GGACP celebrates the 2025 holiday season with this ENCORE of a mini-show from 2017 as Gilbert and Frank (with an assist from Raybone) explore some lesser-known (and deservedly so, in some cases) Christmas flicks, including “Susan Slept Here,” “Pocketful of Miracles,” “A Carol for Another Christmas,” “Santa Claus vs. the Devil” and “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t.” Also in this episode: The cinema of Sonny Fox! Grizzly Adams to the rescue! Gilbert dons a Santa suit! Frank Capra cries plagiarism! And the squirrel that saved Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To coincide with this week's "Fun for All Ages" episode about 1960s and '70s New York-based kiddie shows, GGACP revisits this tribute to local TV legend Chuck McCann from 2018. In this episode: “Cool McCool”! Rootie Kazootie! Stan Laurel comes to America! “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter”! And Chuck founds The Sons of the Desert! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 1st) of writer-director Larry Charles (“Borat,” “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2019. In this episode, Larry joins the boys for an engrossing conversation about humor as a survival tactic, the hazards of guerrilla filmmaking, the persuasive powers of Sacha Baron Cohen and the Netflix show, “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy.” Also, Mel Brooks sends up Bill Cullen, Jerry Lewis inspires Bob Dylan, Gilbert guest stars on “Mad About You” and Larry remembers the late, great Bob Einstein. PLUS: “Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp”! The Zen of Jack Nicholson! The influence of Jackie Mason! Larry hangs with Huntz Hall! And the “Seinfeld” episode that never aired! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates Thanksgiving 2025 by revisiting this ridiculously in-depth 2018 analysis of some genuine "golden turkeys," featuring one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite topics: apes and gorillas. In this episode: Gilbert breaks down “Old Dracula," Jerry Lewis threatens to sue Sammy Petrillo, Raymond Burr turns into a gorilla and Bela Lugosi tries his hand at comedy. PLUS: "Return of the Ape Man"! William "One Shot" Beaudine! The strange case of Barbara Payton! And the unusual proclivities of Lionel Atwill! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To coincide with this week's long-awaited "Fun For All Ages" Jackie Martling-Billy West reunion, GGACP turns back the clock to 2019, when the boys made their first joint appearance on the "Amazing Colossal Podcast." In this episode, Jackie and Billy talk about the cinema of George Pal, the versatility of Paul Frees, the uniqueness of Peter Sellers and the enduring legend of Joe Franklin. Also, Jonathan Winters disses Don Adams, Jack Carter guests on “Ren & Stimpy,” Billy meets The Man from Uncle and Jackie weighs in on the Gilbert-Shecky Greene clash. PLUS: “7 Faces of Dr. Lao”! The Jackie puppet returns! Curly Howard takes a bullet! And George Jessel duets with…George Jessel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic Neil Simon comedy “The Sunshine Boys” (released November, 1975) by revisiting this memorable interview with the film’s co-star, actor-director Richard Benjamin. In this episode, Richard looks back on his six-decade career in Hollywood and recalls memories of working with Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Mike Nichols and Orson Welles. Also, James Mason pulls a fast one, Walter Matthau plays the ponies, George Burns orders the soup and Johnny Guitar meets Lawrence of Arabia. PLUS: “He & She”! The genius of Michael Crichton! The brilliance of Buck Henry! Richard pursues Albert Finney! And Gilbert sings the theme from “Goodbye Columbus”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don't miss any of the fun. Subscribe to Fun for All Ages now for a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe now on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/ TuneIn http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (November 19th) of 4-time guest and friend of the podcast, the legendary Dick Cavett, by presenting this ENCORE of a fascinating interview from 2019. In this episode, Dick shares delightful (and hilarious) anecdotes about Jack Benny, Stan Laurel, Truman Capote and Walter Winchell (among others) and looks back on memorable sit-downs with Orson Welles, John Lennon, George Harrison and Laurence Olivier. Also in this episode: Peter Lorre fails the audition, Lily Tomlin storms off the set, Bob Hope comes to Lincoln, Nebraska and Jack Paar sabotages “Fat Jack” Leonard. PLUS: Oskar Homolka! “Chuckles Bites the Dust”! The return of Richard Loo! Johnny Carson disses Jerry