Podcast · Film & TV

From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

by Steve Cubine & Nan McNamara · English · Film & TV

If the Golden era of Old Hollywood is your thing, our podcast is for you! If you want TYRONE POWER instead of TOM HARDY, JENNIFER JONES instead of JENNIFER LAWRENCE, or ROBERT MITCHUM rather than ROBERT PATTINSON, then FROM BENEATH THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN is the gin joint for you. Each week, writer

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 49 minNew

"HOLLYWOOD'S FINAL CURTAIN CALL: LAST FILMS OF LEGENDARY STARS" (161)

EPISODE 161 - “HOLLYWOOD’S FINAL CURTAIN CALL: LAST FILMS OF LEGENDARY STARS ” - 10/12/2026 What happens when a Hollywood legend takes that final bow? This week on From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we welcome back our good friend Brandon Davis, host of the Front Row Classics podcast, for a fascinating look at the final film performances of some of our favorite legendary stars. Some went out on a high note, others chose projects that left us scratching our heads, and a few delivered unforgettable performances that proved they still had plenty of magic left. Join Brandon, Nan, and Steve as we…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S3 · E160 · 5 Oct 2026 · 41 min
"GEORGE BRENT: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (160)
EPISODE 160 - “GEORGE BRENT: CLASSIC CINEMA’S STAR OF THE MONTH” - 10/05/2026 This week on From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we’re shining our Star of the Month spotlight on one of classic Hollywood’s most dependable—and surprisingly fascinating—leading men: GEORGE BRENT. Handsome, sophisticated, and effortlessly charming, Brent appeared opposite some of the biggest actresses of the Golden Age, including Davis, Stanwyck, Garbo, Loy, Rogers, Oberon, and Sheridan. But his off-screen life was every bit as colorful as his movies, from his mysterious Irish revolutionary past to six marriages,…
S3 · E159 · 28 Sep 2026 · 44 min
“TENNESSEE WILLIAMS & COMPANY: HIS ESSENTIAL SCREEN ACTORS” (159)
EPISODE 159 - “TENNESSEE WILLIAMS & COMPANY: HIS ESSENTIAL SCREEN ACTORS” - 9/28/2026 This week on From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we’re thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite guests, acclaimed author and film historian John DiLeo, for a fascinating conversation about his book Tennessee Williams and Company: His Essential Screen Actors. John takes us inside the extraordinary world of Tennessee Williams on film, exploring the actors who brought his unforgettable characters to life—and what stars like Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Anna Magnani, Geraldine…
S3 · E158 · 21 Sep 2026 · 40 min
"HOLLYWOOD 101: MOVIES GO BACK TO SCHOOL" (158)
EPISODE 158 - “HOLLYWOOD 101: MOVIES GO BACK TO SCHOOL” - 9/21/2026 Class is officially in session! Join us this week on From Beneath The Hollywood Sign as we celebrate the ritual of going back to school. We will explore some of our favorite films about teachers, students, schools, colleges, and the strange, funny, dramatic, and sometimes downright terrifying worlds of academia. From inspiring educators and unforgettable classrooms to rebellious students and lessons that go far beyond the syllabus, we’re digging into the movies that made us love—or dread—going back to school. Pack your…
S3 · E157 · 14 Sep 2026 · 49 min
"Beyond The Hollywood Sign: World Cinema With Alicia Malone" (157)
EPISODE 156 - “BEYOND THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN: WORLD CINEMA WITH ALICIA MALONE” - 9/14/2026 This week on From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we’re going around the world with one of our favorite film people—Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone! Alicia joins us to talk about her wonderful book, TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema, a personal tour through 52 remarkable films spanning decades, continents, and cultures. We talk about the movies that opened her eyes to international cinema, some of the unexpected treasures she discovered along the way, and why venturing…
S3 · E156 · 7 Sep 2026 · 40 min
“CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH: LINDA DARNELL” - 9/07/2026 156)
