29. Coppola Cast #11: The Way We Were (1973) & The Great Gatsby (1974)

It’s a  Francis Coppola scripted Robert Redford romance double feature! After shooting wrapped on The Godfather, Coppola, unsure of The Godfather’s success, took a job writing an adaptation of The Great Gatsby (1974), the final screenplay he wrote but did not direct. We also review the 1973 Barbara Streisand/Robert Redford romantic drama The Way We Were, on which Coppola was one of 11 uncredited screenwriters. We speculate on Coppola’s involvement on The Way We Were, discuss Robert Redford’s star persona, and go on a tangent about the Austin Film Festival. This episode’s Coppola wines were: Francis Coppola 2017 Black Label Claret and Sofia Blanc de Blancs. 

#22. Coppola Cast 4: This Property is Condemned (1966)

After parting ways with Roger Corman, Francis Coppola became a writer for hire working on several projects that ultimately wouldn’t get made or he wouldn’t get official credit for. One that did get made and he did get credit for was the failed Natalie Wood comeback vehicle This Property is Condemned. Despite a great cast including Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Charles Bronson, Robert Blake, and Mary Badham, Sydney Pollack directing, and Coppola adapting a Tennessee Williams play, this movie falls flat and we attempt to get to the bottom of why. Along the way we talk about Robert Redford’s newsies cap, character actors trapped in leading men’s bodies, and learn something about Matthew Fox wines. This episode’s Francis Coppola wine is Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2017