Episode 6: Of Dummies, Magic and Madmen: The Story of 1978s Magic

Episode 6: Of Dummies, Magic and Madmen: The Story of 1978s Magic

A best-selling book by FAMED writer William Goldman is adapted for the silver screen a psychological thriller that would not only require a persuasive performance of multiple personalities by a talented actor but the mastery of two separate disciplines that date back as far as the 15th century.  A film 2 years in the making that would catch the attention of one legendary producer, 3 directors, a comedian…and a taxi-driver.    Coupled with an inanimate co-star with the ability to unnerve its leading man, the supporting cast, and terrify a generation of children with a single promotional TV trailer.  And you’ll hear it here – only tonight and only on…The Last Late Show.

Episode 5: Murphy's Law 3:47 - The Story Behind 1987s Near Dark

For tonight’s feature on the last late show we’ll take a look at the solo directorial debut of then fledgling director Kathryn Bigelow who’d gamble her career on a ‘three minutes to midnight’ Faustian bargain, that’d see her lay the groundwork for a film she’d written – but may not get to direct.  As Murphy’s Law would unleash a maelstrom of disasters that’d seem tailored made to undo all her efforts. Instead, the film would go on to become a phenomenal cult classic and a cornerstone in the interpretation and re-imagining of the modern vampire.  Yep, we’ll cover it all – from snowstorms, floods, freezing weather to a producer that fell asleep behind the wheel nearly killing them both and even a fit of method acting MADNESS on a lonely stretch of Arizona road that would nearly cost the life of her vampire lead.  You’re not gonna want to miss this And you’ll hear it here – only tonight and only on…The Last Late Show.

Episode 4: The Dead, The Dollars and The Donuts: George Romero Resurrects the Zombie for Dawn of the Dead

For tonight’s feature on The Last Late Show we’ll take a look at the 60-million-dollar blockbuster of a college drop-out turned radical young director – who refused to be defined by a genre. A seemingly one-hit wonder by Hollywood executives who’d return from the dead to shock the critics, astound movie studios and infuriate the Motion Picture Association of America in the ultimate tale of the comeback kid.   A film so powerful that it would simultaneously launch the superstar career of one of the most prolific Special FX Artists in horror movie history. We’re talking about none other than George A. Romero and the 1978 horror movie classic Dawn of the Dead…and you here it here  only tonight…and only on The Last Late Show.

Episode 3: The Devil and The DMV: Universal Pictures Creates Jaws on Land with 1977s 'The Car'

For tonight’s feature on The Last Late Show we’ll look at Universal Pictures endeavor –  to drag the Devil kicking and screaming – into the light.  To raise ‘Jaws’ from the depths of the deep blue sea and send it roaring across the Utah desert towards an unsuspecting southwestern town.  Hear from Director Elliot Silverstein about his attempts to tame the 5500-pound mechanical monster they’d created, that would seemingly defy all odds and take on a life of its own, nearly cost him his in the process.

Episode 2: Teleportations and Transformations: Cronenberg's 'The Fly' Takes Flight

For tonight’s feature on The Last Late Show we’ll look at the startling remake of a 1950’s sci-fi classic that would test the skills of a Canadian Legend and his top-tier crew to re-define the parameters and pitfalls behind the science of teleportation gone wrong and the radical new developments that’d lead to an Academy Award in groundbreaking special effects. Tour the backlot of what would become a sci-fi tour-de-force in the making, that would span 3 years, 4 re-writes, 2 studios, 2 directors and a leading man that even the head of 20th Century Fox would say – “Was a horrible mistake.