James uses “The Sting”, Universal's classic 1973 film about grifters and conmen, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, to explore how studios and streamers create and perpetuate a culture of out of control spending in Hollywood. WEBSITE: Thousands of Tiny Tyrants: The Mostly Movies Podcast Transcript | EP4 | Hollywood & The Big Con ADDITIONAL VIEWING: The Sting (1973) | Universal Woody Allen: A Documentary (2013) | by Robert B. Weide | New Video Group ADDITIONAL READING: Final Cut: Art, Money, and Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate, the Film that Sank United Artists | by Steven Bach | Newmarket Press (1999) Why Hollywood Producers Think They Need a Union Again | TheWrap.com | May 21, 2023 Inside ‘Yellowstone’ creator Taylor Sheridan’s $350M ranch amid spending scandal | NY Post | May 10, 2023 Paramount Global Mulling 1,000-Plus Layoffs Amid Shari Redstone’s Talks...| Variety | December 12, 2023 For Sale” Sign on Paramount Will Shape Shari Redstone’s Legacy | Hollywood Reporter | December 15, 2023 ADDITIONAL PODCAST LISTENING: Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows | The Journal Podcast | May 12, 2023 Deadline Strike Talk Podcast, Week 11 | Striking SAG-AFTRA Joins WGA... | July 14, 2023 Deadline Strike Talk Podcast, Week 18 | Jennifer Fox...Why Producers Need Union Protection | September 1, 2023 MUSIC CREDITS: “Lets Go” by Mark July via Pixabay The Entertainer | written by Scott Joplin | The Sting Motion Picture Soundtrack (1973) Solace | written by Scott Joplin | The Sting Motion Picture Soundtrack (1973) News Background Music | Music by Unlimited via Pixabay Best Jazz Club in New Orleans | Music by Paolo Argento via Pixabay