Front Row Classics

Top 5 Plays Turned Into Movies Front Row Classics is bringing you another top 5 list. Brandon and Tristan Tapscott and ranking their top 5 favorite plays that eventually made their way to the silver screen. Our picks range from the Golden Age all the way through the present day. FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Tristan … Continue reading Ep. 379- Top 5 Plays That Became Movies →

Welcome Trevor and JJ Front Row Classics is chatting with another set of film podcasters today. Brandon is sitting down with Trevor George and Jonathan Jagdeo and of the ‘Reel Queer’ Podcast. The three are discussing their origins as film lovers. Trevor and Jonathan also discuss their shared of love creating within the film business … Continue reading Ep. 378- Chatting Film with ‘Reel Queer’s’ Trevor George and Jonathan Jagdeo →

East of Eden Front Row Classics is taking a look at the first in James Dean’s trilogy of starring roles. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing 1955’s East of Eden. We discuss Dean’s relationship with director Elia Kazan and how it affected his unique performance. The wonderful supporting cast includes Julie Harris, Raymond Massey and … Continue reading Ep. 377- East of Eden →

Classic TV Front Row Classics welcomes back author, historian and journalist Jim Colucci. Brandon and Jim are discussing Jim’s journey through writing about and celebrating classic and current television. They discuss Jim’s experiences interviewing television legends. The conversation, then, moves to his books dedicated to The Golden Girls, All in the Family & Will & … Continue reading Ep. 376- Chatting Classic TV with Jim Colucci →

All Things Oz Front Row Classics will celebrating the upcoming release of Wicked Part 2 throughout the month with a series of Oz experts and enthusiasts. Brandon recently chatted with Nugent Cantileno. Nugent has worn many hats in the film industry including writing, directing, producing and production managing. The two discuss his career as well … Continue reading Ep. 375- Chatting Oz with Nugent Cantileno →

Rosemary’s Baby Front Row Classics is celebrating Halloween a couple days late with 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby. Brandon welcomes back Larry Aubrey to discuss Roman Polanski’s horror classic. The two discuss the political climate which informs several of the movies themes. They also chat about the perfect casting of Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon … Continue reading Ep. 374- Rosemary’s Baby →

Phantom Happy Halloween! Front Row Classics is celebrating a century of Universal Monster Movies. Brandon and Peter Martin are commemorating the 100th anniversary of 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera. The two discuss the chills and scares that still works all of these decades later. We also pay tribute to the artistry of Lon Chaney. … Continue reading Ep. 373-The Phantom of the Opera (1925) →

Non-Spooky Movies Front Row Classics is providing recommendations for movie viewers who prefer a less horrific Halloween. Brandon and Jessica Pickens (Comet Over Hollywood) each recommend five films that will give you just the right amount of chills this spooky season.  FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Jessica Pickens Don't forget to follow/reach us at: Website: https://linktr.ee/FrontRowClassicsTwitter: @FRNCLASSICSEmail: classicsfrn@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrownetwork/Instagram: frontrowclassicspod

Gaslight Front Row Classics continues its Halloween celebration with one of the best gothic suspense films of the 1940s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting 1944’s Gaslight. The film is a tense, atmospheric thriller directed by the incomparable George Cukor. Brandon and Emmett discuss the Oscar winning performance of Ingrid Bergman in one of the … Continue reading Ep. 371- Gaslight →

It’s Alive Front Row Classics is kicking off Halloween week with several spooky offerings. Brandon welcome Brandon Brown to discuss 1974’s It’s Alive. This science fiction/horror film came from the mind of Larry Cohen. Brandon and Brandon discuss the film’s highlights including makeup by Rick Baker and one of the final scores by Bernard Herrmann. … Continue reading Ep. 370- It’s Alive →

The Divorcee We're thrilled to welcome author and film professor Marsha Gordon to Front Row Classics for a deep dive into one of the most daring and progressive films of the pre-Code era: 1930's The Divorcee. Join Brandon and Marsha as they explore this groundbreaking MGM production, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, which challenged societal norms … Continue reading Ep. 369- The Divorcee →

Rewinding the 80s Front Row Classics welcome author John Malahy to take a trip back to the 1980s. John recently authored “Rewinding the 80s: Cinema Under the Influence of Music Videos, Action Stars and a Cold War”. Brandon and John discuss the decade in which cinema was first heavily influenced by pop culture. Yet, the … Continue reading Ep. 368- Rewinding the 80s with John Malahy →

Going Hollywood Front Row Classics welcomes Tony Maietta for the first time. Tony is an author, actor, film historian and fellow podcaster. His podcast Going Hollywood is a fun deep dive into films and television series from the Golden Age and beyond. Brandon and Tony discuss their mutual love for Lucy, What’s Up Doc and … Continue reading Ep. 367- Celebrating Grey Gardens and Classic Hollywood with Tony Maietta →

