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Podcasts The Frame
MoviePass struggles to stay afloat
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Episode 18732
Listen 25:37
MoviePass struggles to stay afloat

The company that revolutionized moviegoing is floundering as movie theater chains launch similar pass programs; first-time novelist Elizabeth Klehfoth sold her book to Hollywood before she even had a publisher; Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' bring their blues collaboration to the Hollywood Bowl.

The popular MoviePass program has been forced to raise its subscription price as it copes with several competitors.
The popular MoviePass program has been forced to raise its subscription price as it copes with several competitors.
(
Darron Cummings/AP
)

Here's today's lineup:

MoviePass struggles to stay afloat

(Starts at :45)

The popular movie theater subscription service was forced to borrow $5 million to pay its bills last week after failing to deliver on its basic promise — allowing people to see as many movies as they want. Experts now say MoviePass's future is in doubt. The company has tried to prop itself up with tactics including surge pricing — charging extra for certain showings, even for movies with largely empty theaters. And now the company has raised its basic subscription price as rivals such as AMC promote their own pass programs.

Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Fritz

The story behind 'All These Beautiful Strangers'

(Starts at 7:42)

First-time novelist Elizabeth Klehfoth sold her book to a Hollywood producer before she even had a publisher. We talk with both the author and producer Bruna Papandrea about “All These Beautiful Strangers.”

A blues collaboration long in the making

(Starts at 19:12)

Kevin Moore — known by his stage name, Keb’ Mo’ — was just a teenager when he first heard Taj Mahal play. As Keb Mo’s career as a blues musician developed, he would often cross paths with his idol. Now, almost 50 years since their first encounter, Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal have released their first collaborative album, “TajMo," and this week they perform together at the Hollywood Bowl.