

The Next Reel Film Podcast
TruStory FM
A show about movies and how they connect. We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 13min
The Mission • A Conversation with Costume Designer Deborah L. Scott • Movies We Like
“If might is right, then love has no place in the world.”Talking About The Mission with our guest, Academy Award-winning costume designer Deborah L. ScottAndy and legendary costume designer Deborah L. Scott dive deep into Roland Joffé’s 1986 masterpiece The Mission, an intense and emotional story of faith, colonialism, and redemption. Set in 18th century South America, this Best Picture Oscar nominee boasts an incredible cast and a stunning visual style.Jeremy Irons delivers an incredible performance as Father Gabriel, a Jesuit priest trying to build a mission in the jungle and protect the indigenous Guarani people. Robert De Niro is unforgettable as Rodrigo Mendoza, a mercenary and slaver who murdered his own brother and seeks forgiveness and redemption by becoming a Jesuit priest. The complex story deftly explores the intersection of religion, politics, and colonialism during this volatile historical period. From the lush South American jungles to the thundering Iguaçu Falls, the movie is a visual feast, thanks in large part to Chris Menges' Oscar-winning cinematography. Ennio Morricone’s haunting, Golden Globe-winning score adds an emotional weight that permeates each scene. Though Deborah did not work on this film, she provides an insider's appreciation for Enrico Sabbatini’s period costumes which also help transport viewers to 18th century South America.Deborah’s Legendary Career in Costume DesignDeborah also discusses highlights from her amazing career in costume design, including unforgettable films like Titanic, Back to the Future, Avatar, Heat, and yes, even Armed and Dangerous. She shares fascinating stories about how iconic costumes were created and working with visionary directors like James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, and Michael Mann.The Mission is a powerful and unforgettable film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Deborah and Andy's insightful conversation highlights why the movie remains so impactful decades later. Plus, hearing Deborah's stories provides a fascinating look behind-the-scenes at her legendary costume design career. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel family of podcasts.Follow Deborah on InstagramWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Sep 21, 2023 • 59min
The Killers • The Next Reel
“I tell ya what’s gonna happen. We’re gonna kill a Swede.”The Killers: Dissecting a Landmark NoirRobert Siodmak’s 1946 crime drama The Killers earned four Oscar nominations at the 19th Academy Awards, including Best Director for Siodmak and Best Adapted Screenplay. The influential film noir also marked the screen debut of Hollywood legend Burt Lancaster. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on the 1947 Academy Award Best Writing, Screenplay nominees with an in-depth discussion about Siodmak’s 1946 film The Killers.Behind the Stylish Noir LensBased on Ernest Hemingway’s 1927 short story, The Killers greatly expands the sparse source material into a complex, nonlinear narrative involving murder, robbery and betrayal. Director Siodmak utilizes creative camera angles and lighting techniques to craft a visually stunning noir landscape. Cinematographer Woody Bredell’s high-contrast, shadowy aesthetic defines the classic film noir look and feel. Lancaster shines in his first on-screen role as Ole “The Swede” Anderson, a washed-up boxer mixed up in a criminal underworld scheme. His powerful performance launched the charismatic new star to fame. Ava Gardner embodies the femme fatale archetype as the alluring but dangerous siren Kitty Collins.Standout Elements of This Influential Crime DramaThe opening 12 minutes closely follow Hemingway’s original story before transitioning into a complex, nonlinear narrative structure, utilizing flashbacks from multiple perspectives to unravel the central mystery.We discuss the extended single-take heist scene, staged with incredible choreography and camerawork, as a prime example of Siodmak’s skilled direction.Miklós Rózsa’s propulsive, jazz-inspired score sets the ominous, moody tone throughout the shadowy proceedings.We debate whether splitting the protagonist role (the Swede) from the main character (the insurance investigator) dilutes the hard-boiled noir narrative.It’s a great film with much to dissect, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Sep 14, 2023 • 54min
Brief Encounter • The Next Reel