Lewis! And Dick introduces “An Evening with Groucho”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In connection with this week's "Fun for All Ages" conversation about "The Day the Clown Cried," GGACP revisits this 2015 interview with illusionist, filmmaker and comedian Penn Jillette. In this episode, Penn opines on a host of offbeat topics ranging from Jerry Lewis' ill-fated pet project to strippers’ tricks of the trade, the comedy of Dennis Miller, the cinema of the Three Stooges and failed attempts to summon the spirit of Bela Lugosi. Also: Penn debunks “cold readings,” exposes phone scams, disses Richie Havens and compares Jerry Lewis to Lou Reed. PLUS: The Amazing Kreskin! Penn auditions for “Ishtar”! And Gilbert annoys Harrison Ford! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates National Aviation Month (!) by revisiting the infamous Pat McCormick helicopter story in this ENCORE of an interview with legendary writer-actor-director Buck Henry. In this episode, Buck looks back on his 50+ year career and shares hilarious anecdotes about Orson Welles, James Mason, John Belushi and Jonathan Winters (among others). Also: Buck adapts “Catch-22,” praises Richard Benjamin, invents the Cone of Silence and co-directs “Heaven Can Wait." PLUS: “Captain Nice”! “Samurai Delicatessen”! Claude Rains speaks! The hoaxes of Alan Abel! And Buck remembers “That Was the Week That Was”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To coincide with this week's "Fun for All Ages" episode about movie musicals of 1980, GGACP revisits this hilarious conversation from 2017 about Gil and Frank's' favorite musical misfires. In this episode: Burt Reynolds sings Cole Porter, Gene Kelly laces up his skates, Nipsey Russell follows the yellow brick road and Carol Channing covers the Beatles. PLUS: "Grease 2"! "Paint Your Wagon"! And Gilbert meets Mr. Baseball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP squeezes a few extra scares out of spooky season with this ENCORE of a 2016 interview with the “King of Splatter,” makeup effects wizard Tom Savini. In this episode, Tom reveals the secret of onscreen suspense, shares his admiration for legendary makeup artists Dick Smith and Jack Pierce and explains how “Midnight Cowboy” changed his life. Also, Tom praises George Clooney, defends Jerry Lewis, laughs it up with Tony Curtis and shakes hands with the Three Stooges. PLUS: Joe Spinell! “Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors”! Christoper Lee makes an entrance! Tyrone Power battles Basil Rathbone! And the Cary Grant movie that brings Tom to tears! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates Halloween 2025 with this ENCORE of a mini-ep from 2015, featuring Gilbert and Frank's Halloween movie recommendations. In this episode: Lon Chaney Jr. fills Karloff's boots, Walter Huston meets Agatha Christie, Gilbert’s nana praises Barry Fitzgerald and the strange passions of Lionel Atwill. PLUS: The boys (finally) track down Janet Ann Gallow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates Halloween week by revisiting this conversation from 2021 as Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 90th anniversaries (1931-2021) of Universal Studios’ original “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” with Oscar-winning makeup creator Rick Baker and late author-historian David J. Skal. In this episode, Rick and David talk about sympathetic monsters, mad scientists (real and imagined), the genius of Jack Pierce and the premature deaths of Colin Clive, Dwight Frye and Lon Chaney. Also, David interviews Carla Laemmle, Rick turns Martin Landau into Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange appears in Boris Karloff’s obit and Bram Stoker’s widow tries to kill off “Nosferatu.” PLUS: Ghoulardi! “Man of a Thousand Faces”! The influence of Forrest J. Ackerman! Bette Davis (almost) plays the Bride of Frankenstein! And the boys (once again) try to make sense of “The Black Cat”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In connection with this week's "Fun For All Ages" episode about Johnny Carson's 100th birthday, GGACP revisits this 2019 interview with comedian-historian and host of "The Carson Podcast," Mark Malkoff and Emmy-winning writer and producer (and lifelong Carson fan) Phil Rosenthal. Also in this episode: The flamboyance of Monti Rock, the “magic” of Uri Geller and Johnny locks horns with “Saturday Night Live." PLUS: Mark (finally) lands Doc Severinsen! And Phil discovers the infamous “Jack Frost” sketch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts for a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe now on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/ TuneIn