Sorry for the tardiness of this episode, but Robert is still in the Halloween spirit in November, so let's pull a Simpsons Treehouse of Horror-style delay and explore the classic adaptation of the Ray Bradbury novella, The Halloween Tree

Join Robert as he breaks down the 1993 special, how the story dwells in the true meaning of Halloween, how the special almost got made by Chuck Jones in the 1960s, how a Ray Bradbury superfan got it back on track and how Disneyland would eventully instal thier own Halloween tree.

Music by Purple Planet and Musicloops

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

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After a needed break, Robert finally returns with a look at the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland. Paul Frees, who played a lot of roles in Frosty the Snowman, was also a major voice at Disney, but many know him as the ghost host of the classic ride.

Join Robert as he dwells into the tomb of how the attraction came to be, how the attraction's story showcased a spirited atmosphere, how the other version differ, and he even goes into the adaptations of The Haunted Mansion. This includes the 2003, 2023, and the Muppets Haunted Mansion special from Disney+.

Music by Purple Planet and Musicloops

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post The Haunted Mansion Tribute: Paul Frees, The Attraction, and The Movies first appeared on Behind The Bells.

We're getting into the cooler months, which means snow should be coming soon. This means its time to talk Frosty the Snowman, a Rankin/Bass special that was nostalgic to Robert. It may be more geared to kids, but theres a lot of charm from the special.

Learn how songwriter Jack Rollins got his start in his forties in which he wrote a variety of songs including those for Lawrence Welk and Babe Ruth before he got into the holiday buisness. Also learn how Gene Autry repeated with Frosty the year after he sung Rudolph and how Jimmy Durante's style would suite him to put out his own cover of Frosty. 

Music credited to Purple Planet & Musicloops

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Frosty the Snowman Part 1: Thumpity Thump, An Aspiring Songwriter, Songs for Money and Smokey the Bear first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Now back after a needed hiatus, Robert went on a New Years Cruise for his honeymoon... realizing that it made sense for him to cover the Irwin Allen produced disaster movie, The Poseidon Adventure. Because the ugliest Christmas tree ends up saving lives, this counts as holiday-related. Of course, does this make it an "Almost Christmas" movie?

Along with looking into the history of disaster movies and how Irwin Allen found the story, Robert also goes into his Honeymoon, comparing how cruising has changed since 1972, when The Poseidon Adventure was released. 

Music credit goes to Purple Planet and Incompetech

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Be sure to check out this week's Podcast shoutout, Christmas Creeps

*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Almost Christmas: The Poseidon Adventure first appeared on Behind The Bells.

After celebrating a wonderful December with his new wife, Robert has an amazing gift for everyone: A top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies List. It's an episode in the making that was challenging, but he picked the ones embody the most Christmas spirit and connect to his nostalgic past. 

He'll go from a famliy of Santas to family men trying to give the best Christmas he can to a WWI Christmas truce to those that ask the question "Is there a Santa Claus?". Its time that Robert counts down his absolute favorites.

Music Credit to Purple Planet, Incompetech and Musicloops.

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies first appeared on Behind The Bells.

In honor of Christmas Podcast Day, Robert is stepping into the Delorean to take the time jump to 1991. He does a little deep dive into the Back to the Future animated series and the Christmas episode that was produced, "Dickens of a Christmas". While the Back to the Future trilogy is Robert's all time favorite set of movies, the animated series is a mixed bag... and Dickens of a Christmas is not a better one.

There's still a lot to take in from a story about Ebenezer Tannon getting a visit from a ghostly Marty on a hoverboard, Doc recusing his boys Jules and Verne from a Sykes-like figure, and taking the Delorean to Victorian England.

Robert also explores the cartoon's history and how the same team from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures were tasked with briging another time travel series to life.

Music Credit to Purple Planet, Incompetech and Musicloops.

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

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It took longer then he thought, but Robert's finally ready to dive back into the world of Elf. Along with continuing the adventures of the writer David Bernenbaum, he also goes into how Jon Favreau went from an actor to stepping behind the camera.

Learn how a lot of the script got changed, how Will Ferrell tried to make it racier, how they used a mental asylum to film a majority of the movie, how Jon fought to keep his movie family friendly and how it would bat out ofther family movies like the Looney Tunes and The Cat in the Hat. He also goes into why Elf has remained timeless.

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It took longer then he thought, but Robert's finally ready to dive back into the world of Elf. Along with continuing the adventures of the writer David Bernenbaum, he also goes into how Jon Favreau went from an actor to stepping behind the camera.

Learn how a lot of the script got changed, how Will Ferrell tried to make it racier, how they used a mental asylum to film a majority of the movie, how Jon fought to keep his movie family friendly and how it would bat out ofther family movies like the Looney Tunes and The Cat in the Hat. He also goes into why Elf has remained timeless.

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For Robert's first ever Almost Christmas special, he wanted to pay tribute to the late Paul Reubens by looking at his 80's classic, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. The goal is to take the one moment of Christmas the movie has and see whether it comes close as a Christmas movie. But he also looks at some of his facorite moments from the movie and tells his stories of visiting the locations. Some include the Cabazon Dinosaurs and the Alamo.

Robert also looks into Paul Reubens background, he he created Pee-Wee Herman and how the movie came to be.

Music credit goes to Purple Planet, Musicloops and Gumroad

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Be sure to check out this weeks Podcast Shoutout, Lit for Christmas

*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Almost Christmas: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure first appeared on Behind The Bells.

For Robert's first ever Almost Christmas special, he wanted to pay tribute to the late Paul Reubens by looking at his 80's classic, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. The goal is to take the one moment of Christmas the movie has and see whether it comes close as a Christmas movie. But he also looks at some of his facorite moments from the movie and tells his stories of visiting the locations. Some include the Cabazon Dinosaurs and the Alamo.

Robert also looks into Paul Reubens background, he he created Pee-Wee Herman and how the movie came to be.

Music credit goes to Purple Planet, Musicloops and Gumroad

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Be sure to check out this weeks Podcast Shoutout, Lit for Christmas

*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Almost Christmas: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure first appeared on Behind The Bells.

It's Christmas in July... in August. Better later then never, but Robert wanted to address some of his future plans for new segements including "Almost Christmas" and "Christmas WHAT!?" while saying that Elf Part 2 will be coming

Robert also wanted to give you some of his favorite Christmas movies that can be watched in Summer. He's got some blockbusters in store that may involve Batman, some gremlins, detectives, someone with Scissors and an Ice Cream Bunny. If you need to get cool... jump in the pool. But if you still wanna cool down more, watch some of these Christmas movies.

Music credit goes to Purple Planet, Musicloops and GumRoad

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Be sure to check out this weeks Podcast Shoutout, Totally Rad Christmas!

*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

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Continuing with the look into Elf, Robert's joined by Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter to talk about the movie... along with some other Christmas movies... along with some other traditions related to Christmas... and having a more laidback conversation.

The two os us talk about some of our favorite moments, how the third act is still the most random part of the movie and how much Elf has become both of our personal favorites. We also look into our personal favorite elves, some of our other Christmas classics and why the movie has had the impact it does with the public. Does Elf already have the same cult status as A Christmas Story or has it passed beyond that? Find out before Robert returns with the 2nd part of the Elf deep dive

Music credited to Purple Planet, Musicloops

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Be sure to check out Christmas Clatter and all the fun that Todd puts out

Christmas Clatter

*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

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Robert is back after a brief hiatus to explore the first major Christmas classic of the new millennium, Elf. Even though he’s gone back and forth on it, Robert does consider Elf a great Christmas movie which works thanks to Will Ferrell’s talent.

Learn about how writer David Berenbaum was a movie obsessed Jewish child who also happened to love Christmas movies, how his brother Michael would work with Coppola and the Coen Brothers, how David’s loneliness in LA inspired him to write Elf and how the script nearly became both Jim Carey and Chris Farley vehicles.

Music credited to Purple Planet, Musicloops

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Elf Part 1: Spaghetti Candy, Big Meets Ten Commandments, A Jewish Lover of Christmas and Nearly Chris Farley first appeared on Behind The Bells.

