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Rating
5from
This podcast has
94 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Shannon AllenExplicit
No
Date created
2020/04/02
Latest episode
2025/11/05
Average duration
47 min.
Release period
38 days
Description
This uplifting Classic Hollywood podcast offers inspirational insights into the films of the Golden Age & the stars who made them great.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Vanguard of Hollywood podcast
A Legacy of Grit: An Interview with Patrick Wayne
2025/11/05
Patrick Wayne is an actor and former chairman of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. His more than four decade-long acting career includes roles in over 40 films, several of which paired Patrick with his legendary father, John Wayne. Whether starring alongside his dad in such classics as McLintock! (1963) and Big Jake (1971), or swashbuckling his way through cult classics like 1977’s Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Patrick proved himself a captivating leading man with Old Hollywood class and charm. Listen as Shannon and Patrick discuss his impressive acting career and legendary father.
The Night of the Hunter: An Interview with Foster Hirsch
2025/10/22
Shannon is joined by acclaimed film historian, biographer, and interviewer Foster Hirsch to discuss the 1955 cult classic, The Night of the Hunter. Listen as Foster and Shannon discuss the fascinating origins of the film, cast performances, behind-the-scenes dynamics, and religious allegory and faith-based themes that make The Night of the Hunter an enduring classic.
Hollywood's Asian Superstar: An Interview with Nancy Kwan
2025/10/08
Nancy Kwan is an actress, author, dancer, screenwriter, and filmmaker. With films such as 1960’s The World of Suzie Wong and 1961’s Flower Drum Song, Nancy became Hollywood’s first Asian Superstar. Her casting in roles specifically written for Asian actresses, and in non-race-specific roles, was unprecedented, changing the way moviegoers viewed the Asian community and creating more opportunities for Asians in the film industry. Join Shannon and Nancy as they discuss Nancy’s extraordinary life and career, from her films to her friendship with Bruce Lee and what it’s like to be serenaded by Elvis Presley. And be sure to read Nancy's new book, The World of Nancy Kwan: A Memoir by Hollywood’s Asian Superstar, for Nancy’s full story.
A Living Legend: An Interview with Engelbert Humperdinck
2025/08/20
In an incredible career that has spanned 60 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, with songs ranging from romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and gospel. These records have earned him 64 gold albums, 35 platinum albums, four Grammy Award nominations, and a Golden Globe. Among Engelbert’s hit songs are “The Last Waltz,” “A Man Without Love,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” and 1967’s “Release Me,” which dominated the music charts for 56 weeks, beating out the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields” for the number one position on the charts, and depriving the Beatles of their 13th consecutive No.1. At 89 years old, Engelbert still performs around the world. Join Shannon and Engelbert as they discuss his inspiring life, from his childhood in India to his early career struggles, to meeting the love of his life and becoming an international music star who still makes audiences swoon. Don’t miss this charming conversation with the King of Romance himself.
No Limits: An Interview with Billy Gray
2025/08/08
Billy Gray is an actor, motorcycle speedway racer, and inventor. You may know him best as Bud Anderson from the hit television show, Father Knows Best (1954-1960). From his earliest film roles, Billy stood out as a kid actor who consistently brought great depth to the characters he created. Whether playing Doris Day’s mischievous little brother in On Moonlight Bay (1951) and By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953), Dan Dailey’s wise-cracking son in The Girl Next Door (1953), or Michael Rennie’s trusted young ally in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Billy Gray never played the same character twice. His uncanny ability to bring his roles to life underscored a talent developed well beyond his years. Listen as Shannon and Billy discuss his fascinating life in Hollywood, speedway racing, and innovation.
A Disney Original: An Interview with Sharon Baird
2025/05/14
Sharon Baird is a dancer, singer, and actress. You may know her best as one of Walt Disney’s original Mouseketeers on the classic television show, The Mickey Mouse Club. As one of only nine Mouseketeers to appear on all three seasons of the show, Sharon proved herself to be the best dancer in the bunch. Beginning her dance training at three years old, Sharon has danced with the likes of Mitzi Gaynor, Dean Martin, and Donald O’Connor. Sharon has also used dance to bring to life countless characters, including the puppets of Sid and Marty Krofft on such television shows as H.R. Pufnstuf, and the title character of the 1986 cult classic, Ratboy. Listen as Sharon and Shannon discuss Sharon’s remarkable Hollywood career and passion for dance.
