lions on the Lawn
In this inaugural edition of the podcast, Brad Folsom and Cameron Sinclair review Lincoln (2012), directed by Steven Spielberg, focusing on the portrayal of Lincoln as a historical figure, historical accuracies and inaccuracies of the film, and the overall quality of the movie.
Music from this episode:
Intro – “Berlin” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Outro – “How Was Your Trip Around the World” by Lions on the Lawn