Ticklish Business #209: Giant (1956, with Julie Gilbert)
We're visiting the frontier with an epic look at George Steven's feature.

In my free time I host a classic film podcast called Ticklish Business and, in the interest of spreading my love of classic film, I’ll be including episodes here for your listening enjoyment. You can listen to Ticklish Business via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe to our Patreon where we have bonus episodes and more.
Read more about the history of disability in film by pre-ordering my upcoming book, Popcorn Disabilities: The Highs and Lows of Disabled Representation in the Movies. I not only expand on what you’re reading here, but examine the stereotypes, tropes, and the good, bad (and really ugly) of disabled movies. Preorder the book by clicking this link! If you preorder and show proof of purchase I’ll give you a free paid subscription to The Film Maven for 1 year!
Edna Ferber biographer Julie Gilbert joins us to discuss the 1956 Western epic Giant. The trio talk about James Dean, Liz Taylor's feminism, and how the movie isn't afraid to deconstruct the genre it's set in.
Buy Julie's book Giant Love by clicking this link.
Be sure to follow us via social media at @ticklish_biz on X and @ticklishbiz everywhere else. Also like and subscribe to us on all podcast apps and, if you love us, leave us a review.
Find Kristen and Emily's books wherever you buy books. Kristen's latest, Popcorn Disabilities, is available to pre-order now before it releases on November 13th!
• Love T shirts, pins, and other merch? The merch shop is live!
• ICMYI, the best way to support Ticklish Biz is to become a Patron:
• Follow Kristen's Instagram
This episode was created thanks to our Patrons:
Ali Moore
Danny
David Floyd
Gates
mcf
Rachel Clark
Shawn Goodreau
A Button Called Smalls
Chris McKay
Jacob Haller
Peter Blitstein
Peter Bryant
Reyna Moya-James
Bridget M. Hester
Cat Cooper
Dana Raines
Daniel Tafoya
David Baxter
Diana Madden
Harry Holland
Jamie Carter
Karen Yoder
Lucy Soles
Nick Weerts
Patrick Seals
Richard Silver
Rosa
What do you think about Giant? Leave a comment below or join us in The Film Maven Chat to discuss this and other topics!
Enjoy what you’re reading? Share it with friends. Help us get to 1,000 subscribers by the end of 2025 and I’ll do a full written and video review of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.
Let’s work together! If you have editorial opportunities and would like to collaborate with me on an entertainment or disability project, drop me a message.