Ep.29: ‘A Face in the Crowd (1957)’ or “I’m Afraid We’re Not In Mayberry Anymore’

This week Zach welcomes back filmmaker and podcaster Henry Jarvis (Reel Nerds Podcast) and he brings along The Arkansas Traveler as the boys dive into Elia Kazan’s prescient and audacious 1957 , ‘A Face in the Crowd’.

Tune in to engage in the spiraling madness as the boys learn more about the complicated histories of Kazan and screenwriter Budd Schulberg, how the films unsettling narrative draws a direct line to modern culture, how the films incredibly dark visuals and thematic power shine through uniquely in the 1950’s, and give spotlight to the incredible performer that is Mr. Andy Griffith.

But with all this drab, there has to be something light to offset it. Thankfully the boys find plenty of it as they witness Walter Matthau pitching his future movies, hear Barney Fife become terrified of Andy’s Method Acting , and we all gaze in awe Henry unleashes the ultimate analysis of the Transformers films.

Plus: Paddington for President !