In anticipation for my next deep dive, Robert looks at his personal favorite Christmas elves in various movies and TV specials. While there are plenty of the traditional ones that live at the North Pole and make toys, some of the choices will branch outside the box.

We've got techno-savy elves, spy-elves, space alien elves, scary elves and even one set of non-elves. Its an elfing list galore!

Music credit goes to Purple Planet, Music Loops, Jungle Punks, GumRoad and Keys of Moon

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*Podcast is for educational purpose only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.*

The post Top 10 Christmas Elves first appeared on Behind The Bells.

A new year means a new season of Behind the Bells. Today we're collaborating with Gerry from the Totally Rad Christmas! podcast to talk about last years suprise Christmas hit, Violent Night. 

The two of us podcasters talk about the movie thats part Die Hard, part The Santa Clause, part Bad Santa and even a little bit part The Ref, as Stranger Thing's Dave Harbour as Santa has to fend off theives as run by John Leguizamo and save Christmas. We really liked the movie and have a lot of fun talking about our favorite moments, favorite kills, speculate on who could play Mrs. Claus, and we even spitball our own casting had Violent Night been made in the 80s.

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The post Violent Night Featuring Totally Rad Christmas! first appeared on Behind The Bells.

On our newest cozy fire chat, we've got our first guest from the North Pole. We have Santa's Poet Amy who took time out of her busy schedule to have some fun with Robert. Sit an enjoy as the two talk about Christmas movies, their favorite portrayls of Santa, and of course, get to know Amy. Check out how she became a poet, how the North Pole became her calling and get challenged by Robert to some creative improv poems based on random Christmas topics. 

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The post Cozy Fire Chat: Santa’s Poet Amy first appeared on Behind The Bells.

On our newest cozy fire chat, we've got our first guest from the North Pole. We have Santa's Poet Amy who took time out of her busy schedule to have some fun with Robert. Sit an enjoy as the two talk about Christmas movies, their favorite portrayls of Santa, and of course, get to know Amy. Check out how she became a poet, how the North Pole became her calling and get challenged by Robert to some creative improv poems based on random Christmas topics. 

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The post Cozy Fire Chat: Santa's Poet Amy first appeared on Behind The Bells.

The holidays are upon us! And what a better way then finish our dive into Miracle on 34th Street. Now it's time to see how Fox managed to get Macys and Gimbels to agree to use their names for the movie. Learn how the movie's filming of the annual Thanksgiving parade would be the first time a lot of people around the world would see it.

Also learn how Maureen O'Hara was forced by contract to do Miracle, how Natalie Wood was already a pro actress at age 8 and Edmund Gwen was so perfect for the part that many of the children actors believed he was Santa. We also look into how Fox insisted on a Summer release... and it's strategy would make it a bit hit.

Music credited to Purple Planet, Musicloops.com

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The post Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Part 2: Getting Macy’s to Agree, Filming the Parade and Store, a Christmas Film in Summer and Santa Wins an Oscar first appeared on Behind The Bells.

The holidays are upon us! And what a better way then finish our dive into Miracle on 34th Street. Now it's time to see how Fox managed to get Macys and Gimbels to agree to use their names for the movie. Learn how the movie's filming of the annual Thanksgiving parade would be the first time a lot of people around the world would see it.

Also learn how Maureen O'Hara was forced by contract to do Miracle, how Natalie Wood was already a pro actress at age 8 and Edmund Gwen was so perfect for the part that many of the children actors believed he was Santa. We also look into how Fox insisted on a Summer release... and it's strategy would make it a bit hit.

Music credited to Purple Planet, Musicloops.com

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The post Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Part 2: Getting Macy's to Agree, Filming the Parade and Store, a Christmas Film in Summer and Santa Wins an Oscar first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Happy Halloween... a day late and a Happy Christmas Podcasting Day!

Today I'd thought I try something new and currate a different kind of list for some Halloween fun. I decided to look into the past and bring up some new songs for the season. So don't expect your Thrillers, Twilight Zone theme, Monster Mashes or whatever.

Today were going from the Halloween series to Scooby Doo to the Muppets and even into the Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.

