John Malahy, author of the literal book on Summer Movies , joins us on the beach with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello for a discussion on 1965's Beach Blanket Bingo . John, Emily and Kristen talk about what makes a summer movie, the power of Frankie and Annette, and why Harvey Lembeck is the world's oldest teenager. Buy John's book wherever you get books. Find Kristen and Emily's books wherever you buy books. Kristen's latest, Popcorn Disabilities , is available to pre-order now before it r...
Jul 16, 2025•55 min
You're gonna need a bigger boat to listen to this episode! We're hitting the water and trying to avoid becoming a hot lunch with a look at the 50th anniversary of Jaws . Christopher Shaw Myers, author and nephew to star Robert Shaw, joins us to break down the movie's significance, Shaw's performance, and why Peter Benchley's book sucks. Buy Christopher's book Robert Shaw: An Actor's Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond by clicking the link. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 226
International Month comes to a close with a look at Akira Kurosawa's contemporary noir feature High and Low! And who better to join us than TCM producer and author Scott McGee. Scott joins Kristen and Emily to talk about this morality tale, its connections to today's society, and what the "right type" of wealthy man can look like. Buy Scott's book Danger on the Silver Screen here. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Danny David Floyd Gates McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A ...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 225
We're going on vacation through the world of classic film! Yes, International Month is back. But unless the previous two years, where we did two movies from different countries, we're spending June in one country with a single director: Akira Kurosawa. TCM host and author of the new book TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema , Alicia Malone, joins us to kick things off with a look at one of several Kurosawa movies dubbed the best movie of all time. It's 1954's Seven Sam...
Jun 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 224
You Must Remember This host Karina Longworth sits down with us to talk about the new season of her show, "The Old Man Is Still Alive." We discuss which directors weathered the collapse of the studio system best, why Stanley Donen's Blame It On Rio gets so much guff, and John Huston's third act celebration. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Danny David Floyd Gates McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls Chris McKay Jacob Haller Peter Blitstein Peter Bryant P...
May 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 223
Another TCM Classic Film Festival has come and gone, but whether you were on the ground in LA or you couldn't make it, Ticklish Biz has you covered with some great audio from the festival. We start off with Ben Mankiewicz, and Elle and Dakota Fanning introducing Michelle Pfeiffer at her hand and footprint ceremony. Then it's Alicia Malone and actor Barry Bostwick discussing The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Next Eddie Muller and Dana Gould improvise an intro for a chilly evening screening of...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 222
Flower Drum Song star Nancy Kwan sits down with Ticklish Business in anticipation of her new autobiography! Nancy talks about being discovered young, what her costars were like, and more. We also talk about the joys of actor James Shigeta. Buy The World of Nancy Kwan now. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Danny David Floyd Gates McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls Chris McKay Jacob Haller Peter Blitstein Peter Bryant Peter Dawson Reyna-Moya James Bridge...
Apr 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 221
TCM's "Czar of Noir" Eddie Muller joins us once again to discuss the women of his latest book Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir . Eddie chats about interviewing some of the most iconic film noir women and how his new book seeks to tell their stories more fully. You can pre-order Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir before it's April 8th publication by clicking the link. And if you're in Los Angeles you can purchase tickets to Noir City Hollywood now. Learn more about y...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 220
Your eyes don't deceive you! Ticklish Business is back, kinda. Kristen sits down with author Mayukh Sen to talk all about Merle Oberon, the subject of Sen's latest book, Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star . Sen breaks down the stereotypes about Oberon he wanted to dispel and how she was able to rise above Hollywood racism. We appreciate everyone continuing to support us, as either a Patron or listener. Emily and I are working on doing the show monthly for now as we f...