Elvis’ Leading Lady: An Interview with Cynthia Pepper
2025/04/09
As Private First Class Midge Riley in 1964’s Kissin’ Cousins, Cynthia Pepper holds the distinction of being one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies. In the film, Cynthia lived the dream of countless Elvis fans as she was chased by Elvis, sung to by Elvis, and kissed by Elvis. Even more enviable, behind the scenes, Cynthia formed a true friendship with her legendary leading man. Listen as Shannon and Cynthia discuss Cynthia’s time with Elvis, as well as her roles on countless classic television shows, including My Three Sons and The Addams Family.
Sweet and Sassy: An Interview with Ann-Margret
2025/03/12
Ann-Margret is a living legend. From Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Viva Las Vegas (1964) to Tommy (1975) and Grumpy Old Men (1993), from her Billboard charting music career to her show stopping TV specials, Ann-Margret’s multi-dimensional talent and charisma are unrivaled.
Join Ann-Margret and Shannon as they discuss Ann-Margret’s beautiful relationship with her parents, her incredible career, the wonderful costars and friends she worked with -- Pat Boone, Lucille Ball, Dean Martin, and John Wayne, to name a few -- her continued support of our troops, and the faith and gratitude that form the remarkable foundation of this living legend.
Seven Decades in Hollywood: An Interview with Tim Matheson
2025/02/12
Tim Matheson’s Hollywood career spans nearly seven decades. From working alongside Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda in 1968’s Yours, Mine and Ours, to his iconic role in the classic 1978 comedy Animal House, to the record-breaking hit Netflix series, Virgin River, Tim Matheson has done it all. Listen as Shannon and Tim discuss Tim’s new book, Damn Glad to Meet You: My Seven Decades in the Hollywood Trenches, and what inspired Tim to write his book: the Classic Hollywood legends he was privileged to work with, and what he learned from them.
America’s Tap Treasure: An Interview with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin
2025/01/29
Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and opening for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips and James Brown. Reggio made the successful transition from musician to tap dancer. He performs and teaches tap around the world, and has worked with countless tap legends, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, The Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, and his mentor Ernest “Brownie” Brown. Reggio’s immense contributions to preserving the art and tradition of tap have been richly recognized: In 2021, Reggio received the National Medal of Honor from the United States’ National Endowment of the Arts. Listen as Reggio and Shannon discuss Reggio’s inspiring career, and what it’s like to be named a National Living Treasure.
Cool Hand Luke’s Natural Born World-Shaker: An Interview with Joy Harmon
2024/11/26
Joy Harmon is a baker, actress, author, mother, and grandmother. From her many television and film roles, you undoubtedly recognize Joy best as the beautiful blue-eyed blonde from the iconic car wash scene in the 1967 Paul Newman classic, Cool Hand Luke. Joy left her acting career behind in 1973 to focus on raising her family, and along the way began a successful bakery, Aunt Joy’s Cakes, that serves individuals, cafes, and Hollywood studios. Listen to be inspired by the faith, strength, and sweetness that, to quote the celebrated line from Cool Hand Luke, make Joy Harmon “a natural born world-shaker.”
Hollywood Royalty: An Interview with Cissy Wellman
2024/11/06
Cissy Wellman is an actress, director, dancer, and author. She is the daughter of the revered Classic Hollywood director, William Wellman, who directed such films as Wings (1927) and the original A Star is Born (1937). Cissy had the rare opportunity to grow up among the biggest names from the Golden Age, and formed personal relationships with such legends as director Howard Hawks and John Wayne. Cissy’s own career includes television roles on Charlie’s Angels, The Waltons, and Hart to Hart. Her film credits include roles in Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Made Men (1999), and, most recently, in the 2024 film, Little Death, opposite David Schwimmer. Listen as Cissy shares behind the scenes stories from her career, invaluable insights on the Classic Hollywood legends she knew, and what makes the Golden Age exceptional.
