Lauren and Christine change their names, color their hair, and get fake IDs as they discuss Hollywood’s long love for mistaken identities, new identities, and criminals on the run. And they imagine the what-could-have-been of the remarkable River Phoenix (R.I.P.).

Book recommendations:

Natalie Zemon Davis, The Return of Martin Guerre

Tom Engelhardt, The End of Victory Culture: Cold War America and the Disillusioning of a Generation

Lights, camera, and action as Lauren and Christine ask why Hollywood is so fascinated with making media about itself - a fascination that is as old as filmmaking. And what’s so terrible about twelve movies in an MK Ultra franchise, anyway?

Book recommendations:

Arthur Laurents, Original Story By: A Memoir of Broadway and Hollywood

Peter Biskind, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-And-Rock n’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood

Michael Tolkin, The Player

Lauren and Christine pour the tea, button their cardigans, and worry about getting tenure as they discuss three films about complicated relationships between teachers (and teachers’ spouses) and their students. Amid suspicions, accusations, and counter-accusations, who has the power here?

Book recommendations:

Vito Russo, The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies

Carrie N. Baker, The Women’s Movement Against Sexual Harrassment