The cast is incredible. The timing is precise. The sardines are missing.

This week on Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray revisit Noises Off (1992), Peter Bogdanovich’s backstage comedy starring Michael Caine, Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, and an ensemble whose job is to make a complete disaster look effortless.

Ray is watching for the first time, while Jed brings firsthand experience from performing the play as Gary—John Ritter’s character. Together, they dig into the physical comedy, silent backstage battles, and ridiculous amount of coordination required to get everything wrong at exactly the right moment. Jed also shares why the chaos feels awfully familiar to anyone who’s ever waited in the wings.

How does a comedy with this much talent slip through the cracks? And do you need to be a theatre person to enjoy watching a production come spectacularly unglued?

Plus: our favorite performances, Staff Picks, and Rewind Recommendations for more comic chaos.

Spoiler alert: This episode includes a detailed discussion of the film. Watch first if you want the backstage surprises left intact.

Crack a cold one and watch a forgotten one.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to 'Noises Off'
• 03:02 The Three-Act Structure
• 10:07 The Physical Demands of the Play
• 24:53 The Performances of Michael Caine and John Ritter
• 34:13 The Relatability of Actors
• 36:12 Influence of Classic Comedians
• 37:10 Challenges of Stage Performances
• 53:02 Trivia of 'Noises Off'
• 01:06:03 Analogies and Comedic Chaos
• 01:06:32 Watching a Movie for the Podcast
• 01:07:48 Humor, Characters, and Memorable Quotes
• 01:08:16 Forgotten Status and Reasons
• 01:28:48 Rewind Recommendations and Next Podcast Clue

In this episode of Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray revisit Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 dystopian thriller Children of Men — a movie set in the distant future of… 2027.

Which, as it turns out, is next year.

Clive Owen stars as Theo, a disillusioned bureaucrat drifting through a collapsing Britain where no child has been born in nearly two decades. But when he’s pulled into a mission involving a young refugee carrying the first pregnancy anyone has seen in 18 years, Theo suddenly finds himself protecting the one thing humanity thought it had lost: hope.

We dig into the film’s incredible long takes, the unforgettable car ambush, the chaos of Bexhill, the eerie silence of a world without children, and the powerful moment when the sound of a newborn briefly stops a war.

We also talk about Michael Caine’s scene-stealing turn as Jasper, the film’s surprisingly great soundtrack, its political and social themes, its bleak vision of 2027, and the philosophical question at the heart of the movie: what happens to art, culture, and humanity when there’s no future left to preserve them for?

Ray considers Children of Men one of the best films of the 21st century.

Jed thinks it’s exceptionally well made… and may never want to watch it again.

So is Children of Men a forgotten masterpiece, or is there a reason people don’t revisit it very often?

Plus: Michael Caine impressions, questionable pronunciations, a Lone Star Beer break, and our rewind recommendations for what to watch next.

This episode contains full spoilers for Children of Men.

Forgotten Films is the podcast where we dust off the VHS boxes, crack open a cold one, and revisit movies time left behind to decide whether they’re forgotten… or forgotten for a reason.

In this episode of Forgotten Films, the hosts discuss the movie 'I Love You to Death' and delve into the true story behind the film. They analyze the characters, including Joey Boca, Rosalie Boca, and Nadja, and explore the ruthless plan to assassinate Joey. The failed assassination attempts and the unexpected turn of events add humor and intrigue to the plot, making for an entertaining and engaging discussion. The conversation delves into the unusual and darkly comedic plot of the film, highlighting the challenges in marketing and categorizing it. The ensemble cast and standout performances are discussed, along with behind-the-scenes insights and production challenges.

Takeaways

• Unlikely assassins
• Character actors steal the show Unusual and darkly comedic plot
• Ensemble cast with standout performances
• Unconventional and forgotten film
• Challenges in marketing and categorizing the film

Chapters

• 00:00 The Unexpected Turn of Events
• 31:45 The Unusual and Darkly Comedic Plot
• 36:23 The Ensemble Cast and Standout Performances
• 40:42 Behind the Scenes and Production Challenges

It’s all happening.

This week on Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray climb aboard the tour bus for Cameron Crowe’s heartfelt, hilarious, and endlessly quotable 2000 film Almost Famous.

Patrick Fugit stars as William Miller, a gifted 15-year-old music fan who lands the opportunity of a lifetime: joining the rising rock band Stillwater on tour and writing about them for Rolling Stone. Before long, William is surrounded by concerts, confessions, complicated relationships, and enough emotional baggage to require a second tour bus.

Jed and Ray discuss the film’s semi-autobiographical story, Cameron Crowe’s Oscar-winning screenplay, the unforgettable soundtrack, and the complicated triangle between William, Penny Lane, and Stillwater guitarist Russell Hammond. They also revisit the iconic “Tiny Dancer” bus scene, Russell’s drug-fueled declaration that he is a golden god, and the many ways the movie captures the moment when admiration turns into friendship—and friendship threatens to compromise the truth.

