Under The Volcano (Episode 55) - Hot Date with Dan and Vicky

Since the publication of Malcolm Lowry's novel Under The Volcano in 1947, Hollywood had tried in vain to adapt it for the big screen.  Artists as varied as Joseph Losey, Luis Bunuel and Ken Russell attempted to corral the novel's stream of consciousness structure and penchant for flashbacks and monologues into an accessible narrative thread.  When the property landed on John Huston's desk, his career and health were both on a downward slide.  The 78 year old director suffered from emphysema and lung disease and was coming off a string of well made but impersonal films like Victory, Phobia and Annie.  Under the Volcano, with great performances from Albert Finney and Jacqueline Bisset, turned his creative fortunes around.  Nominated for several big awards and critically lauded, the film began a winning streak for Huston that would end with his swan song, 1987's The Dead.  

Dan and Vicky discuss the film and their love for Finney and Bisset.  In the recently seen segment, they talk about new films It Comes At Night, Deepwater Horizon and Passengers and older gems like The Witches of Eastwick, Phantasm and Adam Green's Frozen.  

Dan also tells us about his upcoming play at the Guthrie in Minneapolis and his recent awe-inspiring trip to Google headquarters in NY.  Our hosts bring up their love for old Siskel and Ebert episodes, their hate of drunk neighbors and their disdain for serial killer Richard Ramirez.  

Join us for Hot Date 55: Under the Volcano.  You'll lava it!  Leave us some feedback.