Mon, Jan 4, 2016
The legendary "Pit Bull of Comedy" - actor, comic and horror movie aficionado Bobby Slayton sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a funny and freewheeling discussion of a number of essential topics, including the brilliance of Ray Harryhausen, the tragedy of Bela Lugosi, the haunting of Sammy Davis, Jr. and the greatness of "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein." Also, Bobby roasts Hal Roach, hangs with Buddy Hackett, breaks bread with Woody Allen and "becomes" Joey Bishop. PLUS: Una O'Connor. "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane". The return of Rondo Hatton. Bobby meets Otis the Drunk. And the death of Louie Dumbrowski.
Mon, Jan 11, 2016
Gilbert and Frank dial up one of their favorite actors, screen legend and two-time Oscar nominee Bruce Dern, for a refreshingly candid conversation about acting, risk taking, the definition of genius and the value of teamwork. Also, Bette Davis bashes Joan Crawford, Alfred Hitchcock "punks" Karen Black, Jack Nicholson coins a phrase and Bruce attends the "University of Corman." PLUS: Paging Dr. Death. The wisdom of Elia Kazan. The brilliance of Douglas Trumbull. Bruce "kills" the Duke. And "The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant".
Mon, Jan 18, 2016
He was the scheming Uncle Junior in "The Sopranos" and Hyman Roth's coldblooded henchman Johnny Ola in "The Godfather Part II," but in real life, actor Dominic Chianese is a real mensch (or at least the Italian equivalent). Dominic joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about his early career struggles, his love of music, his days as a folk club emcee and working with legends Lee Strasberg, Sophia Loren, Sidney Lumet, and lifelong friend Al Pacino. Also, Dominic gets a break from George C. Scott, a card from Burt Reynolds and a backstage visit from Paul Newman, PLUS: Yip Harburg. Sam Jaffe. Dominic does Dickens. Gilbert does Durante. And Dominic remembers his friend James Gandolfini.
Mon, Jan 25, 2016
Gilbert and Frank return to the famed New York Friars Club for an intimate conversation with one of the world's most well-loved pop culture figures, actor and activist George Takei, who shares his feelings about Caucasian actors in Asian roles, speaks frankly about Japanese-American internment, expresses his gratitude to Trekkies and fondly remembers old friend Leonard Nimoy. Also, George feuds with William Shatner, chats up Jerry Lewis, runs into Cary Grant and rebukes Arnold Schwarzenegger. PLUS: James Hong. Frank Gorshin. George channels Sir John Gielgud. Gilbert does Sir Richard Burton. And the last of the Paramount contract players.
Mon, Feb 1, 2016
Gilbert and Frank welcome comedian, writer, actress and self-described "TV addict" Judy Gold, who reveals her childhood obsession with Barbra Streisand and Rhoda Morgenstern, laments the demise of classic sitcom theme songs and reconsiders her appearance in "The Aristocrats." Also, Judy idolizes Joan Rivers, eulogizes Sherwood Schwartz, spurns Buddy Hackett and plays Herman Munster's sister. (!) PLUS: Mason Williams. Totie Fields. Judy visits the Brady Bunch house. Gilbert apologizes to Gavin McLeod. And Leni Riefenstahl directs "The Lawrence Welk Show".
Mon, Feb 8, 2016
"Gremlins" and "The Howling" director Joe Dante grew up as a horror movie-obsessed kid in Morristown, New Jersey and went on to work with many of his childhood heroes, including John Carradine, Christopher Lee and Kevin McCarthy. Gilbert and Frank dialed up Joe in his Hollywood home to inquire about everything from his love of Disney films to apprenticing for Roger Corman to developing the ill-fated "Jaws 3, People 0." Also, Joe auditions Rod Steiger, ad-libs with Tony Randall, passes on "Orca, Part II" and pays tribute to William Castle. PLUS: Keye Luke. Brother Theodore. "Bride of the Gorilla". Horrible Herman the Asiatic Insect. And the return of "The Tingler".
