Two Geeks and GIT

Episode 412: Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Watch the trailer!

Our pairing this time around is dedicated to actors who left us too soon, and whose promising careers never saw what should have been their end. First up, the actor who did few films but earned not one but two Academy Award nominations for those he did do. James Dean was a rising star on television and in the cinema, but his untimely death just four years after he began acting took him from the world. Directed by Nicholas Ray, 1955's "Rebel Without a Cause" was Dean's second-to-last film. In it, Dean stars as Jim Stark, the high-school-aged son of an immasculated father (Jim Backus) and a domineering and over-protective mother (Ann Doran). The Starks have moved to yet another new town in the hopes that Jim will finally fit in. Unfortunately, Jim makes enemies of the local gang, led by Buzz Gunderson (Corey Allen), after flirting with Buzz's girlfriend Judy (Natalie Wood). The local outcast, Plato Crawford (Sal Mineo) quickly becomes Jim's friend and admirer, and tries his best to watch Jim's back. As the story unfolds, Jim, Judy, and Plato become a trio of friends, but continue to run afoul of the gang after Gus is killed in a cliff-side "chickie run" results in Gus's car going over the cliff. The three eventually all run away from home together, taking shelter in an abandoned estate. Unfortunately, the gun Plato took from his house ends up causing tensions and violence to ratchet up, causing a tense standoff with the local police. Also starring Dennis Hopper and Edward Platt!

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Episode 411: An Office and a Gentleman (1982)

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Watch the trailer!

The second film in our dual-memorium pairing pays tribute to Louis Gossett Jr. in a film that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Taylor Hackford, 1982's "An Officer and a Gentleman" tells the story of Zack Mayo (Richard Gere), son of a rear admiral who never wanted to be a father. Mayo decides to enlist in the Naval Aviator program, ruled over by a tyrannical Drill Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Gossett Jr.). There he meets and befriends fellow candidate Sid Worley (David Keith), and the two of them meet Paula Pokrifki (Debra Winger) and Lynnette Pomeroy (Lisa Blount). Foley and Pomeroy, and Mayo and Pokrifki, begin a whirlwind romance, all the while trying to survive the training doled out by Foley. Throughout their 13 weeks, Mayo, Worley, and their fellow cadets experience every conceivable type of hardship and must overcome every obstacle thrown in their path, although Worley and Mayo have more to overcome than most. Ultimately, some fall by the wayside before graduation, and some relationships fail in the face of reality. Ultimately, those who deserve to continue along the path to becoming a pilot succeed, and some relationships stand the test as well. Also starring Robert Loggia and David Caruso! Plus, the trio unveil which two actors, whose lives were lost too soon, will be singled out in the next pairing!

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Episode 410: Raise the Titanic (1980)

Raise the Titanic (1980) Watch the trailer!

This pairing is a dual-memorium pairing for two wonderful actors we've lost recently. First up, we celebrate the life of noted character actor M. Emmet Walsh, who passed away on March 19th, 2024 at the age of 88. With over 230 films to his credit, we've already done a few he was part of. To pay tribute, we turn to one of Jeff's guilty pleasures, a film based on a book written before the location of the wreckage of a famous ship had been located. In 1980's "Raise the Titanic," directed by Jerry Jameson and based on a book by Clive Cussler written in 1978, the U.S. Government is developing missile shield technology, but it requires a material called byzanium. The only cache of byzanium known to exist shipped for the U.S. from London in 1912... on the RMS Titanic. The director of the National Underwater Marine Agency (N.U.M.A.), Admiral James Sandecker (Jason Robards) decides to send the agent, Dirk Pitt (Richard Jordan), to head up a search and recovery mission. Step 1: Locate where the Titanic actually sits on the bottom of the ocean. Once that is accomplished, it's determined that it's too deep to allow divers to enter the wreckage. The only alternative is: Raise the Titanic from the ocean floor and complete its voyage to New York. Unfortunately, the Russians learn of the operation and, given the missile defense would stop their missiles from ever reaching the U.S., they set about attempting to stop Pitt and his crew. Also starring Alec Guinness, M. Emmet Walsh, David Selby, Anne Archer, and Elya Baskin!

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Episode 409: Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home

Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home (1986) Watch the trailer!

