Razor's Ink Podcast with Jonathan B. Ferrini

“The Studio That Discovered Everyone”

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

A long overdue, "Thank you".

Why Does Bonnie and Clyde Still Work Today?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

“Two beautiful outlaws, a broken system, and a country ready to rebel."

Why Can’t I Stop Watching "The Last Picture Show" (Movie 1971)

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Still Watching, Still Seeing a Black‑and‑White Memory of America

Four Singer-Songwriters in Terminal C (Music)

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

“How Four Singer-Songwriters Might Write One Song”

Why "Fitzcarraldo" Still Matters in 2026” (Movie 1982)

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Opera in the Jungle; Dreams; Delusion; and a War of Egos on the Set.

Transactional Masculinity inside "American Gigolo" & "Sweet Bird of Youth" (Movies)

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Find out inside my podcast what happens when being wanted becomes a man's only currency.

The Story of Boxing Movies

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Training for the Fight and "The Sweet Science".

No Country for Old Men (Movie) Part II

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Comparing two bookend movies: No Country for Old Men and The Last Picture Show as portraits of the American west where meaning fades, then vanishes entirely.

No Country for Old Men (Movie 2007)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Darkness, Silence, Fate, and Chance create the antithesis of a western movie.

Five Hundred Miles (Music)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Where Love Is Worth the Distance

Hollywood After the Studio Moguls

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

The Funeral Before the Film: What the Logos Are Really Telling You

“Mexican Radio” (Music 1982)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:30:00 GMT

A complex song about a radio signal that didn’t ask permission to cross the border.

The Movie Director in the Frame

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:30:00 GMT

The Psychology of the Director Cameo

The Righteous Brothers (Singer-Songwriters)

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Blue Eyed Soul. Still righteous, still soul.

Judgment at Nuremberg (Movie 1961)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:30:00 GMT

A film analysis including the terrifying idea of "evil by procedure" and contemplating was justice complete?

Warren Zevon (Singer-songwriter)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Songs written like news dispatches filed after midnight from the field, providing no comfort or a way out, but staying with the damage reported.

Broderick Crawford (Actor)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Breaking Hollywood’s Mold: Broderick Crawford’s Enduring Influence.

The Heart of Films About Love

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Lessons from Midnight Cowboy and Moonstruck

Five Easy Pieces (Movie 1970)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Silence as damage; masculinity; male withdrawal; and class identity.

Boogie Nights (Movie 1997)

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Casting, characters, and critique of a film about pornographic movie making.

Nazis on the Run: 1970’s Cinema’s Reflection on Justice, Trauma, and Survival.

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:30:00 GMT

The Odessa File, The Boys from Brazil, and Marathon Man explore post-war anxieties, unfinished justice, and the lingering effects of history.

Boiler Room (Movie 2000)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Ambition, Ethics, and the Cost of Belonging in Wall Street’s Get-Rich-Quick Culture

Seventies Cinema: Hollywood’s Golden Decade

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Creative Freedom; Cultural Shifts; Gutsy Studio Chiefs; and Rebel Filmmakers spark innovation.

Humor and Division: Lessons from 1970s Television

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:30:00 GMT

All in the Family; The Jeffersons; Sanford and Son; Good Times; Chico and the Man.

Sidekicks of Subversion Inside Early Television

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:30:00 GMT

How Eddie Haskell (Leave it to Beaver) and Maynard G. Krebs (Dobie Gillis) shaped American television of the fifties to early sixties.

“Lyrics, Life, and Legacy: My Trio of Timeless Albums”

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:30:00 GMT

Simon and Garfunkel; Dylan; and Steely Dan.

The Bedford Incident (Movie. 1965)

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:30:12 GMT

Brinkmanship at sea during the cold war offering enduring lessons for a world on edge.

Once Upon A Time in Hollywood (Movie 2019)

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:30:12 GMT

What the film got right and wrong about Hollywood of 1969.

Glengarry Glen Ross (Movie 1992)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:30:13 GMT

What does the character “Ricky Roma” teach us about dialogue?

“Best Actor” to character actor

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:30:12 GMT

How did winning the OSCAR affect two acting careers?

