Flower Drum Song star Nancy Kwan sits down with Ticklish Business in anticipation of her new autobiography! Nancy talks about being discovered young, what her costars were like, and more. We also talk about the joys of actor James Shigeta. Buy The World of Nancy Kwan now. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Danny David Floyd G…

TCM's "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller joins us once again to discuss the women of his latest book Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir. Eddie chats about interviewing some of the most iconic film noir women and how his new book seeks to tell their stories more fully. You can pre-order Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir before …

Your eyes don't deceive you! Ticklish Business is back, kinda. Kristen sits down with author Mayukh Sen to talk all about Merle Oberon, the subject of Sen's latest book, Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star. Sen breaks down the stereotypes about Oberon he wanted to dispel and how she was able to rise above Hollywood racis…

Kristen and Emily return with Front Row Classics podcast host Brandon Davis to celebrate the release of Wicked by looking at the film that started it all: 1939's The Wizard of Oz. The trio discuss Judy Garland's casting, the economics of Oz, and various rumors. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Don…

It's All Hallows Eve and we're closing out spooky season with a legendary Halloween treat. Director and Shining historian Lee Unkrich joins Kristen to discuss Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of The Shining. The pair discuss the nature of adaptation, Shelley Duvall's performance (RIP), and why it still holds up today. This episode was created than…

Halloween inches ever closer much like the centipede? earwig? that dominates William Castle's 1959 horror film The Tingler. Emily and Kristen discuss Bill Castle and his gimmicks, Vincent Price, and why Warren Chapin might be the worst doctor character ever. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna …

Emily and Kristen may be a week later than usual but spooky season kicks off with a bang as the duo talk George Romero's 1968 feature Night of the Living Dead! And along for the ride is acclaimed cinematographer Levie Isaaks. Levie, watching this for the first time (!), discusses the film's impact, what Tobe Hooper took for Texas Chain Saw Massacre…

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a new episode! Kristen and Emily are back celebrating the release of the Christopher Reeve doc Super/Man with a discussion of the 1978 film that made Reeve a star. And joining us is legendary comic artist Jon Bogdanove. We talk about why this superhero movie is different than others, Valerie Perrine stealing the show…

It's Kristen's birthday which means she's picking the movie! Things take a turn for the historical with special guest Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast to discuss 1969's Anne of the Thousand Days. We discuss Hollywood's love of historical episodes in the late-1960s, Richard Burton bringing the cringe, and why Anne Boleyn is still a woman we …

Director Laurent Bouzereau accepted the challenge telling Faye Dunaway's story to the world. Faye is the result and it is such an insightful exploration into an actress who remains misunderstood (and iconic) to this day! Ticklish Business was fortunate to interview Bouzereau and discuss working with Dunaway, comparisons between this doc and Bouzere…

This was initially intended to be a bonus episode but with Emily and I navigating various personal things we've decided to make this an official episode and it's a good one! Director Nanette Burstein joins us to discuss her new feature, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes. We discuss Elizabeth Taylor's fame, the rumors that continue to swirl about her…

Our vacation around the world of classic film comes to a close, but what an episode to celebrate with. Kristen is out this week but Emily and Samantha are back in the saddle to talk about Jacques Demy's fabulous French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. The pair discuss Catherine Deneuve, French fashion and that bittersweet ending. This episode wa…

It's not every day you talk to Martin Scorsese's editor AND the wife of Michael Powell, Thelma Schoonmaker. But Emily and I did as part of the release of the new documentary Made in England: The Movies of Powell and Pressburger. Schoonmaker and director David Hinton sat down with us to discuss what makes Powell and Pressburger iconic directors, The…

Emily and Kristen move from Germany to Algeria by way of the 1966 Italian/Algerian co-production: The Battle of Algiers. We talk about Italian neo-realism, untested actors, and how war, sadly, never ages. We promise things will be peppier next episode! This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill G…

For a second year we're taking a vacation via classic film with International Month and we're starting in Germany! Looking for a silent German pre-Code? We've got you covered with a look at Louise Brooks in Pandora's Box. Hear how Lulu shook up cinema, both domestically and abroad. We also talk about the film's frank depiction of sex work and other…

Ticklish Business celebrates the release of Alonso Duralde's new book Hollywood Pride by discussing classic filmdom and those were LGBTQIA, including William Haines and the stories about Cary Grant. Buy Hollywood Pride! This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkin…

It's the 50th anniversary of Chinatown and we're celebrating with a discussion about it as well as our favorite LA noirs. And to help us discuss all things Los Angeles we have....Chicago Sun Times critic Richard Roeper! Richard, Kristen and Emily discuss the film's use of LA, why Faye Dunaway is magic, and some of the other movies that make us love…

What happens when the It Girl of the 2020s name checks the It girl of the 1920s in her new song? You get this episode. Inspired by Taylor Swift's song, Emily and Kristen sit down with Clara Bow biographer David Stenn to talk about why Bow remains such an icon. We talk about the feminism of the 1920s, debunk some rumors, and grouse about why Babylon…