Feb 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 219
Kristen and Emily return with Front Row Classics podcast host Brandon Davis to celebrate the release of Wicked by looking at the film that started it all: 1939's The Wizard of Oz . The trio discuss Judy Garland's casting, the economics of Oz, and various rumors. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls BadGuyRants Chris McKay Debbi Lynne Jeffrey Joseph Kayla Ewing Pete...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 218
It's All Hallows Eve and we're closing out spooky season with a legendary Halloween treat. Director and Shining historian Lee Unkrich joins Kristen to discuss Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of The Shining . The pair discuss the nature of adaptation, Shelley Duvall's performance (RIP), and why it still holds up today. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls BadGuyRa...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 217
Halloween inches ever closer much like the centipede? earwig? that dominates William Castle's 1959 horror film The Tingler . Emily and Kristen discuss Bill Castle and his gimmicks, Vincent Price, and why Warren Chapin might be the worst doctor character ever. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls BadGuyRants Chris McKay Debbi Lynne Jeffrey Joseph Kayla Ewing Peter B...
Oct 16, 2024•53 min•Ep. 216
Emily and Kristen may be a week later than usual but spooky season kicks off with a bang as the duo talk George Romero's 1968 feature Night of the Living Dead ! And along for the ride is acclaimed cinematographer Levie Isaaks. Levie, watching this for the first time (!), discusses the film's impact, what Tobe Hooper took for Texas Chain Saw Massacre , and more. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller McF Rachel Clark Shaw...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 215
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a new episode! Kristen and Emily are back celebrating the release of the Christopher Reeve doc Super/Man with a discussion of the 1978 film that made Reeve a star. And joining us is legendary comic artist Jon Bogdanove. We talk about why this superhero movie is different than others, Valerie Perrine stealing the show, and more. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller McF Rachel Clark Shawn ...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 214
It's Kristen's birthday which means she's picking the movie! Things take a turn for the historical with special guest Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast to discuss 1969's Anne of the Thousand Days . We discuss Hollywood's love of historical episodes in the late-1960s, Richard Burton bringing the cringe, and why Anne Boleyn is still a woman we love no matter how many Tudor adaptations there are. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill ...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 213
Director Laurent Bouzereau accepted the challenge telling Faye Dunaway's story to the world. Faye is the result and it is such an insightful exploration into an actress who remains misunderstood (and iconic) to this day! Ticklish Business was fortunate to interview Bouzereau and discuss working with Dunaway, comparisons between this doc and Bouzereau's one on Natalie Wood, and more. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller...
Aug 21, 2024•47 min•Ep. 212
This was initially intended to be a bonus episode but with Emily and I navigating various personal things we've decided to make this an official episode and it's a good one! Director Nanette Burstein joins us to discuss her new feature, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes . We discuss Elizabeth Taylor's fame, the rumors that continue to swirl about her, and what she might hold in common with Robert Evans! This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hil...
Aug 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 211
Our vacation around the world of classic film comes to a close, but what an episode to celebrate with. Kristen is out this week but Emily and Samantha are back in the saddle to talk about Jacques Demy's fabulous French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg . The pair discuss Catherine Deneuve, French fashion and that bittersweet ending. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau ...
Jul 31, 2024•58 min•Ep. 210
It's not every day you talk to Martin Scorsese's editor AND the wife of Michael Powell, Thelma Schoonmaker. But Emily and I did as part of the release of the new documentary Made in England: The Movies of Powell and Pressburger . Schoonmaker and director David Hinton sat down with us to discuss what makes Powell and Pressburger iconic directors, Thelma's work with Scorsese, and more! (This might be the highlight of our year.) Made in England is in theaters now! This episode was created thanks to...
Jul 24, 2024•46 min•Ep. 209
Emily and Kristen move from Germany to Algeria by way of the 1966 Italian/Algerian co-production: The Battle of Algiers . We talk about Italian neo-realism, untested actors, and how war, sadly, never ages. We promise things will be peppier next episode! This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls Chris McKay Debbi Lynne J Jeffrey Kayla Ewing Nicholas Mont...
