Hilarious movie! By far one of my favorites. Great cast, hilarious story that was based off of true events in the Battle of Los Angeles. Plus the John Williams soundtrack!
Fun fact: Spielberg *is* seen a mirror (accidentally) in his first movie, "Duel". You can see his reflection for a few seconds on the phone booth from which Dennis Weaver calls to file a report about the truck, on the back yard of the same gas station that was later used in "1941". Thanks for a great podcast on my favorite Spielberg movie!
@@davidjames579I didn’t know that until recently. He was covered in dust. Spielberg also did cameo in The Blues Brothers. That generation of filmmakers were all friends: Spielberg, Lucas, Landis, Coppola, DePalma, Scorsese, etc.
I'm going to say a very bold statement: 1941 is not only an underrated and misunderstood film in Spielberg's filmography, but i think it's also one of Spielberg's best movies. Because when I watch it, it does not feel like I'm watching a Spielberg movie. A lot of Spielberg's movies are too whimsical and over sentimental. But this movie is so off the walls madcap and there's scenes of destruction at every turn, you forget that the guy who made E.T. and Schindler's List, made something that is funny, entertaining, and very detailed oriented. It like a mixture of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World, Dr. Strangelove, American Graffiti, and Animal House. I think the reason why this movie doesn't get the critical re-evaluation it deserves, is because (even though he's had a few others) this movie is known as Spielberg's flop (Even though it made money, not Jaws and Close Encounters money) and is an example of a film from the New Hollywood era that underperformed, from a director who was riding high off of two big blockbusters at the time. Which inadvertently caused it to be lumped into the category of "the big failures from the New Hollywood era," among films like, Heaven's Gate, and New York, New York. I believe that gives the film an unfair reputation of being a bad movie, and people who watch it for the first time go into it with those expectations. Also, this movie also has the unfortunate luck of being sandwich between four Spielberg classics: Jaws, Close Encounters, Raiders, and E.T., which makes it easily overlooked.
John Wayne also turned down Dr Strangelove, because he didn't like it mocked the US Military and Nuclear War. He actually loved the script for Blazing Saddles, but couldn't do it because of the coarse humor. Mel Brooks says Wayne said "I can't possibly do it, but I'll be in the first in line to buy a ticket".
All the cast and most of the crew from Genghis Kahn died from cancer due to high amounts of radiation on the land where they filmed. Love this podcast, it's making working fly by thanks
Wow. Didn’t know this was a movie. I have the old Heavy Metal comic 1941. I legit thought it was some slapped together bizarre adaptation of the B-52 segment from the Heavy Metal Movie at the time. MAN was I off. Going to have to see it and reread the comic to get context for it.
I hope you end up covering "Radioland Murders" on here, because that's kind of like Lucas' equivalent to Spielberg's 1941 (although this was Spielberg directing someone else's idea, and Radioland was Lucas's idea directed by someone else (Mel Smith)); both throwback slapstick comedies set in the past, filled with characters and cameos, that bombed financially and critically (they also both feature Ned Beatty and Michael McKean in the cast)
Great stuff! I love this movie. If you guys haven't seen it, I highly highly recommend The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming from 1966 starring Alan Arkin and Carl Reiner. It's sort of the missing link between IAMMMMW and 1941 (but better than both of those). Cheers!
Great film, the extended version is the best version. This film also had the famous coat hanger joke that was later used in Raiders of the Lost Ark when it looks like Toht is about to hurt Marion, Christopher Lee has a deleted scene where he does the coat hanger to Slim Perkins
There is a brief deleted scene on the DVD, showing Slim Pickens and Christopher Lee reacting to the house falling over, and if you look closely you can see their characters amongst the cast in the rotating helicopter shot at the beginning of the end credits
Frank McRae and John Candy were in National Lampoon’s Vacation at the end. There’s a lot of different connections in this movie, mainly SNL/SCTV/National Lampoon. And actually National Lampoon was live and came before SNL. Lorne Michaels was from Toronto Canada, as well as SCTV. Spielberg said he liked SCTV and SNL and wanted to work with that group. He’s also friends with Landis.
I think the chaos and messiness of 1941 works since it mimics the nature of other WWII battle movies. The audience gets the most out of it if they expect a slapstick comedy sibling of Tora Tora Tora. It’s a great movie but niche.
Okay - so never rent from youtube. At least not this movie as in preparation for your podcast, I watched again for the first time in five years or so. No subtitles for all the Japanese and German dialogue which a lot of jokes exist in. Also, it's the 2 hour cut so it misses a lot of the stuff Joe was talking about that Ryan didn't see. I was wondering where the Christmas tree scene was I remembered, among other things.
I know this is years too late but I just want to point out that I wanted to see Welcome To Marwen in theaters but I missed out for various personal reasons, I didn't see it until it aired on HBO.
I've seen Welcome to Marwen and honestly it's not particularly good, but also it might have been due to low expectations but I thought it was better then the reviews suggested, but also I'm a defender of modern day Zemeckis. I've enjoyed most of the recent movies he's made.