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The post 10 Overlooked Nostalgic Halloween Songs first appeared on Behind The Bells.

I'm back! And I've got an episode that demands the answer to the philosophical question; What is Santa Claus? The original Miracle on 34th Street holds up as a classic for a reason and answers this question.

Learn as I go into my personal definition of Faith, Talk about the guy who came up with the idea, Valentine Davies, How he achieved his dream as a playwright, and how his college acting buddy, George Seaton went from voicing the Lone Ranger to working with the Marx Brothers and getting his break with "The Song of Bernadette"

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The post Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Part 1: What is Santa, The Faith of Kindness, Valentine Davies and The Lone Ranger Becomes a Writer first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Our next deep dive will cover the classic Miracle on 34th Street from 1947. But before we do, I thought it would be fun to try something new. This is the first cozy fire chat episode in which I'll be discussing the film with fellow podcasters and special guests. We give our thoughts, opinions, favorite, least favorite moments, quotes and whatever comes to mind. It's looser and more free form, though we'll return to our regular format next episode.

Consider listening to these other great podcasts (and of course, I  have to thank Gerry, Scott and Matt for taking the time to join me)

Totally Rad Christmas!

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Totally Rad Christmas Facebook

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Holly Jolly X'Masu

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North Pole Radio

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And don't forget to follow our social media pages

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The post Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Cozy Fire Chat: Gerry from Totally Rad Christmas, Scott from Holly Jolly X’Masu, & Matt from North Pole Radio first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Our next deep dive will cover the classic Miracle on 34th Street from 1947. But before we do, I thought it would be fun to try something new. This is the first cozy fire chat episode in which I'll be discussing the film with fellow podcasters and special guests. We give our thoughts, opinions, favorite, least favorite moments, quotes and whatever comes to mind. It's looser and more free form, though we'll return to our regular format next episode.

Consider listening to these other great podcasts (and of course, I  have to thank Gerry, Scott and Matt for taking the time to join me)

Totally Rad Christmas!

Apple Podcasts Link

Totally Rad Christmas Facebook

Totally Rad Christmas Instagram

Holly Jolly X'Masu

Apple Podcasts Link

Holly Jolly Xmasu Instagram

North Pole Radio

Apple Podcasts Link

And don't forget to follow our social media pages

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The post Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Cozy Fire Chat: Gerry from Totally Rad Christmas, Scott from Holly Jolly X'Masu, & Matt from North Pole Radio first appeared on Behind The Bells.

From the creators of Rugrats comes one show that pushed the furthest it could go with its dark imagry and groosout gags. Aaahh!! Real Monsters is an okay show with a less then steller Christmas in July Episode.

Regardless, let's see how the husband/wife team from Klaskey/Csupo and a Soviet born animator teamed to create a series that blended the style of Yellow Submarine with a film noir.

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The post Aaahh!!! Real Monsters: Gone Shopping first appeared on Behind The Bells.

With the Superman series flatening, the Salkinds decide to produce the first major live action Santa Claus movie.

Learn how Dudley Moore would become the star... despite not playing Santa and how his spirits were down once he was seeing what he was making. Also, hear how even with an expensive marketing campaign, this bomb ended the short Hollywood careers of the Salkinds.

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The post Santa Claus the Movie: Part 2: Salkinds Santa, Dudley Moore, Mcdonalds Toys and the Downfall first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Now we're touching upon one of my favortie 90's cartoons! Let's talk about how Rocko's Modern Life perfectly blended animated surrealism and relatable scenarios to make the perfect Nicktoon. Oh and it's Christmas episode is also a nice result. 

Learn how Joe Murray, an aspiring animator got into making a Nicktoon and how much of the crew would move on to creating Spongebob, the spirital successor to Rocko. 

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The post Rocko’s Modern Life: Rocko’s Modern Christmas first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Now we're touching upon one of my favortie 90's cartoons! Let's talk about how Rocko's Modern Life perfectly blended animated surrealism and relatable scenarios to make the perfect Nicktoon. Oh and it's Christmas episode is also a nice result. 

