Movie Addict Headquarters

  Stephen Schochet, author of "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes about the Starsand Legends of Hollywood, " visits Movie Addict Headquarters to help celebrate the 56th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland. As a Hollywood tour guide, Stephen began doing research years ago in order to tell colorful tales about Tinseltown to his customers – and most of these tales are included in his entertaining books. Stephen also hosts a syndicated one minute radio feature called "Hollywood Stories."

  Come celebrate “Four Fun Years” as the Movie Addict Headquarters gang recall memorable moments selected from over 200 episodes broadcast on BlogTalkRadio since 2007. Highlights include interviews with the legendary Debbie Reynolds, noted filmmaker DavidWorth, Sebastian the Crab from "The Little Memaid," and many other fascinating film folks -- plus tribute shows for stars like Clint Eastwood, Hugh Jackman, Joan Steiger, Michael Caine, Kevin Costner and Judy Garland.   In honor of the show’s fourth anniversary, a book giveaway drawing will be held. Prizes in this drawing include the following film-related books: BORN STANDING UP by Steve Martin; CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT by Betty Jo Tucker; EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNEDC FROM A CHICK FLICK by Kimberly Potts; and SUSAN SARANDON: A TRUE MAVERICK   by Betty Jo Tucker.   Don't miss this fun show!

  New indie filmmaker Rashaad Ernesto Green talks about his debut feature film, “Gun Hill Road.” Rashaad received a Spike Lee Fellowship in 2009 and was named one of indie WIRE’s “Ten Exciting New Voices in Black Cinema.”  In 2010, he made Filmmaker magazine’s list of “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” Actor Esai Morales, who plays a key role in "Gun Hill Road," also joined this spirited discussion.      “Gun Hill Road” is Green’s first feature film. It’s a gritty and heart-wrenching movie with fearless performances by Morales, Judy Reyes, and newcomer Harmony Santana, who play a Latino mother, father and teenage youngster struggling to overcome estrangement, transgender issues and environmental pressures.

Actor Brendan Wayne, grandson of the legendary John Wayne, talks about his upcoming film "Cowboys & Aliens" plus how his grandfather influenced his acting career. Brendan has appeared in such movies and TV shows as "Couples Retreat," "Fast and Furious," "Angel and The Bad Man," "CSI," and "The Closer."     Based on the buzz surrounding the character Brendan plays in "Cowboys & Aliens," he seems poised to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a legend of his own.  

  Tyrone Power Jr., star of The Extra, belongs to an acting dynasty. He’s the great-great grandson of the original theatrical great Tyrone Power, grandson of the American matinee idol and silent film star known today as Tyrone Power Sr., and son of the famed leading man of sound pictures Tyrone Power, who wowed moviegoers in such swashbucklers as The Black Swan and The Mark of Zorro (before Antonio Banderas!).   Extremely handsome like his father, Ty has appeared in numerous films. Despite actually being Tyrone Power IV, he acts under the name Tyrone Power Jr., the same name his father began his career under. Born two months after the death of his father, Ty knows the pros and cons of having the same name as a very famous person -- and he will talk about this during this interview.        Ty will also discuss his upcoming film, The Extra, which is now in post-production, as well as his acting experience on stage, television, and in such movies as Cocoon, Cocoon: The Return, Shag, Healer, Love and Honor, L

Actress/animal activist Tippi Hedren discusses her experience in such films as The Birds, Marnie and The Countess from Hong Kong as well as her passion for the Shambala Preserve project during this repeat episode. She also reveals what it was like working with legendary directors Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin and why she became involved in animal rights activities. During the live chat, listeners will be brought up to date on Tippi’s exciting projects, which include SIX upcoming new movies, including a horror flick with Linda Blair!   

The multi-talented Michelle Danner drops by to talk about her extraordinary career as a director, actress, producer, and acting coach for such stars as Gerard Butler, Chris Rock, Penelope Cruz, James Franco, Salma Hayek, Christian Slater, Zooey Deschanel, and  Marcia Cross. Michelle is currently directing Hello Herman, a film based on a play by Norman Mailer’s son, John Buffalo Mailer. Her other movie credits include How To Go Out on a Date in Queens, Dos corazones, and Death at a Funeral.     Michelle, who is also the Artistic Director at Edgemar Center for the Arts, was featured coaching Andy Richter on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” in 2009 and is currently writing two books on acting, The Golden Box and 100 MostAsked Questions About Acting.              

