Forgotten Hollywood
History
About
Producer/Creator/Host Doug Hess takes you on a journey back in time and shares with you pieces. of Hollywood you may or may not have known about!
Episodes
- Episode 427- A Chat with Kathy Garver (Cissy, Family Affair)
In this episode, actress Kathy Garver discusses her role as Cissy in the television show "Family Affair." She also talks about her books, voice acting, and audiobooks.
- Episode 426- The First Soap Opera Ever: Painted Dreams
Forgotten Hollywood spotlights Painted Dreams, the first radio soap opera, created by Irna Philips. Philips also created Todays Children, significantly impacting the future of dramatic programming.
- Episode 425-Superman Wars with William Bernhart
This episode features William Bernhart discussing his book, "The Superman Wars: A Battle For Truth, Justice, and An American Icon." The conversation delves into the creation of the Superman character, known for his alter ego Clark Kent and…
- Episode 424- Bugsy
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood features a conversation with mobster expert Larry Gragg, focusing on the film "Bugsy".
- Episode 423-With Author Mayukh Sen- "Love Queenie: Merlie Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star"
This episode features author Mayukh Sen discussing his book on Merlie Oberon, Hollywood's first South Asian star. The conversation covers Oberon's glittering and complicated life and her lasting impact on Hollywood.
- Episode 422- "Vietnam on the Big Screen: How the Vietnam War Changed Hollywood"
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood features author Joseph Hulihan discussing his book, "Vietnam on the Big Screen: How the Vietnam War Changed Hollywood." The conversation explores how America processes national trauma, specifically the V…
- Episode 421- Hollywood Haunts with author Robert Guffey
This episode features author Robert Guffey discussing his book on how films have explored occulted taboos and themes like Theosophy, Darwinian Evolution, and political conspiracies throughout the last century.
- Episode 420- "Marilyn Monroe Day by Day: A Timeline of People, Places and Events."
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood features author Carl Rollyson discussing his book "Marilyn Monroe Day by Day: A Timeline of People, Places and Events." Monroe has inspired more books than any other woman over the past century.
- Episode 419-Gilmore Girls: Pop Culture Reference Guide with author Matt Browning
This episode features author Matt Browning discussing his book, "Gilmore Girls: Pop Culture Reference Guide." The conversation focuses on understanding the numerous pop culture jokes and references within the television series Gilmore Girl…
- Episode 418 Stage Door with Author Kathleen Brady
Kathleen Brady joins Forgotten Hollywood to discuss "Stage Door," a film about aspiring actresses, their rivalries, and the challenges they face pursuing dreams in a boardinghouse.
- Episode 417- Ben Hur
Robert Ray joins Forgotten Hollywood to discuss Ben-Hur (1959) in 4K for the Easter season.
- Episode 416- Born To Lose: The Misfits Who Made Dog Day Afternoon
This episode features a conversation with author Rachel Walther about her book on the film "Dog Day Afternoon." The discussion covers the plot of the 1975 movie, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino, and its significance as a Ne…
- Episode 415- The Companion Guide to The Godfather Trilogy: Betrayal, Loyalty, and Family
Karen M. Spence discusses her book
- Episode 414- The First LGBTQ Coded Characters in Early Hollywood
In Hollywood's golden age, actors who weren't openly straight found ways to express their identities through coded characterizations onscreen, as openly discussing sexuality was not possible.
- Episode 413- What Chat GPT Says Is Forgotten Hollywood
In this episode of Forgotten Hollywood, guest host James Lott Jr. utilizes Chat GPT to investigate the concept of
- Episode 412- Forgotten Oscar Winners From the 1970s
Host James Lott Jr. revisits Oscar winners from the 1970s who may have been forgotten. The episode acknowledges the recent 2025 winners.
- Episode 411-75th Anniversary of I Love Lucy
Forgotten Hollywood host Doug Hess interviews author Kathleen Brady about the 75th anniversary of the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy. The show, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, premiered on CBS on October 15, 1951.
- Episode 410-Daughters of Daring with author Chris Enss
Author Chris Enss discusses her book "Daughters of Daring: Hollywood Cowgirl Stunt Women," highlighting the often overlooked contributions of female stunt performers in early Hollywood westerns.
- Episode 409- "The First Movie Studio in Texas: Gaston Melies's Star Film Ranch".
This episode features authors Kathy Fuller and Frank Thompson discussing their book on the Méliès Star Film Company's ranch studio near San Antonio. Established in 1910, it was Texas's first movie studio and produced over seventy films in…
- Episode 408-" Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood".
This episode features a conversation with author William J. Mann about his book concerning the infamous 1947 Black Dahlia murder. The discussion covers the crime and its enduring place in the public consciousness.
- Episode 407- Carrying The Can: A Memoir with Suzy Miles
Suzy Miles shares details about her late husband Christopher Miles's journey as a filmmaker, including his early filming in China and Argentina, and his escape to Paris to pursue his professional aspirations against his parents' wishes.
- Episode 406- "Classic Monsters, Modern Art."with Anthony Taylor
This episode features a discussion with Anthony Taylor about his book, "Classic Monsters, Modern Art." The book explores classic monsters from 20th-century films and fiction, reimagined by contemporary artists.
- Episode 405-Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights
Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights details the life of the celebrated American actress, known for her stage presence and private reserve. The biography traces her career from Broadway to Hollywood, highlighting her influence on…
- Episode 404- 3 Films About Abraham Lincoln
This episode discusses three films about Abraham Lincoln: 'Young, Mr. Lincoln' from 1939, 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' from 1940, and 'Lincoln' from 2012, in observance of President's Day.