EPISODE 156 - “CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH: LINDA DARNELL” - 9/07/2026 Known as “the girl with the perfect face,” Linda Darnell was one of the biggest stars at 20th Century Fox. In the latest episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we will be spotlighting her as our September Star of the Month. From her humble beginnings in Dallas to her remarkable rise to stardom to the unforgettable performances that made her one of classic Hollywood’s most captivating screen actresses, this episode celebrates the life, talent, and legacy of a true silver-screen icon. We also reflect on the tragic…
S3 · E155 · 31 Aug 2026 · 43 min
FBTHS #155 / #14 - "Paws, Claws & Closeups- Hollywood's Famous Animal Stars"
“PAWS, CLAWS & CLOSEUPS: HOLLYWOOD’S FAMOUS ANIMAL STARS” - 8/31/2026 (155/14) From RIN TIN TIN to LASSIE to TRIGGER, to TONTO, from the 1974 film "Harry and Tonto," who can resist those cute, furry little nuggets who can straight-out steal a scene right out from under the most trained Shakespearean thespian with the wag of a tail, the flop of an ear, or the purr of a cry? In this episode, Steve and Nan explore some of the four-legged stars who have won the hearts of millions during the classic era of film. SHOW NOTES: Sources: Great Animals of the Movies (1980), by Edward Edleson Four Feet…
S3 · E154 · 24 Aug 2026 · 32 min
“THE YACHT, THE MOGUL & THE MYSTERY: THE DEATH OF THOMAS INCE” - 8/24/2026 (154)
EPISODE 154 - “THE YACHT, THE MOGUL & THE MYSTERY: THE DEATH OF THOMAS INCE” - 8/24/2026 Discover one of Hollywood's greatest unsolved mysteries in the latest episode of From Beneath The Hollywood Sign. Join Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara as they unravel the strange and still-debated death of movie mogul Thomas Ince—a story filled with glamorous yacht parties, powerful Hollywood legends, whispered cover-up theories, and one of the most enduring scandals of the Golden Age. Was Ince's death simply a tragic medical event, or is there more to the story than history has revealed? With thoughtful…
S3 · E153 · 17 Aug 2026 · 45 min
“JACK & MABEL ALBERTSON: IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY” - (153)
EPISODE 153 - “JACK & MABEL ALBERTSON: IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY” - 8/17/2026 Hollywood history is filled with famous acting families, but few sibling stories are quite as surprising—or as entertaining—as that of JACK and MABEL ALBERTSON. In the latest episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, we look back at the remarkable lives and careers of a brother and sister who took very different roads to show business success. Jack became one of Hollywood’s most beloved character actors. He won an Oscar for The Subject Was Roses, inspiring generations of fans as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka & the…
S3 · E152 · 10 Aug 2026 · 45 min
“WHO GETS THE LAST DANCE? STEVE & NAN RANK THE ASTAIRE & ROGERS FILMS” (152)
“WHO GETS THE LAST DANCE? STEVE & NAN RANK THE ASTAIRE & ROGERS FILMS” - 8/10/2026 (152) This week on From Beneath The Hollywood Sign, we're putting on our dancing shoes for one of classic Hollywood's greatest screen pairings: FRED ASTAIRE & GINGER ROGERS. From dazzling Art Deco ballrooms to unforgettable musical numbers, we're attempting the impossible—ranking every Astaire & Rogers film from least favorite to absolute masterpiece. Which classics soar to the top? Which ones deserve another look? And just how heated can a debate about Golden Age musicals get? Whether you're a lifelong fan of…
S3 · E151 · 3 Aug 2026 · 40 min
“VAN HEFLIN: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 8/03/2026 (151)
“VAN HEFLIN: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 8/03/2026 (151) Some actors become legends because of their larger-than-life personalities. Others earn that status simply because they're so believable that you forget they're acting at all. VAN HEFLIN belonged firmly in the second category. An Academy Award winner and one of the most respected performers of Hollywood's Golden Age, Heflin built an extraordinary career playing ordinary people with uncommon depth, honesty, and humanity. Whether starring in "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers," "Act of Violence," "Shane," "3:10 to Yuma," or dozens…
S3 · E150 · 27 Jul 2026 · 39 min
"CEDRIC GIBBONS: ARCHITECT OF HOLLYWOOD DREAMS" (150)
EPISODE 150 - “CEDRIC GIBBONS: ARCHITECT OF HOLLYWOOD DREAMS” - 7/27/2026 This week, we’re going behind the scenes of Classic Cinema to focus on an artist who had a huge impact on the visual storytelling of film. You may not even know his name, but he is credited on over 1000 films. What would The Wizard of Oz be without the Emerald City? What would The Women be without Mary Haines’ divine apartment? And what would the Oscar statuette be without this man’s design? Of course, we’re talking about celebrated Art Director CEDRIC GIBBONS — one of the most influential artists in film history. He…