The second film in our pairing of Star Trek movies brings us to 1986, and the fourth film in the franchise! Directed by Leonard Nimoy, this story begins with a strange probe entering Earth's orbit and creating world-wide cloud cover, thus blocking the solar power that provides all the energy for the planet. Only the crew of the Enterprise, including Captain Kirk (William Shatner), a newly-returned-to-live Spock (Nimoy), Dr. McCoy (DeForrest Kelley), Sulu (George Takei), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Chekov (Walter Koenig), and Mr. Scott (James Doohan), can save the Earth! Unfortunately, they no longer have the Enterprise (it was destroyed in Star Trek III), so they must take a stolen Romulan bird of prey back to the 20th century in search of humpback whales! Assisted by Dr. Gillian Taylor (Catherine Hicks), at least... once they convince her they're not crazy, the crew must navigate the strange cultures of the 1980s and both save the whales and themselves! Also starring Robin Curtis (who took over the role of Saavik from Kirstie Alley), Robert Ellenstein, Brock Peters, and Mark Lenard as Spock's father, Sarek (a role he played in the TV series as well)! Plus, the trio unveil which two recently-passed actors they'll be honoring in their next pairing!

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See what people are saying about the Two Geeks and a G.I.T. Podcast!

May 20th, 2024

"Love this pod, loved this episode. 2 film professors and their apprentice, I learn a lot every time.

Sal Mineo was the victim of a common hate crime back then. It should be mentioned that in the late sixties and 70's he was part of the gay liberation movement, it cost him jobs and eventually his life.

There ar many web pages that completely ignore this fact, it not true that he was just mugged and stabbed, my heart that is not stabbed tells me so, also it's documented in books and mentioned in some websites. The Hollywood reporter article called him a half assed actor, ICKY the hate continues, he was out in the 60's and it cost him gigs, that doesn't make him half assed.

such a sad story, but the truth should not be erased." -Dominic Nigro.

Nov 1st, 2023

"Because I was already in the middle of my self-created Shocktober Film Fest, which always ends on Halloween with ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, and I wanted to search for any podcasts which discussed it, I stumbled upon this podcast. I am impressed with both the general discussion and the knowledge of at least two of the three who teach a movie class, I think at a college. Love their choices, their coverage and their discussion. Have now already listened to at least 7 episodes (albeit at faster than normal speed), and it will be in my regular podcast rotation from now on." -shakurav1.

Mar 27th, 2023

"These guys are great to listen to. One of my favorite pods" -Ratpak2000.

Jan 11th, 2023

"Informative, interesting, and entertaining look at a lot of movies. All pods are free, unlike some reviewers out there. These reviewers have an education background and it shows in the way they express themselves, impart information about the movies as well as listen to each fellow host give their own opinions. Check out their expansive library of free film reviews, and film types paired together. Great takes on lots of genres. Thanks, guys!" -TheMatrix.

July 24th, 2021

"Just discovered. What a great movie podcast. I especially love the range of films covered. I discovered it by searching for a podcast episode talking about UHF of all movies. Any podcast that can cover comedies such as UHF, Summer School, and Spaceballs and then can just as well inform and entertain on films like City Lights, Stagecoach, and 12 Angry Men is a winner in my book. I still have many of your episodes to discover. Well done." -Mike C.

July 12th, 2021

"Had a listen, great episode guys. I am glad you like [1408] and picked it to cover as it doesnt really get talked about all that much in the sense of a must see Stephen King movie like The Shinning, Shawshank, Stand By Me etc

Without saying too much the window scene is also the one that got me good too, I love horror movies and while my wife hides behind her pillow or hits the roof with jump scares I seem motionless to most (The Ring and Jacob's Ladder aside), however this scene, first gave me shivers when he saw what he did followed instantly by a near heartache jump scare haha" -Bruce H.

June 14th, 2021

(Regarding the review of "The Shining") "Perfect" -Alton S.

Feb 18th, 2021

"As a former student of Jeff's, I was fascinated with his opionion on movies. I still have the first business card he handed me on the first day of class. Coming from three professors, I enjoy each [of] your well thought-out points of view. Not only am I learning something new about my favorite movies, but finding interests in new films. Keep up the great work geeks! (and G.I.T.)" -Joseph N.

July 16th, 2020

"Hi, I have been working through loads of classic films. Love the podcast. Would love to hear 12 Angry Men episode (my new fave classic film). Thanks" -Tom B.

Feb 18th, 2020

"Buddy does NOT talk too much. But Chad does! Just kidding - great show as always!" -Tim J.

November 4th, 2019

"Hey 3 x G's!
Love your podcast! And since you ask for suggestions about movies to be put on the show, I have to give my two cents, about some movies that I love, and would love hear your views on:

Tootsie (1982)
Amadeus (1984)
Pleasantville (1998)
Zathura - A Space Adventure

Thanks for all the reviews! 🙂" -Frederik T.

Sept 19th, 2019

"Hi guys, love the podcast. Have you thought about doing a podcast on PTA’s ‘Boogie Nights’. Maybe ‘There Will Be Blood’ too. Would love to hear your thoughts. Keep up the good work." -Steve M.