Welcome One and All to "That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema"! This is a podcast looking at classic cinema films that we know and love, much thanks and love to TCM and "The Great Movie Ride", these two things gave me the inspiration and help for this podcast! While looking at classic films, we will be looking at them with a Queer lens. Watching these films has given me the serotonin I need to get through my day, hopefully, through this podcast, we can help you rewatch these films with the joy and wonderful experience we have. Join my friends and I as we discuss these films that have shaped us.
Welcome back to a spook-tacular installment of "That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema," featuring special guest Shannon Carlin, acclaimed author of "Witches Run Amok: Hocus Pocus, an Oral History."
In this episode, Luke, Shannon, and I dive into the delightfully campy Halloween classic, "Hocus Pocus," starring the iconic trio of Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. We share our earliest encounters with the film, exploring how its whimsical magic, unforgettable characters, and enchanting portrayal of Salem have resonated with audiences over the years.
The discussion highlights its unique influence within the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the film’s vibrant energy, theatrical flair, and unapologetic charm. Together, we uncover how "Hocus Pocus" continues to cast its spell, captivating new generations with its irresistible siren song of witchcraft, mischief, and timeless Halloween spirit.
Feel free to leave us a review and what Halloween classic you can't help but put on each spooky season
Show Notes:
Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney's Hocus Pocus: Carlin, Shannon: 9781368094665: Amazon.com: Books (https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Run-Amok-History-Disneys/dp/136809466X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XG45HFQMA2O7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U5mBCWxpaj0f9zLu07322fQNKcNhS5V4xAisUNRuwBERPRq-Zl5cmHqadCGwBbd8SN76AEz69MW-i7BJ-BArFyOCvCCtwSxq5hOgYRcOjtF0zcbn1nySkwpGY8DkYmHUw2u7KGgJAo_wOWM3xdY8drOKyd9Au_mn27zFg75rSKYXQ_q2wbMS5jfE47kjp2sh8dduIQpVcJcgMuuyWcaY4nMgUYY5aU-cjcM5lwFqWlA.nuXBG5chM3Yi63UoBPcEqGQoUTwAUHppdfuy99RRPXo&dib_tag=se&keywords=witches+run+amok+the+oral+history+of+disney+s+hocus+pocus&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1791601070&sprefix=hocus+pocus+an+oral%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1)
2 Oct 2026
Frankenstein (1931)
Spooky season has arrived, and That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema is diving right in! This week’s episode brings the exciting return of Matt Baume as we explore the brilliance of James Whale’s Frankenstein. Alongside Luke and Matt, the conversation delves into the striking and numerous parallels between “The Creature” and the queer experience, uncovering layers of meaning in this timeless classic.
James Whale crafted a haunting yet deeply moving story of acceptance and isolation through the intertwined narratives of Frankenstein and his creation. Leading the discussion, Matt offers his insightful perspective on the queerness woven into Whale’s work, shedding light on Whale’s unique position as the only openly gay director in Hollywood at the time. Together, the conversation celebrates the film’s enduring resonance and its poignant reflections on identity, otherness, and the human need for connection.
Join us next week as we dive into another campy Halloween movie as we continue our discussion of spooky season!
Show Notes:
Frankenstein's Gay Maker: James Whale, The Queen of Hollywood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hU9jiUTFLo)
Crime Reads » “An Unnatural Body”: Queerness, Monstrosity, and Frankenstein (https://crimereads.com/queerness-monstrosity-frankenstein-ce-mcgill/)
25 Sept 2026
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Welcome back to another exciting installment of "That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema"!
This week marks the conclusion of our tribute to Tim Curry as we delve into his very first cinematic appearance in the iconic cult classic, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." We are joined by Emma Oremus of "The Old Soul Movie Podcast" and Andrew Rimby of "The Ivory Tower Boiler Room" for an engaging and insightful conversation about the enduring legacy of this film, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Together, we explore the magic that continues to captivate audiences at midnight screenings, and how this bold production pushes boundaries, shattering conventions with its playful homages to B-movies and vintage science fiction. The film’s audacity and charm remain unmatched, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone that resonates across generations.
Next week, we usher in spooky season with a thrilling discussion of "Frankenstein," so prepare yourself for another deep dive into classic cinema’s eerie and unforgettable treasures!
Show Notes:
https://youtu.be/RTPd8FqVxS8?si=xiCXBzwwmQsvikFz
https://youtu.be/ciqV2Vzdevo?si=1DPmS9eqalxgDZ5b
https://youtu.be/xSgK6d8DZEc?si=LDQv9GvwAOW3s89Q
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
94,439
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
64
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
71
Contact That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine