Every now and then, we dig into the uncomfortable side of cinema on Someone Else’s Movie. For instance, I’ve discussed how Roman Polanski’s history infects his films with John Maclean and Bridey Elliott, and talked about the compartmentalization required to enjoy Woody Allen’s earlier, less creepy movies with Jeremy LaLonde.
It happens again this week, thanks to comedian, podcaster, writer and occasional actor Jackie Kashian‘s selection of the 1942 musical Holiday Inn — a film that’s mostly about Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby goofing around and singing Irving Berlin songs, but also features a blackface number that’s jaw-droppingly inappropriate in the present day, and some other stuff that hasn’t held up especially well either.
Jackie was more than willing to discuss these aspects of the movie, which made for a really engaging conversation — and of course we talked about the movie’s merits, as well. You should listen to the whole thing, obviously — and you can find it right now in all the usual places: iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, the good ol’ SEMcast site.
Enjoy it! And check out Jackie’s own podcasts, The Dork Forest and The Jackie and Laurie Show, when you have a chance. They’re great!