The Poppedcast

Join Gareth as he dives into his latest journey through Universal Monster films, revealing how his curiosity and storytelling background shape his take on cinema. Perfect for film enthusiasts, storytellers, or anyone interested in the history of horror This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

In this episode, I read out my essay from the Popped blog where I explore The Bride (2026) as a modern conversation with The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).Stick around at the end where I have a quick chat around my thoughts on both films!As always, thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to Popped. A space to explore cinema history, cinema culture, and how world events can be reflected through the silver screen. Though I’m not usually into award ceremonies, this year I tuned into BAFTA as a friend of mine was up for an award. It’s moving to see someone you know being recognised for an amazing talent that they have. They were also dressed to kill!This month’s Poppedcast touches on the awards, on the controversy surrounding this year, as well as the people involved and some of the great achievements of the night.There’s also time to look back at the films I picked out last month (one of them is near three hour documentary about the rugby legend Gareth Edwards) and a reveal of a new Popped feature incoming.If you enjoy this podcast, please do share with others, it really is the best way to support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to the Poppedcast. A space to explore cinema history, cinema culture, and how world events can be reflected through the silver screen. Thanks for reading.This week is an audio version of a written post. I take a look at how three landmark works captured the human cost of Thatcher’s Britain. From rising unemployment to racial tension and the birth of neoliberal individualism, this episode explores how film and TV documented a country in crisis, and why their warnings still matter today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a blog connecting film and cinema history to our lived experience.It’s been a little while but I’m excited to be back with the Poppedcast which has a new feel to it.After reflecting on the kind of stuff I like to listen to, and the experience I want create for Popped, this month’s Poppedcast is a more reflective, less “recommend-y” listen. It’s something I had fun putting together and I’m happy with it. I hope you enjoy.This month I have a look into a box of DVD’s I found, not before reflecting on the week we’ve had news wise, and the effect the constant bombardment of atrocities has on us all.Note: It hadn’t sunk in that The Story of Gareth Edwards is presented by Gareth Edwards. I simply cannot wait to watch this. How is he going to pull this off!?Finally the documentary I spoke about is called Cover-Up and it’s on Netflix now. It’s not an easy watch; the content is pretty harsh. But there is a strong link to the important role that proper journalism has to play in holding those in power to account.I’d love your thoughts and feedback on the episode.If you feel like someone you know would take something from listening to it please do pass it on.Take care of yourselves. Go and watch some films.Gareth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped! A newsletter about the history and culture of cinema.What’s in this month’s Poppedcast?As usual I have some excellent clips, books and docs to talk about. More detail on each one below. The archive clip this month is lovely and it would be great to hear what you think.ClipThe Saviour of Cinema - Aunt LauraI don’t often use the word quintessential, but this is quintessential British archive viewing. A wonderful little story about a cinema, and the woman who ran it, Aunt Laura.https://youtu.be/MWTbzJJxuAQ?si=DhFPHQ6N2rEyA1BiBookI love romcoms and I am a feminist: A manifesto in 100 romcoms by Corrina AntrobusA perfect movie companion and book of suggestions for looking at romcoms in a new way and taking back control of what is a fantastic genre.You can buy the book here.During this part I also mention the shopping guide by Story Has It, and here it is if you need some filmy ideas for Christmas!DocumentaryMusic by John Williams - Disney+I urge you all to hunt down this documentary on Disney+ if you have the time over the festive period. I guarantee it will result in a new list of rewatches from Star Wars to Jurassic Park. He is one of the most accomplished artists of our time.Thanks again for listening and reading! Please do pass this on to anyone you think may enjoy. And if you have any clips you would like to share, you can reply to this email or leave a comment!Gareth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello my pride of cinema stars and welcome to this month’s Poppedcast. A listening experience where I talk about a book, a clip and an additional interest from the cinema world.It’s only the second month so I’m still finding my feet with this new format. I say “um” more than anyone else on earth and good grief am I a heavy breather. I’ll stop breathing for the next Poppedcast ‘k? I’m particularly enjoying the book side of things though. There’s a growing list of interesting books to explore so I’ll keep getting them as long as my wallet will let me! The clip I've found for this month is also a great one. It’s from the Parkinson chat show. I get the feeling that his interviews will keep cropping up on this podcast. They’re always fantastic. Below you will find the links and information I spoke of in the Poppedcast. If you have any books you would like to recommend, or interesting clips you’ve seen, please comment on this post. I’d love to hear them! GarethShow NotesHome Work - A Memoir of My Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews - Get it hereHere is the clip of her swearing loads! Maggie Smith and Kenneth WilliamsIt’s a two part clip. Here’s part 1 (which there is a sample of in the podcast)and here is part 2 (only need the first minute or so of that one to finish off the argument)Will & HarperYou can watch this documentary on Netflix right now. But here is a trailer: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to Popped! A newsletter about the history and culture of cinema.This week we’re talking Talkies. How they came to be and how Hollywood reacted. It’s a whistelstop tour of this fascinating subject.Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to Popped! A newsletter about the history and culture of cinema.This week I’m trying out a possible new regular post. I tend to jump from one thing to another, so I thought it may be time to settle on at least one thing at least semi-regularly.After a while of dabbling in podcasts, I've come to enjoy a few and thought I should borrow some ideas directly from them. My art teacher used to tell me that this approach to your work is to be encouraged, and who am I to argue?One of my favourites for a while has been The Socially Distanced Sports Bar, a podcast dedicated to the world of sport. It’s not a current affairs program, but they discuss YouTube clips, books and documentaries. The chat among Elis, Mike and Steff often has me laughing out loud in public places and their Welsh view of the world is an anchor to home.So basically, I'm doing a similar thing, but in the world of cinema!Each month there will be some clips I find interesting, a book (could be a memoir, a biography, or a book about the film world), and one other thing!Take a look at the newsletter for info & links on everything in the newsletter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