http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The celebration of Halloween month continues with this classic episode from 2018 that helped inspire the format of Frank's "Fun For All Ages" podcast as Metallica guitarist, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and monster kid Kirk Hammett discusses his lifelong love affair with horror films, his priceless collection of movie memorabilia and the shared connection between horror fans and metal heads. Also, Boris Karloff goes digital, Kirk meets Robert Crumb, Forrest Ackerman drives a hard bargain and Gilbert pens a fan letter to the Wolf Man. PLUS: “White Zombie”! Maria Ouspenskaya returns! The twisted genius of Basil Gogos! And Horrible Herman, the Asiatic Insect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates Halloween month by revisiting part two of a 2019 salute to Universal horror classics with author, screenwriter and historian Gary Gerani. In this episode: In praise of "The Raven"! The Monster takes a mate! Bela Lugosi’s finest hour! The strange life of Edgar G. Ulmer! And the absurd brilliance of “The Black Cat”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates Halloween month with this ENCORE of an informative and entertaining two-part conversation about Gilbert and Frank's beloved Universal horror classics with historian, screenwriter and author of "Top 100 Horror Movies," Gary Gerani. This week: Directed by Roger Corman! The music of Billy Goldenberg! The trials of Colin Clive! Boris Karloff goes bowling! And King Tut inspires “The Mummy”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In connection with the latest "Fun For All Ages" episode about Atomic Age Cinema (with guest Michael Giacchino), GGACP revisits this 2018 interview with the Oscar and Grammy-winning composer. In this episode, Michael talks about his love of Japanese monster movies (including "Godzilla"), the golden age of “contract musicians,” and the influences of Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin and Max Steiner. Also, Don Knotts gets tough, Martin Scorsese picks pop songs, Jerry Goldsmith conducts in an ape mask and Michael teams with the legendary John Williams! PLUS: Randy Newman! The great Gonzo! The genius of Hoyt Curtin! And Paul McCartney grooves to Dr. Strange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don't miss any of the fun. Subscribe to Fun for All Ages now for a new episode every Tuesday! Subscribe now on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/ TuneIn http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of a Frank favorite, the western-comedy "Hearts of the West," (released October 8, 1975) co-starring GGACP guest Alan Arkin. In this interview from 2020, Alan (joined by Emmy-winning actor Adam Arkin) talks about portraying villains, directing dark comedies, the precision of the Coen brothers and the Cold War politics of “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.” Also, Pat McCormick hits the hard stuff, Groucho drops in on Second City, Stephen King praises “Wait Until Dark” and Alan (almost) directs “Blazing Saddles.” PLUS: Captain Kangaroo! The brilliance of “The In-Laws”! Adam “reps” Chuck McCann! Alan records “The Banana Boat Song”! And Adam and Alan choose their favorite Arkin performances! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP remembers the late, great television writer Ron Friedman (“The Odd Couple,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “All in the Family,” “Barney Miller”) by revisiting this return engagement from 2019. In this episode, Ron talks about the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism, his years-long friendship with comics legend Stan Lee and the original inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner. Also, Ron regales the boys with all-new stories about Lucille Ball, Lenny Bruce, Tony Randall, Danny Thomas and (of course) Pat McCormick. PLUS: Jack Benny takes a stand! Marilyn Monroe converts! Buster Crabbe teams with Chuck McCann! John Huston tangles with Errol Flynn! And Ron kills off a beloved fictional character! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The team at GGACP bids a fond farewell to our recently departed friend and one of the podcast's favorite guests, comedy writer Ron Friedman (“Get Smart,” “The Odd Couple,” “All in the Family”) by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2018. In this episode, Ron recalls working with everyone from Lucille Ball to Milton Berle to Danny Kaye to Orson Welles and shares the war stories to show for it. Also, Herve Villechaize packs a rod, Sammy Davis meets Charlie’s Angels, Ron writes “Murder Can Hurt You!” and Pat McCormick takes a…”dip” in Jonathan Winters’ pool. PLUS: Vaughn Meader! Stump and Stumpy! Forrest Tucker introduces “the General”! And Ron creates Paul Lynde’s Uncle Arthur! