This week, after a cold open involving Pee Wee Herman and David Hasselhoff, Dean and Phil discuss Dean’s travel plans, a big 30th anniversary “X-Files” convention and the latest news involving the Hollywood labor battles. Then Dean offers up another suggestion of a vintage television series you might want to avail yourself of while no new series are being produced. An all-music edition of “Celebrity Deaths” will focus on a groundbreaking Chinese American performer, a beloved bass player, an influential punk rock star, and a chart-topping singer. Then, Dean and Phil celebrate the enduring comedic legacy of true cinematic genius Jacques Tati, discussing his life, his career, his artistry and two of his most beloved films. Phil then asks Dean to weigh in on why the exceptionally funny Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves lost so much money. A show that starts out creepy, albeit hilarious, ends that way as well!

This week’s show begins with an email from a listener in Ireland about dialect coaches and “Hollywood accounting”. After that, Dean and Phil analyze the box office struggles of the brand new In the Heights and this inspires them to look back at two song and dance films that opened on the same day many years ago, both based on the same dance craze. It also inspires them to look ahead to big blockbuster hopefuls coming out this month as well as smaller “smart house” movies all looking for some post-pandemic domestic box office love. The Angelina Jolie vehicle Those Who Wish me Dead gets reviewed. Casting news for “John Wick 4”, the Marvel MCU and “Indiana Jones 5” gets discussed. Phil follows up on his discussion of “The Undoing” by singling out two actors (and their characters) who make the show ultimately worthwhile(ish). Dean offers up an English-language Netflix series shot in Sweden as a viewing recommendation, he regales with tales of the art work he has been creating, and he reveals another of his all-time favorite episodes of “The X-Files”. Finally, Dean and Phil compare notes on their travel plans for the summer before playing an entire four-round “Steven Seagal” edition of their Vintage Movie Ad game!

Phil Leirness is joined by music journalist (and friend of the show) Yoshi Kato, who briefly fills in for a tardy Dean Haglund, to discuss the lives and legacies of six notables from the world of music in “Celebrity Deaths”, as well as to set the table concerning a later discussion of Asian Pacific American Heritage month and the 1961 film Flower Drum Song. Dean then arrives just in time to remember a prolific character actor, the decorated police officer who played Eddie Haskell on TV’s “Leave it to Beaver”, and the great Fred Willard. Dean and Phil then answer an email from a loyal listener about an upcoming Michael Bay film set in the world of Covid-19. This leads to a fascinating discussion and argument before attention is turned to the ramping up of film and TV production and the announcement that the Venice Film Festival will go ahead as planned this September. Dean then sings the praises of two different television series, Phil sings the praises of two classic movies about gambling. Then the conversation turns to the careers of Sessue Hayakawa, one of the first heartthrobs of the silver screen, the hilarious and brilliant Jack Soo, and the tragically overlooked Reiko Sato.

How do your friends in podcasting follow up on one of their best episodes ever? Well, they start by playing a hilarious voicemail message left by listener Jon Lawlor in the wake of the “Harry Potter” discussion he prompted. Then, they celebrate 67 years of broadcasting excellence by Vin Scully. Then, they engage in perhaps the funniest “celebrity death” they’ve ever covered, remembering the “worst boss in the world”. Dean’s latest comedy shows, Phil’s hosting of An LABC Home Companion, and a Cindy Sherman exhibit are all discussed in “Live Events of the Week” as is the pilgrimage Phil made to Walt Disney’s grave to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World. Dean answers a question from a listener like you (yes, YOU) about how to prevent air travel from wrecking you physically. Finally, Dean and Phil compare notes on several films, including one of the most overlooked comedies of the 1930’s, a Japanese horror film from the 1960’s that was the most expensive Japanese film ever made at the time, and a charming independent comedy from Ireland that boasted Gene Wilder’s first lead role in a movie. Enjoy brand new episode 490 of YOUR Chillpak Hollywood Hour!