This week is a little story about how I ended up buying over 550 dvd's from Facebook marketplace, and why you should too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a podcast about the history and culture of cinema. With the release of Alien: Romulus, this week I’m looking back to the release of the original back in 1979.Enjoy! And if you do, please share! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped! A newsletter about cinema history and culture. This week is a roundup of things I've learned, read and seen in July.This episode also includes my thoughts on the latest film releases from July! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a newsletter about cinema history and culture. I’m off on holiday this week! I’ll be taking the rest of July off to sit around and, let’s face it, watch films. Until then folks, enjoy this one!Animation is often taken for granted. Its presence is everywhere. It advertises to us, it entertains and educates our children, it brings our games alive, but we generally remember it for making us sit in the cinema for a couple of hours and making us (me) cry. I think that’s why the recent Cardiff Animation Festival was an eye opener for me. Crowds of likeminded artists working tirelessly for the privilege of being taken for granted. Since the festival I have had the pleasure of learning a little more about the U.K animation industry and speaking to the people who are not only labouring over the animations, but investing countless hours in raising the funds and awareness needed to get their creations going. Here are two stories that give some insight into the process from sketch book to the screen. Lleucu Non - PainkillerYou will never be too far away from an animation festival in the U.K. and there are animation nights held up and down the country on a monthly basis, showcasing local talent and works in development.The Cardiff Animation Festival is for those locals, as well as artists from the rest of the UK, France, India, America and Canada. What struck me about this festival though was its emphasis on cultural identity, and the support there is for newcomers into the industry in Wales.One of the film makers was Lleucu Non, an animation graduate at ECA. She entered a university piece into the festival called Painkiller, a visceral animation in response to her own experience with chronic migraines using rotoscope techniques and real flowers.“I’m very lucky to have an audience that supports me here in Wales. The Welsh animation scene is diverse and inspiring, and I have managed to find my own voice in the crowd” Lleucu won the Audience Award for Painkiller at the festival and her film was part of a collection of “home grown” animated shorts, highlighting Welsh work.The festival is a celebration of global animation that plays work from world acclaimed artists alongside local artists like Lleucu. Some works were hilarious, some more personal stories. Lleucu’s work really stood out. It’s well worth hunting out an animation festival or showcase night in your nearest city. Kino Bino - Of All The ThingsDuring the festival, it struck me how many of the artists attending were in the middle of a fight to get their projects made. Many of them talking about the struggle, in the current climate, to get past the development stage. “As our first time crowdfunding, it’s been a very steep learning curve,” explains Steff, the Creative Director of Kino Bino. “[We were] partially funding the project, but after a year and a half of working on the film alongside client projects, a downturn in the animation industry and the cost of living crisis forced us to explore crowdfunding to complete it”. Of All the Things is a passion project for Steff, who started working on the film in 2019. It’s a short that delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship amidst the challenges of hoarding disorder. It’s a film that’s aiming to raise awareness around a condition that’s often misunderstood. Over the past few weeks, Steff and her producer, Bella Tomlinson have been racing all over social media, making BBC TV and radio appearances, as well as hosting a Hoarding Awareness Week event in Leicester to not only raise awareness around the condition, but hopefully secure valuable funding to make the film. “We’ve raised £10k and are at 40% of our goal, with new associate and executive producers on board this week. We’ve been blown away by the support…especially from the hoarding community and professionals who see the film’s potential to gently open up discussions.”Watching from the sidelines, it’s been a staggering effort. To go from an artist to a fundraiser, spending hours on spreadsheets and press packs is a testament to their passion. The crowdfunding is still going until 7th July, so head here if you’d like to learn more and donate.You would be forgiven for not thinking too deeply about where your animation is coming from, how much work goes into it, and how long it has taken to get from A to B. To think that it can take five to seven years to even get an animation project off the ground is bonkers to those of us who watch that film in ten minutes once it’s been created. With that in mind, why don’t you start with The Cardiff Animation website to watch some previous entries? Perhaps then you can have a look for local animators, local showcase nights, or you can support artists like Steff who work tirelessly to get their projects moving. Animated short films are a fantastic way to explore lots of different artists, so get out there and find something!GarethPopped is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped!This week we’re getting a little bit nerdy about one of the all time classics by Alfred Hitchcock. If you haven’t seen Rear Window, don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers here. But do go and rent it or pick up a copy, it’s fantastic! This isn't an exhaustive "making of", but some of the more specific elements that I loved learning about. A quick note to say that I have posted a new video on my YouTube channel about my recent trip to the Duke of York cinema in Brighton. Have a look here if you have five minutes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

