Podcasts about front row classics

Front Row Classics is continuing its summer viewing by taking a look at one of the most loved films of the 1980s. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing 1981's On Golden Pond. Based on the celebrated play by Ernest Thompson, the movie still has the power to tickle your funny bone and touch your heart. The two hosts take a look at the two Oscar winning performances of Henry Fonda (in his last film role) and Katherine Hepburn, They also chat about how art imitated life with the on and off screen father/daughter relationship with Henry and Jane Fonda.

Front Row Classics is celebrating summer with 1948's Romance on the High Seas. The movie marked an auspicious film debut for the legendary Doris Day. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the movie showcases all of the best Warner Bros had to offer. Brandon is joined once again by Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to discuss all of the fun and music from this fun, escapist musical. 

Front Row Classics is happy to welcome back our friend, Tony Maietta. Tony joins Brandon for his birthday week and the two chat all things classic film. The conversation covers everything from 1940s melodramas to 1970s sitcoms. Be sure to catch Tony's podcast , Going Hollywood, at https://www.goinghollywoodpodcast.com/.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legendary Ava Gardner. Brandon welcomes graphic designer, writer and Board Member of the Ava Gardner Museum Lora Stocker. Brandon and Lora discuss Ava's life & career and what the Ava Gardner Museum (located in North Carolina) has to offer. They also discuss Lora's background and fandom of classic film. 

Front Row Classics welcomes author Tony Lee Moral. Tony recently penned "A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, The Myths, The Legacy". He addressed a series of narratives regarding the Master of Suspense through new archival research and unpublished interviews.  Now available from The University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold Tony Lee Moral is a mystery author and screenwriter with a deep passion for suspense, mystery, and the cinematic legacy of Alfred Hitchcock. Over the course of his career, he has become a leading voice in both the world of Hitchcock scholarship and contemporary crime fiction. With four critically acclaimed books dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock, including Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards (2024), The Young Alfred Hitchcock's Moviemaking Master Class (2022), The Making of Hitchcock's The Birds (2013), and Hitchcock and the Making of Marnie (2013), Tony's writing offers a unique insight into the art of filmmaking, the creative process, and the mind of one of cinema's most iconic directors. But Tony's talents don't end with nonfiction. He is also an accomplished novelist, weaving intricate plots filled with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. His novels include The Two Masks of Vendetta and its thrilling sequel The Passion of the Cross (both released in 2024) and Ghost Maven: The Haunting of Alice May (2019). These novels blend elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, taking readers on unforgettable journeys that explore complex characters, twisted secrets, and the darkest corners of the human psyche. As a writer, Tony is dedicated to crafting stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His work in suspenseful thrillers, like The Two Masks of Vendetta, shows his knack for creating tension and atmosphere, while his paranormal novels, such as Ghost Maven, blend supernatural elements with heartfelt emotions, bringing a fresh approach to the genre. Drawing on his expertise in both film and fiction, Tony writes with an eye for cinematic detail, ensuring that each page feels like a scene from a gripping film. His deep understanding of Hitchcock's techniques — suspense, misdirection, and character-driven storytelling — shines through in every novel, making his books essential reading for fans of mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legendary Bette Davis by taking a look at some of her most underrated performances. Brandon is joined by Staff Editor of Entertainment Weekly, Rance Collins. Brandon and Rance are both unabashed Davis fans and have compiled their personal top 5 underrated performances of the legendary star. Let us know what your top 5 choices would be.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back our friend John Malahy. John, author of TCM and Running Press' wonderful "Summer Movies" book joins Brandon to chat about the popular series of "Beach Party" movies of the 1960s. The two cover Frankie, Annette and all of the fun/bizarre cameos. The films also provide snapshots of some of the 60s biggest musical acts including The Beach Boys and Stevie Wonder.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of television's greatest shows. Brandon welcomes writer/producer Marc Scott Zicree to discuss his third edition of "The Twilight Zone Companion". Brandon and Marc chat about the show's origins and Rod Serling's impact on popular culture. They also discuss some of the most memorable episodes along with Marc's journey through researching the show. "The Twilight Zone Companion Third Edition" is available from Silman-James Press wherever books are sold. Marc Scott Zicree has written and produced hundreds of hours of TV for most of the major studios and networks. His credits include Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Sliders, Friday the 13th: The Series, He-Man, The Real Ghostbusters, The Smurfs, and numerous other shows. Regarded as one of the country's top media experts, Zicree is a regular guest on late-night radio's Coast to Coast and has lectured at many colleges (including USC, UCLA, Stanford, and Ithaca College), professional conferences, and museums throughout the world. The Twilight Zone Companion has been credited with creating the modern genre of books on TV series and inspiring a generation of series creators and filmmakers. Zicree has also co-written (with Guillermo del Toro, Barbara Hambly, and others) four additional books. Along with his wife, Elaine, Marc is currently writing, directing, and producing Space Command, an epic science-fiction TV series.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at two films that were forerunners in dealing with LGBT themes in film. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to discuss Tea and Sympathy from 1956 and The Children's Hour from 1962. The two compare and contrast the effect of the Hays Code on both films and how the constrictions of the times watered down both films. Yet, both hosts praise the films for their stellar direction and performances.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Greta Garbo's greatest screen performances. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting about 1933's Queen Christina. Brandon and Emmett discuss the unusual nature of the film and the chemistry between Garbo and John Gilbert. They also discuss Rouben Mamoulian's expert direction which exposes all of MGM's resources at its best. The conversation also turns to the subversive performances and pre-code attributes that make the film feel fresh in 2026. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most gripping dramas from Warner Brothers in the 1950s. Brandon and Ben Burke are chatting about 1951's Young Man with a Horn. The movie features one of the earliest landmark performances from Kirk Douglas. Director Michael Curtiz also lands great performances from Doris Day, Hoagy Carmichael and Lauren Bacall (in one of her most subversive performances). Brandon and Ben also discuss the use of jazz and jazz culture in the film.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Oz enthusiast Sean Barrett. Brandon and Sean discuss the effect of The Wizard of Oz on his life and the time he spent at Artistic Director of The Land of Oz theme park. They also chat about its evolution and inspiration to multiple generations. Sean also has credits in film, television and live theater. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Isabel "Izzy" Custodio to the podcast. Izzy is the creator of the popular classic film YouTube channel, Be Kind Rewind. Brandon and Izzy discuss her origins as a classic film fan and the beginnings of her channel. They also chat about her favorite films and future goals.  You can find Be Kind Rewind at: https://www.youtube.com/@bkrewind

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Emmy-winning actor, Christian Le Blanc. Christian and Brandon chat about his background and acting influences which eventually led him to a multiple decade run on The Young and the Restless as Michael Baldwin. The two also discuss his experiences working with the likes of Julie Harris, Charles Nelson Reilly and Eileen Brennan.  A twelve-time Emmy nominee and three-time Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy winner, Christian Jules Le Blanc, stars as Michael Baldwin on CBS's number one rated daytime drama, The Young and the Restless. Christian joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in October 1991, departing in 1993. He returned to the series in April, 1997. A slick attorney, Michael has found happiness in his marriage to Lauren Fenmore (Tracey E. Bregman), despite the antics of his troubled brother, Kevin (Greg Rikaart) and his unpredictable mother, Gloria (Judith Chapman). In 2022, Christian made his New York theater debut in Ruth Stage Company's production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Christian's television appearances also include the role of Kirk McColl on As the World Turns, a starring role as a regular on In the Heat of the Night with Carol O'Connor and Howard Rollins, and many guest appearances including Perry Mason, Cheers and Gabriel's Fire. He produced and starred in his first short film, Puppy Love, with actress, Grace Zabriskie, which was honored as the Outstanding Short Film at the Los Angeles and New York International Short Film Festivals. Le Blanc's stage credits include Ladies In Retirement, in which he starred with the legendary actresses Julie Harris and Eileen Brennan. More recently, Le Blanc appeared in the Los Angeles Times Pick-of-the-Week, No Orchids for Miss Blandish. In 2008, he appeared in The Catonsville Nine, in 2009, Appearances to the Contrary and in 2011, The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans. He is currently a member of the Rogue Theater Company of Los Angeles. Christian also has taken on the role of host at many high-profile venues including: The 2012 Creative Arts Daytime Emmy Awards, The Annual Young and the Restless Charity Tea, Soap Cruise, and numerous charitable and daytime functions. Christian is also an award winning artist. His work has been shown in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., and New Orleans where they are currently on display at the Jean Bragg Gallery of Southern Art. He is currently working on a children's novel which he is illustrating. Christian, an army brat, was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but calls New Orleans, Louisiana, home. He is one of the eight children of Andre and Alice Le Blanc. His father is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Special Forces. Le Blanc lives in Los Angeles. His hobbies include genealogy and languages and sports including: water skiing, swimming, and racquetball. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Los Angeles school district. A world traveler, Le Blanc's journeys have taken him to Australia and the Middle East.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcomes back author and professor Laurence Maslon. Brandon and Larry are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel. The two discuss the production's history and legacy.  Laurence Maslon is an arts professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, as well as associate chair of the Graduate Acting Program. His most recent book is an updated companion volume to the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical. He is also the host and producer of the weekly radio series, Broadway to Main Street (winner of the 2019 ASCAP Foundation/Deems Taylor Award for Radio Broadcast) on the NPR station WLIW-FM. He edited the two-volume set American Musicals (1927-1969) for Library of America, as well as their Kaufman & Co., Broadway comedies by George S. Kaufman. Other books include the companion book to Come From Away, Broadway to Main Street: How Show Music Enchanted America (Oxford), The Sound of Music Companion, and the South Pacific Companion. He is the writer and coproducer of the PBS American Masters documentary, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me, and wrote American Masters documentary Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds. He served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards from 2007 to 2010. He has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Opera News, Stagebill, and American Theatre. 

