Vanguard of Hollywood

A Legacy of Grit: An Interview with Patrick Wayne

Patrick Wayne is an actor and former chairman of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.  His more than four decade-long acting career includes roles in over 40 films, several

The Night of the Hunter: An Interview with Foster Hirsch

Shannon is joined by acclaimed film historian, biographer, and interviewer Foster Hirsch to discuss the 1955 cult classic, The Night of the Hunter.  Listen as Foster and

Hollywood's Asian Superstar: An Interview with Nancy Kwan

Nancy Kwan is an actress, author, dancer, screenwriter, and filmmaker.  With films such as 1960’s The World of Suzie Wong and 1961’s Flower Drum Song, Nancy became Hollyw

A Living Legend: An Interview with Engelbert Humperdinck

In an incredible career that has spanned 60 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, with songs ranging from romantic ballads to movie th

No Limits: An Interview with Billy Gray

Billy Gray is an actor, motorcycle speedway racer, and inventor.  You may know him best as Bud Anderson from the hit television show, Father Knows Best (1954-1960).  From

A Disney Original: An Interview with Sharon Baird

Sharon Baird is a dancer, singer, and actress.  You may know her best as one of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers on the classic television show, The Mickey Mouse Club.

Elvis’ Leading Lady: An Interview with Cynthia Pepper

As Private First Class Midge Riley in 1964’s Kissin’ Cousins, Cynthia Pepper holds the distinction of being one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies.  In the film, Cynthia l

Sweet and Sassy: An Interview with Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret is a living legend.  From Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) to Tommy (1975) and Grumpy Old Men (1993), from her Billboard charting music career

Seven Decades in Hollywood: An Interview with Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson’s Hollywood career spans nearly seven decades.  From working alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours, to his iconic role in the

America’s Tap Treasure: An Interview with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin

Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian.  Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and ope

Cool Hand Luke’s Natural Born World-Shaker: An Interview with Joy Harmon

Joy Harmon is a baker, actress, author, mother, and grandmother.  From her many television and film roles, you undoubtedly recognize Joy best as the beautiful blue-eyed b

Hollywood Royalty: An Interview with Cissy Wellman

Cissy Wellman is an actress, director, dancer, and author.  She is the daughter of the revered Classic Hollywood director, William Wellman, who directed such films as Win

Old Yeller to Spider Baby: An Interview with Beverly Washburn

You probably know Beverly Washburn best as Lizabeth Searcy in the 1957 Disney classic, Old Yeller, or from the 1967 horror cult classic, Spider Baby, but Beverly’s film a

Let's Dance: An Interview with Rusty Frank

Rusty Frank is a Lindy Hop (swing) dancer, tap dancer, choreographer, producer, teacher, and dance preservationist.  She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, T

Beyond The Dr. Pepper Girl: An Interview with Donna Loren

Donna Loren was the quintessential “It” girl of the 1960’s who caught America’s eye as the one and only Dr. Pepper Girl.  But Donna held America’s interest with her impos

Radiant Beauty: An Interview with Marta Kristen

Blonde and beautiful, you probably know Marta Kristen best as Judy Robinson in the beloved sci-fi classic television show, Lost in Space (1965-1968).  From her early year

The Remarkable Gene Kelly: An Interview with Patricia Ward Kelly

Shannon joins Gene Kelly’s widow, film historian Patricia Ward Kelly, in the Gene Kelly Archives for this special interview.  As Gene’s wife and official biographer, Patr

A Force of Nature: An Interview with Paul Petersen

You probably know Paul Petersen best as Donna Reed's son on The Donna Reed Show, but Paul's show business career began as one of the original sixteen Mouseketeers. In add

Marilyn Monroe's Little Brother: An Interview with Scott Morrow

As one of the most featured child actors of the Golden Age, Scott Morrow has more than 95 television credits and 16 feature films to his name. From Peyton Place to An Aff

Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties with Foster Hirsch

In this interview special, Shannon welcomes back film historian Foster Hirsch to discuss his new book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties. Listen to discover which m