You're Missing Out

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Congressman Robert Mrazek, the man whose legislation led to the creation of the National Film Preservation Board. Without his efforts, the National Film Registry as we know it wouldn’t exist.Mrazek shares the inside story of how film preservation became a congressional priority, the cultural battles that shaped the legislation, and why preserving America’s cinematic heritage is a matter of national importance. From the first films selected to the political resistance he faced, this conversation is an essential companion to everything we cover on You’re Missing Out.If you’ve ever wondered how movies like Do the Right Thing, The Godfather, or Meshes of the Afternoon ended up in the National Film Registry, this is where it all started.Episode Notes:A conversation with Congressman Robert Mrazek, sponsor of the National Film Preservation Act of 1988Mrazek’s legislation created the National Film Preservation Board and the National Film RegistryDiscussion topics includ

“He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?” – Touch of Evil (1958)This week, we’re crossing into the shadowy borderlands of noir with special guest Ryan Luis Rodriguez to unpack Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil. From its legendary opening tracking shot to Welles’ haunting turn as the corrupt Hank Quinlan, the film stands as a dark, complex swan song to the classic noir era.Together, we explore the film’s bold visual language, its controversial casting choices, and the fascinating story behind the restored cut that finally honored Welles’ original vision. Touch of Evil isn’t just a masterwork of style—it’s a film that continues to challenge how we think about authority, morality, and the boundaries we draw. Episode Notes:Touch of Evil (1958) was directed by Orson Welles and stars Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Welles himselfSelected to the National Film Registry in 1993Famous for:A 3+ minute opening tracking shot widely regarded as one of the best in cinemaWelles’ portrayal of the

“’S Wonderful! ’S Marvelous!” – An American in Paris (1951)This week, we step into the dreamlike Technicolor world of An American in Paris with special guest Arlene Hellerman. A Publications Associate for Broadway Licensing Global, Arlene brings a multifaceted perspective shaped by a career spanning theatre, film, television, broadcast news, and print journalism.Together, we explore how Vincente Minnelli’s 1951 musical turned Gershwin’s music and Gene Kelly’s choreography into a lavish cinematic spectacle—culminating in one of the most ambitious ballet sequences in film history.An American in Paris (1951) was directed by Vincente Minnelli and stars Gene Kelly and Leslie CaronSelected to the National Film Registry in 1993Known for:Its 17-minute ballet finale inspired by French impressionist artA seamless blend of Gershwin’s music with vivid choreography and designWinning six Academy Awards, including Best PictureDiscussion topics include:The film’s legacy in shaping the movie musicalIts stylized depiction of p

Boop-Oop-a-Doop! In this special bonus episode, we present A Brief History of Betty Boop: From the Inkwell to the Musical. We begin with the story of Fleischer Studios—the groundbreaking animation house behind Betty Boop, Popeye, and Koko the Clown—and trace how their surreal, adult-oriented cartoons challenged the norms of early animation and stood in stark contrast to Disney’s wholesome image.In the second half, we turn our attention to Boop: The Musical, the new Broadway-bound show reimagining Betty for a modern audience. From pre-Code symbol to pop culture icon, we explore how Betty’s spirit survives onstage and what it means to bring her back in 2025. A bonus episode tracing Betty Boop’s evolution from 1930s animation to the Broadway stageFirst HalfThe founding and influence of Fleischer StudiosBetty Boop’s origins and status as a pre-Code symbolUse of rotoscoping, music, and surrealism in Fleischer cartoonsThe studio’s decline and its cultural afterlifeSecond HalfOverview of Boop: The Musical and its cr

“You are mine—body and soul!” – The Cheat (1915)This week, we’re traveling back to 1915 with returning guests Amanda Rush and Jae Kim for a deep dive into Cecil B. DeMille’s The Cheat. A landmark of early American cinema, The Cheat helped shape visual storytelling through its pioneering use of lighting, editing, and narrative tension. But alongside its technical innovation lies a deeply troubling legacy—particularly in its portrayal of race and power.Amanda and Jae help us unpack the film’s lasting influence, Sessue Hayakawa’s complex role in Hollywood history, and how The Cheat fits into the broader conversation about preserving films that reflect both the artistry and the prejudices of their time.• The Cheat (1915) was directed by Cecil B. DeMille and stars Fannie Ward and Sessue Hayakawa• Selected to the National Film Registry in 1993• Celebrated for its dramatic lighting, narrative structure, and early use of cross-cutting• Discussion topics include:• The visual legacy of The Cheat• Sessue Hayakawa’s brea

“Which one of you nuts has got any guts?” – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)This week, we check into the ward with special guest Ben Hosley, producer of Blank Check with Griffin and David, to take on Miloš Forman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. One of only three films to sweep the “Big Five” Oscars, this anti-establishment classic remains a cultural touchstone. We dive into Jack Nicholson’s electric performance, Louise Fletcher’s chilling turn as Nurse Ratched, and how the film captures the shifting American psyche of the 1970s.New audio episodes drop every Monday at 12am EST, with video premieres on YouTube the same day at 12pm EST. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

“We must be brave enough to look truth in the face.” – Where Are My Children? (1916)This week, we return to the public domain vault for a full-length commentary track on Where Are My Children?, the provocative 1916 silent drama from Lois Weber and Phillips Smalley. As one of the earliest American films to tackle topics like birth control, abortion, and eugenics, it remains a landmark of progressive intent and moral complexity—albeit through a lens that’s deeply of its time.Watch along with us as we break down the film’s bold messaging, cultural context, and the pioneering role of Lois Weber in early Hollywood. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

