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Lectures

Lucy Without Desi


Before I LOVE LUCY Lucille Ball was an accomplished motion picture actress starring alongside such screen veterans as The Marx Brothers, Gene Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, Fred Astaire and more. When her beloved sitcom and marriage to Desi Arnaz concluded, Lucy continued as the First Lady of Television by re-inventing herself in The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Join us as we explore the final chapter in the illustrious career of America’s Favorite Redhead.


The Red Skelton Story

“No matter what your heartache may be, laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds.” -Red Skelton

For over 40 years Red entertained America on the radio, movies and TV with zany characters such as Freddie the Freeloader, the Mean Widdle Kid and Clem Kadiddlehopper. We will review his personal life, which was filled with heart-breaking sorrow. Plus we will celebrate his success on the concert stage.

 


Danny Kaye: The Renaissance Entertainer

I’m just an entertainer. All I want to be is funny. I never aspired to play Hamlet.
                                                                                                                  -Danny Kaye

Singer, actor, dancer, and comedian Danny Kaye made over 17 movies and starred in his own popular long-running TV series. The multi-talented Kaye starred in “Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “White Christmas” and “Hans Christian Anderson.”

 


Jackie Gleason Without the Honeymooners

Brooklyn-born Jackie Gleason, is best known for his classic series, The Honeymooners. Gleason made the transition into dramatic roles in films such as The Hustler and Requiem for a Heavyweight. He was an accomplished musical artist plus a Broadway star, winning a Tony Award. You will discover there is much more to Gleason than being bus driver, Ralph Kramden.


The Story of George Burns Without Gracie

For several decades George Burns was known as the straight man and husband to the daffy, but loveable, Gracie Allen. As popular as he was, when Gracie passed away George Burns floundered trying to resurrect his career. Discover the series of dramatic turns that propelled George into becoming a comedy legend on his own, plus becoming the oldest living recipient (at that time) of an Academy Award.


Steve Allen: Birth of The Tonight Show

Author, composer, television personality, comedian, and musician, Steve Allen embraced television and created the late-night talk show, specifically, The Tonight Show.

His innovative techniques and comedy style have been imitated and mimicked by talk show hosts over the years, including today’s newest string of hosts.

Extremely rare clips of Steve’s early television career are featured in this presentation.

 


Ginger Without Fred

Even today, nearly 90 years since the first pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, just the mention of Fred makes one remember Ginger, and vice versa. This is an insightful review of the illustrious career of Academy Award-winning actress Ginger Rogers without Fred Astaire. We will review the many classic films in which she appeared, we will examine her efforts to shed the Fred & Ginger persona, plus we will learn about her Academy Award winning performance.


The Billy Crystal Story

Local Boy Makes Good. Did You Know music legend Billie Holiday babysat for Billy? Did you know how Billy ended up on All in the Family and cultivated a life-long friendship with Rob Reiner? Do you know how the infamous diner scene from When Harry Met Sally was developed? How many times did he host the Academy Awards? Do you know about Billy’s 30 year friendship with Robin Williams? Did you know he was a NY Yankee… for one day? You will learn the answers to these questions and much more in this fascinating and funny program.


The Carol Burnett Story

This is the story of a young performer from San Antonio who treks to the Big Apple and is suddenly discovered by Broadway and Gary Moore. And the rest, as they say, is show business history. Laugh with the antics of Carol and her hilarious television ensemble including Vickie Lawrence, Harvey Korman and, of course, the always unpredictable, Tim Conway. Discover Carol’s illustrious movie career, plus learn of her personal triumphs and tragedies. Along the way you will revisit memorable characters including Mama, Eunice, Mr. Tutball, Mrs. Wiggens and more.


The Mary Tyler Moore Story

As Laura Petri on the Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Richards on her namesake sitcom, Mary Tyler Moore turned the world on with her smile. Join us as we explore the many talents of the multiple Emmy Award winning comedian, actress, singer, dancer and producer: Mary Tyler Moore.


The Don Rickles Story

Mr. Warmth, The Merchant of Venom, The Mouth That Roared, call him what you want. Don Rickles was an original, and at times controversial, comedian with very own unique style. Learn how a young dramatic actor evolved into one of America’s most beloved entertainers.


The Betty White Story

Betty had the longest career in television history spanning seven decades beginning at the advent of the medium in 1949. Betty was the first woman to produce and star in her own TV show.

In 2011 Betty was voted the most trusted celebrity in America and is the winner of eight Emmy Awards. Betty has starred in two classic sitcoms: The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. Join us as we learn this fascinating and inspiring story of the beloved author, humanitarian, and – of course – actress, The First Lady of Television: Betty White!