He always brings Silvestri with him so that’s always a plus. I kinda enjoyed his mo-cap era more than his modern day run though. Though Death Becomes Her was trash.
To me this is more of a Zemeckis & Gale flick than a Spielberg, and I suspect it would have been better received had Zemeckis been able to direct. Mind you, I love Spielberg's flair...they share such a similar sense of humor, I have no idea how much Spielberg added. OTOH, he was utterly undisciplined - he kinda went apeshit. Zemeckis would probably have stayed more focused. After all, the material has the Gale and Zemeckis stamp all over it - the characters, the sentiment, the anarchy. In the end, I still adore Spielberg's visuals, his sense of timing and staging, John Williams' score (has he ever done a score more joyful and exuberant?). Looked at as a Zemeckis/Gale movie, though, you can easily see a transition between I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Used Cars. The only part of this I cringe at is the literal toilet humor in the sub's head. Tim Matheson's subplot may be a tad weak but it has some great dialog, and an enjoyable reversal when - finally airborne - he's too afraid of flying to be aroused by Nancy Allen. I think people get frustrated expecting a story. It's just not that kind of movie. 1942 is a time capsule flick, a slice-of-life picture...and overview of society on the verge of war, particularly the West Coast community.
It was a collaboration of friends, much like Raiders, but mainly Spielberg’s movie due to his obsession with WWII. He used to hear stories from his dad. He also did WWII films as a teenager.
Spielberg really lost his magic with Ready Player One. I remember inthe 80s and 90s anytime l saw Steven Spielberg presents on the screen, l was guaranteed a great film.
...when the Illuminati approaches, taps S Speilberg on the shoulder, and says, we've been watching history for years and can't make it funny, what can u do w/ this material?
One thing is fact; this is one gorgeous looking movie.
agree
Hilarious movie! By far one of my favorites. Great cast, hilarious story that was based off of true events in the Battle of Los Angeles. Plus the John Williams soundtrack!
Fun fact: Spielberg *is* seen a mirror (accidentally) in his first movie, "Duel". You can see his reflection for a few seconds on the phone booth from which Dennis Weaver calls to file a report about the truck, on the back yard of the same gas station that was later used in "1941". Thanks for a great podcast on my favorite Spielberg movie!
1941: best described as “Spielberg’s attempt to make a John Landis comedy”
Landis in fact cameos in it.
@@davidjames579I didn’t know that until recently. He was covered in dust. Spielberg also did cameo in The Blues Brothers.
That generation of filmmakers were all friends: Spielberg, Lucas, Landis, Coppola, DePalma, Scorsese, etc.
I'm going to say a very bold statement: 1941 is not only an underrated and misunderstood film in Spielberg's filmography, but i think it's also one of Spielberg's best movies. Because when I watch it, it does not feel like I'm watching a Spielberg movie.
A lot of Spielberg's movies are too whimsical and over sentimental. But this movie is so off the walls madcap and there's scenes of destruction at every turn, you forget that the guy who made E.T. and Schindler's List, made something that is funny, entertaining, and very detailed oriented. It like a mixture of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World, Dr. Strangelove, American Graffiti, and Animal House.
I think the reason why this movie doesn't get the critical re-evaluation it deserves, is because (even though he's had a few others) this movie is known as Spielberg's flop (Even though it made money, not Jaws and Close Encounters money) and is an example of a film from the New Hollywood era that underperformed, from a director who was riding high off of two big blockbusters at the time. Which inadvertently caused it to be lumped into the category of "the big failures from the New Hollywood era," among films like, Heaven's Gate, and New York, New York. I believe that gives the film an unfair reputation of being a bad movie, and people who watch it for the first time go into it with those expectations.
Also, this movie also has the unfortunate luck of being sandwich between four Spielberg classics: Jaws, Close Encounters, Raiders, and E.T., which makes it easily overlooked.
When I saw 1941 in the theater, I sat through it twice because I loved it.
I think I saw you. 😜 My theater was packed.
John Wayne also turned down Dr Strangelove, because he didn't like it mocked the US Military and Nuclear War. He actually loved the script for Blazing Saddles, but couldn't do it because of the coarse humor. Mel Brooks says Wayne said "I can't possibly do it, but I'll be in the first in line to buy a ticket".
Wow I just watched it thank you so much like my new favorite.
All the cast and most of the crew from Genghis Kahn died from cancer due to high amounts of radiation on the land where they filmed. Love this podcast, it's making working fly by thanks
They also shipped a lot of the radiated sand to the studio.
*1941 is a Christmas movie.*
_(and one of the greatest WWII films ever made.)_
Here comes the fun and unforgettale reasons why this comedic telling wasn't received the best. Keep doing what you're doing and stay safe!
This is one of my favourite movies, as a kid i watched this to death
Underrated movie! It always makes me laugh
Rest In Peace John beliushi
Wow. Didn’t know this was a movie. I have the old Heavy Metal comic 1941. I legit thought it was some slapped together bizarre adaptation of the B-52 segment from the Heavy Metal Movie at the time. MAN was I off. Going to have to see it and reread the comic to get context for it.