“This is my whole world, and it’s enough – or rather it was until a few weeks ago.”David Lean had already adapted Noël Coward three times for the silver screen by the time he set out to adapt Brief Encounter. Clearly, he connected with Coward’s material, and also proven himself adept at it. His last adaptation of Coward’s work is the one-act play “Still Life,” and with that he made a touching and heartbreaking movie – at least for some. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 1947 Academy Award Best Writing Screenplay nominees series with Lean’s 1945 film Brief Encounter.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.We set things up with a bit of a chat about Coward and his plays, comparing him a bit to Neil Simon. This film’s an expanded version of the one-act so we discuss the changes and how it reshaped the story a bit. There’s a definite split in our conversation, as Pete struggles with the lack of consumating the relationship making things such a big deal for Laura and Alec. Andy connects with it more, while certainly acknowledging the characters’ struggles feel of the time and place. From there, we talk character and our two leads – Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, and spend a bit of time discussing the fabulous look throughout this film and what Lean brought to the table.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 16min
The Best Years of Our Lives • The Next Reel
“Nobody’s job is safe with all these servicemen crowding in.”Struggles of All Types for Post-War VeteransThe end of World War II brought a wave of veterans back to American society and an array of challenges as they tried to reintegrate and reconnect with family, friends, jobs and a society that struggled to fully understand their war experience. William Wyler’s 1946 multiple Oscar winner “The Best Years of Our Lives” tackles this subject with grace, nuance and warmth through the stories of three veterans returning to the fictional town of Boone City. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – for an in-depth conversation about this magnificent film that details the post-war life of a trio of servicemen - each a different rank and from varied socioeconomic backgrounds - as they try to reestablish their lives and rediscover purpose with loved ones as we continue our 1947 Academy Award Best Writing Screenplay nominee series with a look at Wyler’s 1946 classic The Best Years of Our Lives.Here’s a hint at what we talk about:The film begins with our three protagonists – Fred, Al and Homer – meeting by chance on a flight home, immediately establishing the camaraderie and connection that comes from shared experience. However, their stories quickly diverge as each tries to reintegrate into society and reconnect with jobs, family and partners with varying degrees of success.Fred was a captain and bomber pilot but now finds himself unable to get a job despite his officer status. Al is a married sergeant and banker struggling with alcoholism and a family dynamic that shifted in his absence. Homer, who lost his hands in combat, worries that his girl won’t still love him with prosthetic hooks.The performances are extraordinary, led by Best Actor winner Fredric March along with Dana Andrews and real veteran and double Oscar winner Harold Russell in his film debut. The women – Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Cathy O’Donnell, and Virginia Mayo – each play their roles with nuance, rounding out the principal cast.Beyond the acting, William Wyler’s direction is exquisite, with cinematographer Gregg Toland delivering long, deep focus shots that enhance storytelling and emotion. It's a searing, humanistic look at the complexities of war's aftermath and the resilience of the human spirit.We unpack this layered, resonant story and Wyler’s masterful direction. It remains painfully relevant today and delivers a complex, poignant punch. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchWatch Diary of a Sergeant featuring Harold RussellScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 31, 2023 • 54min
Anna and the King of Siam • The Next Reel
“That king certainly hasn’t very good manners.”The Less-Singing, More Burnings VersionAudiences have been fascinated with the life of Anna Leonowens and her time spent in Thailand (then Siam) teaching English to King Mongkut’s wives and children. What’s the draw though? Perhaps the story of a woman on her own in a foreign country? Or a common person who is swept up into a world of royalty and has the ear of a king. Hard to say, but it’s a fascinating story, even if it does feel one-sided. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our 1947 Academy Award Best Writing, Screenplay nominee series with a conversation about John Cromwell’s 1946 film Anna and the King of Siam.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.The first hurdle with this film is the rough brownface that all the actors playing the people of Siam wear. Yes, it’s from the era – we acknowledge that. That doesn’t make it any easier to take. There are also all the other trappings that go along with this element – pidgin English, playing the characters as simpler people, etc. It’s frustrating. Once you can get past that, there are still the story elements dealing with colonialism and the entire idea of a white woman (savior?) coming in to teach English to the children and wives of King Mongkut along with the British way so they can all act more civilized. It’s a struggle, but at the same time, teachers teach. She’s just doing her job, right? Past all the struggles, there is the core of the story involving the complex relationship between Anna and King Mongkut. Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison are great in their roles, and we enjoy the back and forth that we get with them as they initially try to figure each other out and test each other, pushing boundaries, then eventually becoming trusted friends. We discuss the other players, the story and how this iteration differs from other versions, how Cromwell directed it, the look of it, and more. There’s a lot to discuss with this one. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsFlickers In Time’s review Theatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h