Filmmaker Sunrise Tippeconnie discusses “Native Americans on Film” during this episode. As an added attraction, actress/director Valerie Redhorse calls in to talk about H.A.P.N, an organization she founded to help Native Americans move more smoothly into the movie world, as well as about her own film Naturally Native.    Currently developing feature movies and a television pilot, Tippeconnie also works extensively in independent film, in roles as diverse as gaffer, electrician, cinematographer, editor, director, consultant and producer. His movie credits include American Indian Graffiti: This Thing Life, The Killer Inside Me, Splinter, Immaculate Reception, Yellow,  Loneliness and Anticipation of Land in 2089. ippeconnie has produced short films which have been shown at the National Museum of the American Indian.  

Nell Minow, the famous Movie Mom, and Mad Movie Man A.J.Hakari share their candid opinions about upcoming summer films and DVD releases. Nell writes about culture, media and values for Beliefnet.com and was recently selected to be one of Roger Ebert’s film critics on Ebert Presents At the Movies. Her book, The Movie Mom’s Guide to Family Movies, has helped parents everywhere select safe and fun entertainment for their children. A.J. is the founder and editor of Passport Cinema, a site devoted to foreign language films. He also contributes movie reviews to Classic Movie Guide, ReelTalk Movie Reviews, and Terror Tube. Because of his interest in horror flicks, A.J. is now writing a book about the subject.

As an early Mother’s Day treat, Movie Addict Headquarters revisits Cloris Leachman and her son George Englund Jr. during this episode – and what a dynamic mother/son team they are! They talk about Cloris’s extraordinary showbiz career as well as her candid autobiography, titled simply “CLORIS,” which was published in 2009. Cloris boasts a wealth of acting experience to draw from -- and she relates many humorous incidents for listeners to enjoy, while George reveals what it’s like to be his mother’s manager. Cloris has been wowing audiences for over half a century. She’s worked with such megastars as Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, Steve McQueen, Katharine Hepburn, Dianne Keaton and Sissy Spacek. Among her numerous memorable films are The Last Picture Show (which earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar), Young Frankenstein and High Anxiety. Her television career is equally remarkable -- even without considering her sensational appearance on Dancing with the Stars. She’s won nine Emmys for her brilliant work in

With over 40 films and numerous television appearances to his credit, John Carroll Lynch has proven his versatility as an actor. His first nationwide acclaim came in 1996 for his role in "Fargo" as Norm, Marge Gunderson’s simple husband. Since then, John has chosen to play very interesting and diverse roles in such movies as  "Zodiac," "Gran Torino,” “Shutter Island,” and “Paul” as well as in television shows like “The Drew Carrey Show" and “Carnivale.”   John can currently be seen in TV’s “Body of Proof," and his upcoming movie “Crazy Stupid Love" is scheduled for release in July. 

Piggybacking on the recent Eternity Award Joan Benedict Steiger received for her remarkable acting career, the folks at Movie Addict Headquarters  pay tribute to her in this special episode. Joan is interviewed about her extensive experience in films, on stage and in television. Plus Adilah Barnes from the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival and actor Tyrone Power Jr. call in to share their reactions to Joan's acting expertise.      Joan’s dozen movie credits include starring roles in “A Month of Sundays” and “The FlyingDutchman” opposite her late husband, Rod Steiger. Her new film, “Dead Border,” is a horror flick and should be released sometime this year.  Among Joan’s stage credits are roles in productions like “Promises, Promises,” “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” and her one-woman show “Leona.” Joan’s TV career began when she was a member of the original ensemble of “The Steve Allen Show,” followed by roles on several daytime dramas and series guest appearances.   