S3 · E149 · 20 Jul 2026 · 33 min
“DANCING WITH THE STARS AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN” - 7/20/2026 (149)
EPISODE 149 - “DANCING WITH THE STARS AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN” - 7/20/2026 This week on From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, Steve and Nan step inside one of the most magical places in Hollywood history—the legendary Hollywood Canteen! During World War II, some of the biggest stars in the world traded movie sets for serving trays, dish towels, and dancing shoes, all to give visiting servicemen and women a night they would never forget. Bette Davis, John Garfield, Marlene Dietrich, Hedy Lamarr, Rita Hayworth, and hundreds of others volunteered their time—and the stories behind the Canteen are…
S3 · E148 · 13 Jul 2026 · 50 min
"CATCH A WAVE: HOLLYWOOD'S BEACH MOVIE CRAZE" (148)
EPISODE 148 - “CATCH A WAVE: HOLLYWOOD’S BEACH MOVIE CRAZE” - 7/13/2026 This week on From Beneath The Hollywood Sign, we dive into the sun-soaked beach movie craze that swept America in the late 1950s and 1960s. From the wholesome charm of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello to the cultural phenomenon of Gidget and the romantic drama of A Summer Place, we're exploring the films that made surf, sand, sunshine, slapstick comedy, and catchy music the ultimate recipe for fun. Along the way, we'll revisit the stars, the songs, and the stories behind the genre, highlighting the movies that…
S3 · E147 · 7 Jul 2026 · 44 min
“CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH: BARBARA STANWYCK” - 7/06/2026 (147)
“CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH: BARBARA STANWYCK” - 7/06/2026 (147) Anyone who’s listened to From Beneath the Hollywood Sign for any length of time, knows that BARBARA STANWYCK is the all-time favorite actress of Steve and Nan. This week, we will be discussing the remarkable life and career of this legend. What can you say about Stanwyck? Tough, talented, fiercely independent, and endlessly versatile, she could break your heart in Stella Dallas, make you laugh in The Lady Eve, and leave you breathless in Double Indemnity. Join us as we explore her extraordinary journey from a difficult…
S3 · E146 · 29 Jun 2026 · 49 min
"REEL PATRIOTS: AMERICA'S STORY ON SCREEN" Jun 29, 2026 (146)
“REEL PATRIOTS: AMERICA’S STORY ON SCREEN” - 6/29/2026 (146) As America gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, Steve and Nan take a cinematic journey through some of the most patriotic films ever made in the latest episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign. From stirring wartime dramas to inspiring stories of courage, sacrifice, and the American spirit, Steve and Nan share their personal favorites, explore the history behind these beloved classics, and discuss why these films continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're looking for viewing recommendations for the…
S3 · E145 · 22 Jun 2026 · 43 min
“STEVE & NAN CELEBRATE MARILYN MONROE’S 100th BIRTHDAY” - 6/22/2026 (145)
“STEVE & NAN CELEBRATE MARILYN MONROE’S 100th BIRTHDAY” - 6/22/2026 (145) In honor of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, From Beneath the Hollywood Sign celebrates the enduring magic of one of Hollywood’s most beloved and influential stars. In this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite Marilyn Monroe films, exploring the performances, charisma, comedic brilliance, and screen presence that made her a timeless icon. From sparkling comedies to memorable dramatic turns, we discuss the movies that continue to enchant audiences and showcase the remarkable talent…
S3 · E144 · 15 Jun 2026 · 46 min
“HOLLYWOOD BLOODLINES: CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD'S LEGENDARY FAMILIES” - 6/15/2026 (144)
EPISODE 144 - “HOLLYWOOD BLOODLINES: CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD'S LEGENDARY FAMILIES” - 6/15/2026 Hollywood has always been a family affair. In this episode, we explore some of the entertainment industry's most enduring dynasties, from the swashbuckling legacy of the Fairbanks family to the influential Montgomerys to the acclaimed generations of the Fondas and the multi-talented Hustons. Discover how these iconic families shaped the history of film, passed their craft from one generation to the next, and navigated the challenges of living in the shadow of legendary names. Join us as we uncover the…
