Vanguard of Hollywood

The Remarkable Gene Kelly: An Interview with Patricia Ward Kelly

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.

A Force of Nature: An Interview with Paul Petersen

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

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

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

Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties with Foster Hirsch

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

A Lucky Interview with Mimi Gibson

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

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

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

Joe E. Brown: Hollywood’s Nicest Guy

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

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

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

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

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

The Long, Hot Summer (1958) & The Newmans

 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).