40. Coppola Cast #22: Faerie Tale Theatre (1987), SNL (1986), and Captain Eo (1986)

This episode we review 3 very different Coppola short projects. In the mid 1980’s, Francis Coppola, laden with debt from the collapse of Zoetrope Studios, found some short projects that would help pay down his debt but also provide some room for artistic experimentation. First up we discuss “Rip Van Winkle” (1987), his contribution to Shelley Duvall’s excellent Showtime series for children, Faerie Tale Theatre. Next we talk about maybe the weirdest episode of Saturday Night Live ever, season 11 episode 13 (1986), hosted by George Wendt with Coppola playing the director of the episode. Though it’s clear Coppola didn’t actually direct this SNL episode and George Wendt is officially the host, Coppola is clearly the focus. We also discuss the talented but peculiar cast. Finally we review Captain Eo (1986), the Disney 3-D theme park experience starring Michael Jackson and directed by Coppola. We delve into the troubled and intricate production history of the 3-D music video which brought Coppola and George Lucas together in their first professional collaboration since Apocalypse Now. As a bonus, we also talk about the Captain Eo Grand Opening TV special, an hour long parade and concert to launch the new Disneyland attraction featuring: Coppola, Lucas, Patrick Duffy, Justine Bateman, Angelica Huston, Robert Palmer, Dolph Lundgren, John Ritter, Esther Willaims, Starship, and the cavalcade only goes on and on. This episode’s Coppola Wine is: Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Zinfandel 2017.