Bac Sai “Physician” (Short Story)

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:30:15 GMT

Listen to me “set the stage” from the opening pages of a dying surgeon’s tattered diary revealing an extraordinary life filled with love and loss.

Money “Madness” inside Songs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:30:16 GMT

What lyrics teach us about the “mean, mean, mean, mean, mean green.”

Hawaii Five-O (Television series 1968-1980)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:30:10 GMT

What the series got “right” about the cultural and ecological mosaic of the 50th state.

Lyrics Are The Calculus of Writing

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:30:12 GMT

A redux of an early episode of The Razor's Ink Podcast, in which we explore the daunting task of writing music.

Apocalypse Now (Movie 1979)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:30:20 GMT

What’s the real reason Colonel Kurtz was assassinated?

Fail Safe (Movie 1964)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:30:11 GMT

Two movies about nuclear war were released in the same year: one farcical, the second, “deadly” serious. Join me as I discuss the latter.

Midnight Cowboy (Movie 1969)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:30:07 GMT

I describe the significance of this legendary movie which has nothing to do with its “X” rating.

A Clockwork Orange (Movie 1971)

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:30:21 GMT

Let’s examine the socio-economic subtext to the movie and surmise why reprehensible Alex may appear sympathetic at film’s end.

The Limey (Movie 1999)

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:30:09 GMT

My memorial to the death of British actor Terence Stamp (1938-2025) whose acting genius melded with exquisite filmmaking resembling the Vesper Martini.

British Film Studios

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:30:15 GMT

Visiting marvels of movie magic; historic Shepperton and Pinewood studios.

Route 66 (Television 1960-64)

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:30:11 GMT

Imagine reading Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” inside a speeding Corvette.

Shaft (Movies 1971 & 2000)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:30:11 GMT

Two movies about a Black detective seeking justice thirty years apart with a new spin on racism.

Who Is Herb Alpert? 2.0

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:38:22 GMT

Check out a music genre bending composer, musician and brilliant businessman at my podcast.

70's Network Television Detectives

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:57:16 GMT

Let’s explore three very different detective shows who helped re-define an entire genre

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (Movie 1974)

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:30:15 GMT

The 1970’s New York City subway system serves as a protagonist with a New Yorkers attitude: “Just another day inside the subway”.

“Rendition Rock” (Music)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:30:14 GMT

Listen to four revered performers covering two hit songs including Wilson Pickett and The Four Tops delivering inspired covers.

Leaving Las Vegas (Movie 1995)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:30:15 GMT

A raw story concerning suicide by alcohol, perfectly served “neat”, but marred by “on the rocks” or with a “back”. Find out inside.

Remembering Brian Wilson and Sly Stone (Singer-Songwriters)

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:30:14 GMT

Let’s examine two lyricists and performers with different styles but sharing the same happy heart pumping lyrics of love and understanding.

The Gong Show (Television 1976-1980)

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:30:12 GMT

The antithesis of a talent show you must see to believe.

The Dirty Dozen (Movie 1967)

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:30:07 GMT

A World War II film showcasing condemned military convicts unleased against the German high command including themes about nonconformity with an antiwar message.

Ballad of a Thin Man (Music 1965)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:30:10 GMT

Deconstructing one of Dylan’s most abstract compositions.

On the Beach (Movie 1959)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:30:14 GMT

The last vestiges of humanity inside Australia following worldwide thermonuclear war.

Rediscovering the Batman Television Series (1966-1968)

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:30:18 GMT

Escapism written for kids with adults in mind

The Swimmer (Movie 1968)

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:30:14 GMT

A movie about midlife crisis provides us the opportunity to imagine a timely remake.

Unrequited Love Inside Lyrics from a Gender Perspective.

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:30:12 GMT

“Linger” by The Cranberries (1993) and “Carrie Anne” by The Hollies (1967)

The Defiant Ones (Movie 1958)

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:30:13 GMT

Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis play convicts. The chain that binds them rattles with racial hatred but reveals "we (all) come from the same side of the tracks".

The Shoes of the Fisherman (Movie 1968)

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:30:12 GMT

The election of a Pope whilst the world readies for war. Art imitating life?

