Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard)

Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard)

      Honoring Robert Redford (with Blake Howard)

      In tribute to the iconic Robert Redford, we are re-sharing this conversation from 2024, focusing on his remarkable career and some of his most underrated performances.

      Welcome to The B-Side, presented by The Film Stage. Here, we delve into the lives of movie stars—not just the films that brought them fame, but the projects they undertook in between.

      Today, we're discussing the movie star par excellence. If you were to look up “movie star” in the dictionary, you’d find his picture: Robert Redford!

      We explore the distinguished career of this quintessential movie star. Our B-Side features films such as The Hot Rock, The Great Waldo Pepper, Havana, and The Last Castle. Joining us is Blake Howard, a podcast producer, host, and genuinely great person. Check out One Heat Minute Productions for all the latest and relevant updates from Blake's world.

      Our conversation covers a myriad of topics, including the difficulty of locating The Hot Rock, the aerial stunts in The Great Waldo Pepper, and the reasons behind the shortcomings of Havana. We also analyze the political themes in The Last Castle, briefly celebrate Lena Olin, and rave about Jordan Harper’s intense short story “My Savage Year.”

      Additional discussions touch on the upcoming City of Hope release, Peter Yates’ “slow vibes central” reputation, and why acclaimed screenwriter William Goldman understood the box office failure of The Great Waldo Pepper (as detailed in his book Adventures in the Screen Trade), as well as how The A-Side, The Natural, evokes a sense of nostalgia.

      Lastly, we discuss why Raul Julia opted out of credits for Havana, reference an excellent Scott Frank profile in The New Yorker, proclaim our support for Hollywood Homicide, and talk about the conclusion of Redford’s career.

      For more content from The B-Side, you can find highlights of actors, directors, and the films discussed all in one place here.

      Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher. Participate in our giveaways, gain access to our private Slack channel, and support new episodes by becoming a Patreon contributor.

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Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard) Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard) Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard) Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard)

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                                by Thanos Pappas
                                
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        

Stellantis provides second-life EV batteries for the Avathor One.

This electric vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the VW Group.

The reconfigured modules allow for a range of 50 km (31 mph) between charges.


The auto industry is increasingly focusing on finding new roles for used car batteries, and Stellantis has discovered a particularly user-oriented application. Instead of allowing end-of-life EV packs to remain unused, the company is reimagining them for mobility solutions beyond conventional vehicles.
		
		

More: Stellantis Is Quietly Developing A Tri-Motor EV Setup That Can Self-Power

One of the most fascinating examples arises from a partnership with startup Avathor, which has created a compact EV designed specifically for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Adding an extra layer of interest is the fact that the vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the Volkswagen Group.

This unique collaboration between Stellantis and the VW Group likely originates from both Avathor and Italdesign being located in Turin, which is also a significant center for Stellantis, housing the Mirafiori facilities and the company’s main European headquarters.
		
		
		
		

From Road To Renewal

The process starts with Stellantis brands collecting batteries from retired EVs. These packs are sent to Turin, where SUSTAINera, Stellantis’ branch focused on the circular economy, works to maximize their utility and minimize waste. A local partner, Intent S.r.l., then breaks down the 15 kWh modules and repackages them for new applications.

For the Avathor One, the modules are redeveloped into 1.4 kWh short-range or 2.8 kWh long-range batteries, providing up to 50 km (31 mph) between charges, with a maximum speed limited to 10 km/h (6 mph).
                            
                
                     

Avathor / Italdesign

What Is The Avathor One?
		
		

The Avathor One was introduced earlier this year as the production model based on the innovative 2019 WheeM-i concept created by Italdesign. It features a rear ramp for wheelchair access, a pull-out bench, and joystick controls.

Measuring just 1,486 mm (58.5 inches) long, this EV incorporates car-like elements such as LED headlights, a rearview camera, and collision-avoidance sensors that detect both obstacles and pedestrians. It can manage inclines of up to 20 percent and navigate steps up to 8 cm (3 inches) high.

According to the company, the aim is to launch the Avathor in Italy later this year, followed by Spain in 2026 and additional markets in 2027.

