The Bootleg Files: Hot Dog

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 943: “Hot Dog” (1970-71 children’s series starring Woody Allen, Jonathan Winters, and Jo Anne Worley).

LAST SEEN: Bits and pieces are scattered on YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It is complicated

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: None.

The other day, I was scrolling around social media and spotted a post that mentioned how Woody Allen starred in a kiddie television series in the early 1970s. And my reaction to that post was: Huh?
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: My Annie Hall

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 910: “My Annie Hall” (2018 short film based on Woody Allen’s classic).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Unauthorized mini-remake of the Oscar-winning film.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Nope.

When the subject of fan films is raised, most people associate that genre with younger people creating souped-up spins of classic action and adventure films. In 2018, a most unusual fan film made headlines, but this did not involve a hyperactive riff on the “Star Wars” or “Batman” series, but instead it was inspired by Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” – and even more remarkable, the film’s stars were a pair of senior citizens.
Continue reading →

What’s New, Pussycat? (1965)

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Phil Hall

During the 1960s, there was a flurry of all-star comedy films that tried too hard to be zany. “What’s New, Pussycat?” stands out in this genre for its freewheeling approach to sex – and while it often fails to maintain its frenetic pace, it has more than a few redeeming features to keep the viewer entertained.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Woody Allen

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 853: “Woody Allen” (1965 British television special).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: Not yet.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: A performance rights clearance issue.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

On February 10, 1965, British television audiences who tuned into ITV had their first look at Woody Allen, who starred in an eponymous one-off television special. Most viewers that night probably thought “Woody Who?” – he was unknown in Britain and his fame in his own country was mostly limited to occasional appearances on television talk shows and in clubs that featured up-and-coming stand-up comics.
Continue reading →

1978 in Film

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Phil Hall

From Russian roulette in Saigon to Double Secret Probation at Faber College, 1978 was a wild year for movies. This “Online Movie Show” episode relives the year’s peaks and valleys with guest Jerry Dean Roberts of ArmchairCinema.com.

The episode can be heard here.

The Bootleg Files: Woody Allen Looks at 1967

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 753: “Woody Allen Looks at 1967” (1967 television special).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Never released in a home entertainment format.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Unlikely.

It’s safe to say that no one will ever look back on 2020 with any great fondness, except perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Biden, but that now-closed 12-month span was hardly the first year-from-hell experience. Anyone who was around in 1967 will glumly recall the challenges and tragedies that marked the year’s political and social environments.
Continue reading →

Annie Hall: A Second Look

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Phil Hall

On this episode of “The Online Movie Show,” the spotlight shines on Woody Allen’s Academy Award-winning classic. Film critic Jerry Roberts is our guest, and he offers a unique perspective as an Alabama native viewing Woody’s New York.

The episode can be heard here.

“The Online Movie Show” is produced at the Platinum Wolfe Studios.