Rediscovering David Bowie

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:30:12 GMT

Brilliant lyricist, iconic performer, and astute businessman.

I Want to Live! (Movie. 1958)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:30:10 GMT

Susan Hayward portrays the life of Barbara Graham executed in CALIFORNIA’S gas chamber. I discuss the movie and what I name “The Criminal Justice-Media Complex” surrounding the trial and execution.

The Conversation (Movie 1974)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:30:12 GMT

Gene Hackman delivers a minimalist approach performance he considered the pinnacle of his career in this film where “sound” serves as a protagonist.

My Rx for Network Television, Part IV: Variety Shows

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:30:16 GMT

I examine four variety shows from past decades and recommend television networks reinvent the variety show, "cure" declining ratings, and enjoy the intended “side effect” of “healing" the nation.

My Rx for Network Television, Part III: The Movie of the Week

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:30:12 GMT

I examine “original” movies made for television as my “treatment” for declining network television entertainment programing ratings.

My Rx for Network Television, Part II: The Late-Night Edition

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:30:10 GMT

Let’s examine Hugh Hefner’s “Playboy after Dark” for a clue to my “fix”.

My Rx for Network Television

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:30:09 GMT

Your heart monitor is about to flatline, television networks. Open my podcast serving as your medicine cabinet and find the cure sitting inside for over fifty years.

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (Film. 1974)

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:44:09 GMT

Director Sam Peckinpah’s customary Shoot ‘Em Up genre film includes a protagonist taking the form of a severed head! I call it a “wholesale film” but there’s much more inside than blood and guts.

Room 222 (Television. 1969-74)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:30:12 GMT

A classic series about dedicated educators struggling with familiar social issues offering inspiration to the underappreciated educators of today.

The Oscars 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:30:24 GMT

Trouble in "Tinseltown".

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:30:17 GMT

Which was the better band? It’s about “context”. Let’s study “context” with the help of Jimi Hendrix, Wilson Pickett, The Beach Boys, David Lee Roth, Devo, and classical music.

The Grapes of Wrath (Movie. 1940)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:40:12 GMT

Eco disasters; Migrants; Homeless; “Big Ag”; bad banks, and no help from government. Sound familiar? Inside, Ma Joad reminds us, “They can't wipe us out; they can't lick us.. 'cause we're the people."

"Men for Sale in Movies"

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:30:17 GMT

What do men have to offer their female clients? Let’s explore themes inside three films starring William Holden, Paul Newman, and Richard Gere.

Alfie (Movie. Starring Michael Caine. 1966)

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:30:18 GMT

"What’s it all about?" Womanizing, manipulation, abortion, and abandonment. The story leaves you feeling “black and blue” but you’ll discover the answer, "When you walk let your heart lead the way..."

"The Misfits" (Movie. 1961)

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:30:14 GMT

Marilyn Monroe defends wild mustangs from slaughter starring opposite Clark Gable.

“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” (Movie. 1969)

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:30:09 GMT

Jane Fonda’s character enters a brutal dance marathon contest. Let’s examine the movie and our appetite for “reality show” programming.

Sexploitation Films of the Sixties: Women Wielding the Whip!

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:40:06 GMT

One indie filmmaker showcased women in "control" including a dominatrix, female action heroes, and racial justice.

"That Girl". Marlo Thomas Empowers Women Inside a Sixties TV Sitcom.

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:30:17 GMT

Let's examine "Girl power" inside television and film including Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Fonda, and Diane Keaton.

The Andy Griffith Show (TV. 1963-68)

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:00:36 GMT

The "Mayberry" sitcom providing escapism for the tumultuous sixties.

Sounder (Movie. 1972)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:30:13 GMT

Join me as I explore timeless themes of family, resilience, and the will to survive despite insurmountable odds inside this sweet, beautiful, motion picture.

Songwriter to Storyteller

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:34:43 GMT

Let's discuss the depiction of war in lyrics and verse with the help of Hemingway, Metallica, The Animals, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Soylent Green (Movie. 1973)

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:30:11 GMT

Soylent green is now! Let's discuss a prescient film I elevated from a "B" to an "A" movie because of one scene.

