Censorship almost destroyed 'Freaks' (1932)

Censorship almost destroyed 'Freaks' (1932)

Author: Greg Titian & Meredith Ambelang October 1, 2024 Duration: 54:07
In this conversation, Greg and Meredith discuss the film 'Freaks' (1932), exploring its significance in pre-code cinema, the impact of the Hays Code, and the themes of acceptance and identity. The discussion delves into the plot, character dynamics, and the use of real sideshow performers, highlighting the film's horror elements and its legacy as a cult classic. The conversation also touches on censorship, audience reactions, and the film's unique portrayal of marginalized individuals. 00:00 - Introduction to Freaks and Pre-Code Cinema 03:07 - The Context of Freaks and Its Director 05:47 - Understanding the Hays Code and Its Impact 09:05 - Plot Overview and Character Dynamics 11:47 - The Use of Real Sideshow Performers 15:02 - Themes of Acceptance and Identity 17:53 - The Horror Elements and Third Act 21:04 - Censorship and Audience Reactions 27:13 - Final Thoughts on Freaks and Its Legacy 32:15 - Alternate Endings 36:10 - Horror Movie or Cult Classic 43:20 - What's Coming Next 47:20 - Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midnight Local is where the formal workday ends and the real, rambling conversations begin. Hosts Greg Titian and Meredith Ambelang, the creative forces behind the YouTube series How to Drink, know all about crafting content within the confines of a studio. This podcast is what happens after the cameras stop rolling. It’s the unfiltered, often hilarious, and deeply nerdy dialogue that bubbles up when two people who live and breathe pop culture-specifically TV, film, and history-are finally off the clock. Imagine pausing a movie because a thought about a director’s earlier work, a historical inaccuracy, or a bizarre piece of trivia simply cannot wait for the credits. That’s the energy here. Each episode feels like eavesdropping on a late-night chat between friends who are equally passionate and knowledgeable, where the structure of a typical show is willingly abandoned for a more interesting detour. You’ll hear the tangents, the debates, and the unexpected connections between a classic film and a modern series, all fueled by years of working together in creative chaos. Tune into this podcast for a companionable dive into the stories behind the stories, where the analysis is as entertaining as the media itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 60

Midnight Local
Podcast Episodes
Frankenstein and the Hays Code [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:20
In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith delve into the fascinating world of pre-code cinema, the impact of the Hays Code, and a detailed analysis of the classic films Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride…
Why do I want to be liked by Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:25
In this episode, Greg and Meredith delve into the iconic film 'Silence of the Lambs,' exploring its box office success, character dynamics, and the performances of Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. They discuss the film'…
A spooky season must watch, Night of the Comet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
In this conversation, Greg and Meredith discuss the movie 'Night of the Comet' and explores the topic of spooky season movies. They mention other Halloween-themed movies that could be covered and discusses the slasher fi…
The midnight movie that inspired Beetlejuice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:44
In this conversation, Gregory and Meredith discuss the movies Beetlejuice and Forbidden Zone. They explore the connection between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton, the transgressive nature of Forbidden Zone, and the iconic mu…
The best movie of 1991? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:36
The Rocketeer is a 1991 film set in the late 1930s that follows the story of Cliff Seacord, a stunt pilot who becomes a superhero known as the Rocketeer. The movie was initially released as a Disney film but later change…
Flubber?! I hardly knew her! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:20
In this conversation, Greg and Meredith discuss the 1997 movie Flubber and its various aspects, the plot, the science behind Flubber, the characters, and the 'The Absent Minded Professor' of which it is a remake. They al…
'Dinosaurs' tried to warn us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:26
Greg and Meredith discuss the sitcom 'Dinosaurs' and explore various aspects of the show, including its production, themes, and characters. The hosts analyze the dark and satirical elements of the show, as well as its co…
The Xfiles, do you believe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
In this episode of Midnight Local, Greg and Meredith discuss the pilot episode of The X-Files. They talk about their personal experiences with the show, the dynamic between Mulder and Scully, and the cinematic quality of…
VEEP was right! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
In this episode of Midnight Local, Greg and Meredith discuss the TV show Veep and its parallels to real-world politics. They share their impressions of the show, including the shaky camera style and the unlikeable charac…