Writing
Michael Schlesinger
Acting credits
4.3Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was the Production Code, and before that there was, well, nothing. This eye-opening documentary examines the rampant sexuality of early Hollywood through movie clips and reminiscences by stars of the era. Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and others relate tales of the artistic freedom that led to the draconian Production Code, which governed content from 1934 to 1968. Diane Lane narrates.
Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
2007
5.7A documentary exploring the importance of revival cinema and 35mm exhibition - seen through the lens of the patrons of the New Beverly Cinema - a unique and independent revival cinema in Los Angeles.
Out of Print
2014
NRProduced for the "13 Ghosts" Special Edition DVD.
13 Ghosts: The Magic of Illusion-O
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7.8Chronicles the last great American showman, filmmaker William Castle, a master of ballyhoo who became a brand name in movie horror with his outrageous audience participation gimmicks.
Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story
2007
10.0Documentary about the making of "Heavy Metal" (1981), produced for the DVD Special Edition.
Imagining 'Heavy Metal'
1999
8.0A look back at the classic 1964 film of horror and suspense starring Joan Crawford as an axe-murderer just released from the mental hospital. Includes footage of the filming and interviews with several of those involved, as well as a look at the movies it was influenced by and those that were in turn influenced by it.
Battle-Axe: the Making of 'Strait-Jacket'
2002
NRDVD featurette about the making of “The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra.”
Obey the Lost Skeleton!
2004
NRProduced for the "Mr. Sardonicus" Special Edition DVD.
Taking the Punishment Poll
2002
NRProduced for the "Homicidal" Special Edition DVD.
Psychette: William Castle and "Homicidal"
2002
NRAn all-new documentary about filmmaker Anthony Mann and his time making films for Universal Studios in the 1950's.
American Frontiers: Anthony Mann at Universal
2019
Documentary covering the Universal Inner Sanctum series.
This Is the Inner Sanctum: Making a Universal Mystery Series
2020
Filmmaker and film historian Michael Schlesinger discusses Stanley Kramer's work as a producer and the socio-political environment at the time when he was most successful.
A Stanley Kramer Production
2016
Behind the camera
5.9In the 1930s the family of old Sinas Cavinder, gathered for the reading of his will, find themselves being murdered by a mysterious phantom while two rival reporters compete for the story.
Dark and Stormy Night
2009
NRFeature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
2015
NRFeature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
2015
NRFeature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
2015
6.0Jerranium 90, a "little rock" that made all the papers, is buried deep within the Amazon. And everybody wants it, including crooked importer Handscomb Draile, slimy Gondreau Slykes, cheap crook Carl Traeger and evil scientist Dr. Ellamy Royne.
The Lost Skeleton Returns Again
2010