How to pick a writer from four greats. INT. WRITERS' ROOM - MOTION PICTURE STUDIO - DAY

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:20:13 GMT

Listen to the Executive Producer interview four writers named Neil, Jack, Sal, and John for a writing gig.

Lilies of the Field (Movie. 1963)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 22:29:35 GMT

Let's review while giving "thanks" and saying "Amen" for a beautiful movie starring Sidney Poitier.

My Memory of Jerry Lewis

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:10:07 GMT

Comedian, Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist, and American Original.

The Depiction of Homosexuality inside "Suddenly, Last Summer" (Film. 1959)

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:40:11 GMT

Including Montgomery Clift's portrayal of a central character within this adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play.

"Towering Inferno" (Movie. 1974)

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:40:08 GMT

It's more than a movie about a fire. I'll analyze "top billing", all star cast, special effects, and more.

Uptight? Stevie Wonder reminds us, "Baby, ev'rything is alright."

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:40:10 GMT

Let's examine Stevie's song "Uptight" as literature and "Rx" for tumultuous times.

The Alchemy of Fiction Writing

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:00:20 GMT

Pitch: Imagine a writer and pharmacist meet inside a bar.

Join me in examining the alchemy between these two very different professions.

We’ll wrap by discussing the alchemy of producing our story.

"Oracle" Movies

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:28:22 GMT

How can a movie predict or influence your life? I'll reveal mine and get you thinking about your "Oracle Movie."

"Seconds" (Movie. 1966)

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:30:30 GMT

Rock Hudson portrays a man who purchased a new life and body for himself but wants to make a "return". Listen to what happened and decide if you would make the same choice?

Navy Sailors in Film; Often maligned, seldom understood.

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:00:23 GMT

Let's explore my observation within the movies "The Last Detail" (Jack Nicholson) and "Cinderella Liberty" (James Caan).

"Time and Place" Movies

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:30:25 GMT

I discuss 3 films which left an indelible impression upon me. Join me as I explore the importance of "time and place" and why movies impress us for better or worse.

"This is Tom Jones"

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:40:18 GMT

The Singer-Superstar performs with Janis Joplin, Stevie Wonder, Elvis, Cher, The Who, and many more in this music series on ABC. Listen and become overwhelmed by Tom's magnificent voice and moves.

Casting Five Femme Fatales

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:00:29 GMT

Join me as I create a film script including fabulous Femme Fatales and provide instruction about casting to set design and everything in between.

The Definitive "Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson".

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:10:19 GMT

In my opinion. What say you?

Who is Jacques Bergerac?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:50:14 GMT

Actor, businessman, and the Leading Man inside the film, "The Hypnotic Eye" (1960)

Why are four popular songs haunting me for decades?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:30:19 GMT

Join me as I examine them first as lyrics, then songs, and attempt to unravel the mystery inside a story.

Military Lawyers and their "Moral Compass" (Including "Jackets") in film.

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:00:26 GMT

Let's examine the topic inside "The Caine Mutiny", "The Rack", and "A Few Good Men".

It Takes a Foreign Eye

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:40:25 GMT

Lets examine three films by overseas directors and their interpretation of the American "canvas". Our directors include: Sergio Leone; Wim Wenders; and Ang Lee.

Casting Actresses

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:20:15 GMT

Imagine you're a debut director. Who do you cast and why?

Remembering Sam Cooke

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:50:20 GMT

American Singer-Songwriter-Businessman.

Who was Jack Webb?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:40:17 GMT

Let's discuss this prolific producer-director-actor of police dramas and his impact upon television.

Ageism and Actresses

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:20:21 GMT

Let's explore this reality through "Bette Davis Eyes".

Casting Directors

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:50:25 GMT

Let's assume the role of a Producer and explore the necessity for and brilliance of Casting Directors by examining "We're the Millers", "Breaking Bad", and more.

Cape Fear v. Cape Fear

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:23 GMT

Let’s discuss the 1962 film, its 1991 “progeny”, and my love/hate relationship with other movie remakes.