Front Row Classics is pleased welcome Emmy-winning actor, Brian Rohan. Brandon and Brian chat about his appreciation for movies growing up which led him to a life in performing. The to two chat about their mutual classic film fandom. They, then, discuss his acclaimed interpretation of the legendary Jimmy Stewart in various artistic projects. Brian also portrays another icon, Norman Bates, on the Universal Studios Tour. You can find out more about Brian on his social media pages and https://brianrohan.com/

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome comedy writer & actor Bruce Vilanch. Brandon and Bruce discuss his life in show business from his early days a child actor to becoming one of the most sought after comedy writers in the business. Bruce has worked with some of the most beloved entertainers of the last 50 years, from Bette Midler to Robin Williams & Billy Crystal to Dolly Parton. We also chat about his time on Hollywood Squares and being the head writer for the Oscars. His book, "It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows in History and Other Things I Wrote" is currently available from Chicago Review Press wherever books are sold. 

Welcome Bruce Vilanch! Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome comedy writer & actor Bruce Vilanch. Brandon and Bruce discuss his life in show business from his early days a child actor to becoming one of the most sought after comedy writers in the business. Bruce has worked with some of the most beloved entertainers … Continue reading Ep. 459-Interview with Bruce Vilanch →

Front Row Classics welcomes independent wrestler Marty Clay. Brandon and Marty chat about his origins as wrestler and his career highlights. Marty also chats about his philosophies on the business as well as a major match this evening against Nic Nemeth.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest romances in film history. Brandon is joined by entertainment journalist & author to discuss Camille (1936). Tara recently introduced the film, alongside Diane Baker, at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Brandon and Tara discuss the luminous performance of Greta Garbo and the impact of George Cukor on the film. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of our most requested films since the inception of the podcast. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to chat about 1949's The Heiress. Based on Henry James' Washington Square, this period drama rings true close to 80 years later. Olivia de Havilland won her second Oscar for her transformative performance. Brandon and Peter discuss de Havilland as well as the complex performances of Montgomery Clift and Sir Ralph Richardson.

Bolt the Door, Mariah. Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of our most requested films since the inception of the podcast. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to chat about 1949’s The Heiress. Based on Henry James’ Washington Square, this period drama rings true close to 80 years later. Olivia de Havilland … Continue reading Ep. 457- The Heiress →

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back All Elite Wrestling's RJ City.  RJ is a former professional wrestler who has maneuvered his way to the creative side in recent years. He and Brandon catch up and discuss even more of the world of classic film and obscure pop culture. 

Welcome Back RJ City! Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back All Elite Wrestling’s RJ City.  RJ is a former professional wrestler who has maneuvered his way to the creative side in recent years. He and Brandon catch up and discuss even more of the world of classic film and obscure pop culture.  Don't … Continue reading Ep. 456- More Obscure Pop Culture with RJ City →