Old Yeller to Spider Baby: An Interview with Beverly Washburn
2024/09/24
You probably know Beverly Washburn best as Lizabeth Searcy in the 1957 Disney classic, Old Yeller, or from the 1967 horror cult classic, Spider Baby, but Beverly’s film and television credits boast countless memorable performances. This Emmy nominated actress has worked with such Classic Hollywood legends as Bing Crosby, Jimmy Stewart, Alan Ladd, Loretta Young, Lon Chaney, Jr., Jack Benny, Lou Costello, Barbara Stanwyck, and Frank Capra. Beverly’s rare ability to cry on cue naturally was put to good use from the start of her career, and contributed to her reputation as one of the best kid actors of her generation. Listen for all about Beverly’s remarkable career, and be inspired by her boundless kindness and gratitude.
Let's Dance: An Interview with Rusty Frank
2024/08/22
Rusty Frank is a Lindy Hop (swing) dancer, tap dancer, choreographer, producer, teacher, and dance preservationist. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories, for which Rusty interviewed such tap luminaries as Ann Miller, Donald O’Connor, Shirley Temple, Gene Nelson, and The Nicholas Brothers. Join Shannon and Rusty as they discuss Rusty’s book, dance career, the tap legends she got to know personally, and her remarkable recovery from a near-fatal accident.
Beyond The Dr. Pepper Girl: An Interview with Donna Loren
2024/06/04
Donna Loren was the quintessential “It” girl of the 1960’s who caught America’s eye as the one and only Dr. Pepper Girl. But Donna held America’s interest with her impossibly beautiful singing voice. From the Mickey Mouse Club to her roles in the beloved Beach Party films, TV’s Batman, The Monkees, and as a cast member of America’s first live rock n’ roll television show, Shindig, Donna Loren proved herself to be one of the most talented singers of her generation. Listen as Donna shares all about her fascinating life and career.
Podcast reviews
Read Vanguard of Hollywood podcast reviews
Kaitlyn31525 2025/03/16
Highly recommend!
Shannon, the interviewer, uses her detailed research to tell the story of one of Hollywood's greats, Ann-Margret, sometimes sharing things that the in...
Stacie Stiletto 2024/10/09
Wonderful!
This is an excellent podcast with great interviews. I really enjoyed the Beverly Washburn interview, thanks!
nsosdadpodcast 2024/06/19
Paul Newman series is excellent
Don’t miss the Paul Newman series. It’s excellent. Thanks for setting the record straight about Paul and Patricia Neal.
Thanks again Joe!
The Geeks Strike Back 2024/06/18
Fantastic interviews
Shannon is a fantastic interviewer. She brings the best out of everyone she talks to. Truly an uplifting experience every episode. Be sure to liste...
Lisa Anne 55 2024/04/23
Patricia Kelly
This was a fantastic interview. I particularly was impressed that she documented his life the way she did before and after marriage. Lovely woman.
Themissingchao 2024/04/17
Best Gene Kelly Interview
I've listened to just about every interview Patricia Ward Kelly has given about her late husband and this one is the best. Shannon's questions are we...
Aa099623 2024/04/09
Loved it!
"Vanguard of Hollywood" delivers inspirational insights into Golden Age films and the stars who defined them, making it essential for classic cinema e...
Nubian Lyaness 2024/04/07
Loving the interviews
The interviews are amazing! So great to hear from stars who were actually there and the people who knew them. Shannon asks all the right questions. ...
MJ and Shay 2023/11/27
Jackie Robinson
Thank you for taking the opportunity to share added insight into the admiration and friendship between these two men. So much to be thankful for numb...
Virgil Tibbs 1939 2022/01/23
Inspiring podcast. We need more like it.
I usually don’t write reviews. But I’m inspired by this podcast every time I listen. And after being a regular listener for over a year, I figure it...
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