Remembering Barry White

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:50:14 GMT

A singer and songwriter gifting us luscious lyrics about LOVE in his own remarkable, tender way. Each beautiful song is a love note. Let's enjoy the "Love Serenade", together.

Cowboys on Wheels

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:50:16 GMT

Let's examine the origin of films and television about American motorcycle clubs from the fifties to present day. Hold on tight and wear your helmet!

Revisiting the Movie "The Pawn Broker" (1964) starring Rod Steiger.

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:20:20 GMT

Let’s consider how the complex themes explored with a Harlem pawn shop may have timeless relevance.

Examining the movie, "Dog Day Afternoon" starring Al Pacino (1975)

Thu, 30 May 2024 16:00:40 GMT

Join me as I deconstruct the movie and myself with hopes of discovering why I watch it over and over again. My analysis may encourage you to examine those movies you return to again and again.

American Gigolo

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:00:30 GMT

Let's examine the 1980 film starring Richard Gere through the lens of 2024 sensibilities and play "Script Doctor".

Rediscovering the movie, "The Sterile Cuckoo" starring Liza Minnelli. (1969)

Thu, 16 May 2024 16:00:41 GMT

In tumultuous times, lets discover that "opposites" may "attract" and what lessons this beautiful movie teaches viewers today.

Rediscovering the movie, "CHAЯLY", starring Cliff Robertson.

Thu, 09 May 2024 16:10:22 GMT

Let’s examine the subject of mental disability in movies and how this innovative cinematic portrayal of mental disability in 1968 was prescient.

Rediscovering Gil Scott-Heron

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:30:22 GMT

American poet and singer who changed my outlook as a kid in the Seventies growing up inside the suburbs.

Scarecrows and Car Washes

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:50:17 GMT

Let's deconstruct the movie "Scarecrow" starring Gene Hackman and Al Pacino. This is a movie rich with themes. Come on in and find out.

Who is Trini Lopez?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:50:22 GMT

A Mexican American trailblazing singer and songwriter gifting music lovers and the American playlist with a unique sound while creating opportunity for brilliant musicians to follow.

"Sheriff Andy Taylor" as Social Influencer.

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:10:20 GMT

Let's deconstruct the movie "A Face in the Crowd" and see the Sheriff of Mayberry acting as a "Social Influencer".

When Music Mattered to Television.

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:30:31 GMT

Let's examine the musical contributions of Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, and Lalo Schifrin to television.

"I Love You, Alice B. Toklas"

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:50:16 GMT

Let's deconstruct the movie starring Peter Sellers and find out together, it said a lot about the sixties and the counterculture movement.

From a Shoestring Budget to a String of Pearls

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:38:13 GMT

Let's examine film and television low budget productions making it "big" and find inspiration, together. My takes on Porky's, Jackass, and Napoleon Dynamite.

Who is Jerry Paris?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 02:00:20 GMT

A Prolific actor and director. Hard work never hurt anybody. Let's explore Jerry's career and what discover what it might teach budding creatives inside film, television, and stage.

Film and Television Actors

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 23:51:46 GMT

Let's examine actors who successfully transitioned from the "big screen" to the television screen.

"And the OSCAR goes to..."

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:40:16 GMT

Let's explore the importance of winning and Hollywood's portrayal of the coveted award in film. To those dreaming of winning one day, stick around for a "pep talk".

One in a Million

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 23:08:30 GMT

Let's deconstruct the lyrics to "She's a Beauty" by The Tubes. "Step right up and don't be shy". You may have to "step outside your little world"...Why would I lie?"

Rediscovering Patrick Swayze

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 23:04:43 GMT

A Hollywood "Star" reminiscent of the Hollywood "Studio System" creating performers expected to act, dance, sing, and sell tickets! Let's "rediscover" Patrick Swayze, together.

Physician as Protagonist and Moral Compass in Film

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 22:59:53 GMT

Let's explore David Lean's "Bridge on the River Kwai" and "Doctor Zhivago".

"Time" in Motion Pictures

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 20:51:44 GMT

We can't stop the passage of time but we can talk about it. Let's examine the passage of "time" in "Forrest Gump" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", together.