S3 · E143 · 8 Jun 2026 · 40 min
“GUESS WHO’S NUMBER ONE?: STEVE & NAN RANK TRACY/HEPBURN FILMS” - 6/08/2026 (143)
EPISODE 143 - “GUESS WHO’S NUMBER ONE?: STEVE & NAN RANK TRACY/HEPBURN FILMS” - 6/08/2026 One of the most dynamic duos in film history is undoubtedly the teaming of SPENCER TRACY and KATHARINE HEPBURN. This chemistry was electric. Over the course of their careers, they appeared in nine films together — covering a wide range of genres. They were in everything from Westerns (“The Sea of Grass”) to film noirs (“Keeper of the Flame”) to what would become their specialty, romantic comedies (“Pat and Mike”). They also appeared in the seminal 1960s social comedy/drama “Guess Who’s Coming to…
S3 · E142 · 1 Jun 2026 · 35 min
“LUCILLE BREMER: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 6/01/2026 (142)
EPISODE 142 - “LUCILLE BREMER: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 6/01/2026 One of those fascinating “what happened to her?” MGM stories is LUCILLE BREMER. Bremer was an elegant redheaded dancer who MGM clearly thought was going to be their next big musical star after ELEANOR POWELL had stepped away. She had the glamour, the dancing ability, the carriage… she looked like she belonged in Technicolor. However, her career lasted only a few short years, and during that time, she worked with visionary talents like VINCENTE MINNELLI and ARTHUR FREED. She danced with FRED ASTAIRE at the absolute…
S3 · E141 · 25 May 2026 · 33 min
“THE GARDEN OF ALLAH: COCKTAILS, SCANDALS & MISCHIEF”
“THE GARDEN OF ALLAH: COCKTAILS, SCANDALS & MISCHIEF” - 5/25/2026 (141) Once upon a time, there was a magical, decadent hotel in Hollywood where stars could avoid the scrutiny of the public and studio executives and really let their hair down. And, boy, did they! It was a place where there were no rules, there was a party every night, and the rich and famous could frolic carelessly around the pool - and sometimes in the pool, fully dressed. This magical place was the Garden of Allah — the brainchild of actress ALLA NAZIMOVA. This week, we will discuss the magic, the mystery, the decadence,…
S3 · E140 · 18 May 2026 · 51 min
“THE GARBO MYSTIQUE: A CONVERSATION WITH HER GREAT NEPHEW” (140)
EPISODE 140 - “THE GARBO MYSTIQUE: A CONVERSATION WITH HER GREAT NEPHEW” - 5/11/2026 Scott Reisfield brings a very unique and personal perspective to this episode about GRETA GARBO. As Garbo’s great nephew, he knew his great aunt simply as "Kata," not as the international superstar and mysterious Hollywood actress. Join us as we invite Scott to discuss his new book, "Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman," where he debunks many false theories about this illustrious star, and shares what she was really like when the cameras were not rolling. SHOW NOTES: Sources: Greta Garbo and the…
S3 · E139 · 11 May 2026 · 50 min
“TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” - 5/11/2026 (139)
EPISODE 139 - “TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” - 5/11/2026 In this episode, hosts Steve and Nan take listeners along to the 2026 TCM Classic Film Festival, where Hollywood history comes alive through restored screenings, celebrity panels, and unforgettable fan moments. Based in the heart of Hollywood at the famed TCL Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the pair share stories from the trenches, discuss classic films shown in historic theaters, and reflect on meeting fellow movie lovers from around the world and the extraordinary guests who introduced…
S3 · E138 · 4 May 2026 · 40 min
“NORMAN LLOYD: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 5/4/2026 (138)
EPISODE 138 - “NORMAN LLOYD: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 5/4/2026 Few figures in Hollywood history have had careers as long—or as varied—as NORMAN LLOYD. Spanning nearly a century, his work bridges the worlds of theater, radio, and film, with collaborations that include legends like CHARLIE CHAPLIN, ALFRED HITCHCOCK and ORSON WELLES. Whether appearing on stage, on screen or shaping stories behind the scenes, Lloyd’s presence has always carried a quiet intensity and sharp intelligence. Join us as we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Norman Lloyd, our Star of the Month — a…
S3 · E137 · 27 Apr 2026 · 47 min
