Podcasts about front row classics

Front Row Classics is celebrating the holidays with the incomporable Barbara Stanwyck. Brandon is joined once again by Jackson Cooper to celebrate one of the greatest leading ladies in Hollywood History. They discuss two of her greatest contributions to the Holiday season: Christmas in Connecticut (1945) and Remember the Night (1940). 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legacy of the legendary Peggy Lee. Brandon is thrilled to welcome Lee's granddaughter, Holly Foster Wells. As President of Peggy Lee Associates, Holly manages every aspect of grandmother's estate. Brandon and Holly discuss Lee's origins and rise to fame. They also touch on many of the ways she took control of her own career and legacy. In the spirt of the season, Peggy's unsung contributions to the White Christmas soundtrack is also discussed.    About Holly Foster Wells As the granddaughter of legendary singer-songwriter Peggy Lee, Holly Foster Wells has dedicated her career to preserving and championing one of the most distinctive voices in American music. Her education in the entertainment industry began early, touring with her grandmother and gaining firsthand insight into the artistry and the business behind the spotlight. Holly earned a degree in Communications from California Lutheran University before launching a successful career in television production, working as a coordinator for The Carsey-Werner Company and Castle Rock Entertainment, contributing to some of the most iconic shows of their time, including Roseanne, Seinfeld, and Will & Grace. In 1998, she transitioned from television to legacy work, stepping into the role she had long been preparing for as President of Peggy Lee Associates. Today, Holly oversees every aspect of her grandmother's legacy - including licensing, catalog management, publishing, and strategic partnerships - while safeguarding her grandmother's artistic vision and ensuring that Peggy Lee's voice continues to resonate with new generations.   You can find offical conent for Peggy Lee at the following handles: Instagram: @peggyleeofficial Facebook: @misspeggylee TikTok: @peggylee Threads: @peggyleeofficial YouTube: @peggyleeofficial

Front Row Classics continues our holiday celebration with our friend Jessica Pickens. Brandon and Jessica are discussing their favorite versions of A Christmas Carol. The versions range from the 30s-00s and aren't confined to just feature films. Television movies & specials are also covered.

Front Row Classics is beginning a week long holiday celebration with several Christmas specials. We welcome back Scott Nevins to chat about classic Christmas TV specials. Brandon and Scott diiscuss everything from A Charlie Brown Christmas to the numerous Rankin/Bass specials.  It's a fun and nostalgic walk down memory lane. 

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend James Duke Mason. Brandon and Duke discuss favorite Christmas movies and holiday traditions while also paying tribute to the late Robert Redford. We also spend time discussing Duke's new podcast called Duke's Download.

Brandon welcomes film critic and Oz historian Ryan Jay to Front Row Classics. Ryan is one of America's most popular nationally syndicated entertainment critics. The two discuss his passion for movies, especially those involving the Oz universe. We also discuss the release and reaction of Wicked: For Good. 

Welcome Ryan Jay Brandon welcomes film critic and Oz historian Ryan Jay to Front Row Classics. Ryan is one of America's most popular nationally syndicated entertainment critics. The two discuss his passion for movies, especially those involving the Oz universe. We also discuss the release and reaction of Wicked: For Good.  Don't forget to follow/reach … Continue reading Ep. 398- A Conversation with Film Critic/Oz Historian, Ryan Jay →

Front Row Classics is paying tribute to the incomporable Robert Redford. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, Jackson Cooper to pay tribute to the career of one of Hollywood's most indelible icon's and filmmaking's greatest champions. Brandon and Jackson discuss their favorite films of Redford's as well as his greatest directroial acheivements. They also discuss his commitment to the art of movies through his work with Sundance. 

Front Row Classics welcomes actor, singer and fellow podcaster, Robert Bannon. Brandon and Robert are discussing 1942's Talk of the Town. The two have a lively conversation on how the movie remains relevant in 2025. They also celebrate the director of George Stevens and the miraculous performances of Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Ronald Colman.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at some of our favorite villains in film history. Brandon is joined by Ben Burke to count down out favorite villains from Hollywood's Golden Age.

Front Row Classics is continuing the celebration The 40th anniversary of The Golden Girls. Brandon is thrilled to welcome, director, Lex Passaris. Lex was part of the Golden Girls family from the inception eventually working his way up to full-time director. Lex tells Brandon stories of how he became involved, favorite episodes & guest stars and memories of directing the final episode. 

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Taylor Cole Miller and Alfred Martin to the podcast. The two recently edited "The Golden Girls: Tales From the Lanai" an anthology that brings an academic and historical look at the impact of one of the most popular sitcoms in history. Brandon, Taylor and Alfred discuss the show's impact on audiences of all backgrounds, identities and ages.  "The Golden Girls: Tales From the Lanai" is available from Rutgers University Press wherever books are sold.  Taylor Cole Miller is an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Alfred L. Martin Jr. is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami. He is the author of Fandom for Us, by Us: The Pleasures and Practices of Black Audiences and The Generic Closet: Black Gayness and the Black-Cast Sitcom, and editor of Rolling: Blackness and Mediated Comedy.    

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back Jennifer Grant. Brandon and Jennifer discuss the legacy and impact of her Father, Cary Grant. The two discuss his memorable roles and several of her personal memories of him. They also discuss Jennifer's own career including the recent release of "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" 

Front Row Classics welcomes back film historian & Carole Lombard biographer, Olympia Kiriakou. Brandon and Olympia are discussing 1942's To Be or Not to Be. The film, still as relevant as ever, remains a hilarious and biting satire featuring landmark performances from Lombard and Jack Benny. Brandon and Olympia also celebrate the work of director Ernst Lubitsch. 

