Beste Shea Cinema podcaster (2024)

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S5E4: Five Star Final, 1931 2:32:36

13d ago2:32:36

2:32:36

This third film review of the season covers Five Star Final, starring Edward G. Robinson in a non-gangster role. This tale of yellow journalism gone horribly wrong showcases the horrifying consequences when a newspaper decides to resurrect a long-forgotten murder case, and then does the unthinkable in order to make it happen. This screenplay has se…

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S5E3: Bad Girl, 1931 2:48:33

19d ago2:48:33

2:48:33

Here is our second film review for the season! Frank Borzage, who won Best Director at the first Academy Awards for Seventh Heaven, is back, with ANOTHER win for Best Director of this film, Bad Girl. Newcomer James Dunn dominates the screen in this Academy Award-winning adaptation of the novel of the same name. That's right, this pre-code gem won t…

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S5E2: The Smiling Lieutenant, 1931 1:50:27

26d ago1:50:27

1:50:27

In our first film review for the season, we cover The Smiling Lieutenant, another Ernst Lubitsch musical comedy. Starring Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert, and newcomer Miriam Hopkins, this jaunty, suggestive film focuses on a love triangle between a lieutenant, his violin virtuoso girlfriend, and a naïve princess. There is lots of innuendo, lo…

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S5E1: 5th Academy Awards, 1932 1:19:35

1M ago1:19:35

1:19:35

Welcome to our Season 5 Premiere! Sara and Dad cover the 5th Academy Awards ceremony (honoring the best in films - screened in Los Angeles - between August 1, 1931 and July 31, 1932). We discuss (again) the context of these films being made during the pre-code era, and what the implications are for filmmaking moving forward. This season ups the ant…

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S4E9: Season 4 Finale 1:25:19

1M ago1:25:19

1:25:19

In this episode we wrap up the 4th Academy Awards, giving a quick rundown of all 5 films nominated for the top award, Outstanding Production. Including our two bonus films, we give our personal favorites and personal worsts. And finally, we view the nominees as Oscar Bridesmaids, and bestow runner-up awards. You don't want to miss it! Please leave …

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S4 E8: Trader Horn, 1931 2:13:47

2M ago2:13:47

2:13:47

After a quick one week hiatus, we are back with our final review of the season, covering the controversial film Trader Horn. The first non-documentary movie filmed on location in Africa, Trader Horn is based on the memoirs of Aloysius Horn. While there are many amazing real sequences featuring the diverse wildlife to be found in Africa, most of the…

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S4E7: The Public Enemy, 1931 BONUS EPISODE! 2:27:05

2M ago2:27:05

2:27:05

That’s right! Today we have ANOTHER special BONUS episode, covering William Wellman's The Public Enemy. This "gangster" classic was released on April 23, 1931, so it fits right in with our regular Oscar timeline, but this movie wasn’t nominated for Outstanding Production (but it was nominated for Best Original Story--although it didn't win). So why…

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S4E6: Skippy, 1931 2:14:14

2M ago2:14:14

2:14:14

Today we are covering Skippy, which was adapted from a hugely popular comic strip. This is our first "kids' movie," and features Jackie Cooper in the title role. His performance in this film (at nine years old) garnered him a nomination for Best Actor. What might seem like a frivolous premise actually carries some significant emotional weight. Unex…

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S4E5: The Front Page, 1931 1:45:02

3M ago1:45:02

1:45:02

It's another (Lewis) Milestone milestone film! In this episode we take a look at Outstanding Production nominee The Front Page, which was famously adapted into the screwball comedy classic His Girl Friday. Please leave us a review wherever you are listening! Email us rants as well as raves: sheacinema@gmail.com You can also find us on Instagram (an…

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S4E4: East Lynne, 1931 1:48:17

3M ago1:48:17

1:48:17

In our second film review for Season 4, we take a look at Outstanding Production nominee East Lynne, based on Ellen Wood's best-selling 1861 novel. This is nearly a lost film, since the single copy in existence is only available for viewing via appointment at UCLA. We had to resort to watching a low-quality pirated version on YouTube. You're going …

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S4E3: Dracula, 1931 BONUS EPISODE! 1:47:20

3M ago1:47:20

1:47:20

That’s right! Today we have a special BONUS episode, covering Tod Browning’s Dracula. This horror classic actually had its general release on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1931…93 years ago today! It fits right in with our regular Oscar timeline, but this movie is different…it wasn’t nominated for Outstanding Production, and, in fact, wasn’t nomina…

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S4E2: Cimarron, 1931 2:40:17