Jul 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 208
For a second year we're taking a vacation via classic film with International Month and we're starting in Germany! Looking for a silent German pre-Code? We've got you covered with a look at Louise Brooks in Pandora's Box . Hear how Lulu shook up cinema, both domestically and abroad. We also talk about the film's frank depiction of sex work and other salacious topics. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkin...
Jul 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 207
Ticklish Business celebrates the release of Alonso Duralde's new book Hollywood Pride by discussing classic filmdom and those were LGBTQIA, including William Haines and the stories about Cary Grant. Buy Hollywood Pride! This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins Krista Painter McF Rachel Clark Shawn Goodreau A Button Called Smalls Chris McKay Debbi Lynne Jeffrey Kayla Ewing Nicholas Montano Peter Blitstein P...
Jun 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 206
It's the 50th anniversary of Chinatown and we're celebrating with a discussion about it as well as our favorite LA noirs. And to help us discuss all things Los Angeles we have... .Chicago Sun Times critic Richard Roeper! Richard, Kristen and Emily discuss the film's use of LA, why Faye Dunaway is magic, and some of the other movies that make us love the city of Angels. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watk...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 205
What happens when the It Girl of the 2020s name checks the It girl of the 1920s in her new song? You get this episode. Inspired by Taylor Swift's song, Emily and Kristen sit down with Clara Bow biographer David Stenn to talk about why Bow remains such an icon. We talk about the feminism of the 1920s, debunk some rumors, and grouse about why Babylon shouldn't have used her as inspiration. Buy Clara Bow: Runnin' Wild here. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny Da...
May 29, 2024•50 min•Ep. 204
Britney and Ashley of the podcast Black Girl Film Club join Kristen and Emily this episode to celebrate the anniversary of Foxy Brown . The group celebrates all things Pam Grier, from her being a role model to young Black women, to being an overall badass. Listen to Black Girl Film Club on all podcast apps. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins Krista Painter McF Rachel Clark A Button Called Smalls Chri...
May 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 203
This year's TCM Classic Film Festival has come and gone but we're bringing it back to you whether you were there or there in spirit. Introductions from North By Northwest , Gidget and Them! are included. Head over to our Patreon to hear more festival audio, including Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta talking Pulp Fiction , Jodie Foster and Steven Spielberg. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins Krista...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 202
It's TCM Classic Film Festival time once again and we're back with a special bonus episode highlighting all our picks. Author Lara Gabrielle joins us as does Ava Gardner expert Lora Stocker to break down the questions we have about this year's festival (what does "corporate daddy" Warner Bros. Discovery have in store?) and the movies we aren't gonna miss. PROGRAMMING NOTE: In light of the festival, our next episode will actually debut on May 1st. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: A...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 201
It was a hard day's night getting this episode together after our guest backed out last minute. Thankfully, Emily is back and we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Beatles' cinematic debut in A Hard Day's Night . We talk about the Fab Four turned actors, the way this movie tried to sell a soundtrack, and far too many connections to Spice World . This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins Krista Paint...
Apr 10, 2024•50 min•Ep. 200
We're celebrating the dueling centennials of Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams with a look at their most enduring collaboration: 1951's A Streetcar Named Desire . Historian and author Foster Hirsch joins us to break down the film's complicated subject matter, Marlon Brando's Method acting, the gender and class politics and everyone's old friend, the Blacklist. Buy Foster's book Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties here. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Dan...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 199
Marilyn Monroe writer Elisa Jordan joins Kristen to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Some Like It Hot . The pair discuss Marilyn Monroe's career during this film, whether Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis could pass as women, and how the movie's connections with the LGBTQ community. This episode was created thanks to our Patrons: Ali Moore Amy Hart Danny David Floyd Donna Hill Gates Jacob Haller Jonathan Watkins Krista Painter McF Rachel Clark A Button Called Smalls Chris McKay Debbi Lynne Jeffrey Ka...
Mar 13, 2024•48 min•Ep. 198