Learn how Joe Murray, an aspiring animator got into making a Nicktoon and how much of the crew would move on to creating Spongebob, the spirital successor to Rocko. 

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The post Rocko's Modern Life: Rocko's Modern Christmas first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Santa Claus the Movie is what you'd call an 80's cult classic. It's a Christmas movie that most people don't like, but I find it a major guilty pleasure.

Learn why I defend this movie, along with going into the history of the Salkind family, which involves Greta Garbo, a Japanese monster movie, the Three Musketeers and how the production of Superman would set in many of the ideas that would be reused on Santa Claus the Movie.

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The post Santa Claus The Movie Part 1: A Very 80’s Santa, History of the Salkinds, a Father/Son Rise and Superman’s Success first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Santa Claus the Movie is what you'd call an 80's cult classic. It's a Christmas movie that most people don't like, but I find it a major guilty pleasure.

Learn why I defend this movie, along with going into the history of the Salkind family, which involves Greta Garbo, a Japanese monster movie, the Three Musketeers and how the production of Superman would set in many of the ideas that would be reused on Santa Claus the Movie.

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The post Santa Claus The Movie Part 1: A Very 80's Santa, History of the Salkinds, a Father/Son Rise and Superman's Success first appeared on Behind The Bells.

For more information on Natalie Bickel and her writing, visit her webpage and social media pages,

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The post Robert’s Christmas Interviews: Natalie Bickel first appeared on Behind The Bells.

For more information on Natalie Bickel and her writing, visit her webpage and social media pages,

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The post Robert's Christmas Interviews: Natalie Bickel first appeared on Behind The Bells.

We've done some safe family shows from Nickelodeon... how about something more edgy? It's time to talk about the insanity that is Ren and Stimpy. We'll be looking into two episodes that were made during... different managements.

And yes, we do talk about the controversey with it's creator John Kricfalusi, so just a trigger warning

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The post Ren and Stimpy: Son of Stimpy and A Scooter for Yaksmas first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Continuing into doing some editorial episodes on Nickelodeon Christmas specials, it's time to look at the channels... former number one hit, Rugrats. One was made at the begining of the series and the other towards the end.

Oh, and we'll also look at the All Grown Up special because... I'll probably never get another chance to talk about it.

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The post Rugrats & All Grown Up: The Santa Experience, Babies in Toyland and The Finster That Stole Christmas first appeared on Behind The Bells.

It turns out that Michael Dougherty had wanted to do a scary Christmas movie for a while. Let's see how his research in Halloween's Pagen origins lead him to learn more about Krampus

Learn about how Krampus shot in the same studios as Lord of the Rings, how they pulled off ALL the scenes in studio and why even competing with Star Wars didn't detract it from being a hit!

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The post Krampus Part 2: Santa Claws, Christmas Movie Inspiration, Shooting in New Zealand and Competing with Star Wars first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Today we've got a special treat! Joining me are Anthony from Tis the Podcast, C.J. from Christmas Conversations and Manny from Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad as we talk about the recent sequel/reboot Home Sweet Home Alone. None of us had much nice to say, so we have some fun as we rant and even talk about other Christmas movies. 

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Be sure to check out the other podcasters as well!

Tis the Podcast

Christmas Conversations

Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad

The post Home Sweet Home Alone, Featuring Tis the Podcast, Christmas Conversations, & Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad first appeared on Behind The Bells.

In our first editorial episode, rather then doing a deep dive, we'll be looking into my general thoughts and opinions on whatever I want. Today I'd thought we'd start with a nostalgic classic, Doug. Both the Nickelodeon and the Disney versions had their own Christmas specials, one better then the other. It's not what you'd think.

One's a total downer and the other is... certainly better.

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The post Doug: Doug’s Christmas Story (Nickelodeon) & Doug’s Secret Christmas (Disney) first appeared on Behind The Bells.

In our first editorial episode, rather then doing a deep dive, we'll be looking into my general thoughts and opinions on whatever I want. Today I'd thought we'd start with a nostalgic classic, Doug. Both the Nickelodeon and the Disney versions had their own Christmas specials, one better then the other. It's not what you'd think.