Britney and Ashley of the podcast Black Girl Film Club join Kristen and Emily this episode to celebrate the anniversary of Foxy Brown. The group celebrates all things Pam Grier, from her being a role model to young Black women, to being an overall badass. Listen to Black Girl Film Club on all podcast apps. This episode was created thanks to our Pat…

This year's TCM Classic Film Festival has come and gone but we're bringing it back to you whether you were there or there in spirit. Introductions from North By Northwest, Gidget and Them! are included. Head over to our Patreon to hear more festival audio, including Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta talking Pulp Fiction, Jodie Foster and Steven S…

It's TCM Classic Film Festival time once again and we're back with a special bonus episode highlighting all our picks. Author Lara Gabrielle joins us as does Ava Gardner expert Lora Stocker to break down the questions we have about this year's festival (what does "corporate daddy" Warner Bros. Discovery have in store?) and the movies we aren't gonn…

It was a hard day's night getting this episode together after our guest backed out last minute. Thankfully, Emily is back and we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Beatles' cinematic debut in A Hard Day's Night. We talk about the Fab Four turned actors, the way this movie tried to sell a soundtrack, and far too many connections to Spice Wor…

We're celebrating the dueling centennials of Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams with a look at their most enduring collaboration: 1951's A Streetcar Named Desire. Historian and author Foster Hirsch joins us to break down the film's complicated subject matter, Marlon Brando's Method acting, the gender and class politics and everyone's old friend, …

Marilyn Monroe writer Elisa Jordan joins Kristen to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Some Like It Hot. The pair discuss Marilyn Monroe's career during this film, whether Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis could pass as women, and how the movie's connections with the LGBTQ community. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons:Ali MooreAmy HartDannyDav…

Love Month comes to a close with Marion Davies biographer and Olivia de Havilland expert Lara Gabrielle joining us once again to talk about 1949's The Heiress. We discuss its adaptation origins, why Livvie de Havilland was not feeling this movie, and why Montgomery Clift is so damn hot. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons:Ali MooreAmy Ha…

Paul Newman biographer Shawn Levy is here to help us celebrate the month of love with a look at the 1958 film The Long Hot Summer. Levy explains the enduring love story of Paul and Joanne Woodward, why this movie isn't better known, and why we should all ready Shelley Winters' autobiography. Buy Shawn's books here. This episode was created thanks t…

It's the first new episode of the year and you know what that means? Kristen and Emily are looking back at the classic films they discovered in 2023. We talk about great fashions, movies we loved thanks to this podcast, and what movies almost made our lists. Share your new discovers of 2023 with us and you can hear them on the next episode! This ep…

There are a few James Dean biopics but we decided to look at the most famous version of his life, TNT's 2001 biopic starring a pre-fame (and problems) James Franco. Kristen and Emily deconstruct the Dean mythos, why he holds a lot of commonalities with Marilyn Monroe, and how this movie was originally planned to star Leonardo DiCaprio.…

In this special bonus episode you can hear our interview with Gary Cooper's daughter, Maria Cooper Janis, as well as author Bruce Boyer, authors of Gary Cooper: Enduring Style. We're hard at work on 2024 and will return January 31st with all new episodes! This episode created thanks to our Patrons:Ali MooreAmy HartAndrew HoppeChristine MierDannyDav…

Happy New Year! We're sharing our favorite episode of our new series, But Have You Read... looking at that timeless tale of a young girl and the grown man who keeps a woman in his attic. Yep, we're looking at the two versions of Jane Eyre.By Ticklish Biz Productions

Our last episode of 2023 celebrates the centennial of the Walt Disney Company and it's very first movie, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And to help us discuss the movie initially deemed "Walt's Folly," we have Disney/animation expert, Drew Taylor. Drew lays out why the movie remains a work of art today and why we're all worried about next …

Samantha, Drea and Kristen are reunited to discuss a movie Samantha recommended to all of us, 1943's Cry 'Havoc.' The trio discuss war movies with women and why this ensemble film is different. And Samantha shares a special announcement. Listen to Ticklish Business on the new Tod Browning set newly released by Criterion! You can order it here. This…

Kristen and Emily celebrate the late great Piper Laurie with a discussion of the 1961 pool movie The Hustler. The pair look at why Laurie said this was her breakout role and Kristen quotes liberally (and hilariously) from Laurie's autobiography. Listen to Ticklish Business on the new Tod Browning set newly released by Criterion! You can order it he…

Barbra Streisand's memoirs may be 962 pages long but Kristen and Emily keep things brisk talking about Barbra's big debut in 1968's Funny Girl. Author Talia Lavin joins the pair to discuss Barbra's career, the movie's look at femininity, and why we all love Omar Sharif. Also, Kristen breaks down why Funny Lady sucks. You can buy Talia's book Cultur…

