This week on Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray climb aboard the tour bus for Cameron Crowe’s heartfelt, hilarious, and endlessly quotable 2000 film Almost Famous.

Patrick Fugit stars as William Miller, a gifted 15-year-old music fan who lands the opportunity of a lifetime: joining the rising rock band Stillwater on tour and writing about them for Rolling Stone. Before long, William is surrounded by concerts, confessions, complicated relationships, and enough emotional baggage to require a second tour bus.

Jed and Ray discuss the film’s semi-autobiographical story, Cameron Crowe’s Oscar-winning screenplay, the unforgettable soundtrack, and the complicated triangle between William, Penny Lane, and Stillwater guitarist Russell Hammond. They also revisit the iconic “Tiny Dancer” bus scene, Russell’s drug-fueled declaration that he is a golden god, and the many ways the movie captures the moment when admiration turns into friendship—and friendship threatens to compromise the truth.

Behind the scenes, they explore the real musicians and experiences that inspired the story, Peter Frampton’s work training the fictional band, the actors who nearly played Russell and Penny Lane, and how Kate Hudson moved from a supporting role into the performance that helped define her career.

Plus, Jed and Ray choose their cast and crew MVPs, celebrate Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, and even Jimmy Fallon, recommend more movies about music and misfits, and finally decide whether Almost Famous has been forgotten—or forgotten for a reason.

Whether you love rock and roll, coming-of-age stories, Cameron Crowe movies, or simply great films with even better soundtracks, this is one tour worth taking.

Spoiler warning: Major plot points are discussed.

Please remember to be kind, rewind, comment, like, and subscribe. Then crack a cold one and watch a forgotten one.

This week on Forgotten Films, Jed and Ray revisit Charles Laughton's haunting 1955 masterpiece, The Night of the Hunter, starring Robert Mitchum in one of cinema's most unforgettable villain performances.

We explore why this psychological thriller and Southern Gothic classic bombed upon release but is now considered one of the greatest films ever made. From its breathtaking black-and-white cinematography and dreamlike film noir visuals to Mitchum's terrifying preacher Harry Powell, we break down what makes this movie so influential—and whether it's forgotten or simply overlooked.

Along the way, you'll hear:
🎬 Ray's Gilligan's Island-inspired plot recap
📼 Our "Back of the VHS Box" synopsis
🎥 Behind-the-scenes stories and movie trivia
🎭 Robert Mitchum's iconic performance
📷 The groundbreaking cinematography that inspired generations of filmmakers
🍺 An unofficial Lone Star Beer commercial
😂 Plenty of bad jokes, good laughs, and a suspicious amount of "Bringing in the Sheaves."

If you love classic movies, film noir, psychological thrillers, old Hollywood, or discovering hidden cinematic gems, this episode is for you.

So dust off the VHS box, crack open a cold one, and find out whether The Night of the Hunter deserves its legendary reputation... or if it's forgotten for a reason.

Subscribe for new episodes every other Tuesday as we revisit the overlooked, underrated, and nearly forgotten movies that deserve another watch.

You’ll discover:

• The genius behind the film’s Chicago charm—yep, it’s more than just a city, it’s a time capsule.
• Jack Black’s breakout burst of brilliance before he was a household name.
• The one quote that captures the highs and lows of love, and how a “top five” rule turns heartbreak into humorous healing.
• How re-watching as an adult hits different—and why this “forgotten” flick deserves resurrection.
• Surprising stories behind the soundtrack, the casting, and those infamous wigs—including Tim Robbins’ truly terrible—and totally necessary—makeover.

If you believe that music—and movies—are the perfect therapy, then you’re in the right record store. Whether you’re a romantics-in-recovery or just someone who loves a good laugh and a killer playlist, this episode hits all the right notes. Perfect for cinephiles, music lovers, or anyone who’s ever had their heart skip a beat—literally or figuratively. So, grab your vinyl, pour a Lone Star, and let’s rediscover this underrated gem—because love’s a game, and we’re here to help you win (or at least laugh trying).

Takeaways

• Influential Film
• Star-Studded Cast An exploration of the film's action scenes and the real-life risks involved.
• Insight into the analog production methods and challenges faced during the making of the film.

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Reflections on the Film
• 26:24 Guerrilla Style Filmmaking
• 34:04 Soundtrack and Influence
• 39:15 Cinematic References and Impact