I hope you end up covering "Radioland Murders" on here, because that's kind of like Lucas' equivalent to Spielberg's 1941 (although this was Spielberg directing someone else's idea, and Radioland was Lucas's idea directed by someone else (Mel Smith)); both throwback slapstick comedies set in the past, filled with characters and cameos, that bombed financially and critically (they also both feature Ned Beatty and Michael McKean in the cast)
Great stuff! I love this movie. If you guys haven't seen it, I highly highly recommend The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming from 1966 starring Alan Arkin and Carl Reiner. It's sort of the missing link between IAMMMMW and 1941 (but better than both of those). Cheers!
The naked chick in the Jaws scene is the original first victim in Jaws.
Yep. Susan Backlinie. Just died in May 2024 a year before Jaws 50th.
Great film, the extended version is the best version. This film also had the famous coat hanger joke that was later used in Raiders of the Lost Ark when it looks like Toht is about to hurt Marion, Christopher Lee has a deleted scene where he does the coat hanger to Slim Perkins
There is a brief deleted scene on the DVD, showing Slim Pickens and Christopher Lee reacting to the house falling over, and if you look closely you can see their characters amongst the cast in the rotating helicopter shot at the beginning of the end credits
Well it is on blu ray now with both cuts.
Frank McRae and John Candy were in National Lampoon’s Vacation at the end.
There’s a lot of different connections in this movie, mainly SNL/SCTV/National Lampoon. And actually National Lampoon was live and came before SNL. Lorne Michaels was from Toronto Canada, as well as SCTV.
Spielberg said he liked SCTV and SNL and wanted to work with that group. He’s also friends with Landis.
Loved it.
I think the chaos and messiness of 1941 works since it mimics the nature of other WWII battle movies. The audience gets the most out of it if they expect a slapstick comedy sibling of Tora Tora Tora. It’s a great movie but niche.
It’s interesting this happened before the Reagan era. This movie is a symbol of what happened to America, mainly the middle class.
It's a mad mad mad mad world with an arsenal.
Okay - so never rent from youtube. At least not this movie as in preparation for your podcast, I watched again for the first time in five years or so. No subtitles for all the Japanese and German dialogue which a lot of jokes exist in. Also, it's the 2 hour cut so it misses a lot of the stuff Joe was talking about that Ryan didn't see. I was wondering where the Christmas tree scene was I remembered, among other things.
I know this is years too late but I just want to point out that I wanted to see Welcome To Marwen in theaters but I missed out for various personal reasons, I didn't see it until it aired on HBO.
This is a Classic...
I've seen Welcome to Marwen and honestly it's not particularly good, but also it might have been due to low expectations but I thought it was better then the reviews suggested, but also I'm a defender of modern day Zemeckis. I've enjoyed most of the recent movies he's made.
He always brings Silvestri with him so that’s always a plus. I kinda enjoyed his mo-cap era more than his modern day run though.
Though Death Becomes Her was trash.
@@spenser9908 I thought Death Becomes Her was a blast personally. Agreed on Silvestri, though.
The Wizard of Speed and Time please
Welcome to Marwen. Not great, but the animation technology would make for a great GI Joe 12" action figure movie.
Also The Whoopee Boys
To me this is more of a Zemeckis & Gale flick than a Spielberg, and I suspect it would have been better received had Zemeckis been able to direct. Mind you, I love Spielberg's flair...they share such a similar sense of humor, I have no idea how much Spielberg added. OTOH, he was utterly undisciplined - he kinda went apeshit. Zemeckis would probably have stayed more focused. After all, the material has the Gale and Zemeckis stamp all over it - the characters, the sentiment, the anarchy.
In the end, I still adore Spielberg's visuals, his sense of timing and staging, John Williams' score (has he ever done a score more joyful and exuberant?). Looked at as a Zemeckis/Gale movie, though, you can easily see a transition between I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Used Cars.
The only part of this I cringe at is the literal toilet humor in the sub's head. Tim Matheson's subplot may be a tad weak but it has some great dialog, and an enjoyable reversal when - finally airborne - he's too afraid of flying to be aroused by Nancy Allen.
I think people get frustrated expecting a story. It's just not that kind of movie. 1942 is a time capsule flick, a slice-of-life picture...and overview of society on the verge of war, particularly the West Coast community.
It was a collaboration of friends, much like Raiders, but mainly Spielberg’s movie due to his obsession with WWII. He used to hear stories from his dad.
He also did WWII films as a teenager.
Spielberg really lost his magic with Ready Player One. I remember inthe 80s and 90s anytime l saw Steven Spielberg presents on the screen, l was guaranteed a great film.
What is that popping/tapping noise? Sounds like someone is playing with the mic.
I hated the blonde hair kid who works with Walley. Everytime he says “HEY WALLEY”.
...when the Illuminati approaches, taps S Speilberg on the shoulder, and says, we've been watching history for years and can't make it funny, what can u do w/ this material?
John Belushi and John Williams were the only good parts of this movie.
Sorry, loved belushi and ackroyd, but hated this movie.