Hitchcocktails Front Row Classics welcomes author Laurence Maslon to celebrate the art of both Alfred Hitchcock and a great drink. Maslon recently wrote “Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations inspired by the Master of Suspense”. The books pairs Hitchcock’s legendary films with a cocktail appropriate for the occasion. Larry mixes both film history and mixology in an attractive … Continue reading Ep. 366- Hitchcocktails-Interview with Laurence Maslon →

Viva Las Vegas Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular friends in Elvis Presley’s catalog. Brandon is joined by Daveyanna Garcia to discuss 1964’s Viva Las Vegas. The two discuss the incredible chemistry between Presley and Ann-Margret. We also pay tribute to director George Sidney whose experience in directing … Continue reading Ep. 365-Viva Las Vegas →

Rear Window Ethics Front Row Classics welcomes author and journalist, Jennifer O’Callaghan to discuss one of Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal masterpieces. Jennifer recently penned a book called “Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age”. The book chronicles the origins, production and legacy of a film that remains one of the … Continue reading Ep. 364- Rear Window-Interview with Jennifer O’Callaghan →

The Joker is Wild Front Row Classics welcomes author Samuel Garza Bernstein to the show. Brandon and Samuel are discussing his newest book, “Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild”. This is the first biography ever written on the legendary performer.  “Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild” is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books … Continue reading Ep. 363- Cesar Romero-Interview with Samuel Garza Bernstein →

Cheers! After the success of Brandon and Peter’s discussion of cigarettes on film, Front Row Classics is bring you movies that are defined by alcohol. Brandon is joined by Emmett Stanton to discuss their top five drinking films. The movies discussed span multiple eras and genres. Brandon and Emmett discuss how drinking can define a … Continue reading Ep. 362- Top 5 Drinking Movies →

Black Legion Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated films of Humphrey Bogart’s career. Brandon is joined by author and film historian Christ Yogerst to chat about 1937’s Black Legion. The film, directed by Archie Mayo, is a hardboiled socially relevant film that still shocks in 2025. Brandon and … Continue reading Ep. 361- Black Legion →

Warner Bros Front Row Classics welcomes Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara to the show. Steve and Nan have their own classic Hollywood podcast called, “From Beneath the Hollywood Sign” which covers wide-ranging topics from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The two join Brandon for a deep-dive discussion on the best of Warner Brothers. You can … Continue reading Ep. 360- Celebrating Warner Brothers with Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara →

Criss-Cross Front Row Classics is celebrating one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most underrated masterpieces. Brandon welcomes author Stephen Rebello to discuss his new book, “Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock’s Dazzling Subversive Masterpiece, Strangers on a Train”. The book is a witty and insightful look at a film filled with quirky and eccentric performances. Brandon and Stephen … Continue reading Ep. 359- Criss-Cross-Interview with Stephen Rebello →

Top 5 Cigarette Moments Front Row Classics is taking a look at the use of cigarettes as props in film. Brandon and Peter Martin are counting down their top 5 moments involving smoking in classic film. Directors and performers during the Golden Age knew how to use a cigarette for storytelling and dramatic purposes. Both … Continue reading Ep. 358- Top 5 Cigarette Moments in Classic Film →

The Voice of MGM Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Scott Brogan to the show. Scott is an author and webmaster of The Judy Room online. He recently penned “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM”, which chronicles Garland’s 15-year career at the studio that made her a star. Brandon and Scott discuss the highlights … Continue reading Ep. 357- Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM-Chat with Scott Brogan →

Step Lively Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung musical from the 1940s. Brandon is joined by film historian & content creator Harry Marks to discuss 1944’s Step Lively. The movie marked the first starring role for Frank Sinatra on film. The lighthearted musical also features a score by Jule Styne and … Continue reading Ep. 356- Step Lively →

Celebrating Gene Hackman Front Row Classics is paying tribute to the late Gene Hackman who passed away earlier this year. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, Lou Hare to chat about Hackman and highlight 1974’s The Conversation. Brandon and Lou discuss Hackman’s body of work and his ability to remain honest in every … Continue reading Ep. 355- The Conversation →

MGM Musicals Front Row Classics welcomes some friends of the podcast for another top 5 list. Brandon welcomes Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to rank our personal top 5 MGM Musicals. Brandon, MC and Dana bonded at the TCM Film Festival in 2024 over the genre and are bringing their opinions to the forefront. Let … Continue reading Ep. 354- Ranking Our Top 5 MGM Musicals →

Celebrating Gary Cooper Front Row Classics is celebrating the legacy of Gary Cooper. Brandon recently sat down with Cooper’s daughter, Maria Cooper Janis for an insightful and warm conversation. Brandon and Maria discuss growing up in Hollywood, her Father’s films and finding your own voice. We also touch upon Maria’s passion for the visual arts. … Continue reading Ep. 353-Interview with Maria Cooper Janis →

Lady Patriot Front Row Classics welcomes three beloved cast members of The Love Boat this week. Brandon chats with Ted Lange, Fred Grandy and Jill Whelan about a play the three are currently involved with. “Lady Patriot”, written and directed by Lange, is currently running off-Broadway. Fred and Jill are among the talented cast of … Continue reading Ep. 352- Chatting with Ted Lange, Jill Whelan and Fred Grandy →