One's a total downer and the other is... certainly better.

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The post Doug: Doug's Christmas Story (Nickelodeon) & Doug's Secret Christmas (Disney) first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Ed is also the first to be subjected to the Behind the Bells Infamous Christmas Survey. 40 Holiday questions that go from the classic to the modern to the absolute weird of Christmas. It's nearly 2 1/2 hours of Christmas chatter and fun!

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The post Robert’s Christmas Interviews: Ed Daly first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Ed is also the first to be subjected to the Behind the Bells Infamous Christmas Survey. 40 Holiday questions that go from the classic to the modern to the absolute weird of Christmas. It's nearly 2 1/2 hours of Christmas chatter and fun!

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The post Robert's Christmas Interviews: Ed Daly first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Happy Halloween!!

Before we go into the movie, learn of Krampus' origin in Alpine Pagan Winter Traditions, how Christmas Cards gave him expansion, how the Austrian political climate may have stoped any further attention and how the Internet may have brought him to the public eye. 

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The post Krampus Part 1: Christmas Monsters, Shadow of St. Nicholas, Orgins of Krampus and Rise on the Internet first appeared on Behind The Bells.

We get to the point where Arthur Rankin Jr. and songwriter Johnny Marks meet to discuss turning the classic song into an animated TV special. Time to learn how General Electric paid for the entire budget, which meant the elves were now selling electric blankets and can openers.

Learn how the animating team in Japan took a lot of care in their detail to build the 22 sets and characters over the 18 month filming. Also learn how Burl Ives ended up the only actor to earn any residuals from the special.

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The post Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Part 2: Beginning of Rankin Bass, Expanding the Song, Japanese Puppeteering, and TV Airing first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Time to dive into the stop motion world of Rankin/Bass! Before we get into the special itself, it's important to go into the history of the story and song...which explains why we never see Rudolph in Santa's gang even though he's famous

Learn how the story writer was a copywriter who came up with the idea just for a promotional giveaway, how the songwriter served his country before coming up with the song and how they convinced a reluctant Gene Autry into singing the first hit of the 50s.

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The post Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Part 1: Stop Motion Animation, From a Department Store to the North Pole, Nazi-Hunting Songwriter and a Singing Cowboy first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Film Producer Jerry Bruckheimer was about to come on because of...NASCAR. Denis Leary wanted to go from a risqué standup comic to actor and MTV commercial director Ted Demme was ready to break into movies

Learn how all these people got together, how the film's ending would have dramatically changed the entire movie and why a crowded season of comedies may have forced The Ref out of the 1993 holiday season.

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The post The Ref Part 2: Jerry Bruckheimer, From an A$$H0!E to Actor, Alternate Ending and Almost Cult Status first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Writer Richard Lagravenense, who was raised in New York, wanted to be a playwright like Neil Simon or Eugune O' Neil. It just so happened that he also loved movies with sharp dialogue and great jokes.

Learn how he scored his first hit with The Fisher King (which was also his first script ever written on his own), How his personal families Christmases gave him and his sister-in-law the idea and why he left Disney after too much executive meddling.

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The post The Ref Part 1: Christmas…in March, Richard Lagravenese, The Fisher King, and a 20 Minute Pitch first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Burny not only gathered his best crew, he assigned people to whichever character they wanted. So why did Disney not want them to hire back the original voice of Donald Duck?

Learn about how characters from Pinocchio and Sword in the Stone were replaced, how they almost made the short into feature length and how the short (and it's movie's it related with) got competition from...The Smurfs.

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The post Mickey’s Christmas Carol Part 2: Team of Animators, Getting Donald Back, Beating the Smurfs and TV Airings first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Burny not only gathered his best crew, he assigned people to whichever character they wanted. So why did Disney not want them to hire back the original voice of Donald Duck?

Learn about how characters from Pinocchio and Sword in the Stone were replaced, how they almost made the short into feature length and how the short (and it's movie's it related with) got competition from...The Smurfs.

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The post Mickey's Christmas Carol Part 2: Team of Animators, Getting Donald Back, Beating the Smurfs and TV Airings first appeared on Behind The Bells.

