Front Row Classics

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 →

Lydia Front Row Classics welcomes back author Mayukh Sen to celebrate Merle Oberon. Brandon and Mayukh are taking a look at one of Merle’s greatest screen performances. 1941’s Lydia provided Merle with a perfect vehicle to showcasing her talent & beauty. The two celebrate the incredible camera work and pace from director Julien Duvivier. We … Continue reading Ep. 237- Lydia →

Alice Adams Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the earliest triumphs of Katherine Hepburn’s career. Brandon and Peter Martin are taking a look at 1935’s Alice Adams. The hosts chat about the screenplay adapted from the Booth Tarkington novel. We also discuss the direction by George Stevens in one of his … Continue reading Ep. 236-Alice Adams →

Joyeux Noel Brandon welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jeremy Arnold to celebrate Christmas in July. Jeremy is the author of “Christmas in the Movies: 35 Classics to Celebrate the Season” and is highlighting two lesser known gems. We start of with We’re No Angels from 1955 which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Brandon and … Continue reading Ep. 235- Christmas in July 2025 with Jeremy Arnold →

Summer Movies The summer heat is raging and Front Row Classics is taking a look at some of our favorite summer movies. Brandon is joined by Jessica Pickens, an unabashed fan of summer, to count down their top 5 favorite classic films to watch in summer. Our picks run the gamut of stars from Frankie … Continue reading Ep. 234- Top 5 Summer Movies →

A Guy Named Joe Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Morgan Matson to take a look at 1943’s A Guy Named Joe. This romantic, WW2 melodrama still packs an emotional punch due to the performances of Spencer Tracy, Irene Dunne and Van Johnson. Brandon and Morgan discuss the MGM gloss along with … Continue reading Ep. 233- A Guy Named Joe →

Pretty Woman Front Row Classics is stepping into the 1990s to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Pretty Woman. Brandon and April Clemmer are discussing the classic film connections that permeate throughout the classic Garry Marshall comedy. They also pay tribute to the performances of Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Hector Elizondo and the final screen appearance … Continue reading Ep. 232- Pretty Woman →

Celebrating Hattie Front Row Classics welcomes Kevin John Goff to the podcast. Kevin is the great-grand-nephew of Hattie McDaniel and Executive Director of the Hattie McDaniel Estate. Brandon and Kevin discusses Hattie’s journey through show business and road to Hollywood. The two discuss the many barriers she broke and her astonishing perseverance. Kevin also discusses … Continue reading Ep. 231- Celebrating Hattie McDaniel with Kevin John Goff →

Cleopatra Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Turner Classics Movies’ host, Ben Mankiewicz. Brandon and Ben are chatting about the new season of the TCM podcast, The Plot Thickens. This season focuses on the storied production of 1963’s Cleopatra. Ben’s great-uncle, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, helmed the mammoth production and had to navigate through … Continue reading Ep. 230- The Plot Thickens with Ben Mankiewicz →

Let Me Entertain You Front Row Classics is taking a look at the 1962 film adaptation of Gypsy. Brandon is joined by Jordan Rinkenberger and Kimmy Schofield to discuss the film. Jordan is the director of the upcoming production by Champaign Urbana Drama Makers in Champaign, IL. Kimmy will be tackling the legendary role of … Continue reading Ep. 229- Gypsy →

The Odd Couple Front Row Classics welcomes Andrew Corns of The Revisionist’s Almanac podcast. Andrew’s show takes a unique look at past Oscar races where he and his guests re-vote to see how those ceremonies may have gone in the present day. This week, he is taking a bit of a break from his serious … Continue reading Ep. 228- The Odd Couple →

O’ What a Beautiful Mornin’ Front Row Classics is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma. Brandon is joined by three guests who are currently involved in the Springfield Muni’s production opening this weekend. We welcome Assistant Director, Jacob Pahde along with Curley & Laurey themselves, Nathan Moss and … Continue reading Ep. 227- Oklahoma! →

Pile Out, you Tramps! Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most daring films of the early 1950s. Brandon is joined by Larry Aubrey to discuss Caged from 1950. They discuss how Caged is the grandmother of all “women-in-prison” movies. Brandon and Larry also celebrate the Oscar nominated performances of Eleanor … Continue reading Ep. 226- Caged →

The Garland Legacy Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Vanessa O’Neil to the podcast. Vanessa is the granddaughter of Judy Garland and daughter of, recent podcast guest, Lorna Luft. Brandon and Vanessa discuss what it means to carry the Garland Legacy and how she recently decided to pick up the mantle. The two also … Continue reading Ep. 325- A Conversation with Vanessa O’Neil →

You’re Lookin’ at Country Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated biopics in history. Brandon is, once again, joined by Peter Martin to discuss 1980’s Coal Miner’s Daughter. We discuss the Oscar winning performance of Sissy Spacek at the legendary Loretta Lynn. Brandon and Peter also pay tribute to … Continue reading Ep. 324- Coal Miner’s Daughter →

This or That Back by popular demand, Brandon is one again joined by Ben Burke, Emmett Stanton and Matt Duffy to discuss all things Classics film. The four play classic film games, discuss guilty pleasures and talk performances they wish could be recast. It’s another episode of outrageous fun with three of the Front Row’s … Continue reading Ep. 323-More Classics Film Opinions with Brandon and Friends →

Musical Matinee We’re continuing our tenth anniversary celebration with a conversation with Turner Classic Movies Host, Dave Karger. Dave and Brandon both share an affinity for movie musicals and spend time discussing some of their favorites. We also discuss what Dave has coming up on Musical Matinee which airs every Saturday at 12pm est/11am cst … Continue reading Ep. 322- Talking Movie Musicals with Dave Karger →