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back George Feltenstein. George is the Warner Brothers Discovery Library Historian and chats with Brandon about some of the celebrated releases of the first portion of 2026. They also chat about the restoration process of several recent releases.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe with several special guests over the next couple days. Brandon, firstly, welcomes Caroline Barris. Caroline is the daughter of legendary photographer, George Barris. Brandon and Caroline discuss her father's deep friendship with Marilyn and how his photographs were some of the most personal ever taken of the icon. They also discuss Marilyn's legacy a century after her birth. You can visit www.inhollywoodland.com to see the current work of the George Barris Estate. You can also find them on Instagram.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular mother/daughter stories in film history. Brandon is joined by author, Mayukh Sen to discuss 1937's Stella Dallas. The two celebrate of the hallmark performances of Barbara Stanwyck's career. With sensitive direction from King Victor, this movie still packs an emotional punch nearly 90 years later. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the start of summer! We welcome back author John Malahy to count down the top 5 swimming pools in movie history. from the Golden Age to the 80s, Brandon and John discuss how pools have played important roles both aesthetically and dramatically.

Welcome to Summer! Front Row Classics is celebrating the start of summer! We welcome back author John Malahy to count down the top 5 swimming pools in movie history. from the Golden Age to the 80s, Brandon and John discuss how pools have played important roles both aesthetically and dramatically. Don't forget to follow/reach us … Continue reading Ep. 451-Top 5 Swimming Pools with John Malahy →

Front Row Classics welcomes author Matt Browning to discuss his newest book, "Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide". He has chronicled the countless pop culture references made episode-by-episode in this exhaustive book. The two chat about many of the references made throughout the run, especially classic film refences. Brandon and Matt also discuss the meteoric rise of Gilmore Girls and its devoted fan following.  "Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold. Matt Browning is a lifelong television devotee and pop culture enthusiast who has watched Gilmore Girls more times than he can count. His previous book, The Definitive Golden Girls Cultural Reference Guide (Lyons Press), is a similarly veined pop culture encyclopedia of that enduringly popular series, and Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide is a worthy sequel that gives the same treatment to a show that had even more cultural references than The Golden Girls. The Golden Girls book was an instant favorite, rising to the top of its category rank on Amazon sales and earning out its advance in its initial print run. Browning lives in Charleston, West Virginia.  

Front Row Classics welcomes historian Jim Pauley to take a look at the history of Columbia Pictures. Jim recently penned "Columbia Pictures: A Century of Hollywood Motion Picture Magic". The book takes readers of the legendary studio during Hollywood's Golden Age. The book has hundreds of photos, including studio documents, vintage publicity stills, and candids, along with aerial views and maps. The majority of the photos have never been published before. "Columbia Pictures: A Century of Hollywood Motion Picture Magic" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold. Jim Pauley is a Hollywood historian with a special interest in the studio of Columbia Pictures and the famous comedy team The Three Stooges. In December 2012, his book titled The Three Stooges: Hollywood Filming Locations was published by Santa Monica Press. Pauley has given numerous presentations on The Three Stooges filming locations, which included Columbia Pictures. These presentations were given in Hollywood and other locations in California, as well in the Philadelphia area where he is from.    

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest entries in Paul Newman's filmography. Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a look at 1963's Hud. The movie provided Paul Newman with one of his most complex character portrayals. Brandon and Emmett also tackle how the movie was one of the eulogies of the classic Westerns moviegoers has come to know. The performances of Patricia Neal, Melvyn Douglas and Brandon DeWilde are also praised. 

Front Row Classics welcomes entertainment journalist & podcaster, Jason Fraley. Brandon and Jason are both admirers of the work of George Stevens and are counting down their top 5 favorites. You can check out Jason's podcast "Beyond the Fame" at https://www.beyondthefamepodcast.com/ or wherever you listen to podcasts.   

Front Row Classics is celebrating several of our favorite melodramatic and soapy movies in film history. Friend of the podcast, Jessica Pickens, joins Brandon to chat about their favorite guilty pleasure movies from the 50 and 60s. 

Front Row Classics welcomes actor, writer & singer, John Dellaporta. Brandon and John are chatting about the notion of perfect movies. We all have different criteria for what constitutes a perferct movie and we're giving you our thought, From the Golden Age to the 80s/90s, Brandon and John cover the gamut of movies that check all of the boxes. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular screwball comedies of the Golden Age. Brandon welcomes back author Emily Edwards to cha about 1941' The Lady Eve. The two discuss the witty and hilarious moments provided by writer/director, Preston Sturges. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back historian & author Joseph McBride as he turns the tables on himself. The new book, "I Loved Movies, But..." features a candid conversation with his friend and film/baseball historian, Danny Peary. Joe and Danny join Brandon to discuss the origins of the book and the biggest milestones in his career in film. "I Loved Movies, But" is available from Sticking Place Books wherever books are sold. 