Actor, philanthropist and musician Ross Thomas drops by to talk about starring in the highly anticipated film drama “Soul Surfer” as well as his other roles in such movies as “The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold,” “Dance Flick,” and “Shelter.” Ross can currently be seen on TV’s “General Hospital,” in which he plays a hardened criminal, and has appeared on television in “Beyond the Break, ” “Lie to Me,” “CSI,” “CSI: NY,” “Cold Case,” and “Living With Fran.” He’s also the drummer in the indie folk rock band Outlaws and Astronomers.

George Bettinger, is an actor, producer, writer, director and impressionist extraordinaire. Groucho Marx, George Burns and Jack Benny are three of George’s favorite impressions, so prepare for some funny business with these classic comedians during this episode. George was also one of the voices in “The Secret of Mulan” film and is a “Roast” expert. Just line up the participants and roastee, and George will take it from there! He’s currently busy teaching acting, creative writing and hosting live shows.

Lorna Luft, one of Judy Garland's talented daughters, celebrates her mother's incredible contributions to the world of entertainment in this popular episode. Lorna, an accomplished performer in her own right, has won acclaim on stage, film and TV. Plus she’s also a best-selling author, recording artist and Emmy-nominated producer. Her book, "Me and My Shadows: Living with the Legacy of Judy Garland," was optioned by ABC-TV and turned into a riveting miniseries starring Judy Davis. Lorna served as co-executive producer on that project, which won 5 Emmy Awards. Another of Lorna’s impressive accomplishments is a multi-media production, "Songs My Mother Taught Me," a spectacular concert combining one of the world’s most familiar songbooks with her personal memories of her famous mother. A CD based on this event was released on First Night Records. Film critics James Colt Harrison and Diana Saenger join Lorna in paying tribute to Judy Garland.

Elizabeth Taylor's best films and performances are explored by Jazz Shaw and Betty Jo Tucker in this special episode. Plus actress Joan Benedict Steiger explains her "Butterfield 8" connection with Taylor. As an added attraction, a fantasy "dinner with Liz" will be recalled, and fans are invited to call-in to share their memories of one of Hollywood's greatest stars.

Danielle Dyer and A.J. Hakari name their picks for the best and worst films based on stage musicals. Danielle, host of Shiny Daze on BTR, has appeared in popular stage musicals like "Into the Woods," and film critic A.J. Hakari, aka The Mad Movie Man recently played a key role in "Curtains." Listen to see if any of your favorites make their lists!

Actor/writer/film critic Phil Hall returns to Movie Addict Headquarters for a discussion about his exciting new projects including: “Uncorked,” a movie he wrote and stars in; “What If They Lived? Hollywood’s Lost Stars and the Futures They Never Had,” a book he co-authored with Rory Aronsky; and the upcoming New England Underground Film Festival. In “Uncorked,” Hall plays an inebriated park-bench philosopher who discovers the presence of a camera crew and proceeds to explain his bizarre philosophy and lifestyle. Hall has also appeared in such movies as “London Betty,” “Bikini Bloodbath Car Wash,” and “My Mouth Lies Screaming.”In “What If They Lived?” Hall and his co-author speculate on what might have happened if fate had been kinder to stars like Rudolph Valentino, Jean Harlow, and Heath Ledger -- who all died before fulfilling their career destinies.

The lovely, talented Yara Martinez discusses her film and TV acting career. Yara has appeared in "The Hitcher" remake with Sean Bean as well as in a number of television shows such as "Southland," "The Unit," "Chase," and "My Own Worst Enemy." She will next be seen in "Breakout Kings," which premieres on A&E March 6th. Added attraction: Nikki Starr previews "Water for Elephants."

Will Sasso, the very funny MADtv vet, joins our MAHQ gang to talk about his acting experience in films and on television. Sasso, who has appeared in over 25 feature films including “Life As We Know It,” “Happy Gilmore,” “Best in Show,” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” stars with William Shatner on the CBS new comedy series “$#*! My Dad Says.” Best known for starring on five seasons of FOX’s hit sketch comedy series MADtv, Sasso became a staple in late-night comedy, entertaining audiences with his offbeat impressions including Bill Clinton, Tony Soprano, Kenny Rogers, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Seagal and Randy Newman.