At a point when Disney was putting out fewer animated projects, a young animator Burny Mattinson pitched a retelling of a Christmas Carol with Mickey and the gang. It was the first new Mickey cartoon in over 30 years.

Learn about why Disney's Animation output had declined. Learn how a young man started from the mail room all the way to working with the 9 Old Men. Also see how Alan Young would introduce Scrooge McDuck to more people

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The post Mickey’s Christmas Carol Part 1: Decline of Animation, Burny Mattinson’s Rise and the Return of Mickey first appeared on Behind The Bells.

At a point when Disney was putting out fewer animated projects, a young animator Burny Mattinson pitched a retelling of a Christmas Carol with Mickey and the gang. It was the first new Mickey cartoon in over 30 years.

Learn about why Disney's Animation output had declined. Learn how a young man started from the mail room all the way to working with the 9 Old Men. Also see how Alan Young would introduce Scrooge McDuck to more people

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The post Mickey's Christmas Carol Part 1: Decline of Animation, Burny Mattinson's Rise and the Return of Mickey first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Irving Berlin was now ready to work with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire to bring his story of a hotel only open on holidays to life. But there was concern to see how well their personalities would work together. They still had to find their unknown to play Linda as well.

Even with the production going well, Pearl Harbor would happen. Learn what they changed about one of their songs. Also learn how White Christmas would become famous on the battlefield. Also, we'll dive into the controversial blackface sequence that may the reason not many people talk about Holiday Inn any more

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The post Holiday Inn Part 2: Bing and Fred Together, Pearl Harbor, Fireworks and Controversial Lincoln first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Irving Berlin went from being the youngest of eight children to an immediate hit songwriter whose song "Blue Skies" would be one of the first pieces of music on film. But he would end up away from his family a lot and yearned to be back in New York celebrating any holiday.

Learn how his consistent work would inspire him to write White Christmas. Also see how Bing Crosby, who was dominating the radio scene, would be selected to debut White Christmas and set up the negotiation for Holiday Inn. 

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The post Holiday Inn Part 1: Irving Berlin’s Success, Birth of White Christmas, and Bing Crosby, the First Multimedia Star first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Irving Berlin went from being the youngest of eight children to an immediate hit songwriter whose song "Blue Skies" would be one of the first pieces of music on film. But he would end up away from his family a lot and yearned to be back in New York celebrating any holiday.

Learn how his consistent work would inspire him to write White Christmas. Also see how Bing Crosby, who was dominating the radio scene, would be selected to debut White Christmas and set up the negotiation for Holiday Inn. 

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The post Holiday Inn Part 1: Irving Berlin's Success, Birth of White Christmas, and Bing Crosby, the First Multimedia Star first appeared on Behind The Bells.

At the start of production in Winnetka, Illinois, Home Alone seemed to have things ready to go with the entire production being done in a gym. But Daniel Stern would be fired early to be replaced by a Matlock actor. Also learn how Warners got mad that Home Alone would end up costing more then the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. 

Also hear about how Joe Pesci took inspiration from the Looney Tunes, how they got lucky with getting John Williams as a composer and why the film was in theaters all the way till June of the next year. 

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The post Home Alone Part 2: Daniel Stern Fired, Production Shut Down, Joe Pesci’s Swear Jar and getting John Williams first appeared on Behind The Bells.

At the start of production in Winnetka, Illinois, Home Alone seemed to have things ready to go with the entire production being done in a gym. But Daniel Stern would be fired early to be replaced by a Matlock actor. Also learn how Warners got mad that Home Alone would end up costing more then the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. 

Also hear about how Joe Pesci took inspiration from the Looney Tunes, how they got lucky with getting John Williams as a composer and why the film was in theaters all the way till June of the next year. 

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The post Home Alone Part 2: Daniel Stern Fired, Production Shut Down, Joe Pesci's Swear Jar and getting John Williams first appeared on Behind The Bells.

John Hughes was in a point in his career where he would exit directing to focus on writing and producing. Though Uncle Buck would provide some help, it was actually a vacation where John got the idea. Learn how he wrote his script...almost as close as the film would come out.