“THE BIG SCREEN ‘I DO’: WEDDINGS IN CLASSIC CINEMA” - 4/27/2026 (137)
EPISODE 137 - “THE BIG SCREEN ‘I DO’: WEDDINGS IN CLASSIC CINEMA” - 4/27/2026 Weddings in classic films aren’t just about romance—they’re about timing, tension, and sometimes total chaos. Join us as we step into a world of whirlwind courtships, last-minute doubts, and grand gestures that don’t always go according to plan. From glamorous, music-filled celebrations to sharp, fast-talking battles of love versus ambition, these stories remind us that the walk down the aisle is rarely simple—and often unforgettable. Along the way, we’ll meet couples who fall in love against the odds,…
S3 · E136 · 20 Apr 2026 · 49 min
“TURNER CLASSIC MOVIE FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW 2026” - 4/20/2026 (136)
“TURNER CLASSIC MOVIE FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW 2026” - 4/20/2026 (136) From Beneath the Hollywood Sign is excited to be covering the Turner Classic Movie Film Festival for the third year in a row. The festival is going to be bigger and better than ever, with star appearances by JANE FONDA, CAROL BURNETT, LAURA DERN, ALEXANDER PAYNE, BARBARA HERSHEY, and GLENN CLOSE, who will be receiving her hand and footprints in cement at the TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre. In this episode, we will discuss what to expect at the festival, and we'll be talking about the films we are most looking forward to…
S3 · E135 · 13 Apr 2026 · 34 min
“BESS FLOWERS & FRANKLYN FARNUM- QUEEN & KING OF THE EXTRAS” (135)
“BESS FLOWERS & FRANKLYN FARNUM: QUEEN & KING OF THE EXTRAS” - 4/13/2026 (135) Actors BESS FLOWERS and FRANKLYN FARNUM were absolute legends of the “blink and you’ll miss them” world. They weren’t headliners — in fact, they often were not credited or even noticed, but honestly, that’s what makes them so fascinating—their careers quietly stitched together the fabric of classic cinema. They were Extras. Without them and other extras like them, all those iconic movie moments would feel a lot less alive. Their careers spanned decades and thousands of films. They became, in their own way, silent…
S3 · E134 · 6 Apr 2026 · 30 min
"Star Of The Month - Maggie McNamara" (134)
“MAGGIE McNAMARA: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 4/06/2026 (134) The history of Hollywood is filled with stories of actors who experienced meteoric rises and then faded into obscurity just as quickly. Among the most poignant examples of this is the life of MAGGIE McNAMARA, an actress whose career began with remarkable promise but ended in obscurity and tragedy. With her pixie haircut, big doe eyes, lithe frame, and graceful moves, MAGGIE McNAMARA was poised to join the likes of AUDREY HEPBURN and LESLIE CARON as the new stylish gamine that was fashionable in movies in the 1950s.…
S3 · E133 · 30 Mar 2026 · 40 min
“BETTE vs MIRIAM: WHEN STARS COLLIDED” - 3/30/2026 (133)
“BETTE vs MIRIAM: WHEN STARS COLLIDED” - 3/30/2026 (133) What would Hollywood be without a good, old fashioned rivalry. It’s well documented that BETTE DAVIS and JOAN CRAWFORD were not exactly besties. But did you know that Davis had another rivalry that was even uglier and more intense? That’s right, the rivalry between Davis and her co-star in The Old Maid (1939) and Old Acquaintance (1943) was one for the ages. Completely different in upbringing, temperament, and acting styles, these two grand dames of the silver screen kept the gossip columnists’ tongues wagging with their petty,…
S3 · E132 · 23 Mar 2026 · 35 min
JAMES WONG HOWE: THE MAN WHO PAINTED WITH LIGHT (132)
“JAMES WONG HOWE: THE MAN WHO PAINTED WITH LIGHT” - 3/16/2026 (132) Today, we’re going to step behind the camera and shine a spotlight—quite literally—on one of the most brilliant craftsmen Hollywood has ever seen. A man who helped shape the way movies look. If you’ve ever admired the stark black-and-white photography in Hud, the shadowy nighttime streets of Sweet Smell of Success, or the striking boxing scenes in Body and Soul, then you’ve already seen the artistry of cinematographer JAMES WONG HOWE. And whether you realized it or not, you were looking at the work of someone who had a huge…

About From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

From Beneath the Hollywood Sign is a English film & tv podcast from Steve Cubine & Nan McNamara. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Steve Cubine & Nan McNamara
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1708470432

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