3M ago2:40:17

2:40:17

In our first film review for Season 4, we take a look at Outstanding Production winner Cimarron, based on Edna Ferber’s best-selling novel. For modern audiences, this polarizing film often jockeys for position with other notorious Best Oscar winner The Broadway Melody as potentially the worst awarded movie. What do Sara and Dad think? You’ll have t…

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S4E1: 4th Academy Awards, 1931 1:18:51

3M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Welcome to our Season 4 Premiere! Sara and Dad cover the 4th Academy Awards ceremony (honoring the best in films between August 1, 1930 and July 31, 1931). Although the eligibility timeline covers 12 months, all five nominees are from the first half of 1931, and we speculate on some iconic films that were skipped over. Indeed, we discuss the possib…

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S3E7: Season 3 Finale 1:34:13

4M ago1:34:13

1:34:13

In this episode we wrap up the 3rd Academy Awards, giving a quick rundown of all 5 films nominated for the top award, Outstanding Production. In addition to revisiting some of the historical context of the time, Sara provides insight into the novel Ex-Wife, on which nominee The Divorcee was based. We give our personal favorites and personal worsts,…

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S3E6: The Big House, 1930 1:59:08

4M ago1:59:08

1:59:08

In our final film review for Season 3, we explore The Big House, a stark look inside an overcrowded prison. With an Oscar-nominated performance by Wallace Beery as Butch, this movie explores friendship, betrayal, and what happens when thousands of men are pushed to the breaking point while serving their sentences for various crimes. Please leave us…

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S3E5: The Divorcee, 1930 2:25:25

4M ago2:25:25

2:25:25

In our fifth film review for Season 3, we cover The Divorcee, which was released on April 30, 1930. Based on the shocking novel Ex-Wife, this film is the epitome of pre-code indulgence. Infidelity, sexual escapades, double-standards, and (perhaps?) sexual liberation. Norma Shearer won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Jerry. A…

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S3E4: All Quiet on the Western Front, 1930 2:46:35

4M ago2:46:35

2:46:35

This is a tough one. We cover Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front, released on April 21, 1930. This is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed (and highly controversial) WWI novel. This is our first film that we are intimately familiar with: Sara has seen it dozens of times. That being said, because Sara lost her brother (and, theref…

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S3E3: The Love Parade, 1929 2:00:41

4M ago2:00:41

2:00:41

In our second film review for Season 3, we cover The Love Parade, which was released on November 19, 1929. The light-hearted musical received six nominations, and perfectly engenders all of the quips and titillations of a pre-code film, while exposing some of the pratfalls of traditional gender roles. Do you like racy innuendo and lacy, low-cut gow…

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S3E2: Disraeli, 1929 1:51:46

5M ago1:51:46

1:51:46

This is our first film review for Season 3, covering Disraeli, which was released on November 1, 1929. The movie follows English Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as he navigates the world of espionage (yes, spies!), manipulates information, and races against time to secure the purchase of the Suez Canal. George Arliss stars as Disraeli, and went on…

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S3E1: 3rd Academy Awards, 1930 1:13:21

5M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Welcome to our Season 3 Premiere! Sara and Dad cover the 3rd Academy Awards ceremony (honoring the best in films between August 1, 1929 and July 31, 30). This awards was held only seven months after the 2nd awards. Movies during this era are considered “Pre-Code,” so we delve a bit into the Hays Production Code and the upcoming censorship challenge…

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S2E7: Season 2 Finale 1:39:04

5M ago1:39:04

1:39:04

This is our Season Two finale, closing out our examination of the films nominated for Outstanding Picture at the Second Academy Awards. Join us as we do a deep dive into the transition to sound in the film industry – there are lots of challenges and successes during this tumultuous time! Plus, our personal rankings, and Oscar Bridesmaids. Link to b…

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S2E6: The Hollywood Revue, 1929 2:09:01

6M ago2:09:01

2:09:01

This is it, our last review of Season Two! While reviewing a (Hollywood) revue, Sara and Dad realized they don't agree on what's good and what's bad, but they also admit how astounded they are that this movie is absolutely NOT the worst choice this season. The Hollywood Revue stars (nearly) everyone under contract to MGM, including appearances by f…

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S2E5: Alibi, 1929 2:13:39

6M ago2:13:39

2:13:39

We looked for every excuse in the book while watching this fourth movie nominated for the 2nd Academy Award for Best Picture...This week we are covering Roland West's Alibi, which was released on April 20, 1929. This gangster/crime drama has something of an identity crisis as it features three musical numbers! We also discuss ASMR, science galore, …

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S2E4: The Broadway Melody, 1929 2:27:20

6M ago2:27:20

2:27:20

It's our highly anticipated coverage of the allegedly most hated Best Picture Oscar winner...The Broadway Melody, which was released on February 1, 1929. This all talking, all singing, all dancing production was so successful in its day that it inspired studios to scramble to cash on its fame by producing 75 musicals within the following year. Yes,…