The Robin Williams Story

He started out in San Francisco as a street performer and evolved into an alien named Mork, Popeye, Peter Pan, and a mischievous Genie. His motion picture career included Good Morning VietNam, Dead Poets Society, The Fisher King, Birdcage, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Will Hunting for which he won the Academy Award. This affectionate remembrance of one of our most gifted entertainers will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. (Various clips depicting highlights of William’s dynamic career included.)


The Doris Day Story: America’s Favorite Girl-Next-Door

Celebrating Doris Day’s 100th Anniversary as a Big Band Singer, Actress, Comedian, Animal Activist, Entrepreneur, and Television Personality. Although Doris passed away in 2019 at the age of 97, she continues to charm and delight audiences through her many old-time radio appearances, 650 musical recordings, numerous television shows, and starring roles in 39 movies during a career that spans nearly five decades.


The Tim Conway Story

Emmy award-winning funnyman, Tim Conway, is best remembered for his memorable TV roles including McHale’s Navy and The Carol Burnett Show. Known for causing onstage comedy chaos with his spontaneous and hilarious wit, we will delve into the brilliant comic mind of one of America’s most beloved, and unpredictable, entertainers.

 


 

John Wayne: American Hero

For over three decades John Wayne was among the Top Ten most popular motion picture stars in the world. His classic motion pictures include such favorites as Stagecoach, Rio Bravo, The Quiet Man, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Shootist, and, of course, the film that earned The Duke his only Academy Award, True Grit.

Today we will review his career, professionally and personally, as well as watch various clips featuring John Wayne at his rootin’ tootin’ finest.


The Sidney Poitier Story

Sidney Poitier was the first African American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. His illustrious film career includes Lilies of the Field, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, In the Heat of the Night, To Sir With Love, to name a few. We will celebrate the life of this dignified gentleman who left his home in the Bahamas at the tender age of 14 and evolved into a cultural icon, a great entertainer, an actor, a film director, an entrepreneur, and a respected human and civil rights activist.


The Jack Benny Story

He was cheap, petty and vain, played a lousy violin, drove a broken down Maxwell, and lied about his age. Yet he was one of the most beloved comedians for over six decades. He was the undisputed Master of Comic Timing. Steve Allen said, “Jack could get more laughs from a “Well” than most comedians could get with their entire monologue.” Learn how Jack conquered vaudeville, radio, motion pictures, and television and remains one of America’s most memorable entertainers.


The Mel Brooks Story: The Early Years

The beloved Brooklyn-born comedy Legend Mel Brooks has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. In this program we will examine how Mel won all of those awards by delving into Mel’s early years in the Catskills, Your Show of Shows, the birth of the 2000 Year Old Man with his lifelong pal, Carl Reiner, his Long Island connection, his earliest motion picture successes (and failures) and much more. Rare film clips will accompany the presentation.


The Bruce Willis Story

With an incredible career spanning over four decades, Bruce Willis has received numerous critical and public accolades. His box-office draw from films such as The Sixth Sense, Die Hard, Look Who’s Talking and Death Becomes Her have earned over $5 billion worldwide resulting in his being not only a popular entertainer but also one of the highest-grossing actors in the world. Discover the many embedded secret clues hidden within The Sixth Sense.


The Goldie Hawn Story: From Flower Child to Power Player

From the moment Goldie Hawn debuted on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, America fell in love with the giggling bikini-clad comedian. But within short order, she starred in a Steven Spielberg film, appeared alongside Steve Martin, Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Warren Beatty, Chevy Chase, Mel Gibson, Peter Sellers, became an acclaimed film producer and won an Academy Award. Learn the backstory of one of Hollywood’s most beloved entertainers.


Mick and Joots: The story of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland

The Backstory of the lifelong relationship between Hollywood Icons, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. We will see what happened the first time they met, how they became Number One Box Office Stars, we will review the ten motion pictures they made together, we will study their successes and their failures. Finally we will offer a retrospective of their individual careers.


The Abbott and Costello Story

An in-depth examination of the beloved comedy team derived from my personal files featuring new information from Steve Allen, Patty Andrews, Glenn Strange, Joe Besser and more. We explore Bud and Lou’s early years before they met, photos from their vaudeville days, their Broadway show Streets of Paris, new details about where and when they met, the true origin of Who’s On First, why did Bud have to sue Lou, their ultimate break-up, and new documentation about their careers after the split.


