Vanguard of Hollywood

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, Patricia brings a unique perspective to her work: No one knows Gene like Patricia, and she is the definitive source on all things relating to her legendary husband. Listen as Patricia shares about her life with Gene, debunks several Singin’ in the Rain (1952) myths, and highlights Gene’s rich creative legacy in front of, and behind, the camera.

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 addition to working with Hollywood Legends like Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, Paul also enjoyed a successful music career with Motown. But Paul is most proud of his work to better the lives of kid actors. Listen as Paul shares about his Hollywood career and inspiring work with his foundation, A Minor Consideration.

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 Affair to Remember and The Donna Reed Show, Scott worked with the best of the best. Listen as Scott shares highlights from his remarkable career, and memories of his sweet brother-sister relationship with Marilyn Monroe.

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 mogul saved Hollywood, if the blacklist could have been avoided, and what Jimmy Stewart and Marlon Brando have in common.

In this special episode, Shannon interviews Mimi Gibson, one of the most sought-after child actresses of the 1950s and 1960s. Mimi is best known as the voice of Lucky in 101 Dalmatians (1961) and as Cary Grant's daughter in Houseboat (1958). Listen as Mimi shares her stories and experiences from working during the most exciting time in movies and television, and her post-acting work to better the lives of today's working kids in Hollywood.

Classic baseball history and a thank you note written by Jackie Robinson inspire this episode about the importance of giving thanks.

Shannon offers a birthday tribute to comedian and actor Joe E. Brown, Hollywood's nicest guy

Paul Newman ages youthfully, Patricia Neal wins the Oscar, and Paul was not mean to Patricia. From 1963, it's Hud.

Was Paul Newman mean to Patricia Neal? Shannon's research reveals the truth and why a rumor has been accepted as fact for decades.

Paul Newman Almost Fails in Hollywood, Orson Welles Hates the Method, Joanne Wins an Oscar, & the Newmans Put Their Marriage First. It's The Long, Hot Summer (1958).

Paul Newman goes to Yale, Sells Encyclopedias, Races Cars, Gets Better with Age, and Prefers Steak at Home. Join Shannon for her birthday tribute to Paul Newman.

Was Vera-Ellen Anorexic in White Christmas (1954)? Here's what we know about Vera-Ellen's complicated relationship with food and body image.

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question and recites one of her favorite Christmas stories: O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi"

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question. The audio version of a video introduction and a film follows: Visit https://vanguardofhollywood.com/watch-meet-john-doe-1941/ to watch Shannon's introduction and stream Meet John Doe (1941) in its entirety

Shannon reveals the story behind the answer to yesterday's trivia question and introduces the full Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life.

Listen to Vanguard of Hollywood daily this week for Christmas movie trivia, recipes that are delicious and budget-friendly, and some of Shannon's favorite Christmas stories.

Bette Davis Feuds with Joan Crawford, Does What No Makeup Artist Dares, and runs to the Hollywood Hills. Celebrating 60 years, it's Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

This episode is the audio from a video introduction and a film. Visit VanguardOfHollywood.com to watch Shannon's introduction and stream Charade (1963) in its entirety. https://vanguardofhollywood.com/watch-charade-1963/

A Rumor Casts a Shadow on the Legacy of Jimmy Stewart. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? The Answer is No. Here's Why.

Lana Turner is the Definition of Movie Star, Loves Hot Sauce and Fashion, Goes Through Seven Husbands, is Saved by Her Daughter, & Can Make Anyone Laugh. It’s Shannon’s Birthday Tribute to Lana Turner.