It’s Popped’s One Year Anniversary!On the 1st May last year, I sent out my first newsletter. It was a personal story about my first trip to the cinema in Aberystwyth. Since then, I’ve shared with you another 35 pieces of writing that I’ve tried to make myself proud with.What started off as Reel Stories, soon became Popped. I’ve been lucky enough to interview interesting people, visit new places and uncover fascinating things about our cinema culture, and the legacy of film.I’m happy to have kept this going. As this newsletter turned one, I attended my first film festival as a journalist. Just keep swimming, as Dory would say.The newsletter has grown steadily and there are now a lot more people here that I don’t know, than ones I do. Here’s a little reset, a re-introduction to me and what (I think) this newsletter is about and where it’s going! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

This week I visit the oldest purpose built cinema in the UK, The Duke of York's Cinema in Brighton. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit popped.substack.comWelcome Back to PoppedIt’s been a little while since I've done a post of things. I said I’d do these once a month, but that was a lesson in failing to deliver. There are bits below that I’ve kept by from other newsletters, some quotes I like, and up coming dates for your diary.This time I have enhanced the newsletter for paid subscribers with attempts at forming some sort of opinion on the latest releases like Dune 2, Godzilla x Kong and Robot Dreams, if that’s your bag.Enjoy

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a journey through cinema history and culture. Thank you for joining me!Around two weeks ago, despite myself, I posted a question here on Substack:What is your first cinema memory?I’ve collated some of the cinema stories that were shared, as it really blew my mind that people were happy to respond, and their stories were little pockets of joy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to Popped, a journey through cinema history and culture. Thank you for joining!This is the next instalment of my Women in Cinema series! I hope you enjoy and please do comment, share and like to your hearts content. It really does help. Remember too that you can listen to me read this if you want. Just click the play button above. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

