Zach is joined by author Kathy Fuller-Seeley (‘Hollywood in the Neighborhood: Historical Case Studies of Local Moviegoing’, ‘Jack Benny and the Golden Age Of American Radio Comedy’) to undergo a journey through the great depression by way of laughs with Preston Struges’ 1941 masterpiece, ‘Sullivan’s Travels’.
Join them as they set out to learn more about the history of Preston Sturges leading up to ‘Sullivan’, marvel at the rare opportunities Sturges was given compared to other writers of the era, break down the clever ways the film pokes fun at art without losing respect for art, look at the ways the film tackles the Great Depression in a balanced measure of drama and comedy, address the innovative ways the film addresses Hollywood in a manner that echos throughout time.
There are also some moments to give a hearty laugh amidst a long lecture such as the two giving due props to Franklin Pangborn, doing a second take with the term ‘Land Yacht’, wonder what happened to the unfortunate souls in Robert Greig’s story.
Plus: Lots and LOTS of Coen Brothers mentions.
Look for Kathy’s works on Amazon:
Hollywood in the Neighborhood: Historical Case Studies of Local Moviegoing
Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
and check out the films Kathy Recommends:
Baby Face (1933)
Possessed (1947)
and check out Night Nurse (1931) cause it’s great.
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