Episode 323 – The Anderson Tapes (1971)

Max, Mike; Movies

Welcome to another episode in our “Remember! You Asked For It!” series! This week’s suggestion comes from crime-solving landscape artist Degsy O’Brien (I’m almost certain that’s what he does for a living) and it’s going to be a delightful romp! Yes, I’m pretty sure that this movie is an in-depth look into the life of famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. Yes, we get to hear all about his experiences in the Danish secret police, on such exciting missions as “Operation: Thumbelina” and “Code Name: Little Mermaid”. Now keep in mind that the audio quality from these tapes isn’t that great . . . in fact, they aren’t from literal “tapes” because that technology didn’t exist in the mid-19^th century, but of course they did have Mr. Edison’s wax cylinder recording technology, which as a member of Danish Intelligence, Hans would have had access to. In fact, I’m pretty sure he carried a tiny portable wax cylinder recorder hidden in his hatband, along with tons of other cool gadgets . . . hah? What’s that? Wax cylinder tech wasn’t invented until two years after Anderson’s death? And he was never a member of Danish Intelligence? Well, of course, they’d deny it . . . whazzat? I’ve been spelling his name wrong? It’s Andersen not Anderson? Ah. I see. I have once again gotten everything wrong. Fine. Fine. Fine. I guess it’s the Bad Boy Box for me, again. But while I’m thinking about what I’ve done, give a listen to our discussion of this 1971 Sidney Lumet film starring Sean Connery (the one that WASN’T “Diamonds Are Forever”). Yes. That makes a bit more sense. Enjoy!

Poll question: What is your favorite Sean Connery performance?