The Ticklish trio is reunited for this year's Halloween episode and you picked the movie! We go to the Universal monster movie that started it all: 1931's Dracula. And we have Dracula historian David J. Skal joining us! David and the trio discuss the divisive Tod Browning movie, whether Bela Lugosi is hot and what Dracula movie was our first entry …

Author Sloan De Forest and Patron Ali Moore join Samantha and Emily this week to celebrate Bette Davis, Anne Baxter and 1950's All About Eve. The group talks about the film's depictions of women and who from the movie deserved an Oscar. Check out Sloan's latest book here. Kristen and Emily have books out! You can buy them wherever you buy books.Rev…

It's Warner Bros. centennial and we're doing not only their most famous film but probably one of the most famous classic films ever: 1942's Casablanca. The Warner Bros. author Chris Yogerst joins us, alongside Patron Andrew Hoppe, to discuss the film's legacy alongside Warner Bros. and whether it's a noir film. Buy Chris' book The Warner Bros. Kris…

It's Samantha's birthday and we're celebrating it in High Society! Yes, we discuss this 1956 remake of The Philadelphia Story and it's not as straightforward as you think. The trio break down the age differences, whether Bing and Frank work, and whether Grace Kelly should have an Oscar nomination. Kristen and Emily have books out! You can buy them …

It's Kristen choice for her birthday and she's settled on the underseen 1947 Peter Lawford musical, Good News. And like all things Lawford-related things get a little weird. Thankfully, Kristen and Emily are joined by a musical expert, showrunner Cinco Paul. He breaks down why the movie isn't better known and why it's musical numbers work in spite …

Mike White of The Projection Booth Podcast joins Emily and Kristen as they dive into the shadowy world of Richard Nixon and 1976's All the President's Men. The group dives into the dynamic between Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, the movie's relevance to today, and why corduroy might not be the best thing to wear while tracking the story of the c…

We're celebrating Sidney Poitier in a performance that should have garnered him an Oscar (but didn't even get a nomination), 1967's In the Heat of the Night. Guest Carla Renata joins Kristen and Emily as they discuss Poitier's performance, the lack of any real interest in this as a mystery, and who should have been kicked out of the nominations to …

International Month comes to a close with TCM's Czar of Noir joining us once again to talk about his favorite foreign noir: 1958's Elevator to the Gallows. Along the way he touches on the challenges of being a noir in a different language, Jeanne Moreau's performance, and why it's too good a movie to spoil. You can buy Eddie's new book Noir Bar by …

We're going on a vacation this month through the power of cinema. We start in Italy with a look at Federico Fellini's 8 1/2. Samantha, Emily and Kristen discuss whether Guido Anselmi is a terrible human, post-WWII Italy, and why they need to hold a séance. Kristen's written a book for TCM and Running Press called But Have You Read the Book? all abo…

We're going to the Old West this episode with Dana Andrews biographer Carl Rollyson to talk Dana Andrews (should have been Oscar-nominated) performance in 1943's The Ox-Bow Incident. We'll also talk about the film's timeliness and why the Western genre gets a bum rep. Purchase Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews here. Kristen's written a book for TCM an…

Kristen is out this week but Samantha and Emily hold down the fort with Miriam Hopkins biographer Allan R. Ellenberger. The trio celebrate the 90th anniversary of the still controversial Story of Temple Drake. Hear about Miriam Hopkins' revolutionary role, the men she almost worked opposite, and why she didn't get an Oscar for this. Kristen's writt…

Samantha and Kristen are celebrating Doris Day in May not only with a talk on 1955's Love Me or Leave Me, but with a big announcement: a new member of the Ticklish team! We also discuss Doris Day serious actress, ponder why Cameron Mitchell is so non-descript, and recommend you all watch Storm Warning. Kristen's written a book for TCM and Running P…

Samantha and Kristen braved the wilds of the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival again and are back with a king-sized slate of audio introductions and panels from your favorite stars. Whether you want to relive the festival or had to miss out, we hope you enjoy! Lineup:Opening Night with Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas AndersonMario Cantone and The Old…

Samantha and Kristen relax after TCMFF with a look at a small picture that packed a big punch for Hollywood. The 1953 romantic comedy The Moon is Blue is progressive in its look at gender and sex. It also thumbed its nose at the Motion Picture Production Code. So then why is not currently available on home video? Kristen's written a book for TCM an…

Lena Horne biographer James Gavin joins the show this week to celebrate actress and singer Lena Horne. We discuss the difficulties of being one of the few Black actresses in Old Hollywood, Horne's magnificent musical career, and her performances in 1943's Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather. Kristen's written a book for TCM and Running Press called…

Kristen is prepping to return to the wilds of the TCM Classic Film Festival, so she has Marion Davies biographer Lara Gabrielle and Ava Gardner Museum member Lora Stocker join her to discuss the festival, their event picks, and why Yentl should play at TCMFF. Kristen's written a book for TCM and Running Press called But Have You Read the Book? all …