Podcasts about front row classics

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the only Best Picture winning film from Alfred Hitchcock's canon. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to discuss 1940's Rebecca. The film remains a favorite due to its gothic atmosphere and stellar performances. Brandon and Peter discuss the similarities and differences from Daphne du Maurier's novel along with the battle of wills between Hitchcock and producer David O. Selznick. The two also praise the performances of Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and Judith Anderson.

Front Row Classics welcomes Alicia Mayer to the podcast this week! Alicia's family history is rooted in the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is the grand niece of Louis B Mayer and granddaughter of Ida Mayer Cummings. Brandon and Alicia discuss the history of the Mayer family and their immigration to America. The conversation also turns to Ida's involvement in causes devoted to Los Angeles' Jewish community. They also discuss how she began researching her family tree and developed her website, HollywoodEssays.com.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the ever-eduring star power of Cary Grant! We're trying out something different in this episode and hope you'll like it. Brandon is joined by actor, writer and social media curator, Cassidy Krygger. Cassidy and Brandon will be counting down their personal top 5 favorite Cary Grant performances. Let us know your thoughts after listening to the episode! You can find Cassiday @hollywoodlandphots on Instagram and at https://linktr.ee/hollywoodlandphotos1  

Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jessica Pickens to celebrate one of our favorite genres. Brandon and Jessica are celebrating movies musicals. In this episode, we are sampling four favorites from the thirties through the fifties. We're taking a look at Footlight Parade (1933), Moon Over Miami (1941), Bathing Beauty (1944) and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). Brandon and Jessica discuss the evolution of musicals and how different sub-genres occurred during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated adventure films of all time. Brandon is joined by author & historian John DiLeo to discuss 1937's Captain Courageous. Victor Fleming's adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's novel still tugs are the heartstrings. Brandon and John celebrate the amazing performance of Freddie Bartholomew as Harvey along with a top supporting cast including Lionel Barrymore, Mickey Rooney and Melvyn Douglas. The two also discuss the much-debated Oscar-winning performance of Spencer Tracy as Manuel. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular romances in film history. Brandon welcomes Daveyanna Garcia to take a look at 1957's An Affair to Remember. The two discuss many of the memorable moments between stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. We also discuss the connections between the original 1939 film Love Affair also directed Leo McCarey.

Bernice Clifton has given us so much over the years. Her final parting gift? A reference to the iconic 1991 film: Thelma & Louise. It's a shoot ‘em up, outlaw adventure featuring two outrageously talented women amidst a banger cast. It's a bittersweet feminist text that shook up Hollywood stereotypes – and forever upholds the unshakable bond of female friendship.  Brandon Davis from Front Row Classics returned to help us unpack this one: what it changed, what it didn't, allll the trivia, and why this one holds a special place in our hearts - whether this was our first or 100th time seeing it.

Front Row Classics is celebrating its 300th episode with one of the most celebrated film authors working today. Brandon is thrilled to welcome historian, author & publisher, Sam Wasson. We discuss Sam's origins as a film fan and what inspired him to write about film. We also discuss his two latest books, "The Big Goodbye" and "The Path to Paradise". This discussion also leads Brandon and Sam to chat about the current and future state of movies.  

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Czar of Noir himself Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie chat about the newly revised and expanded edition of "Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir". The book chronicles Eddie's interviews with 6 of noir's greatest 'dames': Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, Evelyn Keyes, Jane Greer, Ann Savage and Coleen Gray. The revelations they shared with Eddie are often humorous and poignant. Eddie shares his memories of each actress with Brandon and highlights several other women spotlighted in the expanded section. "Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold. Eddie Muller, aka the “Czar of Noir,” is the host of Turner Classic Movies' Noir Alley. He is also the prolific author of novels, biographies, plays, films, and movie histories, including Dark City: Revised and Expanded Edition, the essential cocktail manual Eddie Muller's Noir Bar, and the children's book Kid Noir. He also programs and hosts the Noir City film festival series, curates museums, and provides commentary for television, radio, and DVDs. As founder of the Film Noir Foundation, Muller has been instrumental in restoring and preserving dozens of lost noir classics. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.  

