In The Movies | Sondheim & Golden Age Hollywood

In this unprecedented exploration, hosts Martin Milnes and Peter E. Jones discover – in Sondheim’s own words – how Golden Age Hollywood profoundly shaped his personal world view in addition to his work. Featuring never-before-released emails between Steve and Martin, a 1953 letter from Steve in Hollywood, and the premieres of two unknown Sondheim songs in their first official recordings.

"Did I tell you about the silent movie stars, all ladies, who I grew up with as they played Mahjong etc in our living room?" – Stephen Sondheim to Martin Milnes

Steve and Martin’s mutual encyclopaedic knowledge of old movies sparked ‘a beautiful friendship’ unlike any since Steve’s college days with his movie-mad chums. From playing chess with Humphrey Bogart and imitating Bette Davis, to being star-struck around obscure character actors, Martin and PJ affectionately celebrate Steve’s unexpected love of camp and glittering life among the stars.

With special appearances from renowned Script Supervisor Angela Allen (who met Sondheim in 1952 on the set of a notorious camp classic) and Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who recalls how Steve shared with her the original musical version of Sunset Boulevard.

"Don’t show it to anyone. In fact, once you’ve read it, burn this email." – Stephen Sondheim to Martin Milnes

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - “And Introducing” Steve, Martin, Spielberg & Hitler

05:34 - Steve’s Love of Gossip and “Life In Movie Terms”

15:58 - Steve’s Home Movie and The Origins of Pot in Company

20:26 - “Let’s Go To The Movies”: Influencing Steve’s Work

29:27 - Sunset Boulevard: Swanson, Steve & Patti

34:14 - “I’ll Never Forgive Myself”: Steve’s Shyness