Beyond Mobility Aids
		
		

In addition to the Avathor initiative, Stellantis SUSTAINera is also collaborating with utility companies and battery integrators. A notable example is the ENEL X Pioneer system, which stores renewable energy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons over a decade.

Certainly, Stellantis is not the only automaker engaged in the circular economy with second-life batteries. Other companies such as Nissan, Renault, BMW, Kia, Geely, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Audi are also involved in similar initiatives. Repurposed Stellantis EV batteries embark on a new journey powering an Italdesign-designed mobility vehicle 9 hours ago by Thanos Pappas Stellantis provides second-life EV batteries for the Avathor One. This electric vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the VW Group. The reconfigured modules allow for a range of 50 km (31 mph) between charges. The auto industry is increasingly focusing on finding new roles for used car batteries, and Stellantis has discovered a particularly user-oriented application. Instead of allowing end-of-life EV packs to remain unused, the company is reimagining them for mobility solutions beyond conventional vehicles. More: Stellantis Is Quietly Developing A Tri-Motor EV Setup That Can Self-Power One of the most fascinating examples arises from a partnership with startup Avathor, which has created a compact EV designed specifically for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Adding an extra layer of interest is the fact that the vehicle was designed by Italdesign, a member of the Volkswagen Group. This unique collaboration between Stellantis and the VW Group likely originates from both Avathor and Italdesign being located in Turin, which is also a significant center for Stellantis, housing the Mirafiori facilities and the company’s main European headquarters. From Road To Renewal The process starts with Stellantis brands collecting batteries from retired EVs. These packs are sent to Turin, where SUSTAINera, Stellantis’ branch focused on the circular economy, works to maximize their utility and minimize waste. A local partner, Intent S.r.l., then breaks down the 15 kWh modules and repackages them for new applications. For the Avathor One, the modules are redeveloped into 1.4 kWh short-range or 2.8 kWh long-range batteries, providing up to 50 km (31 mph) between charges, with a maximum speed limited to 10 km/h (6 mph). Avathor / Italdesign What Is The Avathor One? The Avathor One was introduced earlier this year as the production model based on the innovative 2019 WheeM-i concept created by Italdesign. It features a rear ramp for wheelchair access, a pull-out bench, and joystick controls. Measuring just 1,486 mm (58.5 inches) long, this EV incorporates car-like elements such as LED headlights, a rearview camera, and collision-avoidance sensors that detect both obstacles and pedestrians. It can manage inclines of up to 20 percent and navigate steps up to 8 cm (3 inches) high. According to the company, the aim is to launch the Avathor in Italy later this year, followed by Spain in 2026 and additional markets in 2027. Beyond Mobility Aids In addition to the Avathor initiative, Stellantis SUSTAINera is also collaborating with utility companies and battery integrators. A notable example is the ENEL X Pioneer system, which stores renewable energy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons over a decade. Certainly, Stellantis is not the only automaker engaged in the circular economy with second-life batteries. Other companies such as Nissan, Renault, BMW, Kia, Geely, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Audi are also involved in similar initiatives. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the beloved American sitcom, NECA has officially released its deluxe action figure 4-pack of The Golden Girls. This collectible set includes figures of Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose, and is currently available for pre-order at a price of $100. Take a look at the promotional images here... Celebrate four decades of the iconic TV comedy series that [...] The horror thriller No, I’m Not a Human introduces a sense of paranoia on Steam. The horror thriller No, I’m Not a Human introduces a sense of paranoia on Steam. Critical Reflex and developer Trioskaz have launched a new horror experience on Steam with the release of No, I’m Not a Human. This unsettling and tension-filled thriller will have players confronting strangers at their doors during apocalyptic times. Check out the new trailer below to discover who might be knocking at your door…. […] 12 Timeless Films from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today 12 Timeless Films from the 1960s That Remain Enjoyable to Watch Today Numerous older films are considered classics — that’s true. However, they can sometimes feel like an assignment. These films from the 1960s are both timeless and enjoyable to watch.

Recalling Robert Redford (with Blake Howard)

In honor of the iconic Robert Redford, we're revisiting this discussion from 2024 about his remarkable career and some of his most underrated performances. Welcome to The B-Side, presented by The Film Stage. Here, we focus on movie stars—not the films that brought them fame or maintained it, but those they created in between. Today