Front Row Classics welcomes Spring with one of the most charming romantic comedies of the 1950s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are discussing George Cukor's It Should Happen to You from 1954. The film features one of the best film performances from the effervescent Judy Holliday. We also celebrate the 100th birthday of Jack Lemmon by commemorating his movie debut in this film. Brandon and Emmett discuss the many funny & charming scenes as well as reflect on how the film still seems relevant in our current culture of social media influencers. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th birthday of Robert Altman by taking a look at one of his greatest works. Brandon is joined by Spencer Davis to discuss 1971's McCabe and Mrs, Miller. Brandon and Spencer discuss this classic anti-Western which features stellar performances from Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. The hosts also discuss the spectacular screenplay by Altman and Brian McKay as well as the tone-setting songs by Leonard Cohen.

MAIN STREET MEN REWIND:Brandon Davis from Front Row Classics joins me to talk about our favorite Live Action Disney Films!Episode 154:Live Action Disney Films with Brandon Davis(ORIGINAL AIRDATE: January 9)Listen here:https://linktr.ee/ofmiceandmainstreetmenCheck out links to the shop and travel agency:OfMiceAndMainStreetMen.comShare this episode with your friends and help us spread the gospel of Of Mice & Main Street Men! Happy listening!Sean and I will reunite next week! Cheers!Tristan #disneypodcast #waltdisneyworld #disneypodcasters #waltdisney #marcelinemissouri #disneyfans #tagtheqc

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome actress & filmmaker Illeana Douglas to the show. Brandon and Illeana discuss her love of the movies which led to her becoming a professional in the business. Her love of the movies has led her to many exciting projects including her recent book, "Connecticut in the Movies". We talk about her love of the state of Connecticut and its complicated history. We also spend time discussing her grandfather, the legendary Melvyn Douglas. Illeana Douglas has starred in films like Cape Fear, To Die For, Grace of My Heart, and Ghost World, as well as in TV shows like Goliath, Shrill, Entourage, and Six Feet Under. Douglas is the granddaughter of two-time Academy Award–winning actor Melvyn Douglas. A classic film lover, she hosted Trailblazing Woman for Turner Classic Movies and participated in many film documentaries, including CNN: The Movies and Kino Lorber's Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers, which she also executive produced and hosted. Her first book, I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Lived In and Out of the Movies was named Best Pop Culture book of the year in 2015 by Entertainment Weekly.  

Front Row Classics welcomes author Mayukh Sen to celebrate the life of Merle Oberon. Mayukh recently penned "Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star". The book captures the complicated life of Oberon while also providing a picture of the political atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century. Brandon and Mayukhk discuss the origins and research process of the book as well as some of the high points of Oberon's life. "Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star" is available from W. W. Norton & Company wherever books are sold. Mayukh Sen is the James Beard Award-winning author of Taste Makers. He is a 2025 Fellow at New America, and has written on film for the New Yorker, the Atlantic, and the Criterion Collection. He teaches journalism at New York University and lives in Brooklyn, New York.    

Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung western classic from 1946. Brandon is joined by film historian & producer Daniel Marino to discuss Canyon Passage. The film, directed by Jacques Tourneur, embodies the post-war feelings of American in the forties. It features stunning Technicolor cinematography and an unlikely Oscar nominated song by Hoagy Carmichael. The film also benefits from a strong cast featuring Dana Andrews, Susan Hayward, Brian Donlevy, Ward Bond and Lloyd Bridges.

Front Row Classics is excited to welcome back James Duke Mason this week. Brandon and Duke catch up on everything happening in the last year. They also touch on some of Duke's grandfather's (James Mason) best performances. The discussion turns to films like A Star is Born, The Last of Sheila, Lolita and Heaven Can Wait. We also preview Duke's participation in MTV's Family Legacy where he pays tribute to the legacy of his mother, Belinda Carlisle. The episode drops on Paramount Plus this Tuesday, March 25th.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author & entertainment journalist Maureen Lee Lenker. Brandon and Maureen discuss her origins as a classic film fan favorite film genres and most memorable writing assignments. The conversation, then, turns to her latest book, "His Girl Hollywood", an historical fiction romance set in Classic Hollywood. Maureen Lee Lenker is an award-winning journalist who has written for Turner Classic Movies, The Hollywood Reporter, Ms. Magazine, and more. She is a Senior Writer for Entertainment Weekly, where she maintains a quarterly romance review column, Hot Stuff, in addition to covering film, TV, and theater. She is a proud graduate of both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Maureen calls Los Angeles home, where you'll either find her at the beach or in a repertory movie-house, if she's not writing.

"Garbo Talks!". Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most promoted events in film history. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to break down 1930's Anna Christie. The two discuss Clarence Brown's adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize winning play. This early talkie helped to cement Greta Garbo as a screen icon. Brandon and Peter also discuss the scene-stealing performance from Marie Dressler.