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Keeping with the theme of this week's "Fun For All Ages" game show episode, GGACP revisits this 2017 conversation with "Match Game" writer Dick DeBartolo, who recalls his days as a staff writer-consultant for Goodman-Todson and crafting quips and questions for "Match Game," "Tattletales" and "What's My Line?" Also, the boys look back at some obscure (and largely forgotten) game and quiz shows, including "Don Adams' Screen Test," "The Fun Factory," "The Wizard of Odds" and "The Magnificent Marble Machine." PLUS: The rise and fall of Allan Sherman! Remembering Bobby Van! Sonny Fox hosts "The Movie Game"! And Jackie Gleason apologizes for "You're in the Picture"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of Mel Brooks' short-lived Robin Hood spoof "When Things Were Rotten," starring beloved character actors Dick Gautier and Bernie Kopell. Back in 2016, Bernie joined Gilbert and Frank to talk about that series, as well as his six decades in show business, working with legends Steve Allen, Jack Benny and Phil Silvers and his signature roles on "Get Smart" and "The Love Boat." Also, Charles Boyer apologizes, Raymond Burr takes a seat, Sid Caesar surrounds himself with comedy geniuses and Bernie "gifts" Harvey Korman with a bidet. PLUS: Jose' Jimenez! The world’s slowest agent! Louis Armstrong hails a cab! Jonathan Winters lays down the law! In praise of Dick Van Dyke (and Mary Tyler Moore)! And a surprise guest calls in to the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In connection with the latest "Fun For All Ages" disco episode, GGACP revisits this 2014 interview with the composer of the disco smash “It’s Raining Men,” musician, conductor and comedian (and friend of the podcast) Paul Shaffer. In this episode recorded in the New York Friars Club's Ed Sullivan Room, Paul talks about being influenced by '60s-era variety shows and working with icons James Brown, John Belushi, Sammy Davis, Jr., Brian Wilson AND the infamous Phil Spector. Also in this episode: Remembering Lou Jacobi! Rickie Layne and Velvel! And Paul shares the screen with Mickey Rooney! PLUS: Gilbert and Paul obsess over a Cindy Crawford-Valerie Bertinelli infomercial! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Frank sets the FFAA time machine back to the decadent and "dancetastic" 1970s as comedian-author Frank DeCaro ("Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under the Mirror Ball") and Grammy-nominated singer Cory Daye (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Kid Creole and the Coconuts) celebrate the songs, artists, movies, nightclubs and cultural impact of the disco era. In this episode: Dr. Buzzard meets James Bond, Ethel Merman records a camp classic, Frank weighs in on Disco Demolition Night and Cory recalls the heyday of the legendary Studio 54. PLUS: Mike Douglas! ABBA trading cards! The genius of Paul Jabara! "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party"! Frank interviews the Queen of Disco! And Cory hangs with RuPaul, Grace Jones and Cab Calloway! Subscribe now on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/ TuneIn http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP marks the recent 50th anniversary of ABC's "Welcome Back Kotter" (September 9, 1975) with this ENCORE of an 2020 interview with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and The Lovin’ Spoonful founder (and singer-composer of the "Welcome Back, Kotter" theme song!) John Sebastian. In this episode, John entertains Gilbert and Frank with anecdotes about Cass Elliott, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon and Jim Morrison and reveals the stories and inspirations behind hits like “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” and “Do You Believe in Magic?” Also, Groucho co-hosts “Music Scene,” Richard Pryor plays the Cafe Au Go Go, Art Garfunkel nails a Spoonful cover version and John remembers legendary bandmate Zal Yanovsky. PLUS: Vivian Vance! “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” John plays Woodstock! Boris Karloff plays Captain Hook! And Ed Sullivan introduces the “American Beatles”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In connection with this week's "Fun for All Ages" William Castle tribute, GGACP revisits this 2015 conversation about Castle's 1959 horror "classic" (and longtime Gilbert favorite) "The Tingler." Also in this episode: the sex lives of Batman villains! Vincent Price gives it his all! Roy Scheider replaces Richard Dreyfuss! And the return of Herve’ Villechaize! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
