Fanacek

A Very Special Fanacek: An Interview with Ron Defore

This is a very special episode of the show.  I was so honored to have the opportunity to speak with Ron Defore, author of the book "Growing Up in Disneyland".  Ron is the son of Hollywood royalty.  His father, Don Defore, is a star of broadway, film and television.  He is most recognized for his roles in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Hazel, and It Happened On 5th Avenue.  He worked with such legends as Bette Davis, Henry Fonda, Spencer Tracy, John Wayne, and Charleton Heston.  He was friends with Walt Disney and owned a restaurant in Disneyland, "Don Defore's Silver Banjo Barbecue.  
Need I say more?
Ron was gracious enough to take time discussing the book and his father's career.  To learn more, check out www..growingupindisneyland.com or www.defore.net
Enjoy!
 

S2 E5 Delta House

In 1978, the Lord gave us National Lampoon's Animal House.  Not to be outdone, in 1979 Satan smited us with ABC's TV version, Delta House.  I had to take a closer look at this show.  I also take a few detours and talk about sharing a toilet with Meatloaf, Bob Saget's acts of kindness, silent rage and silent farts, making out with Valerie Bertinelli, and seeing Laurie Metcalf at a bookstore.  I may or may not sing some Twisted Sister.  Bon Appetit. 

S2 E4 Serpico & Paper Moon (The TV Shows)

This a special episode featuring Solocek.  Yes folks, this is my first episode without a guest and why not?  I do most of the yapping anyway.  I wanted to squeeze in two mini episodes before Thanksgiving, so this is my gift to you: Two classic 1973 films that were turned into disastrous TV Shows. Along the way, we'll also mention Angela Lansbury's heart of gold, the Thighmaster, IMDB recommending some pretty weird stuff, that A-Hole Scott Baio, Ran O'Neal's sexual conquests, Daryl Zanuck's secret screening room, Jay Leno and his buddy Freddie Prinze Jr, Sergio Corbucci, ripping off Robert Downey Jr's comedic timing, and The Runaways.  Oh, and I do a George Takei impression.  You're welcome.

S2 E3 Fast Times (The TV Show)

Aloha, listeners.  Fanacek is back and taking a cold, hard look at the ill fated TV version of the 1982 classic, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".  Whilst on this journey, we will also touch on ABC Afterschool Specials, Charlie Sheen maybe abusing Corey Haim, shaking hands with Richard Lewis, BibleMan, Wilford Brimley's ability to always look 90 yrs old, my run in with Dan Castellaneta, Patrick Dempsey pleasing MILFs, and the prison saga of Amy Locane.  So, get comfy, grab some pizza, learn abut Cuba, and have a little feast on our time.

S2 E2 Dirty Dancing (The TV Show)

Baby Houseman.  Baby Kellerman.  Two Babies enter, only one will be left standing.  Yes, folks, Dirty Dancing became a short lived 1988 TV Show.  And, of course, I had to do a typical Fanacek deep dive.  Along the way, we'll explore my family's decision to purchase  BetaMax over VHS, the nudity in Friday the 13 Part 4, Tim Robbins and duck sex, actors in blackface, M.A.S.H. and its relationship with Cher, and Lambada...the forbidden dance.  It's a doozy.

S2 E1: Ferris Bueller (The TV Show)

Picture this: Los Angeles.  1990.  A group of NBC execs think they can recapture the charm and vibe of Ferris Bueller's Day Off in a 30 minute sitcom format.  Without Broderick, without the rest of the cast, and without John Hughes.  I would give them an F, but Ferris would change the grade anyway.  Check out the episode.

Season 2 Introduction

Listen up Fanacek fans.  Season 2 is about to drop and it's gonna be life changing.  And by life changing, I mean pretty good.  A new theme, new awards, and all new film and TV minutia to discover and explore.  
Pucker up, buttercup!

S1 E9 The Season 1 Finale: Luke Perry

Whatcha talkin' about, Willis?  The Season 1 finale has arrived and its explosive!!  Well, maybe not explosive, but it's decent.  We take a deep dive on Mr. Luke Perry.  Along the way, we revisit Dudley being sexually assaulted, the dumb death of Jon-Erik Hexum, the many works of Aaron Spelling, and our differing opinions of Halloween Ends.  RIP, Luke.  You were one of the good ones.

S1 E8 - Sam Wanamaker

Give me evil, sexy Hamlet.  Vroom Vroom!  Yes, it's England's favorite American writer and director, Sam Wanamaker.  We will explore his career while also touching on Sean Connery's badassery, David Cassidy as a TV cop, the genius of Columbo, and the relationship between Picasso and Dr. Richard Kimble's innocence.  It's a whole thing.

S1 E7 - James Stacy

It's Johnny Madrid himself, James Stacy.  We'll take a deep dive into his career just like Gordon Jump tried to take a deep dive into Arnold and Dudley!  We'll also touch on fun topics like amputation, Sean Astin's multiple fathers, the Nelson Twins, Ron Rifkin complimenting my wife, and how Mr. Tarantino took some liberties with his version of the Lancer pilot.