Classic Hollywood with George Feltenstein: Ben Hur, A Star Is Born (1954), Looney Tunes, and Yankee Doodle Dandy
Ben Hur chariot race. (image courtesy Warner Bros, Inc.)
Titles profiled in the podcast are available for purchase on Amazon
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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. The three films and animation we detail in this third podcast episode are well-known to most film lovers, but the stories of the 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.
Winner of 11 Acadamy Awards
George shares his stories working with Charlton Heston on the various releases of the film. He also explains the technical task of taking this 65-millimeter negative film and making a 35-millimeter reduction negative.
The Mysterious Lost Footage
George recounts the background to the original 191 minute version of the film, and the mystery of the lost footage after the studio cut the film to 154 minutes.
The Golden Age of Looney Tunes
George relates the story of the release of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons starting on VHS and then up through the Golden Collection. These were curated along with his good friend animation historian Jerry Beck. They have been a huge success and a testament to the popularity of the classic cartoon market.
Warner Night At The Movies
One of the more unique extras George helped curate with his good friend Leonard Maltin was the “ Warner Night at the Movies.” Fans could experience what it was like to go to the movies in the theater by viewing a newsreel, short subjects, cartoons, and trailers from the year the film came out. Yankee Doodle Dandy was one of the early films that had this popular extra content presented in this format.
All images courtesy Warner Bros, Inc.
The Extras is an Amazon affiliate and by selecting these links we may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting the podcast and website.