The Next Reel Film Podcast

Is it obvious right out of the gate that Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor would make a great comedy duo? How are the thrills versus the laughs? Are there too many tropes used throughout this film? Tune in to this week’s show to get these answers and more.

Show Notes

“If there’s ever anything that you need, don’t call me.”

For Colin Higgins’ second film, he wanted to write something that had a Hitchcockian flair, and he was partial to the thrillers on trains. What we got – and what Arthur Hiller deftly directed – was Silver Streak. What we also got was the legendary comedy pairing of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, two comedians who would end up making three more films together after this. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Colin Higgins series with Hiller’s 1976 train thriller Silver Streak.

We talk about Pryor and Wilder and if blackface comedy is still something we’re allowed to laugh at, especially when the actors are so clearly pointing out that it’s not okay. We chat about the thrills balanced with the comedy in this film and how well it works. We look at Wilder and Pryor, but also Jill Clayburgh, Patrick McGoohan, Ned Beatty, Clifton James, Scatman Crothers, Ray Walston, Valerie Curtin, and Richard Kiel, to see what they’re all bringing to the table. We touch on Henry Mancini’s score and the vibes it brings. And we look at the many tropes throughout this film, wondering if they work well here because at the time, they likely weren’t as commonly used as they came to be.

It’s a fun film and we have a great time talking about it on this week’s show, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.