- Episode 403- Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night with Susan Morrison
Susan Morrison joins Forgotten Hollywood to discuss her book about Lorne Michaels, the influential and enigmatic creator of Saturday Night Live. The episode explores Michaels's 50-year career and his significant impact on the entertainment…
- Episode 402-Hannibal Lector A Life with Author Brian Raftery
In this episode of Forgotten Hollywood, author Brian Raftery discusses his book "Hannibal Lecter: A Life." The biography details the character's transformation from a terrifying villain into an antihero, utilizing exclusive interviews and…
- Episode 401- Black History Month- 1st Major Movie with a Lead African American Actor
This episode discusses the film "The Defiant Ones," highlighting its significance during Black History Month and featuring Sidney Poitier as the lead actor. Guest host James Lott Jr. joins the discussion.
- Forgotten Hollywood's 400th Episode!!!!
Forgotten Hollywood celebrates its 400th episode with hosts James and Doug looking back at the past 5 years and 399 episodes. They express their gratitude to their audience for their support.
- Episode 399- "Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool'. Lauren Bacall (1924–2014)
This episode features a discussion with author Anthony Uzarowski about his book "Lauren Bacall: The Queen of Cool." It covers the life and extensive seven-decade career of Lauren Bacall, a major star from Hollywood's Golden Age.
- Episode 398 -Casblanca Cocktails
This episode explores the cocktail book "Casablanca Cocktails," which brings the spirit of the film to life with historically accurate recipes, contemporary reinventions, Moroccan-inspired bites, and film trivia, presented with interactive…
- Episode 397- The Last Kings of Hollywood with author Paul Fischer
Paul Fischer discusses his book
- Episode 396- A Star is Reborn with author Robert Hofler
Forgotten Hollywood features author Robert Hofler discussing his book on the various film versions of "A Star Is Born," including the 1976 classic, and its history from 1937 through the 2018 remake.
- Episode 395- Asian Representation In Film from 1940-1960
Guest host James Lott Jr. explores the experiences of prominent Hollywood stars of Asian descent between 1940 and 1960, detailing the challenges they faced from the studio system.
- Episode 394- Number 1 Movies of January 1940, 1950, and 1960
James Lott Jr. hosts this episode of Forgotten Hollywood, detailing the top-grossing films at the US Box Office for January in 1940, 1950, and 1960.
- Episode 393- Highest Paid Actors in the 1940s
Guest host James Lott Jr. discusses the highest-paid Black and white actors in Hollywood during the 1940s.
- Episode 392-Twentieth Century Fox with Jeffrey Paul Thompson
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood features a discussion with Jeffrey Paul Thompson, co-author of the book "Twentieth Century Fox: A Century of Entertainment." They delve into the history of the American mass media company and its century…
- Episode 391- Year End Special with James Lott Jr
In this 2025 year-end special, host Doug Hess and JLJ Media CEO James Lott Jr. look back at the nearly six-year run of the show Forgotten Hollywood, celebrating its success.
- Episode 390- When Caesar Was King
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood is titled 'When Caesar Was King' and is hosted by Doug Hess.
- Episode 389- Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide
Author Stephn Rötzsch Thomas discusses his book, "Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide," which examines iconic Disney features from the studio's first century, including their storytelling and creative processes.
- Episode 388- Flip Wilson
Forgotten Hollywood features guest host James Lott Jr. discussing his hero, Flip Wilson. Wilson was a trailblazing comedian, actor, writer, and producer, becoming the first Black TV superstar and highest-paid performer of his time.
- Episode 387- King Kong vs Godzilla
This episode discusses the 1962 film "King Kong vs Godzilla" with author Thom Shubilla. It explores the movie's release within a year notable for many popular culture milestones.
- Episode 386 -Joan Crawford a Womens Face with author Scott Eyman
Scott Eyman, author of 'Joan Crawford A Women's Face,' discusses his biography of the Hollywood icon, which utilizes new documents and photos from the Crawford estate.
- Episode 385- The First Black B**ch on Television: Diahann Carroll on Dynasty
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood remembers the groundbreaking role of Dominque Devereaux on the 80s soap Dynasty, and the actress Diahann Carroll who portrayed her.
- Episode 384 -Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic
This episode features author Jeffrey Paul Thompson discussing his book "Miracle on 34th Street: The Making of a Christmas Classic." The conversation focuses on the beloved 1947 film and its enduring popularity.
- Episode 383- Love Johnny Carson with Mark Malkoff
Mark Malkoff joins Forgotten Hollywood to discuss his book "Love Johnny Carson," which delves into the life and legacy of the iconic television personality.
- Episode 382-The Hollywood Fix with Richard Kirshenbaum
Richard Kirshenbaum joins the podcast to discuss his book "The Hollywood Fix." The novel is based on true events from the studio system era, focusing on the PR tactics used to maintain celebrity images.
- Episode 381- Making Mary Poppins with author Todd James Pierce
This episode of Forgotten Hollywood features author Todd James Pierce discussing his book, "Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film." The discussion covers the creation of the film and the…
- Episode 380- Butterfly McQueen and that Famous Saying
Host James Lott Jr explores the career of actress Butterfly McQueen, famous for her role as Prissy in 'Gone With the Wind'. The episode covers her legacy and contributions beyond this iconic part.
- Episode 379 -On Dangerous Ground
The podcast episode discusses the 1951 film On Dangerous Ground, directed by Nicholas Ray. It covers the film
- Episode 378-The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Author Chris Yogerst joins the podcast to discuss his book about the John Ford film, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." The episode explores the movie's famous line and its influence on the Western genre and popular culture.