Movies & Radio

The Steven Fredrick Film Collection

From a collection of nearly 750 individual films, Steven Fredrick has edited together numerous programs related to the history of Hawaii and beyond. From the Fredrick Film Archive, the following movie programs are available for presentation.

Fredrick Classic Movies with Lectures

"Abbott & Costello During World War II"

"The Attack of the Giant Bug Movies"

"The Best of Lena Machado"

"The Big-Band Music of Hawaii"

"Charlie Chan in Chinatown"

"Dig Into Dinosaur Movies"

"Ghosts in the Movies"

"Hawaii During World War II: The Movies and The Music of the 1940s"

"Hawaii in the 1930s" / "Hawaii in the 1940s"

"Hawaii in the 1950s" / "Hawaii in the 1960s"

"It Came From Another World: Sci-Fi Movies From the 1950s"

"It's Alive! The Return of Famous Monsters of Filmland"

"Laurel & Hardy Vacation to Hawaii"

"A Silent Movie with Duke Kahanamoku"

"Toontown Hawaii: A Collection of Hawaiian-Theme Cartoons"

"Travelogues of Old Hawaii"

"A Tribute to Harry Owens and Hilo Hattie"

"Valentino For Valentine's Day"

"Vintage Surfing Movies From Hawaii"

"Waikiki A Go Go: A Look at Honolulu in the 1960s"

"The Western: featuring the All-American Cowboy Hero"

These programs are made up from original 16mm films, not sticky DVDs or shaky VHS videotape copies. The films date from 1915 to 2001.

For more information about the "Hawaii During World War II" film presentation, please see the published article "Hawai'i Wartime Films at Kapolei" by Wayne Harada (The Honolulu Advertiser, May 25, 2006). Article URL:

Hawai'i wartime films at Kapolei | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

For more information about the Steven Fredrick Film Archives, please see the published article "Movie History Up For Bid" by Nadine Kam (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 25, 2005). Article URL: http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/10/25/features/story01.html

Testimonials from Movie Guests

Hawaii During World War II. "Regarding the film I saw, I enjoyed it and appreciated your effort in archiving such important material. For my son's sake, it would have benefited from some editing, as he got a bit bored, but that's a 9 year old for you. I think you'll find that some people like the footage completely "as is", while others would like some organization to it, at least to know what they will be seeing." Roy Tjioe, Hawaii Kai, September 9, 2008.

Historic Films of Old Hawaii. "I had the privilege to view a few of Steve's films. The images are a true glimpse of history, untouched by modern computer wizardry. These films answer a lot of my questions by putting me back in time. Great experience." Matt Locey, Kaneohe, September 8, 2008.

Wartime Film Series. "Steve's vintage films allow the viewer to experience the past as it really happened. There is NO other place to see unscripted, sometime politically sensitive films. Unlike a documentary, where commentary and editing inform and slant the viewer's opinion, Steve's original films leave no doubt that you are seeing historically accurate representation. There is ample opportunity for discussion of the films if the audience desires to express their opinions. These films are the real deal! Anytime Steve has a film presentation, my husband and I are there." Cathleen Smith, Kaneohe, September 8, 2008.

Movies Under the Stars film series. "Thanks for a great film series." Richard Burns, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System, Honolulu, December 6, 2006.

Hawaii During World War II. "Aloha Steve. I, too, heard nothing but positive things from people after your presentation. The films and narrations indeed reflected the times, and no one need be offended." Warren S. Nishimoto, Ph.D., Director, Center for Oral History, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, June 5, 2006.

The Big-Band Music of Hawaii. "When Steven Fredrick presented his recent program at Kailua Public Library, it was the largest turnout yet for a community program, with 103 jamming the facility for look-see." Sandy Akana, [former] Branch Manager, Kailua Public Library, January 23, 2003.

