Podcasts

Diane’s North Philly

Moviehouse Productions paints a nostalgic picture of growing up in North Philadelphia’s Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue section in the 1950’s and ’60’s. The story is told by Diane P. Brown, a proud lifelong N. Philly resident. The video offers a fond look back at a close knit area…strong family and neighbors, the hustle/bustle  of a thriving business center, the excitement of being a soulful sounds music center and living with walking distance of a baseball shrine.

Sites visited include N. Philly’s garment center at Broad and Lehigh, the Uptown Theater, Broad and Dauphin and Connie Mack Stadium, 21st and Lehigh.

Remembered: Philadelphia’s Old Strawberry Mansion Neighborhood

“Radio Rick” Spector’s mom, Sylvia, poses with his sister , Marsha, 1943. The picture was snapped at “Rodeo Ben’s”, America’s premier purveyor of western wear, 3209 Columbia Avenue, Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia.

Old Strawberry Mansion was a historic North Philadelphia neighborhood. Moviehouse Productions’ special guest is Shelly Rosen who related her experiences growing up in the “Mansion” between 1940-1956.

The western boundary of Strawberry Mansion has been updated to include a section of 34th Street just south of Lehigh Avenue.

“Working in Philly” Stories: Bond Bread and the Aldine Theater

Philadelphia is a hard working town. MOVIEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS presents two tales from our city’s busy and productive past.

Bob Frank and Hal and Elsie Oetzel shared memories of NE Philly’s Crescentville’s Bond Bread “Great North” plant.

Allen Goodkin ushered and was assistant manager of the Aldine Theater, 19th and Chestnut Streets, 1933-1942. Goodkin reminisced about the fine art of ushering in this video.

Growing up in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia

Let’s tune in the adventures of Joel Spivak, who lived in Philly’s West Oak Lane neighborhood from the mid 1940’s until 1960. Joel was quite an urban explorer. He remains so to this day. In fact, long ago Spivak adopted Cole Porter’s “Don’t Fence Me In” as his anthem. Joel’s an architect, artist and author and he’s also contributing mightily to the revival of South Street. Spivak’s working on a history of that vaunted thoroughfare. Joel is a published authority on trains and trolleys and is the founder of Philly’s National Hot Dog Month.

1971 Rizzo-Longstreth Philadelphia Mayoral Debate

Once again, Moviehouse Productions and Paramount News collaborate on a historic Philadelphia video. This time; the titanic October 16, 1971 debate between Frank Rizzo, former Police Commissioner and Democrat and Republican Thacher Longstreth, long time city councilperson and Chamber of Commerce Chair.

Two From the Nostalgia Cabinet: Tragic End for Crooner Russ Columbo, Famous Lasts

Moviehouse Productions presents a blockbuster twin bill, “Two from the Nostalgia Cabinet”. Part One is a tribute to Russ Columbo: Camden, New Jersey’s charismatic crooner of the 1920’s and early ‘30’s. Columbo ‘s life and career were tragically snuffed out at a young age. Part Two ,“Famous Lasts”, features notable final moments from Philadelphia and the national scene. Guest appearances are featured from President Lyndon Johnson, Thomas Edison, George Gershwin, Rosa Parks, the Beatles, Doc Severinsen, Johnny Carson, Astronaut Eugene Cernan, Elvis Presley, and Paul Robeson. Included is a remembrance of the last Phillies game at Connie Mack Stadium.

Remembering George “Bon Bon” Tunnell: Outstanding South Philly Swing and Big Band Era Entertainer

Moviehouse Productions “Lost Philly Films” explores the life and career of George “Bon Bon” Tunnell, outstanding South Philly singer and entertainer. Mr. Tunnell was popular in the eras spanning the Golden Age of 1920’s radio through the Swing and Big Band eras of the 1930’s – 1940’s. Courageous and tenacious, George Tunnell was one of the first African Americans to sing with a white band, Jan Savitt and His Top Hatters. Expertly leading us through our nostalgic musical journey is Mike Zirpolo, producer of the “Swing and Beyond” blog. Visit Mike’s informative site at: https://swingandbeyond.com/

Show Biz South Philly

South Philadelphia is world renowned for its rich cultural history including being the birthplace of many magnificent show business personalities. Courtesy of Moviehouse Productions and “5th and Ritner” Trolley Tours, stop by the homes and learn the stories of some of the greats, including Eddie Fisher, Joey Bishop, Marion Anderson and Mario Lanza. Expert tour commentary is provided by South Philly author Harry Martin Polis, David McKnight of the University of Pennsylvania and Bill Ronayne of the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum. The tour begins at the historic Broadway Theater, Broad Street and Snyder Avenue and concludes with memories of the Ideal “movie”, more commonly known as the “I-Dump”, 6th and Jackson Streets.

For Further Information:

Mario Lanza Institute and Museum:

Mario Lanza Institute

Marion Anderson Collection at the University of Pennsylvania:

https://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/special-notable/groups/marian-anderson-collection