Burns & Allen: An Affectionate Remembrance

I was retired when I worked with Gracie. I did nothing.
For 40 years I asked Gracie ‘How’s your brother?’ and she did 95% of the work.
                                                                                                             -George Burns

Beloved straight man, George Burns, and his ditzy but adorable wife, Gracie Allen, began in vaudeville and effortlessly moved into radio, movies, and television. Rare footage of Gracie as a very proficient singer and dancer is included in this laugh-filled presentation.

 


Dolores Del Rio Story: Latina Women Who Conquered Hollywood

These Iconic Hollywood Stars paved the way for so many other Latina Actresses during the history of Motion Pictures. They defied racial barriers and persevered creating a bridge for today’s Latina women to follow.

We will explore the stories of the beautiful and talented Dolores Del Rio was the very 1st Latina to cross over into mainstream Old Hollywood. Del Rio opened the door for the fiery Lupe Velez, dubbed the Mexican Spitfire, Katy Jurado is noted as the first Latina for her performance in High Noon & Carmen Miranda who appeared in countless hit musicals and was nicknamed The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat.

We will learn the full story of Dolores Del Rio, a woman who defied the odds and carved out her own remarkable cornerstone in Hollywood History.


Those Funny Boys from Brooklyn

From the tree-lined streets of beautiful Brooklyn, New York, we proudly introduce to you a plethora of some of the wackiest, zaniest, and most outrageous comedy stars of the 20th Century! Join us as we reveal the backstory of EIGHT Brooklyn-born classic funnymen including Jimmy Durante, The Three Stooges, Phil Silvers, Henny Youngman, Woody Allen, Dom DeLuise, Jerry Stiller, and Buddy Hackett. Included in this hilarious presentation are rare photos and video clips depicting the comedy stars at their best! Plus, don’t be surprised if several other notable comedy Brooklynites make an unannounced appearance.


Funny Ladies Of Comedy …Minus Lucy and Carol

In a field dominated by male comedians, this laugh-provoking lecture explores the most beloved women laugh-makers who have entertained us in motion pictures and television. Discover the ground-breaking, and side-splitting, stories of these remarkably Funny Ladies of Comedy.

We present the program individually as Part 1 & Part 2.
Part One: Fanny Brice, Mae West, Phyllis Diller, Totie Fields, and Joan Rivers.
Part Two: Moms Mabley, Anne Meara, Roseanne Barr, Gilda Radner, and Julia Louis-Dryfus.


Those Bombastic Blonde Bombshells: Monroe, Mansfield and Van Doren

A revealing study of blonde bombshells Mamie Van Doren, Jayne Mansfield, & Marilyn Monroe and the personal, and professional, challenges they experienced. Known as the 3 Ms, their careers intertwined, and they crossed paths, at times they were rivals, but the trajectory of their individual careers led to scandal and, for some, a premature death.

 


 

Groundbreaking Black Comedians

Godfrey Cambridge, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, and Eddie Murphy! In this very unique presentation, we will celebrate the incredible contributions these eight comedians brought to the world of comedy. Each, in their own distinctive voice, introduced an incomparable style of comedy to the world, breaking racially prejudiced barriers along the way.


Child Stars of Hollywood

Learn the backstory of Jackie Coogan, The Little Rascals, Shirley Temple and many other Hollywood favorites. We will also discover the beginnings of their careers, their struggles as they entered their teens and adulthood, and those who continued in Hollywood and those who did not.


Italian Saloon Singers: Those Swinging Sensations

Join us for a ring-a-ding good time when we revisit the Great Italian Songbook with clips featuring all your favorite entertainers and learn the backstory of their best remembered hit song hits.

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin,Perry Como. Al Martino, Louis Prima, Lou Monte, & more…

 


The I Love Lucy Story: Birth of the Modern Day Sitcom

“I Love Lucy” was never just a title.        – Desi Arnaz

 A behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved television shows ever created.

When Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball fell in love with the set of the film Too Many Girls, they never imagined that together they would revolutionize the television industry.
During this program, we will examine the early careers of both Lucy and Desi, how they met, their battles with CBS, and the ultimate creation of Desilu Studios.

 


The Making of Yankee Doodle Dandy

Relive the backstory of James Cagney’s Oscar-winning portrayal of George M. Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy. Discover the personal dilemma that convinced Cagney to star in this movie. Learn about Cagney’s family members who appeared in front of, and behind, the scenes. The movie won an Oscar for Best Actor (Cagney,) Best Musical Score and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Original Story, Best Editing and Best Picture.