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Leonard and Jessie Maltin to chat about their new book, "Family Movie Night Menus: Receipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together". The book features 25 unforgettable family films and pairs them with specific receipe for your family to enjoy together with the film. The father/daughter duo discuss the origins of the book and how introducing young people to classic film can inspire them to be life-long aficianados.  Family Movie Night Menus: Receipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold. Leonard Maltin is one of the world's most recognized and respected film critics and historians. He is also a husband, father, and grandfather who has a long association with family-friendly films, from hosting Our Gang/The Little Rascals on home video to introducing The Walt Disney Treasures collectible DVDs—and reprising that role for four years on Turner Classic Movies. He and his daughter Jessie work together on a variety of projects, including a weekly interview podcast, Maltin on Movies, which has run since 2016. Jessie Maltin was born into the entertainment industry and has been lucky enough to gain experience in many different functions, from wardrobe to publicity. She is proudest of the work she does with her dad, running leonardmaltin.com and sharing the microphone for interviews with everyone from Angela Lansbury to Al Pacino, Norman Lear to Amy Adams and Jordan Peele.  

Welcome Maltins! Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Leonard and Jessie Maltin to chat about their new book, “Family Movie Night Menus: Receipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together”. The book features 25 unforgettable family films and pairs them with specific receipe for your family to enjoy together with the film. The father/daughter duo … Continue reading Ep. 438- Family Movie Night Menus with Leonard and Jessie Maltin →

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I. Brandon and Peter Martin chat about the legendary performances of Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. They also discuss what works and doesn't work about the translation from stage to screen. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author/journalist Nat Segaloff. Brandon and Nat discuss the love of film and his passion for writing about film. Topics of discussion include: William Freidkin, Humphre Bogart, John Huston, The Towring Inferno and even Shari Lewis  & Lamp Chop. You can find links for all of Nat's books at: http://www.natsegaloff.com/

Front Row Classics will be celebrating the centennial of Marilyn Monroe throughout 2026. Our first episode welcomes podcaster and Monroe fan, Paul Walsh. Brandon and Paul are chatting about Marilyn's unfinished final film, Something's Got to Give in 1962. They discuss the legendary production history surrounding the film which evenutally became 1963's Move Over Darling with Doris Day. 

Front Row Classics welcomes independent wrestler Kairo Cortez. Brandon and Kairo discuss his background and origins in wrestling. They also discuss the art of being a heel and working a crowd. Kairo also discusses his ultimate goals in wrestling. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at Alfred Hitchock's personal favorite of all his films. Brandon is joined by Scott Gardner to chat about 1943's Shadow of A Doubt. Brandon and Scott discuss the realisim and small-town quality that makes the film different among the rest of Hitchock's canon. They also pay tribute to the performances of Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright which keep the suspense grounded. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend, Tony Maietta, to take a look at Lucille Ball's third show. Here's Lucy. Brandon and Tony each pick two favorite episodes from the sixth season run. They also chat about the series' most famous episode guest starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a movie that's a little off-the-beaten-path for the show. Brandon is joined by film historian Sloan De Forest to chat about 1980's Xanadu. The movie, one of the most popular "bad films" of all time, remains a cult classic with many classic film inpirations. Brandon and Sloan discuss the influence of the late 70s/early 80s, the allure of Olivia Newton-John and the legendary presence of Gene Kelly. 

It's Oscar Night and Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most nominated films from 1965. Brandon is joined by Emmett Stanton and Matt Duffy to discuss Doctor Zhivago. The hosts chat about the epic nature of David Lean's storytelling, the wonderful performances of the ensemble cast and the stunning locations. The conversation also focuses on place Zhivago now holds in the pop culture zeitgeist

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a pre-code gem. Brandon is joined by Sophia D'Aurelio Adair to chat about this charming film directed by Ray Enright. The movie is led by the unflappbale team of Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell. Brandon and Sophia discuss some memorable moments and pine for the age when travel was glamorous. 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing the highlughts and relevance of Frank Capra's fable of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances. The two discuss the casting of Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur and many of the remarkable character actors who populate Capra's world. 

Front Row Classics celebrates the 40th anniversary of Stand by Me. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, April Clemmer to celebrate this classic coming-of-age film.  The two also celebrate the career of the late Rob Reiner and reflect on their own coming-of-age stories.