The Reflecting Skin • A Conversation with Storyboard and Concept Artist Anson Jew • Movies We Like
“Any vampires around these parts, Pa?”Talking About The Reflecting Skin with our guest, storyboard and concept artist Anson JewThere’s a lot going on in this story of childhood. It’s a story about vampirism and nuclear devastation. It’s about a town’s secrets and the perspective of children. Homosexuality in a time when it was far from being accepted. Dealing with loss. Growing old. Finding love. Writer/director Philip Ridley not only crafted a gorgeous film that’s alive from start to finish, but he crafted a story about childhood that captures all the strangeness and complexity we should expect and want in a story about a kid making his way in the world.Storyboard and concept artist Anson Jew joins us to talk about this film, which has stuck with him since he first saw it. It’s a fantastic film and one certainly worth discussing. We have a great time talking with Anson about it, so check it out then tune in. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel.Find Anson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, IMDb, and his websiteWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 25, 2023 • 36min
Callsheet • Behind the Sites with Casey Liss
Welcome back to Behind the Sites, a long-overdue return to one of our favorite series here at The Next Reel. This series celebrates the technology behind the entertainment industry... specifically, the sites and apps we use to learn about the movies and shows of which we call ourselves fans.Casey Liss is a podcaster, developer, and writer from Richmond, Virginia. However, these days, it might be hard to know in which order to put those things. He's one-third of the Accidental Tech Podcast, a must-listen for principled nerds, and half of Analog(ue) on Relay FM. But he's here today to talk about his latest app, Callsheet, an entertainment industry search experience that might just earn a prized spot on the home screen of your phone.Along the way, Casey talks about the challenges that come with attempting to peel back the features of an existing monolith in order to create an app that is fast, yet still seemingly feature-complete. We talk about what goes into working on an app that is dependent on a third-party API in an era that has rendered API a dirty, profit-seeking word. Oh, and we talk about Plex. For members, we talk a lot about Plex.Links & NotesCallsheetCallsheet on the App StoreThe Movie DatabaseTheMovieDB APICasey did a guest spot on Mac Power Users with David Sparks and Stephen Hackett and, if you're as intrigued by a complex Plex set-up as I am, check out this episode and let's get ripping! (ripping our legal media acquired legally because we don't want to insinuate in any way that we condone that other sort of rubbish. -ed)Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
Wuthering Heights • The Next Reel
”No matter what I ever do or say, Heathcliff, this is me – now – standing on this hill with you. This is me, forever.”My, My, My... Those Heights, They Are A-Wuthering...Adapting Emily Brontë’s novel for the big screen isn’t an easy task, but it’s one that many people have taken on as “Wuthering Heights” has been adapted for the big or small screen over 30 times. And that doesn’t even take into account the operas, plays, musicals, radio adaptations, and more. As popular as the novel is, it’s a challenging one, and that’s certainly on display with William Wyler’s 1939 adaptation. It used less than half the chapters and hence modified many elements for the ending. Still, it works. In fact, we might even feel it works better than the novel. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our 1940 Academy Award Best Picture Nominee series with a conversation about Wyler’s 1939 film Wuthering Heights.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.There’s a lot left out, but the book is a challenging read and we feel that this adaptation captures the essence of the tragic romance, leaving out a lot of the more complex elements that work well on the page but not so much on the big screen. It’s still not our favorite, but with director Wyler helming it, we find plenty to connect to.The performers are all delivering big but portrayals that work well with this big romance. Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon may not have gotten along on set but they work well as Heathcliff and Cathy. We also love David Niven and Geraldine Fitzgerald. In the scope of adaptation, the film leaves in some of the framing device that’s quite important for the novel. Here, we’re not so sure it’s needed. In fact, it largely feels like an unnecessary appendage. The cinematography by Gregg Toland paired with Wyler’s effective direction bring life to the film. The black-and-white cinematography is full of darks and lights. It certainly deserved its Oscar win. And Alfred Newman’s beautiful score brings the tragic romance elements to the story right to the forefront. These elements all buoy the film for us, which otherwise may not be our cup of tea as much as some of the other Best Picture nominees. Speaking of, we do walk through the 10 nominees and debate which we’d pick to win. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 41min