Also learn how Chris Columbus would get the directing job even after a major flop. Oh, and how certain roles almost went to Jon Lovitz, Kelsey Grammar and even Chris Farley. Yep, THAT Chris Farley.

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The post Home Alone Part 1: John Hughes, Script, Hiring Chris Columbus, and Casting a Culkin first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Despite the casting of Robert Downey Jr. (the studio had hoped to cast Johnny Knoxville instead) and Val Kilmer, the movie would start off a good luck charm that would lead to an easy shoot, even if it was Shane Black's directorial debut.

Time to see what kind of preparation the crew went on to make Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a lot like a noir movie from the 60's. See how despite good critical reviews and a good festival debut, just how stupid it's release was, forcing a failure when there shouldn't have been.

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The post Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Part 2: Casting, Shooting, and a Botched Release first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Time to go into detail of one of my favorite cult Christmas movies, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. See how despite having a good track record, Shane Black's ego is lowered with the failure of The Long Kiss Goodnight and why he turned to his pulp detective stories.

See how Kiss Kiss Bang Bang initially started as a romantic comedy...because James L. Brooks thought it would make his comeback. Also see how an old friend got his movie going at Warner Brothers.

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The post Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Part 1: Shane Black’s Failures, Pulp Detective Novels & a Romance Comedy first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Time to go into detail of one of my favorite cult Christmas movies, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. See how despite having a good track record, Shane Black's ego is lowered with the failure of The Long Kiss Goodnight and why he turned to his pulp detective stories.

See how Kiss Kiss Bang Bang initially started as a romantic comedy...because James L. Brooks thought it would make his comeback. Also see how an old friend got his movie going at Warner Brothers.

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The post Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Part 1: Shane Black's Failures, Pulp Detective Novels & a Romance Comedy first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Ernest Goes to Camp would prove to be a larger hit then Disney anticipated. The sequel would get a larger budget and a new location.

See how the first major production in Orlando went, how Ernest became close to becoming Santa, how reindeer forced a changed in filming, and how did became a bigger hit.

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The post Ernest Saves Christmas Part 2: Going to Camp, Disney and Christmas Production first appeared on Behind The Bells.

In order to talk about Ernest Saves Christmas, I felt it was important to discuss Jim Varney's background, how he started to do commercials, how Ernest got his start, and why he got popular.

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And believe it or not, Disney got on board after discovering Ernest was more popular then the governor of Indiana and even Mickey Mouse. Let's go for a ride!

The post Ernest Saves Christmas Part 1: Birth of Ernest, First Commercials and Signing with Disney first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Richard Donner is ready to go. Bill Murray is ready to go. The script is ready to go. What could go wrong?...Let's see, a lot of on set fighting, injuries, an ending a writer hated and critical reviews that might have not understood it yet. 

The second half of the Scrooged story has a lot to uncover. So let's go for a ride!

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The post Scrooged Part 2: Shooting, Post & Release first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Today we discover that Scrooged was the product of a script by an experimental comedian and a Playboy journalist. We also find out that Bill Murray was nervous to take on the role after a 4 year break and how Richard Donner decided to take on his first comedy

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The post Scrooged Part 1: Writers, Script, Bill Murray and Richard Donner first appeared on Behind The Bells.

The shooting in Canada wasn't only warmer then expected, but Tim Allen discovers being in a fat suit in the middle of summer isn't  as pleasant as it sounds.

Plus, what did Michael Eisner want cut out of the movie? How did it fare at a crowded box office...against 3 other family movies?

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The post The Santa Clause Part 2: Shooting, Post, & Release first appeared on Behind The Bells.

The post Behind the Bells Podcast Trailer first appeared on Behind The Bells.

Come join our holiday movie expert Robert Nicholas as he dwells into the history of Tim Allen's original Disney Christmas movie, The Santa Clause.

Learn about how two comics originally wanted Santa to be killed by a shotgun or how Tim Allen's connection to Jeffrey Katzenberg got the movie fast tracked at Disney. There's plenty to unravel.

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The post The Santa Clause Part 1: Story, Script, Casting & Preproduction first appeared on Behind The Bells.