The Bootleg Files: Boogie-Woogie Dream

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 798: “Boogie-Woogie Dream” (1944 musical short starring Lena Horne).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: On public domain labels.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: A lapsed copyright.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: There are no plans for a restored version.

In September 1941, an unlikely group of creative artists converged in a New York City movie studio to shoot an independently financed musical short film. The finished production sat on a shelf for three years before it was seen, making very little impression in its day. But today, this film is considered an invaluable asset for capturing an iconic performer at the cusp of her rise to prominence while providing the only filmed record of two of the greatest jazz performers of all time.
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Sand, Sun and Songs: Celebrating The Beach Movies

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Phil Hall

On this episode of “The Online Movie Show,” we set the clock back to the early 1960s with a celebration of cheerful distractions provided by Frankie, Annette and their beach movies gang -including Buster Keaton! Film historian Tom Lisanti, author of “Hollywood Surf and Beach Movies: The First Wave, 1959-1969,” is the guest on this episode.

The episode can be heard here.

The Bootleg Files: Godspell at Plimoth Plantation

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 788: “Godspell at Plimoth Plantation” (1973 PBS production).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It fell through the cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Unlikely.

When the 1971 Off-Broadway musical “Godspell” was adapted into a 1973 movie, it was decided to eschew the black box setting of the intimate theatrical staging and lace the film’s sequences through the streets, rooftops and venues of New York City. In concept, it was a good idea by symbolizing how the parables and philosophy put forth by Jesus in ancient days still had resonance in the contemporary urban world. Whether it actually worked is a matter of opinion.
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Julie Andrews in ‘Star!’

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Phil Hall

“The Online Movie Show” is back with a slate of new episodes! First up: film historian Richard Barrios provides insight on the much-maligned 1968 musical epic “Star!” and traces its journey from box office flop to cult favorite.

The episode can be heard here.

The Bootleg Files: “Parade” Starring Sammy Davis Jr.

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 751: “‘Parade’ Starring Sammy Davis Jr.” (episode of a 1959 Canadian television variety series).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Multiple issues prevent its release in the U.S.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

During the 1950s, Sammy Davis Jr. was a ubiquitous presence on American television. Whether working solo or with his father and uncle as the Will Mastin Trio, Davis’ singing, dancing and comedy made him a scene-stealer on nearly every variety program.
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West Side Story: Behind the Scenes

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Phil Hall

The 1961 version of “West Side Story” is considered by many to be among the greatest movie musicals of all time. On this episode of “The Online Movie Show,” we discuss the making of this classic (and dispel some longstanding rumors on its casting) with Richard Barrios, author of “West Side Story: The Jets, the Sharks, and the Making of a Classic.”

The episode can be heard here.

The Bootleg Files: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 744: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (1973 television production of the Off-Broadway musical).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Most likely due to a problem with rights clearance.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Unlikely at this time.

One of the big entertainment stories this week was the announcement that the classic year-end holiday specials featuring the characters from Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip will not be shown on broadcast television, but will instead be seen on a streaming service. Many fans of these productions were deeply disappointed, as these specials have been an integral part of the holiday season television line-up for decades. However, there is another television special based on “Peanuts” that has not been broadcast since its only offering 47 years ago.
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