The Wizard of Oz • Rebroadcast • The Next Reel
"Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!"REBROADCASTStill a ClassicVictor Fleming didn’t just direct two movies in 1939, he directed two of what many consider to be the greatest films made – Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Where the former, though, has more problems to contend with in today’s society, what with its depiction of slavery and race in the South during the Civil War, the latter is nothing but pure cinematic joy. Seen by more people than any other movie, The Wizard of Oz has become infused in who we are. Quotes from the movie can pop up in everyday conversation without people even realizing they’re quoting it. The songs – particularly “Over the Rainbow” – have been burned into our brains at an early age. It truly is a shining example of what cinema can be. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘films of 1939’ series with one of the great cinema achievements, Flemings’ The Wizard of Oz. Here’s a Look Into Our ConversationWe talk about what makes this film so great and why it’s lasted so long, looking at everything from the story to the music to Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. We discuss Fleming as the main director putting the film together, the 14 writers tasked with bringing this script to life, and L. Frank Baum, the author of the original Oz stories. We chat about the actors – Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, Jerry Maren, the Singer Midgets and more (not to mention Terry the dog as Toto) – and look at what they all bring to the table here. We chat about Buddy Gillespie’s special effects, Adrian’s costumes, Harold Rosson’s cinematography, Herbert Stothart’s music adaptation, Harold Arlen’s & Yip Harberg’s songs and Mervyn LeRoy’s & Arthur Freed’s producing, tying together all the elements they each were responsible for. And we comment on the popularity of the film, chat about it being a gay icon, and look at how it started at a loss but ended up making bank over the decades. It’s one of the greats and certainly one we have a lot of passion about discussing. Check it out!Film SundriesFind the Original Episode From Season Five HereWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank BaumFlickchartImaginary Worlds Podcast — Why They FightThe Alphabetical Wizard of OzThe Dark Side of OzThe Slippers DocumentaryBert Lahr’s Lay’s Potato Chip Commercials (& here)Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Aug 19, 2023 • 1h 14min
Stagecoach • Rebroadcast • The Next Reel
"We’re the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice, my child."REBROADCASTFord Delivers A Classic WesternWhen John Ford decided to helm Stagecoach in 1939, he hadn’t done a western since his days in the silent film era. Yet it was this film, along with his relationship with John Wayne, that would lead to him making arguably some of the greatest westerns in cinema. Yet with this film, it was really more of a chance to make a western that could be a bit more serious, not just another b-level shoot-em-up, while still making a movie that was pretty light and entertaining. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on films from 1939 with Ford’s Stagecoach. Here’s a Hint at Our ConversationWe talk about John Ford as a director and what he was trying to do with this film, pointing out some Ford-isms along with debating his strength as a filmmaker. We chat about Dudley Nichols’ script adapted from Ernest Haycox’s short story, enjoying what he did with the nine principal characters in the film, even if there were some pacing issues throughout. We discuss the cinematography of Bert Glennon and the way he and Ford shot the action sequences. We chat about stuntman and stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt, marveling at the amazing stunts he performs in the film while also feeling pretty horrified at the methods he devised to get the horses to fall on camera. And we touch on the cast, touching on what each of them bring to their roles. It’s a fun film, even if not one of our favorites, but still gives us a great movie to talk about. So check it out then tune in!Film SundriesListen to the Original Episode From Season Five HereWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Stage to Lordsburg by Ernest HaycoxFlickchartStagecoach Location Shooting BreakdownStagecoach & the Ned Scott Still PhotographsSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible


