Hollywood And Horsepower Show with Mark Otto

From the Silver Screen to the Stables: Michael Blowen on Hollywood’s Golden Secrets

Introduction
In this episode of Hollywood and Horsepower, host Mark interviews Michael Blowen, the legendary Boston Globe critic who transitioned from interviewing movie stars to founding the world's largest thoroughbred retirement farm. The conversation explores the "human" side of Hollywood icons and the shared DNA between the film industry and horse racing.

Detailed Summary

The Evolution of Hollywood Access and Journalism
Michael Blowen reflects on his tenure as an entertainment writer for the Boston Globe during a period he describes as the transition from "old Hollywood" to the new. Unlike the modern era of publicist-controlled phone interviews, Blowen was often sent on-location to observe movie sets firsthand. He notes that being physically present allowed him to witness the authentic friction and "fights" that occur during production, providing a level of reporting that is impossible in today's highly managed media environment. He views his current work with horses as a natural extension of his career, remarking that his retired thoroughbreds are his current "movie stars".

Iconic Friendships and Behind-the-Scenes Lore
The discussion highlights several intimate anecdotes involving Hollywood royalty. Blowen shares a transformative lesson in humility from Jimmy Stewart regarding the importance of treating fans as "friends," a philosophy Blowen later adopted at his farm. He also recounts humorous and poignant moments with Jack Nicholson, who valued Blowen’s friendship because he never acted as a "go-between" in a town built on transactional relationships. Other stories include the brilliance of the Epstein brothers—the writers of Casablanca—and the business foresight of Lucille Ball, who greenlit Star Trek and Mission Impossible against her board's wishes.

The "Fever Pitch" Incident and Forging Bonds
Blowen details a unique encounter with director Richard Brooks following a scathing review Blowen wrote for the film Fever Pitch. After a heated phone call filled with "every curse word in the world," Blowen challenged Brooks to a face-to-face interview. This confrontation led to a deep, lasting friendship, illustrating Blowen's belief that the "curtain dropping" allows one to truly know the people behind the fame. He notes that both the movie and horse businesses are remarkably small, interconnected worlds where reputation is everything.

Old Friends Farm and the Legacy of Thoroughbreds
The final segment focuses on Blowen's current mission: Old Friends Farm. He describes the farm as a place for horses to have a "gentle landing" after their careers. He shares how actress Angie Dickinson helped fund the retirement of a horse appropriately named "Academy Award." The farm has become a major Kentucky tourist destination where fans can meet legends like Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup winners, treating them with the same reverence once reserved for the stars of the silver screen.

Key Data

• Old Friends Farm: Recognized as the largest thoroughbred retirement farm in the world.
• Rescue Funding: Angie Dickinson donated $5,000 to secure the retirement of the stallion "Academy Award".
• Location: The farm is located in Georgetown, Kentucky, approximately 14 minutes from Tony's Steak & Seafood.

To-Do / Next Steps

• Visit oldfriendsequine.org to learn more about thoroughbred retirement or to schedule a tour.
• Look up the archived Boston Globe columns of Diane White for examples of acclaimed, timeless writing.
• Dine at Tony's Steak & Seafood in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Lexington, or Bowling Green to support the show's sponsor.
• Check the Old Friends website for information on meeting Little Brown, the farm's resident miniature horse.

Conclusion
Michael Blowen’s life story serves as a bridge between the high-stakes world of Hollywood glamour and the quiet dignity of a Kentucky horse farm. By applying the lessons of character and humility learned from cinema legends to the care of equine athletes, he has created a unique legacy that honors the "stars" of both industries.