Hawaii in the Movies film series. "Aloha Steve. I want to thank you for all your hard work and cooperation in launching our HAWAII IN THE MOVIES program at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider during its 2001 centennial. I feel that we made great progress in bringing the nostalgia of Hawaii's past to both visitors and kama'aina alike. You are, by far, one of the hardest working people I know. I wish you all the best in 2002 and much success in your future endeavors." Erica A. Neves, [former] Director of Public Relations, Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotels, Waikiki, December 29, 2001.

Hawaiian Music of the 1940s. "Thank you very much for an exciting evening of pleasure, pure Hawaiiana. I'm referring to Monday, April 14, 1997 [at Bishop Museum]. You are much appreciated in my book. Lena Machado [on film] was superb!! Please continue to promote, preview more of these programs as the one I attended. Aloha to you, Steven." Ms. Clarence Nicola, Honolulu, April 17, 1997.

Old Hawaiian Films. "Dear Steve. About 6-7 weeks ago, we had the opportunity of seeing some of the very rare old Hawaiian Films that you presented at the Intercontinental Hotel in Wailea. I just wanted to drop a line to let you know how much we enjoyed those films. Some of my relatives had a relative who were one of the singers in one of those films. I was extremely excited to see the legendary soprano singer Lena Machado in a couple of those films. Once again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing those films with all of us. Much Aloha & Mahalo." Ed Neizman, Maui, September 19, 1995.

For additional information, or to schedule a presentation for your group or organization, please contact us by phone (808-395-0674) or by email: filmguy54(at)hotmail.com.

Fredrick in the Media

2017 August 9: "Summer Under the Stars" featured a discussion of the annual 31 days of classic movies on the Turner Classic Movies cable channel. Callers guess audio clips from classic films. Host: Duke Aiona. 808 State Update. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu.

2016 May 26: "A Tribute to Vincent Price" featured the classic old-time radio program "Three Skeleton Key" (1950). Host: Duke Aiona. Call-In Guests included: Mitchell Anderson and Victoria Price. 808 State Update. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu.

2015 December 3: "Radio's Role on December 7, 1941" featured vintage news bulletins about the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor. Hosts: Duke Aiona and producer J. R., 808 State Update. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu. Encore Broadcast: 2015 December 7.

2015 November 19: "Love Among the Ruins" featured a panel discussion about the art of silent films. Film producers Susan Harmon and Richard Meyer join Steven Fredrick. Hosts: Duke Aiona and producer J. R., 808 State Updated. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu.

2015 October 29: "Haunted Honolulu" featured Fredrick sharing ghost stories with hosts Duke Aiona and producer J. R., 808 State Update. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu.

2015 August 5: "Duke Kahanamoku in Hollywood" featured a discussion about the famous Hawaiian surfer's acting career. Hosts: Duke Aiona and producer J. R., 808 State Update. KKNE-940AM, Honolulu.

2015 April 1: "The Art of Comedy" featured a discussion about classic comedy routines. Host: Young Han. Producer: Sunny Aloha. KPRP-650AM, Honolulu.

2015 March 4: "Cloris Leachman on 'Hawaii Five-0'" featured a discussion about the legendary actress Ms. Leachman and her wonderful career. In 1975, Fredrick worked on a potato chip TV commercial with Ms. Leachman, Minneapolis. Host: Young Han. Producer: Sunny Aloha. KPRP-650AM, Honolulu.

2014 December 8: "Radio and the Attack at Pearl Harbor" featured a discussion about Hawaii during World War II. Host: Young Han. Producer: Sunny Aloha. KPRP-650AM, Honolulu.

2014 October 30: "Halloween and Old-Time Radio" featured clips from classic programs from the Golden Age of Radio. Host/Producer: Sunny Aloha. KPRP-650AM, Honolulu. Encore Broadcast: 2015 October 30.

2014 September 4: "Remembering Joan Rivers" featured clips and stories about the legendary comedienne. In 1979, Fredrick wrote and sold jokes to Ms. Rivers. Host/Producer: Sunny Aloha. KPRP-650AM, Honolulu.

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