Little Foxes Front Row Classics takes a deep dive into one of Bette Davis's most iconic performances. Brandon is joined by Scott Gardner to explore the 1941 film The Little Foxes, a masterful adaptation of Lillian Hellman's celebrated play. Together, they highlight the impeccable direction of William Wyler and shine a spotlight on the stellar supporting cast, … Continue reading Ep. 351- The Little Foxes →

Three Days of the Condor Brandon Davis welcomes Klarissa Beckstead, host of the new film podcast I’ve Seen That One, to discuss one of the most iconic spy thrillers of the 1970s on Front Row Classics. The episode explores Sydney Pollack's stylish and suspenseful direction, the effortless charisma of Robert Redford, and standout performances by Faye Dunaway, … Continue reading Ep. 350- Three Days of the Condor →

Goodbye, Mr. Washington Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the finest films in the legendary careers of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball: The Facts of Life (1960). Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a closer look at this witty and sophisticated comedy, directed and co-written by Melvin Frank alongside his longtime collaborator, Norman Panama. The film offers a … Continue reading Ep. 349- The Facts of Life →

Midnight Front Row Classics is shining a spotlight on one of the most underrated gems of Hollywood's golden year, 1939. Brandon is joined by writer and podcaster Emily Edwards to discuss Midnight, the sparkling romantic comedy directed by Mitchell Leisen. Featuring a razor-sharp script by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett, the film delivers wit, charm, … Continue reading Ep. 348- Midnight →

Dr. Sam Front Row Classics sits down with actor and filmmaker Raji Ahsan. Raji recently wrote an upcoming short film entitled Dr. Sam. He and Brandon chat about the origins of the film and how he came about casting both Lucie Arnaz and Alec Baldwin in the film. The two also discuss Raji’s background in … Continue reading Ep. 347- Interview with Raji Ahsan →

Born Yesterday Front Row Classics celebrates Judy Holliday’s Oscar winning performance in 1950’s Born Yesterday. Brandon and Peter Martin take a look at one of greatest stage to screen translations of a play in film history. The two discuss Holliday’s legendary characterization of Billie Dawn. The performances of William Holden and Broderick Crawford are also … Continue reading Ep. 346- Born Yesterday →

Confessions of a Nazi Spy Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most audacious films of the 1930s. Brandon is joined by Christian Blauvelt from IndieWire to take a look at 1939’s Confessions of a Nazi Spy. The two discuss the bravery of Warner Brothers to take a stand against Nazi Germany … Continue reading Ep. 345- Confessions of a Nazi Spy →

Welcome Melody Thomas Scott! Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Melody Thomas Scott to the show. Melody has delighted audiences at Nikki Newman on The Young and the Restless since 1979.  She and Brandon sit down to discuss he lengthy acting career which began when she was three. They discuss her work in films … Continue reading Ep. 344- Sitting Down with Melody Thomas Scott →

Celebrating the Duke Front Row Classics is happy to welcome Anita Swift to the show. Anita is the oldest granddaughter of John Wayne. She sits down with Brandon to chat about her grandfather’s legacy, share personal stories and give insight into the icon we all know as “The Duke”. Brandon and Anita also spend time … Continue reading Ep. 343- A Conversation on John Wayne with Anita Swift →

Marion Davies Front Row Classics welcomes author & historian, Lara Gabrielle to celebrate the life of Marion Davies. Lara’s book, “Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies”, is a meticulously researched biography detailing Davies’ trailblazing life. Brandon and Lara mention the many misconceptions of Davies’ life & career. They also chat about Davies … Continue reading Ep. 342- Celebrating Marion Davies with Lara Gabrielle →

Welcome, Martin Turnbull! Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author Martin Turnbull to the show for the first time. Martin is an accomplished scribe who has written several series of historical fiction novels set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Brandon and Martin discuss his origins as a classic film lover and segue into … Continue reading Ep. 241- Chatting World War II Hollywood with Martin Turnbull →

Attica, Attica! Front Row Classics is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dog Day Afternoon. Brandon welcomes back Matt Duffy to take a look at this landmark crime drama from the legendary Sidney Lumet. The two take a look at the Oscar nominated performance from Al Pacino in one of his signature roles. The performances of … Continue reading Ep. 240-Dog Day Afternoon →

Hands Across the Table Front Row Classics welcomes back author & historian Olympia Kiriakou to discuss another gem from Carole Lombard’s filmography. Brandon and Olympia are taking a look at Hands Across the Table from 1935. The two discuss the romantic chemistry between Lombard and Fred MacMurray. The sleek direction from the underrated Mitchell Leisen … Continue reading Ep. 239- Hands Across the Table →

Summer Under the Stars Turner Classics Movies is celebrating its’ yearly Summer Under the Stars festival this August. Brandon is thrilled to welcome back actor/comedian, Mario Cantone to the show. Mario is co-hosting every Wednesday night with Ben Mankiewicz this August. His stint premieres tonight at 8pm est/7pm cst with Judy Garland. Mario and Ben … Continue reading Ep. 238- Summer Under the Stars with Mario Cantone →