Mon, Feb 15, 2016
In one of their favorite episodes to date, Gilbert and Frank are joined by legendary actor, comedian and dancer Dick Van Dyke, who looks back on his illustrious 70-year career, recalls his friendships with Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton and shares his memories (both good and bad) of making the classic family films "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Also, Dick idolizes Ray Bolger, costars with Mickey Rooney, gets a surprise visit from Cary Grant and earns a compliment from Fred Astaire. PLUS: Ed Wynn. Paul Lynde. "My Mother the Car". The genius of Carl Reiner. Gilbert and Dick duet. And Dick's secrets to longevity.
Mon, Feb 22, 2016
Actor, comic, writer, historian and movie buff Robert Wuhl joins Gilbert and Frank at the famed New York Friars Club for a funny and freewheeling discussion of random topics, including the sins of Ty Cobb, the genius of John Ford, the excellence of Ealing comedies, the (alleged) affairs of Clark Gable and the versatility of Michael Keaton. Also, Robert turns down "Problem Child," praises "Cat Ballou," remembers Bruno Kirby and reveals the secret history of the Academy Awards. PLUS: Rod Steiger holds a grudge. Robert De Niro mugs. Bacharach woos Dylan. Paul Newman's favorite joke. And the REAL "Crash" Davis.
Mon, Feb 29, 2016
Gilbert and Frank put in a call to one of their favorite showbiz raconteurs, legendary producer and "Laugh-In" creator George Schlatter, who shares his memories of working with everyone from Dino to Groucho as well as creating the short-lived fiasco "Turn-On." Also, George praises Jack Benny, parties with Ol' Blue Eyes, remembers Redd Foxx and (inadvertently) helps get Richard Nixon elected. PLUS: Herkie Styles. Digby Wolfe. The brilliance of Arte Johnson. The madness of Shecky Greene. And the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate.
Mon, Mar 7, 2016
Comedian, radio personality and former "Howard Stern Show" writer Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling joins Gilbert and Frank for a sprawling, no-holds-barred conversation about Hollywood urban myths, Joe E. Ross' hooker habit, the eccentricities of Tiny Tim and the vindictiveness of Ed Sullivan and Arthur Godfrey. Also, Jackie tells a joke to Sir Paul, Gilbert riffs on Jackie Mason, George Jessel turns down "The Jazz Singer" and Johnny Roselli scams the Friars Club. PLUS: Otto and George. Gilbert "Dice" Gottfried. The legend of Joe Ancis. And the origin of the "Jackie puppet".
Mon, Mar 14, 2016
Comedian, actor, author and conspiracy buff Richard Belzer joins Gilbert and Frank for an entertaining hour-plus conversation about the glory days of Catch a Rising Star, the "National Lampoon Radio Hour" and Richard's friendships with Gilda Radner, John Belushi and Bill Murray. Also, Gilbert and Richard remember "Thicke of the Night," extol the virtues of Jerry Lewis and look back at the Leno-Letterman late night wars. PLUS: Dick and Stinky. "The Groove Tube". Andy Kaufman takes a nap. The return of "Dummy in the Window". And the "Orson Welles of Comedy".
Mon, Mar 21, 2016
Best-selling author and pop culture historian Kliph Nesteroff joins Gilbert and Frank (along with former guest Drew Friedman) for an informative (and frequently hilarious) analysis of topics covering ten decades of popular entertainment, including: the dark secrets of vaudeville, the tragic childhood of Eddie Cantor, the phenomenon of Martin and Lewis and the strange death of "Parkyakarkus." Also, Bob Hope dons blackface, Jack Benny swipes his stage name, Don Knotts sends up Hugh Hefner and the mob releases a comedy album. PLUS: Batman and Rubin. "The Baileys of Balboa". Rodney Dangerfield vs. the feds. Aunt Esther goes electric. And the angriest man in showbiz history.