The Making of the Dick Van Dyke Show

Carl Reiner discovered Comic Gold when he saw Bye Bye Birdie and spotted actor, singer, dancer and comedian: Dick Van Dyke. Based on Carl’s own experiences working on Your Show of Show, the series masterfully blended Rob Petrie’s hilarious office life with his equally hysterical home life. The series made household names of Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie. Learn the backstory of the Dick Van Dyke Show and learn about its Long Island connections.


The Making of Some Like it Hot

Voted the Number One Comedy of all time, the hilarious Some Like it Hot features classic comic performances by Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and, of course, Marilyn Monroe. This lecture reveals who Billy Wilder originally considered for the key roles, where the story originated, production delays brought on by Marilyn’s erratic behavior, the difficulties in designing make-up and costumes for Jack and Tony, who was the acclaimed Tango Master who taught the stars to dance, and the true story of how that hilarious, final punch line was written.


From Bilko to M*A*S*H

An in-depth study of some of television’s finest service comedies including The Phil Silvers Show (You’ll Never Get Rich), Mc Hales Navy with Ernest Borgnine & Tim Conway, Hogan’s Heroes starring Bob Crane, Gomer Pyle USMC, from Mayberry to the Marines starring Jim Nabors, Private Benjamin, the TV adaptation of the Goldie Hawn hit, and, naturally, we will examine the beloved characters and history of the 4077th on M*A*S*H.


The Making of Singin’ In the Rain

Voted the #1 Movie Musical by the American Film Institute, Singin’ in the Rain is a masterful blend of music, comedy, and dance. The story features a nostalgic, and whimsical, look at the closing days of Silent Films and the pioneering challenges brought about by the introduction of sound into motion pictures. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse, and a 19 year old Debbie Reynolds (with no dance experience) comprise the Dream Cast. Discover the many secrets behind the creative efforts made during the production of this beloved classic musical.


Columbo… Just One More Thing

Uncover the true story of America’s favorite sleuth and how he was created. What famous star was actually the 1st Lt. Columbo? What famous star turned down the role of Columbo? And you will discover the backstory of the brilliant writing team of Richard Levinson and William Link, two boyhood friends who created the beloved character.


Disney’s Folly: The Making of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Walt Disney was the Ultimate Dreamer.

After creating a bevy of beloved characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, & Goofy and featured them in award-winning cartoons, Walt set his sights on something bolder and grander: he set upon the talk of producing the very first feature length animated motion picture: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.

Labeled Disney’s Folly by his critics in 1937, Walt pushed the boundaries of story-telling and hand-drawn animation resulting in a classic fable that is as enchanting and entertaining today as it was over eight decades ago.


The Making of The Fugitive: The Television Classic

His name is Dr. Richard Kimble. He was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death row. The train transporting him to be executed derails, causing Kimble to escape. Now he is on the run, desperately searching for the one-armed man he saw leaving his home on that fateful night. All the while, he is being pursued by the police lieutenant obsessed with his capture.

For four years The Fugitive starring David Janssen was one of the most popular programs on television. Nominated for five Emmys, The Fugitive went on to win the Emmy for Most Outstanding Dramatic series. Learn the fascinating story of the program the networks said could never be done.


The Making of “The Birdcage”

Based on the acclaimed film & stage musical, La Cage aux Folles, The Birdcage boasts exceptional performances from Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, and a stellar cast. Go behind-the-scenes and learn the true backstory of the film’s production, remarkable cast, and hysterical history. Whether you are looking for one-liners or eye-liners, The Birdcage delivers laughs as well as heart.


The Making of Young Frankenstein

Start with an all-star cast featuring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, and Kenneth Mars.

Add a hysterically funny script co-written by Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks.
Finally, the movie was masterfully directed by Mel Brooks paying homage to the classic horror films of the 1930’s.

Well…what more could you ask for? Learn the hilarious backstory of the Making of Young Frankenstein.


The Making of Psycho

What JAWS did for swimming,
PSYCHO did for showering!

Upon its release in 1959, Hitchcock’s groundbreaking Psycho shocked the critics and terrified audiences around the world. Yet Hitchcock saw it as a comedy!

“The content was rather amusing,” he said, “it was a big joke. I was horrified to find so many people took it seriously. Psycho was intended to make people scream and yell, but no more than screaming and yelling on a roller-coaster.”

Indeed, with repeat viewing, you will note Hitchcock’s sly wit laced throughout the script and the actor’s performances. Learn the backstory of the director’s most notorious motion picture and how it affected the future of movie making.


The Making of “It’s a Wonderful Life”

It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most popular motion pictures ever made. James Stewart and Frank Capra proclaimed this classic to be their personal favorite. The charming and, at times, harrowing story of George Bailey and his life-altering tribulations in Bedford Falls are well known.

