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by Stephen Guerra
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- Feb 13, 20251h 34m
Inside L.A. Confidential (1997): Policing, Politics, and Power Plays
Exploring L.A. Confidential with Frank Scalise: Deep Dive into Neo-NoirThis time we feature author and podcaster Frank Scalise, who brings his rich background as a high-ranking police officer into the mix. Together, we dive headfirst into the world of the film and book 'L.A. Confidential.' Released as a book in 1990 and adapted into a film in 1997, 'L.A. Confidential' is a neo-noir crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles. We discuss everything from the gritty reality and complex characters to themes of police corruption and crime. Frank gives his expert take on the portrayal of law enforcement through the lens of both historical context and modern-day perspectives. Learn how the cultural setting of the time influenced the storyline and character arcs, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the cast and the making of the movie. Don't miss our speculation on what could have been a groundbreaking TV adaptation! 01:12 Exploring the Neo-Noir Genre04:06 James Ellroy's Personal Connection12:34 Themes of Police Corruption16:07 Historical Context of Police Corruption21:00 Character Analysis: Bud White35:27 Character Analysis: Jack Vincennes44:40 Reinvention in 1950s LA46:52 Conflict and Growth in LA51:40 Police Corruption and Crime59:23 Character Analysis and Themes01:08:52 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsTranscript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/wqHDxPxW7H4You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comwww.beyondthebigscreen.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Feb 10, 20254 min
Coming Soon - Ethical or Unethical Cops
Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen!You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://twitter.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Feb 6, 20251h 20m
A Glimpse into the Silence of the Dead with Author Frank Zafiro
In this captivating episode of Beyond the Big Screen, join host Steve and recurring guest Frank Scalise, a former police officer and crime fiction author. Frank, also known by his pen name Frank Zafiro, dives into his rich career in law enforcement and writing. We explore the intriguing distinctions between true crime and crime fiction, highlighting Frank's latest novel, 'Silence of the Dead' from the Charlie 316 series. They discuss the character nuances, themes of gray ethics, and the evolution of culture and policing showcased in the book. Expect deep dives into the challenges of co-authoring, the complexities of ethical considerations in policing, and much more. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through the labyrinth of crime storytelling!02:13 Discussion on True Crime vs. Crime Fiction13:16 Evolution of Policing and Society30:22 The Changing Landscape of Law Enforcement36:01 Exploring Nuance in Character Development40:44 Ethics and Entitlement in Policing51:59 Spokane's Unique Character and HistoryTranscript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/9j8A4wrarN8You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comwww.beyondthebigscreen.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Feb 3, 20254 min
Coming Soon - Comfortable Police Corruption
Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen!You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://twitter.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Jan 30, 20251h 13m
Rush (1991): The True Cost of Undercover Policing
Join us in this exciting installment of our series on police movies and crime fiction, as we dive deep into both the 1990 book and the 1991 film 'Rush'. With us is the remarkable Frank Scalise—crime fiction author, 20-year police veteran, and expert on all things gritty and nuanced. We explore why Frank was captivated by this story, the phenomenal acting, and the realistic sense of place. Learn how the movie delves into the complexities of deep undercover police work, the moral ambiguities, and the tragic endgame for the characters. We also touch on broader issues like the war on drugs and its impacts. All this and more in an episode filled with reflections, critiques, and thoughtful conversation!00:30 Frank's Attraction to 'Rush'00:45 The Acting and Characters02:10 Plot and Setting of 'Rush'05:33 Character Analysis32:49 Product Placement in Films37:26 The Slippery Slope of Corruption40:25 The Fallout of Corruption43:02 The Greater Good Dilemma58:33 A Gutsy Ending01:07:09 Real-Life Inspirations and Artistic LibertiesTranscript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/v5IYe1G2oOTYou can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comwww.beyondthebigscreen.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Jan 27, 20257 min
Coming Soon - Not a Bad Guy Just Makes Bad Choices
Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen!You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://twitter.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Jan 23, 20251h 23m
Into the Alternative: The World of the Yiddish Policemen's Union
Join Frank Scalise (aka Frank Zafiro) as he takes the driver's seat in this exciting episode of Beyond the Big Screen Podcast! Together with your usual host, Steve Guerra, they dive deep into Michael Chabon's award-winning alternative history novel, the Yiddish Policeman's Union. Discover the rich world of Sitka, Alaska, and its intriguing blend of crime fiction and science fiction elements. Whether you're a fan of intricate world-building, love an engaging mystery, or simply appreciate alternative history, this discussion covers it all. Steve shares why he's revisited this book multiple times, and Frank offers insights into the unique challenges and freedoms of writing crime fiction. Don't miss this engaging episode that promises to delve into the layers of one of the most fascinating blends of genres in modern literature!03:07 Exploring Alternative History05:28 The Slattery Report and Its Implications14:13 The Cultural Impact of Yiddish32:40 Private Investigator vs. Police Detective39:14 Exploring Religious and Cultural Themes44:08 The Power of Science Fiction and Crime Fiction46:48 The Art of Layered Storytelling52:32 The Impact of Alternative History55:38 Reflections on the Book's Ending57:51 Personal Reading Experiences and RecommendationsTranscript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/DtVTBJ6OMfEYou can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comwww.beyondthebigscreen.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://twitter.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Jan 20, 20251 min
BTBS Burial Society
Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen!You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pagewww.beyondthebigscreen.comClick to Subscribe:https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feedemail: steve@atozhistorypage.comParthenon Podcast Network Home:parthenonpodcast.comOn Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypagehttps://facebook.com/atozhistorypagehttps://twitter.com/atozhistorypagehttps://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/Music Provided by:"Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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About Beyond the Big Screen
Beyond the Big Screen is a podcast about the true story behind the movies you love. We will talk about history, philosophy, religion, art, sports, literature and much more. Movies and media only tell you a small part of the story. In this podcast we will look into a wide variety of topics on the big screen and beyond!
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