Mon, Mar 28, 2016
Gilbert and Frank welcome one of their favorite performers, legendary comedian Pat Cooper, who sounds off on a variety of topics, including the mob's influence on showbiz, the difference between Jewish and Italian comics, the genius of Jimmy Durante and the self-importance of Ed Sullivan. Also, Pat slams Paul Anka, praises Alan King, turns down Martin Scorsese and clashes with the Chairman of the Board. PLUS: Joe DiMaggio. Lola Falana. Al Martino hides out. Shirley MacLaine bombs at Caesar's. And Pat tries to make a baby laugh.
Mon, Apr 4, 2016
Celebrated actor, writer and musician Michael McKean stops by the studio for a wildly entertaining, hour-plus conversation about his days in the sketch troupe The Credibility Gap (with Harry Shearer), his brief stint at "Saturday Night Live," the origin of Lenny and Squiggy and the oddball cinema of Christopher Guest. Also, Norm Macdonald loses his cool, Spinal Tap meets Joe Franklin, Rod Steiger brings back "Il Duce" and Michael and Gilbert compare life masks. PLUS: Zacherle. The genius of Richard Libertini. "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars". Cannonball Adderley buys the farm. And "The Square, Square World of Dick Conti".
Mon, Apr 11, 2016
Gilbert and Frank dial up actress, producer and film buff/historian Illeana Douglas, who talks about her new memoir, I Blame Dennis Hopper, and shares some highly entertaining anecdotes about everyone from Marlon Brando to Peter Sellers to former beau Martin Scorsese. Also, Rudy Vallee soaks up applause, Melvyn Douglas lends sage advice, Robert De Niro watches the Three Stooges and Illeana mourns the loss of drive-in theaters and "ethnicity" in films. PLUS: Shelley Winters drops names. Buddy Hackett cops a feel. Illeana does Richard Dreyfuss. Richard Dreyfuss does Spencer Tracy. And Joe Pesci roughs up Don Rickles.
Mon, Apr 18, 2016
In one of our wildest episodes to date, musician, songwriter, producer and comedian Mark Hudson joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about some of the showbiz legends he's worked with, from Steven Tyler to Margaret Hamilton to Ringo Starr to Captain Kangaroo. Also, the Hudson Brothers meet the Osmond Brothers, Ed Wynn steps out of character, Elton John takes a dip and Mark remembers his old friend Harry Nilsson. PLUS: Tito Jackson. Rod Hull and his Emu. The REAL Fifth Beatle. The Hudsons "pay homage" to Herman's Hermits. And Mr. Green Jeans goes loco.
Mon, Apr 25, 2016
Gilbert and Frank celebrate their 100th episode with a live recording at SiriusXM radio, where they field questions (from callers and an in-studio audience) on a host of vital topics, including Frank Gorshin, Pigmeat Markham, Shecky Greene's tantrums, the search for Papillon Soo Soo, "Celebrity Wife Swap" and the Church of Satan. Also, Grandpa Munster brunches, Paul Lynde hops a flight, Herve Villechaize covers Paul Williams and Gilbert makes peace with Japan. PLUS: Electronic Vincent Price. Steve Lawrence passes (again). Kwai Chang Caine hosts "SNL". Groucho meets Alan Thicke. And the return of (old) Jack Frost.
Mon, May 2, 2016
Versatile actor Steven Weber sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a spirited discussion of "sick" comedy, the best of "The Twilight Zone," the disappointment of "Sour Grapes," the death of the Borscht Belt and the genius of Harvey Korman. Also, Telly Savalas takes a load off, Charles Nelson Reilly does a spit take, Gig Young travels through time and Soupy Sales guests on "Wings." PLUS: Jackie Vernon. Richard Stahl. "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes". Dom DeLuise "improvises". And the "Eartha Kitt of white guys".
Mon, May 9, 2016
Gilbert and Frank are joined by actor, singer and former "Hollywood Squares" host Peter Marshall, who shares irresistible stories about Redd Foxx, the mob, Glenn Ford, Uncle Miltie's "apparatus" and Charlie Weaver's (and Vincent Price's!) sexual proclivities. Also, Peter croons with Bing, tours with Bob Hope, gets roasted by Orson Welles and runs afoul of John Wayne. PLUS: Al Jolson schmoozes. Phil Silvers does "Who's on First". Gilbert ticks off Marlon Brando. Peter and Nanette Fabray hit a nudie bar. And the definitive version of the Paul Lynde/Golddiggers story.