“And now, I shall entertain you!” – Magical Maestro (1952) Animation aficionado and producer Jordan Beck returns to the show to tackle Tex Avery’s Magical Maestro, one of the most frenetic and technically dazzling cartoons of the Golden Age. With its relentless visual gags and groundbreaking use of the “wipe” technique, this controversial short is both a masterclass in animation and a challenging relic of its time. Join us as Jordan helps us unpack the artistry and the baggage of this chaotic classic. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"You can't fool me! There ain't no Sanity Claus!" David Bluvband (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) returns to the show to discuss the Marx Brothers' first film for MGM, A Night at the Opera. We talk Otis B. Driftwood, Riccardo Barone, and the eternal Paramount vs. MGM debate. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"The star of "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK" and the director of "ALIEN" take you on a spectacular journey to the savage world of the year 2019!!" Phil Iscove (Sleepy Hollow, Podcast Like It's...) returns to the show for the fifth time to kick off Season 5 with a seismic sci-fi story whose history is as complex as the future it depicts: 1982's Blade Runner. We'll talk Ridley, Harrison, replicants, and all those different cuts. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

In this fifth edition of You're Missing Out's annual Oscar special, we're doing a two-parter, just like Wicked and Dune. Last episode, we talked through each of the 10 Best Picture nominees (Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Done Part 2, Emilia Perez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked). Now, in Part 2, we'll rank not just the Best Picture nominees, but every film in every category. Season 5 of You're Missing Out officially starts in two weeks! Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

In this fifth edition of You're Missing Out's annual Oscar special, we're doing a two-parter, just like Wicked and Dune! On this episode, we'll talk through each of the 10 Best Picture nominees (Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune Part 2, Emilia Perez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked). In Part 2, we rank not just the Best Picture nominees, but every film in every category. Season 5 of You're Missing Out officially starts in two weeks! Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

Another year, another batch of 25 (give or take) titles added to the National Film Registry, and another live reaction episode from You're Missing Out. As is tradition, hosts Mike Natale and Tom Lorenzo jumped on mic mere hours after the list was made public. Neither host knew what titles were inducted until producer Kyle kicked off a YouTube livestream at noon on 12/17 and read the list off one by one. There was excitement, confusion, and the constant question "Did any of the films we submitted get in?" Will the titles this year have us 'dirty dancing' or will all our hopes go 'up in smoke'? Find out in this special episode! Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

Mike, Tom, Kyle, and Amanda commemorate hitting 100 movies covered on the show, reflect on the fourth class of 25 films inducted into the registry, give out superlatives to the standout performances and craftspeople, reflect on their registry submissions, and look ahead to new adventures in Season 5. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"It Will Make You a Better Southerner"- tagline from the Birmingham Age-Herald in 1916 We've now hit 100 National Film Registry titles covered on this podcast, and for this milestone episode, we decided to tackle the National Film Registry inductee that has most ominously loomed above this show since we began: D.W. Griffith's vile, hateful, and unfortunately influential 1915 blockbuster The Birth of a Nation. Longtime friend of the show, and our resident "war movie" correspondent, Action for Everyone's VyceVictus, sat down with us for a wide-ranging discussion on this controversial title that's still being debated more than a century after its release. We'll take a look at the film's source material, talk about exactly why the National Film Registry chose to preserve this film, and the surprising Oscar-nominated director who led the charge for its induction. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"A story of the race with an ALL-COLORED CAST" For our penultimate episode of the season, we provide a feature-length commentary for Oscar Micheaux's landmark proto-race film Within Our Gates (1920). To watch the film along with us, head to our YouTube page. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"WHO WEARS THE PANTS?" Tired of episodes where Mike and Tom bicker like a couple? Great news, for Adam's Rib, Mike's real-life significant other, editor Bella Zaydenberg, returns to the show to discuss Adam's Rib. Which of course means, she'll try and inject some well-researched facts into the mix, while Mike and Tom continue to bicker like a couple. This time, they'll talk Tracy, Hepburn, who was right in the courtroom, and whether Kip is queer-coded or really trying to get into Katherine's signature slacks... Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"Bruce Baillie makes avant-garde films with the gifts of a painter and the objectives of a sign painter." This week, we sat down as just Tom and Mike to talk about Bruce Baillie's Castro Street. But more than that, we sat down to, in a sense, "How To Watch Experimental Films (If You Don't Like Experimental Films)". After Tom notably had no patience for Dog Star Man earlier this season, Mike was surprised to find Tom really resonated with this 10-minute avant-garde portrait of industrial California. So, if you've ever found yourself thinking experimental film is daunting, incomprehensible, or yes, even pretentious, Tom (who has thought all three at times) takes the lead on this episode to help make sense of Castro Street, and offer a pathway into the rich and diverse world of experimental cinema. Plus, we take a look at Baillie's other major work, All My Life (1966), to compare and contrast the two shorts. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"Let the old buzzard flap his wings right over me. Till he comes down and gets me, I got a lotta livin' to do." Our newest team member Amanda Rush joins us to talk about Otto Preminger's barrier-breaking Cinemascope musical Carmen Jones. We talk opera, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and a form of short film called "Soundies." Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale

"The only film to ever be blacklisted!" Kyle Lampar steps out of the producer role to join us for a conversation about HUAC, the Hollywood Ten, and the only film to ever be blacklisted, Salt of the Earth (1954). Since this unique film was made by creatives caught up in the Red Scare, we begin our episode with a quick history of the Hollywood Blacklist, before getting into the merits, and the flaws, of this landmark work of cinema. Follow the Show:TwitterInstagramWebsite Music by Mike Natale