Behind the scenes, they explore the real musicians and experiences that inspired the story, Peter Frampton’s work training the fictional band, the actors who nearly played Russell and Penny Lane, and how Kate Hudson moved from a supporting role into the performance that helped define her career.

Plus, Jed and Ray choose their cast and crew MVPs, celebrate Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, and even Jimmy Fallon, recommend more movies about music and misfits, and finally decide whether Almost Famous has been forgotten—or forgotten for a reason.

Whether you love rock and roll, coming-of-age stories, Cameron Crowe movies, or simply great films with even better soundtracks, this is one tour worth taking.

Spoiler warning: Major plot points are discussed.

Please remember to be kind, rewind, comment, like, and subscribe. Then crack a cold one and watch a forgotten one.

Is The Night of the Hunter one of the greatest movies you've never seen?

This week on Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray revisit Charles Laughton's haunting 1955 masterpiece, The Night of the Hunter, starring Robert Mitchum in one of cinema's most unforgettable villain performances.

We explore why this psychological thriller and Southern Gothic classic bombed upon release but is now considered one of the greatest films ever made. From its breathtaking black-and-white cinematography and dreamlike film noir visuals to Mitchum's terrifying preacher Harry Powell, we break down what makes this movie so influential—and whether it's forgotten or simply overlooked.

Along the way, you'll hear:
🎬 Ray's Gilligan's Island-inspired plot recap
📼 Our "Back of the VHS Box" synopsis
🎥 Behind-the-scenes stories and movie trivia
🎭 Robert Mitchum's iconic performance
📷 The groundbreaking cinematography that inspired generations of filmmakers
🍺 An unofficial Lone Star Beer commercial
😂 Plenty of bad jokes, good laughs, and a suspicious amount of "Bringing in the Sheaves."

If you love classic movies, film noir, psychological thrillers, old Hollywood, or discovering hidden cinematic gems, this episode is for you.

So dust off the VHS box, crack open a cold one, and find out whether The Night of the Hunter deserves its legendary reputation... or if it's forgotten for a reason.

Subscribe for new episodes every other Tuesday as we revisit the overlooked, underrated, and nearly forgotten movies that deserve another watch.

Most movies about breakups are wallpaper; this one is a vinyl revival. High Fidelity isn’t just a film — it’s a masterclass in musical heartbreak and top-five trauma, all wrapped in witty banter and pitch-perfect playlists. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, questioning love’s lousy lyrics, this episode is your secret decoder to navigating life’s most heartbreak-heavy charts. Join us as we spin through John Cusack’s rollercoaster relationship rewind, visiting each ex-girlfriend like flipping through a personal top five list. We break down Steven Frears’ sharp direction, delve into the clever screenplay of music maniacs, and explore how the film’s analog obsession makes nostalgia hit like a vintage record.

You’ll discover:

• The genius behind the film’s Chicago charm—yep, it’s more than just a city, it’s a time capsule.
• Jack Black’s breakout burst of brilliance before he was a household name.
• The one quote that captures the highs and lows of love, and how a “top five” rule turns heartbreak into humorous healing.
• How re-watching as an adult hits different—and why this “forgotten” flick deserves resurrection.
• Surprising stories behind the soundtrack, the casting, and those infamous wigs—including Tim Robbins’ truly terrible—and totally necessary—makeover.

If you believe that music—and movies—are the perfect therapy, then you’re in the right record store. Whether you’re a romantics-in-recovery or just someone who loves a good laugh and a killer playlist, this episode hits all the right notes. Perfect for cinephiles, music lovers, or anyone who’s ever had their heart skip a beat—literally or figuratively. So, grab your vinyl, pour a Lone Star, and let’s rediscover this underrated gem—because love’s a game, and we’re here to help you win (or at least laugh trying).

A Secret Service agent becomes obsessed with catching a ruthless counterfeiter, leading to a series of questionable life choices. The film features a star-studded cast and impressive cinematography, inspiring future films like Miami Vice and Lethal Weapon. A discussion about the film 'To Live and Die in LA' covering its action scenes, production challenges, and the impact of analog technology.

Takeaways

• Influential Film
• Star-Studded Cast An exploration of the film's action scenes and the real-life risks involved.
• Insight into the analog production methods and challenges faced during the making of the film.

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Reflections on the Film
• 26:24 Guerrilla Style Filmmaking
• 34:04 Soundtrack and Influence
• 39:15 Cinematic References and Impact

In this episode of Forgotten Films, hosts Jed and Ray dive into the 1991 screwball comedy 'Oscar,' starring Sylvester Stallone. They discuss the film's chaotic plot, memorable characters, and the comedic style of director John Landis. The conversation explores the cast's performances, the film's reception, and why it has become a forgotten gem in cinema history. With insights into the themes of the movie and recommendations for similar films, this episode is a celebration of a unique comedy that deserves more recognition.