Garbo Talks! “Garbo Talks!”. Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most promoted events in film history. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to break down 1930’s Anna Christie. The two discuss Clarence Brown’s adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize winning play. This early talkie helped to cement Greta Garbo as a … Continue reading Ep. 291- Anna Christie →

Front Row Classics is taking a look at an underrated comedy gem in the career of Lucille Ball. Brandon welcomes back Sarah Royal, author of "AKA Lucy", to take a look at Miss Grant Takes Richmond from 1949. This film came two years before Lucy reached superstardom on "I Love Lucy". Yet, the film shows seeds of the birth of Lucy Ricardo. The movie also features a wonderful performance from William Holden right before his career took off with Sunset Blvd.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author, professor & historian Noah Isenberg. Noah penned one of Brandon's favorite film books, "We'll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood's Most Beloved Movie". Brandon and Noah discuss their initial discovery of the film as well as their favorite moments. The legacy, afterlife and themes are also explored.   Film historian Noah Isenberg holds the Charles Sapp Centennial Professorship at the University of Texas at Austin, where for close to half a decade he served as Chair of the Department of Radio-Television-Film. Currently, he serves as Executive Director of the University of Texas's two study-away programs in Los Angeles (UTLA) and in New York City (UTNY), where he is based

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Alfred Hitchcock's most underrated classics. Brandon is joined by Emily Nesbitt to talk 1954's Dial M for Murder. The hosts discuss Hitchcock's unique storytelling and camera work. The performances of Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Bob Cummings & John Williams are also celebrated. 

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart. Brandon and Jacqueline discuss her career in film scholarship and origins as a film fan. The two also discuss her passion for African American film history and silent film. The conversation, then, turns to TCM's 31 Days of Oscar. Brandon receives Jacqueline's thoughts on 4 of the films featured this month: In the Heat of the Night, Cabin in the Sky, Sounder and All About Eve.  

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Hollywood's most famous gangster films. 1931's The Public Enemy set the stage for so many films that followed. Brandon is joined by writer, Sophia D'Aurelio to break down the movie. Sophia is versed in many areas of classic film, especially topics involving pre-code films and Jean Harlow. Brandon and Sophia discuss Harlow's early performance alongside a career defining performance from James Cagney. The hosts also pay tribute to director, William Wellman.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most cynically biting films ever made. Brandon is happy to welcome back  author/historian Chris Yogerst to take a look at Billy Wilder's Ace in the Hole.  This 1951 film is one of the most audacious films in Wilder's canon. Brandon and Chris pay tribute to the amazing performance by Kirk Douglas in one of his signature roles. We also discuss the real life events that inspired this satirical look at journalism and media.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley with one of his most popular movies. Brandon welcomes back Tristan Tapscott to chat about 1961's Blue Hawaii. Elvis was at the peak of popularity and magnetism when he made this escapist musical romp. Brandon and Tristan discuss the many colorful locations and musical numbers that populate the film. We also highlight the wonderful supporting cast including Joan Blackman, Roland Winters, Howard McNear and a scene-stealing Angela Lansbury as Elvis' mother.

Front Row Classics is celebrating an audacious and vastly underrated thriller from Warner Bros. Brandon is pleased to welcome back Holley Snaith to discuss Storm Warning from 1950. This noir thriller was an allegory for the politically charged era of the Red Scare in Hollywood. Brandon and Holley discuss Richard Brooks' and Daniel Fuchs' screenplay that was ahead of its time in its indictment of the KKK. The film also features an unlikely cast that includes Ginger Rogers, Doris Day and Ronald Reagan. 

Front Row Classics welcomes content creator John Joseph to the show. John Joseph has a series of classic Hollywood related videos and posts through his various social media platforms. He and Brandon discuss the origins of their classic film fandom, favorite films and the studio system. The conversation, then, moves to the career of Debbie Reynolds and. specifically, The Tender Trap. You can find John Joseph's various content at https://linktr.ee/itsjohnjoseph