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S2E3: In Old Arizona, 1928 1:50:54

6M ago1:50:54

1:50:54

In our second review this season, we cover In Old Arizona, which was released on Christmas Day in 1928. The first talkie filmed out doors, this Western was considered for 5 out of 7 possible Academy Awards. We have some fun sports history coverage as well! Find us on Instagram! @sheacinema Email us rants, raves, reviews: sheacinema@gmail.com…

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S2E2: The Patriot, 1928 1:16:13

7M ago1:16:13

1:16:13

In our first review in this, our second season, Sara and Dad find themselves in quite a conundrum, because...well... We attempt to discuss The Patriot, which was released on August 17, 1928. The problem? This movie is unwatchable...because it doesn't exist. It is a lost film. A historical drama (and the last silent film to be nominated for Best Pic…

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S2E1: 2nd Academy Awards, 1930 1:22:30

7M ago1:22:30

1:22:30

In our Season 2 Premiere episode Sara and Dad cover the 2nd Academy Awards ceremony (honoring the best in films between August 1, 1928 and July 31, 1929), and give an overview of the five films nominated for the top honor. We also discuss the (somewhat painful) transition from silent film to this newfangled sound business, and perhaps reveal a litt…

1
S1E8: Season 1 Finale 2:19:28

7M ago2:19:28

2:19:28

Join Sara and Dad as they recap Season One! Enjoy bonus footage, musical interludes, and, of course, personal rankings of the six films from the 1st Academy Awards nominated for Best Picture (or, Outstanding Picture and Best Unique and Artistic Picture). Rankings may even reveal a shock or two!Av Shea Cinema

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S1E7: The Racket (1928) 1:43:29

7M ago1:43:29

1:43:29

In our sixth and final review this season, Sara and Dad watch and analyze the "newest" of the nominees, The Racket. Released on November 1, 1928, The Racket was thought lost forever, and it's still not readily available online. This is a curious "gangster" romp based on a Broadway play. Dad and Sara speculate on its influence on the many famous gan…

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S1E6: The Crowd (1928) 2:25:01

8M ago2:25:01

2:25:01

In our fifth review this season, Sara and Dad watch and analyze the last of the three nominees for the Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture, The Crowd. Released on February 28, 1928, The Crowd blends the emotional ups and downs of married life with interesting and artistic camera work that pulls even further at the heartstrings. For t…

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S1E5: Sunrise (1927) 1:45:03

8M ago1:45:03

1:45:03

In our fourth review this season, Sara and Dad watch and analyze the winner of the first (and only) Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Released on September 23, 1927, Sunrise divided critics and wooed audiences with its inventive camerawork and allegorical love story. What seems to be a standard "murd…

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S1E2: Chang (1927) 1:51:10

8M ago1:51:10

1:51:10

This is our first official movie review episode! Sara and Dad conquer their chang-st and chang-xiety and get down to discussing the oldest of the movies on the list this season, Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness. Chang was released on April 29, 1927, and rather defies definition. To be sure, a movie like this will never show up again on this podcast…

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S1E3: 7th Heaven (1927) 1:54:52

8M ago1:54:52

1:54:52

This is our second official movie review episode! Sara and Dad watch and discuss the classic silent film, 7th Heaven. 7th Heaven was released on May 6, 1927, and was nominated (and won) for the most awards at the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. Additional insights include a brief look at the Bing Crosby/Bob Hope Road Pictures, Sara getting e…

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S1E4: Wings (1927) 2:18:53

8M ago2:18:53

2:18:53

In our third official movie review episode Sara and Dad watch and analyze the winner of the first Academy Award for Outstanding Production, Wings. Released on August 12, 1927 (just a few months after7th Heaven), Wings astounded audiences with its stunning engineering effects and matter-of-fact look at the tragedies of war. All of the flying in the …

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S1E1: 1st Academy Awards, 1929 1:17:47

9M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

In our first official episode, Sara and Dad go over the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, details of the first awards ceremony in 1929 (honoring the best in films from 1927 and 1928), and give an overview of the six films nominated for the top honor. Subsequent episodes of Season One will cover each of these films in detai…

1
Season Zero, Episode 4 39:03

10M ago39:03

39:03

Pre-Game Mini-Episode Four Sara and Dad go over Best Picture stats and trivia, and reveal the scariest movie Sara has ever seen.Av Sara

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Season Zero, Episode 1 23:18

10M ago23:18

23:18

Pre-Game Mini-Episode One Sara welcomes you to Shea Cinema: The Best Picture Project, and explains the genesis of the podcast and why this is more than your run-of-the-mill movie review show.Av Sara