While I was Las Vegas recently, I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to The Sphere, the largest spherical building in the world with a massive, wrap around screen. In the back of my mind I thought, this would be a great experience to write a journal entry for Popped. So I did, and here it is. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to another edition of Popped, a journey through cinema history and culture. It’s great to have you here again and if you’re new, thank you for joining! Remember there is an audio version of this above if you would prefer.This week, I am finally getting back to a series of stories about the women who made waves during the golden age of silent movies and beyond.With it being the Lunar New Year this weekend, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the story of an Asian American whose legacy and stance inspired future generations. I want to tell you the story of the first American Asian star of the silver screen, Anna May Wong. More well known in the US than in the UK, I found her story fascinating.Happy new year to those that celebrate! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Welcome! I’m Gareth and this is Popped, a podcast that delves into the history and culture of cinema.January means a fresh but fleeting enthusiasm for every aspect of life, and Popped hasn’t escaped my renewed energy. One thing I enjoy is putting these posts together and from what I can see, you seem to enjoy them too. So I’ve decided to make these a monthly thing and this is, therefore, your January edition of cinema tidbits.For all the links, videos and pictures, head over to the article at popped.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Welcome to Popped, a newsletter that delves into the history and culture of cinema. This is the first in a series on the work of women in early cinema and how these people have shaped our movie landscape today. The early life and legacy of Anita Loos is an unfortunate example of the struggles of women in Hollywood and how we still fall short of allowing women’s stories to rise to the top. She was a tireless writer whose circumstances meant that her scripts were often paraded as a man’s work. Loos wouldn’t stand for pity though, some of her greatest writing gave women a voice, and men a reality check. “I was a stage child and I played parts when I was 7 years old. My father had a theatre. It struck me one day that movies must need a plot before they start filming.” - Anita LoosIt was 1912 when Loos’s first film was released. She had already sent two other scenarios to D.W.Griffiths but this, The New York Hat, was the first one to be produced. It made a star of Mary Pickford and allowed Loos to move to Hollywood and away from her parents. Before talkies, silent scripts were mostly written as detailed scenarios and plots for the filmmakers to work to. Loos wrote hundreds of them and spent her time between honing her craft and living the wild life that early Hollywood afforded. Her second marriage was to the filmmaker, John Emerson, and they both worked together on making films with the silent film icon, Douglas Fairbanks. Loos helped to create what we know to be The Action Hero, with films that are still appreciated today.Popped is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.John EmersonLoos’s marriage to Emerson is an interesting part of her story because she was widely known to be more talented, more successful, and earned far more than Emerson, who hated her superiority. Loos offered Emerson co-authership rights over her written work and he demanded top billing, riding Loos’s coat tails for years. T his came in handy sometimes though, when Loos would send Emerson in to directors “who wouldn’t take script advice from a woman”. From what I have read, Emerson was a womaniser as well as a disruptive hypochondriac. At one stage he lost his voice, so Loos went to see a doctor to see what could be done: Dr. Jelliffe proceeded to quote from H.L. Mencken that a husband may survive the fact that of a wife having more money than he, but if she earns more, it can destroy his very essence. Overcome with guilt that I myself was the cause of Mr. E. 's [loss of voice], I asked how I could undo the harm I'd done. "The only possible cure for your husband," answered Dr. Jelliffee, "is to give up your career." - Loos, Good-By , 63Amazingly, Loos paid a doctor to perform a fake operation on Emerson, later presenting him with what had been “removed” from his vocal cords. It worked. Emerson was miraculously “cured”, while Loos still gave up her work to live the life! Gentlemen Prefer BlondesAnita Loos had other experiences with men throughout Hollywood that lead to her writing the book that became the 1950’s classic starring Marilyn Monroe. She had strong feelings and had become close with the critic H.L Mencken in the 1920s. During a train ride to Hollywood, she caught him soliciting with, what he distastefully later described as a “witless blonde”, which gave Loos the inspiration to write the diaries of Lorelei Lee. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was first released in 1925 and was an instant hit. Loos wrote a successful stage version of Blondes and by 1928 she wrote the film which has subsequently been lost. It was remade without Loos in the famous 1953 version.When watching Blondes recently, I found it interesting to see the female character, who so often were domestic, only interested in love and their service to men, are here self-assured and acting on their own instincts, despite the men around them. I couldn’t tell whether Monroe’s character, Lorelei, is clueless or a genius, while Dorothy (played by Jane Russell) had confidence in her desires, her needs never placed below anyone else’s. It is in fact the men that are shown to be a clueless and desperate group who would do anything for the attention of the blonde. (There’s a great piece of research here if you want to read more into Loos’s feminist style!)I love the following quote by Loos. At first it seems she is anti-movement, but in reality it is a wry comment on the approach to characters she has written for men and women over the years,“I'm furious about the Women's Liberationists. They keep getting up on soap-boxes and proclaiming that women are brighter than men. That's true, but it should be kept very quiet or it ruins the whole racket.”- Anita LoosLater Life & LegacyShe didn’t have much to do with the Monroe remake but continued to write amazing parts for women and men in film, as well as creating a star of Audrey Hepburn in the stage version of Gigi. She went on to write several outrageous memoirs, with increasingly elaborate stories, as well as novels right until her death in 1981.Loos never won an Oscar, despite her long and illustrious career. She was a disruptor before we knew what one was. She made stars when stars were a new way to market film and played around with genre while genres were still being formed. If you want to see some of her films, here is a list of the ones Anita Loos penned. You can rent or buy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes or read the book, for free, here. Gareth Thank you for reading Popped. Please click the like button if you enjoyed. This post is also public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

For my first proper podcast, I want to round up my year in film! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

This is the first post I made for Popped. It's my cinema story, and what the movies mean to me! Subscribe at popped.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com