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th anniversary of another landmark silent film. We're joined by our friend Emmett Stanton to look at 1925's The Big Parade. The movie marked one of Hollywood's initial statements about war. Brandon and Emmett celebrate the performances of John Gilbert and Renee Adoree as well as the timeless direction of King Vidor. Vidor's direction creates many moments just as harrowing today as they were a century ago.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the centennial of one of Charlie Chaplin's most beloved films. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to take a look at 1925's The Gold Rush. The hosts discuss their favorite moments from this landmark achievement that still entertains 100 years later. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest achievements from one of cinema's true geniuses. Brandon welcomes Robert Bellissimo to celebrate Orson Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons. Robert is the host of his own video podcast called "Robert Bellissimo At the Movies". Brandon and Robert discuss how the film how this truncated masterpiece remains one of Welles' greatest films. This follow-up to Citizen Kane features stellar performances from Joseph Cotten, Tim Holt, Anne Baxter and especially Agnes Moorehead. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look one of the most popular love stories from the late 1950s. Brandon is joined by film historian & author Sloan De Forest to take a look at 1959's A Summer Place. The two discuss the origins of the film and how it pushed the envelope with it's coming-of-age themes. Brandon and Sloan also discuss how the film walks the line between serious drama and campy time capsule. We also take some time to highlight the iconic "Theme from a Summer Place" by Max Steiner.

Front Row Classics welcomes back professional wrestler Marina Tucker to discuss her favorite film of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Brandon and Marina celebrate Oz's 85th anniversary by discussing the aspects that have made a perennial favorite for over eight decades.

Happy New Year from Front Row Classics! Brandon is joined by friend of the podcast, Emmett Stanton, to ring in 2025. We're taking a look at the first two sequels to The Thin Man: After the Thin Man (1936) and Another Thin Man (1939). Brandon and Emmett discuss the further adventures of Nick, Nora and Asta as they navigate their way through two new murder mysteries. They also pay tribute to the incredible roster of character actors that populate both films.

Happy 2025!! Happy New Year from Front Row Classics! Brandon is joined by friend of the podcast, Emmett Stanton, to ring in 2025. We’re taking a look at the first two sequels to The Thin Man: After the Thin Man (1936) and Another Thin Man (1939). Brandon and Emmett discuss the further adventures of Nick, … Continue reading Ep. 276- After the Thin Man & Another Thin Man →

Front Row Classics is spending New Year's Eve with Clark Kent and Lois Lane. We're taking a look at 1978's Superman. Brandon is joined by Ryan Bijan from Cowtown Movie Classics to discuss this legendary film. We celebrate the legendary Christopher Reeve in his signature role. Brandon and Ryan also discuss the direction of Richard Donner and lasting legacy of the film.    

We're celebrating the 45th Anniversary of The Muppet Movie on Front Row Classics. Brandon is joined by Jason Reynal to commemorate this Muppet origin story from 1979. They discuss the memorable introductions of each character as well as the legendary cameos featuring Orson Welles, Richard Pryor and Bob Hope. The two also discuss the heartwarming musical score by Paul Williams featuring the iconic. "Rainbow Connection".

Movin’ Right Along We’re celebrating the 45th Anniversary of The Muppet Movie on Front Row Classics. Brandon is joined by Jason Reynal to commemorate this Muppet origin story from 1979. They discuss the memorable introductions of each character as well as the legendary cameos featuring Orson Welles, Richard Pryor and Bob Hope. The two also … Continue reading Ep. 274- The Muppet Movie →

Front Row Classics welcomes back Jessica Pickens to discuss a gem from the 1960s. Brandon and Jessica are taking a look at The Trouble with Angels from 1966. This was Hayley Mills' first project after her run at the Walt Disney Studios. This film is an authentic look at the coming of age of teenage girls in a Catholic school. Rosalind Russell gives one of her signature performances at Mother Superior along with a solid supporting cast. Brandon and Jessica break down many charming moments including two holiday-themed scenes.

Merry Christmas from Front Row Classics. We're pleased to welcome back Natasha Gregson Wagner. Natasha is an actress, author & producer and returns to discuss one of her mother's most beloved movies: Miracle on 34th St. Brandon and Natasha discuss the film's lasting legacy and why it still warms our hearts in 2024. They also highlight Natasha's participation in the newest fragrance named after her mom.

Front Row Classics begins its celebration of the holidays with an underrated gem from 1944. Brandon welcomes back Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to take a look at 1944's I'll Be Seeing You. This film explores topics not typically discussed at the time of release such as PTSD. We discuss the stand out performances from Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten and a teenage Shirley Temple. The film also features some very warm moments set at Christmas time. 