In this lecture, we will explore:
Is it true the original story began as a Christmas card?
Who were the original stars considered for the roles?
Why was James Stewart initially reluctant to portray George Bailey?
What were the circumstances that turned an obscure lost film into a national treasure?

We will examine the complex backstory of how It’s a Wonderful Life came to fruition.


The Making of The Bishop’s Wife

Learn the fascinating backstory of The Bishop’s Wife, a delightful holiday confection from 1947 starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.

There was much drama behind the scenes during production:
Is it true that test audiences did not like the movie?
Did this cause the director to be fired?
Did Producer Samuel Goldwyn lose nearly one million dollars to reshoot the movie?
Did an uncredited Billy Wilder (Some Like It Hot) punch up the script?
Why was a “disclaimer” added to the Bishop’s Wife movie posters?
Did Cary Grant dislike his role as an Angel from Heaven?
Who was cast as the Bishop’s Wife before Loretta Young?

Also, look for three stars from It’s a Wonderful Life in this film.

 


 

The Making of Miracle On 34th Street

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus.

Learn the backstory of this beloved motion picture classic that has touched the hearts of generations of movie goers.

The winner of three Academy Awards, the film stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Oscar winner, Edmund Gwenn. Also, learn about the interesting Long Island connection prominently displayed during the closing moments of the motion picture.


The Making of White Christmas

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star in Irving Berlin’s delightful holiday confection, White Christmas. Learn the backstory of this classic motion picture. What was Berlin’s inspiration for the title song? What famous dancing legend was originally cast in the movie? What comedic scene was improvised by Danny Kaye? Which comedic scene was improvised by Bing Crosby? Which famous Little Rascal makes an appearance? Which two members of the dance ensemble went on to have illustrious careers? Learn these facts and more in this heart-warming presentation.


The Making of “A Christmas Story”

 

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”

Those were the words 9 year old Ralphie heard from his mother, his teacher, and even Santa when he asked for a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas. This is the backstory of the making of the beloved holiday movie which follows the exploits of young Ralphie.


The Making of “Babes in Toyland”

Based on Victor Herbert’s 1903 operetta, Babes in Toyland was the perfect classic Holiday confection featuring the timeless comedy of the ever-popular comedy team of Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy. Learn the backstory of the making of Babes in Toyland with fun facts such as: how did Mickey Mouse & the Three Little Pigs end up in the film? What caused a rift between producer Hal Roach and Stan Laurel? Is it true the actor portraying the evil Barnaby was only 21 years old? And much, much, more.

 


 

100th Anniversary Of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid”

The comedy masterpiece, The Kid, was Chaplin’s first full-length motion picture. He wrote, directed, produced, starred in, edited, and composed the music for what would become a landmark motion picture. For the first time Chaplin seamlessly combined his classic comedy with intense drama with triumphant results. It is considered Chaplin’s most personal and autobiographical motion picture.


Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Godfather

Based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel, The Godfather is considered one of the greatest and most influential epic crime dramas ever filmed. Under the Oscar winning direction of Francis Ford Coppola, a cast of relatively unknown actors including Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, James Caan, & Robert Duvall, and headlined by Marlon Brando as Don Corleone, The Godfather chronicles the gangster lifestyle of the Corleone Family spanning the years 1945 – 1955.

 


 

All in the Family: Celebrating The 50 Anniversary

It is hard to believe, but the bombastic, short-tempered, opinionated loading dock foreman, Archie Bunker premiered 50 years ago on CBS… and television has never been the same since his debut.

Archie, Edith, Gloria, and Mike became part of the American landscape and due to the popularity of All in the Family, Norman Lear populated television with other programs such as Maude, The Jeffersons, and Good Times.

We will explore how All in the Family became such a ground-breaking comedy classic and its influence on future television sitcoms.


A Black Family Aboard The Titanic: The Untold Story of Joseph La Roche

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. The Titanic- This is the untold story of the only Black family aboard the ill-fated ship: Joseph LaRoche, and his wife and children. This is but one of many untold stories of minorities aboard the ill-fated ocean-liner. Learn more as we explore the Black, Chinese, Hispanic, Japanese, passengers aboard the Titanic and discover how many of these passengers were able to survive the ordeal.

 


 

1939: Hollywood’s Golden Year

In 1939 Hollywood came of age. The monumental list of unforgettable films released that year includes classics such as Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. But that was just the beginning of what would prove to be a windfall of memorable motion pictures. Join us as we discover why 1939 is regarded as Hollywood’s Golden Year!