Episode Thirty Seven: Czech Silents & Cat City Double!

Episode Thirty Nine: Cat City Commentary by Samm Deighan

Jul 3, 20261h 39mSummary

In this episode of The Official Deaf Crocodile Podcast, guest Samm Deighan provides an in-depth analysis of the 1986 Hungarian animated cult classic Cat City. Directed by Béla Ternovszky, the film serves as a fascinating lens through which to examine Hungarian animation history during the late Soviet era. Deighan highlights the film’s unique position as a genre-blending masterpiece that incorporates elements of spy thrillers, science fiction, and classic American cinema, all while maintaining a distinctly Hungarian artistic sensibility. The discussion explores how Cat City functions as both a parody of international pop culture and a poignant allegory for the totalitarian pressures of the time. By examining the film’s portrayal of a greedy, cat-led crime syndicate, Deighan unpacks the ways in which filmmakers used genre conventions to critique systemic surveillance and societal decay. The episode also highlights the technical achievements of the Pannónia Film Studio and the film’s deliberate subversion of traditional children’s animation tropes. Through this commentary, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the rich, often overlooked history of Central European animation and its remarkable ability to balance adult-oriented social commentary with vibrant, imaginative storytelling.

Episode Thirty Eight: Bonus Interview with Ben Model!

Jul 2, 202641 minSummary

In this bonus episode of The Official Deaf Crocodile Podcast, the host sits down with Ben Model, a renowned composer and performer, to discuss the intricate art of scoring silent films. Focusing on his recent work for the Deaf Crocodile release of the Jan S. Kolar double feature, Arrival from the Darkness and Saint Wenceslas, Model shares his unique philosophy and process. The discussion centers on how he balances careful preparation—such as watching films to identify key thematic shifts—with the spontaneity of improvisation. Model explains that his background in improvisational comedy informs his approach, allowing him to stay present and responsive to the film’s needs during the recording process. He emphasizes his commitment to being in service of the film, aiming to create a seamless experience where the audience feels immersed in the narrative rather than focused on the music. Model also offers insight into his work with Under Crank Productions, an independent label dedicated to preserving and releasing overlooked silent film gems, ensuring that these historical treasures remain accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.

Episode Thirty Six: Visitors From the Arkana Galaxy Commentary by Samm Deighan

May 29, 20261h 31mSummary

In this episode of The Official Deaf Crocodile Podcast, film historian Samm Deighan provides an engaging commentary on the 1981 cult classic Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy. Directed by Dusan Vukotich, this Yugoslavian-Czechoslovakian co-production is celebrated for its unique blend of science fiction, domestic comedy, fantasy, and horror. Deighan explores the film’s narrative—centering on a lonely, aspiring science fiction writer whose creative visions begin to manifest physically—and highlights how it serves as a brilliant showcase of visual storytelling rooted in Vukotich’s background in animation and the Zagreb School of Animation. The discussion delves into the film’s rich cultural and historical context, examining the geography of former Yugoslavia and the societal shifts that influenced regional cinema during the 1980s. Deighan notes how the stunning Croatian setting provides a picturesque, fairy-tale-like backdrop that contrasts with the crowded, urban domesticity often found in Eastern European cinema of the period. Throughout the episode, Deighan examines the talented cast, the influence of Czech screenwriting, and the film’s enduring charm as a genre-bending piece of European cult cinema that masterfully intertwines personal aspiration with extraterrestrial mystery.