The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Get it up or I’ll cut it off.”
Roger Corman's Foray into Women in Prison Films

In 1971, Roger Corman's New World Pictures sought to capitalize on the success of the women in prison film 99 Women. Work…

“Not a nick in the blade, I promise you. The butcher was like butter.”
The Origin Story Nobody Asked For

After the success of the Hannibal Lecter films, producer Dino De Laurentiis wanted to continue t…

“Don’t you understand, Will? You caught me because we’re very much alike.”
The Return to Hannibal Lecter's Origins

After the box office success of Hannibal in 2001, producer Dino De Laurentiis quickly …

“Bowels in or bowels out?”
The Return of Dr. Lecter: A Sequel Ten Years in the Making

When Jonathan Demme declined to direct the sequel to The Silence of the Lambs, producers Dino and Martha De Laurent…

“Quid pro quo.”
The Birth of an Iconic Thriller

After the commercial disappointment of Manhunter in 1986, producers Dino and Martha De Laurentiis were hesitant to pursue another adaptation of Thomas Ha…

“They didn't realize they'd be the slums of the future.”
Penelope Spheeris Brings Punk to Roger Corman

After completing her documentary The Decline of Western Civilization about the LA punk scene, dire…

“You want to know how he’s choosing them, don’t you?”
The Birth of Cinema's Most Infamous Cannibal

Before Anthony Hopkins donned the infamous mask as Hannibal Lecter, director Michael Mann brought Thom…

“I saw you on TV. I love you!”
A Reality TV Satire Takes on The Most Dangerous Game

Before The Hunger Games and the reality TV boom of the 2000s, writer-director Daniel Minahan conceived Series 7: The …

“Never underestimate a man who’s got nothing to lose.”
The Most Dangerous Game Gets a 90s Action Makeover

In 1994, director Ernest R. Dickerson took on his second feature film following his directorial…

“What I needed was not a new weapon, but a new animal.”
Setting the Stage for the Ultimate Hunt

In 1932, RKO Pictures produced The Most Dangerous Game while simultaneously building elaborate jungle set…

“We all have our devils, my dear.”
Roger Corman's Exploitation Era in the Philippines

In the early 1970s, Roger Corman discovered he could stretch his production dollars further by filming in the Phili…

“You can make the world swear King Kong is ten stories tall and Mary Pickford a virgin at 40, yet you can’t convince starving voters that a turncoat socialist is a menace to everything California hol…

“You must start thinking of the spiral, the spiral that’s coming into your head.”
An Overlooked Horror Gem

In 1987, Spanish filmmaker Bigas Luna ventured into the horror genre with an innovative approa…

“Lucy Harbin was declared legally insane today.”
William Castle Brings Joan Crawford Back to Horror

In the early 1960s, William Castle was known for his theatrical gimmicks and B-movie horror films. Af…

“You know what I like about amnesia?”
A Psychological Thriller with Twisting Memories

In 1991, psychological thrillers were hitting their stride, delivering increasingly complex narratives filled with …

“To be absolutely blunt about it, Nicholas believes that Elizabeth may have been interred... prematurely.”
Roger Corman's Poe Adaptations Take Flight

Following the success of House of Usher in 1960, Am…

“You haven't got an ounce of understanding or emotion in your body. You died the moment you were born. And when your heart finally stops beating, it'll be a mere formality.”
From Novel to Cold War Spy…

“You're walking out on 85 grand?”
MGM's Bold Step into R-Rated Territory

In 1968, MGM was looking to break away from their family-friendly reputation and venture into more adult-oriented content. Based…

“It’s bad enough if he’s guilty, but what if he’s innocent and you push him over the edge?”
Setting the Stage for a Controversial True Crime Adaptation

In 1966, writer Gerald Frank published his bestse…

“All four with clean records. No police force in the world knows them or their work. In their fields, the very best.”
Unveiling a Hidden Heist Film Gem from 1967

In 1967, Italian director Giuliano Mont…