Front Row Classics is having a little fun this holiday season. Brandon welcomes three friends of the podcast (Emmett Stanton, Benjamin Burke and Matt Duffy) to give some unfiltered classic film opinions. We're playing a game of This or That featuring classic films and classic film stars. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated films in Bette Davis' filmography during her time at Warner Brothers. Brandon welcomes Samantha Mason to look at 1942's In This Our Life. Samantha is a history teacher and movie buff who cohosts the Movie Club podcast with former Front Row guest, Hayley Chow. Brandon and Samantha dive into a film that was both current and ahead of its time in many ways. Themes of racial prejudice and possible incest are peppered into John Huston's potboiler.  The movie also features one of Davis' most unsympathetic character portrayals. She is supported by an amazing ensemble cast including Olivia de Havilland, George Brent, Dennis Morgan, Billie Burke, Charles Coburn and Hattie McDaniel. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most charming, romantic films of all time. Brandon is joined by Ryan Taylor to discuss 1947's The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Ryan is a life-long classic film fans and has her own classic film content on Instagram celebrating Theda Bara. Brandon and Ryan praise the simple, but effective storytelling in The Ghost and Mrs Muir. The pitch perfect performances of Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison along with taut direction by Joseph L. Mankiewicz help to create a film that's been a fan-favorite for generations. The hosts also praise the supporting performances from George Sanders, Natalie Wood and Edna Best along with the haunting score by Bernard Hermann. 

Brandon welcome entertainment journalist Esther Zuckerman to Front Row Classics. Esther has recently penned "Falling in Love at the Movies: Rom-Coms from the Screwball Era to Today". The book focuses on the impact & legacy of romantic comedies from the beginning of cinema through today. Brandon and Esther discuss some of the greatest directors & stars who placed their stamp on rom-coms through the years. They also discuss the themes and narratives commonly found romantic films. Brandon also gets Esther's thoughts on the future of romantic comedies in the era of streaming. "Falling in Love at the Movies: Rom-Coms from the Screwball Era to Today" is available wherever books are sold from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies. ESTHER ZUCKERMAN is an entertainment journalist whose work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, GQ, the Hollywood Reporter, and many more. She is the author of Beyond the Best Dressed and A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends. Esther lives and writes in New York City.  

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular screwball romantic comedies of the 1930s. We're taking a look at My Man Godfrey from 1936. Brandon welcomes back Olympia Kiriakou to the podcast. Olympia is the author of Becoming Carole Lombard: Stardom, Comedy, and Legacy. Brandon and Olympia discuss the fantastic performances of Carole Lombard and William Powell that defines both their on-screen and real-life chemistry. They also focus on the major themes of the film that remain as relevant as their were during the Great Depression. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of greatest Hollywood films about Hollywood ever made. Brandon welcomes back April Clemmer to discuss 1952's The Bad and the Beautiful. Vincente Minnelli's glamourous and cynical take on the movie business still packs a punch today. Brandon and April consider the performances of Lana Turner and Kirk Douglas as two of the best performances in their careers. They also discuss the amazing supporting cast including Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Gilbert Roland and Gloria Grahame (in one of the shortest Oscar winning performances on record). 

Front Row Classics is happy welcome Oscar-nominated actress, Cathy Moriarty. Cathy is currently appearing in "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers" at THE BENT in Palm Springs, CA from December 6th-27th. Cathy is portraying, legendary Hollywood talent agent, Sue Mengers in this 90-minute one-woman play. Brandon and Cathy discuss Cathy's real-life relationship with Mengers as well as her preparation for the role. The conversation then turns to Cathy's career in such films as Raging Bull, Soapdish & Casper. Brandon and Cathy also discuss their shared love of classic film. For more information or tickets for "I'll Eat You Last" you can go to www.thebent.org.    

Front Row Classics is proud to welcome Joanna Poitier to the podcast. Joanna is the widow of Sidney Poitier and recently compiled a book of her husband's greatest speeches. The speeches are originate from occasions ranging from awards shows, memorials, commencement ceremonies etc. Brandon and Joanna discuss the genesis of the book and how she decided which speeches to include.  "Sidney Poitier: The Great Speeches of an Icon Who Moved Us Forward" is available from Running Press wherever books are sold.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson. Kathryn's new documentary, "Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes" showcases the film icon in an illuminating fashion. The feature-length documentary shows Bogart through the lens of the women in his life: his mother and the four women he married. Brandon and Kathryn discuss several of the revelations found in the documentary as well as the cooperation she found from the Humphrey Bogart estate. "Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes" can be currently seen in select theaters and will be available streaming on-demand on December 9th.