December 2018

Merry CHRIST-mas!! The Controversy

Season 2: Episode 35

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Music Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics and Book by Tim Rice

Film Directed by Norman Jewison

A rock opera conceived and written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in 1970, the album would be a huge success with two songs becoming international hits ‘Superstar’ by Murray Head and ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ by Yvonne Elliman Interestingly enough, Yvonne Elliman’s song was done in one take with no rehearsals.

The Rock Opera would eventually be staged on Broadway and around the world before academy award winning director Norman Jewison would bring it to the screen. Using mostly a combination of the Broadway, original concept and touring company casts, and moving filming to Israel and the Middle East. The film was a critical and audience success finishing out the year as one of the most successful film of 1973.

The film would star Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennan, and Bob Bingham. Interesting fact is that Barry Dennen had a relationship with Barbara Striesand and help work out her night club act which would lead to her stardom.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.35); Forming the Plot (10.01); Page to Page (6.44); Commercial Break (37.08); Film Trailer (37.38); Commercial Break (41.04); Lights, Camera, Action (42.21); Epilogue (1:31.12); End Credits (1:3.4.11); Closing Credits (1:35.01)

Opening Credits: Superstar – Murray Head taken from the original 1969 concept album Jesus Christ Superstar

Closing Credits: White Christmas – by The Drifters– Taken from the album White Christmas – The 50 Best Christmas Songs

Season 2: Episode 36

Monty Python’s The Life of Brian (1979)

Written by Monty Python (Graham Young, John Cleece, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gillam and Terry Jones) and directed by Terry Jones, this would end up being one of the most successful films of 1979.

After completing and releasing their film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they were debating on what their next project would be. As they had a distrust for organised religion. Looking at Jesus as not a comical feature and what Jesus is known for and spoke was not exactly comedy material but what about mistaken identity. This would springboard The Life of Brian. The film would be filmed in Tunsia and use most of the sets from the miniseries of Zefferelli’s Jesus of Nazereth even using most the crowd extras.

The film would court controversy and be banned in numerous countries. Monty Python would use this in their advertising campaign to full effect.

Saved! (2004)

Directed by Brian Dannelly and written by Dannelly and Michael Urban, this film is a teen comedy touching on religion, ostracism, homophobia, teen pregnancy, divorce and disability.

The film was released with mixed reviews due to its subject matter but be successful enough to earn is cult status today. The film has also spawned an off Broadway musical with the same name. At the time, the film’s good reviews were from film critics whilst the Christian presses gave it negative reviews.

The film stars Mandy Moore, Mary Louise Parker, Macaulty Caulkin, Patrick Fugit and Martin Donovan. Love it or hated, this will be one film that will keep the controversy going.

We are joined by C Derrick Miller, author of the Taste of Home series.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.50); Forming the Plot (9.35); Commercial Break (17.15); Film Trailer (17.47); Outlining the Script (21.10); Scene by Scene (21.44); Forming the Plot (57.00); Commercial Break (1.00.17); Film Trailer (1.00.48); In Sequence (1:03.21); Lights, Camera, Action (1:04.02); Epilogue (1:25.47); End Credits (1:35.19); Closing Theme (1:37.12)

Opening Credits – Always Look On A Bright Side Of Life – Eric Idle from the album Monty Python’s Life of Brian - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Closing Credits – Blue Christmas – by Elvis Presley from the album Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

All songs rights reserved

All song available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 37

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

Written by Sidney Gilliant and Frank Launder and based on the book, The Wheels Spin by Ethel Lina White, Alfred Hitchcock’s last British film before moving to America is a sure fire winner. It is ranked as the 35th greatest British film ever made.

The film would deal with the lead up to World War II and dealt with espionage. It would be the first motion picture for the two leads Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. The film would solidify David O’Selznick’s belief that Hitchcock was the future of cinema. This film would lead him to go to Hollywood to film Rebecca and of course, we know what happens after this point.

The Lady Vanishes is a true classic starring some of the best character actors found in Britain.

We are joined by our special guest co-host Josef Alton (Throw Away Faces) You can following via Facebook: Twitter: or via his Website:

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.40); Forming the Plot (9.29); Commercial Break (16.02); Film Trailer (16.38); Commercial Break (18.22); Prologue (19.33); Lights, Camera, Action (20.16); Epilogue (55.46); End Credits (1:00.51); Closing Credits (1:02.51)

Opening Credits: It’s Christmas Eve from the soundtrack A Christmas Horror Story composed by Alex Khaskin

Closing Credits: Jingle Bells – by Ella Fitzgerald – Taken from the album A Swinging Christmas and Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Bing Crosby and James Stewart Taken from the album It’s Christmas

All songs are available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 38

Vickie Rae, Jon Wilson and Keith Chawgo look at the highs and lows of 2018 and discuss television, films and music and things across a wide spectrum which includes some of the times we are living in.

Come and join our happy trio as we digest the year that was 2018.

Opening Credits - Different - by Cass Elliott - From the album The Complete Recordings of 'Mama' Cass Elliott

Closing Credits - Put A Little Love In Your Heart - by Dolly Parton - From the album Slow Dancing with the Moon.

All music available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 39

Keith Chawgo and Vickie Rae discuss Shudder and their picks of what to see each month on this incredible fantastic online services that gives it's audience the best of dark fiction, horror and thriller genres. The site has so much to offer and we each pick three of our best viewing for the month.

Shudder is service that anyone can join for the low cost of $4.99 (US) or £4.99 (UK). It is a truly low cost that will feed its audience everything that is great about this genre. It excels in independent features that our outstanding and stand against most of Hollywood heavyweights. Treat yourself to a service that knows it fans and honours them with intelligence.

Opening Credits - What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Ella Fitzgerald - from the album 'Ella's Swinging Christmas'.

Closing Credits - New Year by Sugababes - from the album 'One Touch'

All songs available through Amazon.