Classic Hollywood with George Feltenstein: The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, North By Northwest, and Gone With the Wind
North By Northwest publicity still. (image courtesy Warner Bros, Inc.)
Titles Profiled in this Podcast
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AN EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES
George Feltenstein’s career has spanned the home entertainment release history of many of the most beloved classic Hollywood films of all time. This is due to his good fortune to work with the MGM/UA and Warner Bros film libraries, an “embarrassment of riches” he says, due to the sheer number of Hollywood classics they contain.
The five films we detail in this second podcast episode are well-known to most film lovers, but the stories of the home video marketing of the films and the production of the extras are less known. George is always entertaining as he shares these stories and his interactions with the stars and filmmakers in producing the extras.
An American Classic
Considered one of the greatest films of all time, “The Wizard of Oz” has a long and storied release on Home Video, which George recounts in detail. George also tells the story behind his Emmy award-winning documentary “Judy Garland: By Myself,” which was eventually released on “Easter Parade”.
Making The Case For Black And White Films
Casablanca is the one black and white film that George thinks can appeal to those who say they don’t like black and white films.
It also has the unique distinction of being one of those films that can celebrate an anniversary release based on the New York premiere in 1942, or the Best Picture Oscar in 1943.
The Case For Musicals
George believes “Singin’ In The Rain” is one musical that can appeal to people who say they don’t like musicals due to the strength of the story and timeless musical numbers.
In 1975 George was able to see the film during a special one-week screening at Radio City Music Hall, the original theater where it premiered in 1952.
Retaining Its Greatness
George celebrates the greatness of this Alfred Hitchock classic and reviews the numerous extras that have been released with this film over the years. He also explains the added complexity and cost caused by the film being filmed in VistaVision and the task of preserving this film.
The Gone With The Wind Of Making Of’s
George provides background to the filming and casting of this beloved classic. And he explains the history of David O. Selznick’s ownership and the eventual sale of the rights due to Selznick’s gambling debts.
George also details the excellent documentary “The Making of a Legend: Gone With the Wind” and why it is the most comprehensive extra for fans of the film.
All images courtesy Warner Bros Inc.