Mon, May 16, 2016
Actor, comedian and raconteur Orson Bean is perhaps best known as a longtime game show fixture and frequent guest on talk shows, but he also appeared on Broadway and in popular films such as "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Being John Malkovich," working alongside icons like Boris Karloff, Helen Hayes, Jimmy Stewart, Phil Silvers and Dustin Hoffman. Gilbert and Frank also talk to Orson about his years on the Hollywood blacklist, his friendship with Stan Laurel, his fondness for Ed Sullivan and his personal correspondence with Groucho Marx. PLUS: John McGiver returns. Jack Paar takes a powder. Will Jordan does Sabu. Jack Klugman nails Willy Loman. And Jayne Mansfield upstages Walter Matthau.
Mon, May 23, 2016
Ralph Malph himself, actor and singer Donny Most talks to Gilbert and Frank about his memories of working alongside TV icons Garry Marshall, Henry Winkler and Tom Bosley, his brush with John Lennon, his appreciation of Abbott and Costello (and Sid Fields) and his love of the Great American Songbook. Also, Donny meets Sammy Davis Jr., bends the elbow with Pat Morita, attempts to mount a Bobby Darin movie and sheds light on "jumping the shark." PLUS: Praising Jack Warden. Eli Wallach goes to school. Richie and Ralph play Huck and Tom. Larry Parks meets...Larry Parks. And Gottfried sings again.
Mon, May 30, 2016
Singer, actor and music producer Tony Orlando pays a visit to Gilbert and Frank and reminisces about singing doo-wop on New York City rooftops and working with music icons Carole King, Gerry Goffin and Clive Davis. Also, Tony remembers Freddie Prinze, gives props to Jerry Lewis, locks horns with "The Great One" and reveals the happy accident that created Tony Orlando and Dawn. PLUS: Tony roasts Muhammad Ali. Nancy Walker takes her revenge. Shecky Greene flips out. And the crew joins Tony in a "rendition" of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon (Round the Old Oak Tree").
Mon, Jun 6, 2016
Gilbert and Frank return to the NYC Podfest for a return engagement with their very first guest, legendary talk show host, comic and author Dick Cavett. In a lively (and LIVE) interview, Dick holds court on a host of topics, including World War II propaganda, John Cassavetes' boozing, the lost "Tonight Show" episodes and the rapier wit of Pat McCormick. Also, Dick chats up Zeppo (and Gummo!), Groucho proposes to Truman Capote, Jack Benny gets the last word and a young Dick meets his idol, Bob Hope. PLUS: Robert Q. Lewis. Claude Rains trivia. Remembering Sig Ruman. Gilbert and Dick share a milkshake. And George Jessel weighs in on Uncle Miltie's manhood.
Mon, Jun 13, 2016
Legendary director, critic and film historian Peter Bogdanovich joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating, in-depth conversation about "Citizen Kane," John Ford, the influence of Howard Hawks, the B-movies of Roger Corman and the decline of the Hollywood studio system. Also, Peter befriends Cary Grant, Gilbert meets Richard Pryor, Jimmy Stewart recites a poem and Alfred Hitchcock orders a steak. PLUS: Samuel Fuller. Kenneth Mars. Orson Welles' lost film. Peter remembers John Ritter. And the strange death of Thomas Ince.
Mon, Jun 20, 2016
Impressionist, singer and comedienne Marilyn Michaels has spent her entire life in show business, performing in the Yiddish Theater at the tender age of 7, signing with a major record label as a teenager, working the Copa, the Catskills and Vegas showrooms and appearing on virtually every TV variety show of the 1960s and '70s. Also, Marilyn idolizes Judy Garland, duets with Frank Gorshin, smooches Phil Slivers and takes advice from Jack Benny. PLUS: Gottfried "meets" Streisand. Danny Kaye makes his move. Orson Welles gets verklempt. Ethel Merman lays down the law. And the rise and (tragic) fall of George Kirby.