Step onto the battlefield for one of the most powerful and critically acclaimed films of the 1980s. This week on the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, host Tim Williams is joined by guest co-host Laramy Wells to honor the 1989 cinematic masterpiece, Glory.

Together, they examine the harrowing and heroic true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the very first African-American units to fight for the Union during the American Civil War. From the breathtaking cinematography to the powerhouse performances that defined a generation of actors, Tim and Laramy break down why this movie remains an essential watch.

In this episode, we march into:

• 🎬 First Impressions: Our hosts share their initial memories of seeing the film and how their perspectives have changed over the decades.

• 📜 History vs. Hollywood: We explore the historical context of the Civil War era and discuss the film's dedication to historical accuracy.

• ⭐️ A Legendary Cast: Discussing the incredible impact of Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Denzel Washington's unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance.

• 🎥 Iconic Moments: A breakdown of the film’s most emotional and powerful scenes, from the campfire prayers to the devastating charge on Fort Wagner.

• 💡 Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Production secrets, casting choices, and facts you might not know about the making of the movie.

• ⏪ The Nostalgia Meter: How does Glory hold up today in terms of rewatchability, and where does it rank in the pantheon of 80s cinema?

Join us for a profound look back at a film that beautifully captures the courage, sacrifice, and soul of the 54th Regiment.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• For the finale at Fort Wagner, the production painstakingly recreated the stake-filled moats and ramparts of the actual fort. While the real charge happened under the cover of night—rather than at sunset—the details of Shaw’s premonition of death and his decision to send away his horse are historically documented.
• Matthew Broderick claimed that the battle scenes didn't require much acting because he was genuinely afraid of the extremely loud explosions on-set.
• Morgan Freeman, drawing from his experience in the Air Force, explained how relationships within the unit were formed. He asserted that while no one becomes fast friends during training, partnerships are established based on individual strengths.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB

https://ew.com/movies/2019/07/19/glory-director-ed-zwick-explains-avoid-white-savior-narrative/

https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/glory-and-the-legacy-of-the-most-graceful-civil-war-movie/

https://warmoviebuff.blogspot.com/2013/11/10-glory-1989.html

https://www.journalofthecivilwarera.org/2019/12/poetry-not-yet-written-revisiting-glory-thirty-years-later/

https://themagnificent60s.com/2024/08/05/behind-the-scenes-glory-1989/

Some sections were composed by Gemini (AI)

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Start spreading the news... Jason is leaving Crystal Lake today!

In this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast, Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Charlie Cotter, Nicholas Pepin, and Laramy Wells punch their tickets for the SS Lazarus to discuss the eighth installment of the legendary slasher franchise: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan.

It’s the movie that promised the Big Apple but mostly delivered a big boat. They dive deep into the murky waters of this 1989 sequel to discuss the bizarre plot holes, the confusing geography, and the sheer absurdity of Jason Voorhees stalking Times Square.

In this episode, they unpack:

• 🚢 The "Manhattan" Myth: Discussing the infamous decision to set most of the film on a cruise ship (and Vancouver).

• 💀 The Kills: From the "boxing match" to the toxic waste dip—they rank the unique death sequences.

• 🎭 Jason's Evolution: How the character changed by the end of the 80s and the performance behind the mask.

• 📉 The Franchise Fatigue: A look at the box office numbers and why this film put the series on hiatus.

• 🎬 Trivia & Plot Holes: The teleporting Jason, the inexplicable toxic waste in the sewers, and more behind-the-scenes facts.

Is this the film that jumped the shark, or is it a misunderstood campy classic? Grab your hockey mask and join the debate!

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

In the original script, when Jason arrives at the dock, a dog begins barking at him, prompting him to kick it. However, Kane Hodder, who portrayed Jason, felt that kicking the dog was excessive, leading to the scene being removed from the final cut.

In the rooftop scene where Julius punches Jason, Kane Hodder, a renowned stuntman, instructed actor V.C. Dupree to deliver a powerful blow. Hodder aimed to ensure the punches appeared authentic. By the time they reached the iconic “knockout” shot, Dupree was so exhausted that the expression of defeat on his face was entirely genuine.

In an interview with Fangoria Magazine (August 1989), Kane Hodder revealed that the vomiting scene in the final act was not a special effect. Instead, it was a real occurrence, as Hodder had consumed several pitchers of water beforehand.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.

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How did a low-budget comedy about inept cadets spawn a massive franchise? In this episode of 80s Flick Flashback, Tim Williams is joined by Chad Sheppard, Laramy Wells, and Robby Retro to crack the case on Police Academy.

We dive deep into the precinct to explore:

• The Origin Story: First impressions and personal connections to the franchise.

• Casting Magic: How the ensemble cast—from Steve Guttenberg to the iconic "Sound Effects Guy"—was assembled.

• Character Deep Dive: A spotlight on the legendary performances that defined the decade.

• The Verdict: We rate the rewatchability and discuss where Police Academy ranks in our nostalgia for 80s cinema.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Mahoney or just love classic movie trivia, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights you won't want to miss.

Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:

• Former US President Bill Clinton once mentioned to Steve Guttenberg that this was one of his favorite movies and that it helped him get through a tough period. During his speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, he also said that his wife, Hillary Clinton, found his parenting decisions questionable after he watched six "Police Academy" films back-to-back with his daughter, Chelsea Clinton.
• The "shoe polish on the megaphone" comes from a prank played on British director Michael Winner during the filming of one of his movies. Hugh Wilson chose to use this gag after hearing the story from a crew member.

Sources:

Wikipedia, IMDB

https://www.thegibsonreview.com/blog/police-academy-a-review

Some sections were composed by ChatGPT

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast! You can share your feedback with us via email or social media.

• Website - https://www.80sflickflashback.com/
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