Front Row Classics welcomes Carey Peck. Carey is the son of the legendary Gregory Peck and discusses his Father's legacy with Brandon.  Topics include Peck's memorable roles, philosophies and commitment to social justice. The two also discuss Carey's careers in politics and education.

Front Row Classics celebrates Noirvember with a suspenseful 1954 noir from Fritz Lang. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are chatting about Human Desire. The film features strong performances from Glenn Ford, Broderick Crawford and the incomparable Gloria Grahame. Brandon and Emmett also chat about the railroad imagery and strange subtext seen throughout the movie.

Front Row Classics welcomes three special guests to discuss all aspects of show business. Brandon is chatting with Adam Huss (Actor/Writer), Adam Bucci (Actor/Producer/Business Owner) and Lesley Aletter (Stuntwoman/Actor). We discuss their respective careers & inspirations from the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond. Huss discuss his latest project called "Truth Man", a comic book superhero that speaks to today's generation. Brandon and Lesley also go into detail about her stunt career and her legendary mother, Lee Meriwether.

Happy Thanksgiving from Front Row Classics. Brandon is joined author/journalist, Maureen Lee Lenker to celebrate the classic stars we're most thankful for in 2025. Brandon and Maureen rank their top 5 Golden Age actors who have given them the most joy this year. Let us know who you're most thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving from Front Row Classics. Brandon is joined author/journalist, Maureen Lee Lenker to celebrate the classic stars we’re most thankful for in 2025. Brandon and Maureen rank their top 5 Golden Age actors who have given them the most joy this year. Let us know who you’re most thankful for! FEATURING: Brandon … Continue reading Ep. 386- Top 5 Stars We’re Most Thankful For →

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back the Czar of Noir himself, Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie celebrate all things film noir, including the 75th anniversaries of Sunset Blvd and The Asphalt Jungle. Topics also include coming attractions on Noir Alley and recapping the TCM Cruise. 

Noirvember 2025 Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back the Czar of Noir himself, Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie celebrate all things film noir, including the 75th anniversaries of Sunset Blvd and The Asphalt Jungle. Topics also include coming attractions on Noir Alley and recapping the TCM Cruise.  FEATURING: Brandon Davis Don't forget to … Continue reading Ep. 385- Noirvember 2025 with Eddie Muller →

Front Row Classics welcomes AEW writer & host RJ City. RJ is a former professional wrestler who has maneuvered his way to the creative side in recent years. We discuss his early career and how classic film and television has influenced his creative life. Brandon and RJ also discuss the art of interviewing and his role as one of the architects in the "Timeless" Toni Storm storyline. Storm has made several appearances with Turner Classic Movies in one of the most fun crossovers in recent memory.

Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Matt Duffy from Reel Gold Rundown. Brandon and Matt are counting down their personal top 5 star entrances in movies. These moments represent some of Hollywood's greatest stars at their zenith. The choices ranges from the 30s through 80s and include some of the most iconic stars in film history. 

Front Row Classics welcomes award winning host, comedian and interviewer Scott Nevins. Brandon and Scott discuss his life in entertainment and many influences. The two chat about the hundreds of interviews and events he has hosted with the likes of Mitzi Gaynor, Liza Minnelli and Carol Channing. The conversation then turns to their mutual love of movie musicals and Scott's life in Palm Springs.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Picture winner of 1984. Brandon is joined by Dominic Cellini to discuss Milos Forman's Amadeus. We chat about the legendary performances of Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham (in an Oscar-winning performance) as Mozart and Salieri. Brandon and Dominic also discuss the film's incredible fusion of genres which allows it be a cut above the typical biopic, 

Front Row Classics is celebrating the release of "Wicked: For Good" this week. Brandon is joined by Oz historian, Victoria Calamito. Brandon and Tori discuss her origins as an Oz historian and the last impact of The Wizard of Oz on multiple generations. We also discuss her reactions to Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas as well as her expectations to Wicked: Part 2. You can visit The Oz Vlog and see what Tori's up to here: https://linktr.ee/theozvlog

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.

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 as well as film scene in their community of Austin, TX.

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 Jo Van Fleet (in an Oscar winning performance). The conversation also turns to the differences between the movie and John Steinbeck's novel. 

EPISODE 113 -  “BIG STAR, SMALL SCREEN - A CONVERSATION WITH FRONT ROW CLASSICS' BRANDON DAVIS” - 11/10/25 In the early days of television, many classic film actors were hesitant—or even outright refused—to appear on TV for a multitude of reasons. Many thought that TV was low-brow. Others thought they would get overexposed and it would somehow diminish their box-office power. Slowly stars like LORETTA YOUNG, BARBARA STANWYCK, ROBERT MONTGOMERY, and LUCILLE BALL figured out that TV could enhance and elongate their popularity and appeal. Slowly, classic stars began to pop up on the boob-tube. Joining us this week is BRANDON DAVIS, host extraordinaire of the fantastic podcast Front Row Classics, who will discuss the migration of classic film stars to the small screen and how it affected their popularity and careers. You haven't lived until you've seen IDA LUPINO doing her best “Norma Desmond” on an episode of “Charlie's Angels” in 1977.   SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Columbo: The Series (2017), by Scott V. Palmer; Wagon Train: The Television Series (2011), by James Rosin; I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever (1998), by Michael McClay; Perry Mason TV Show Book (1987), by Brian Kelleher and Diana Merrill; Wikipedia.com; TCM.com; IBDB.com; IMDBPro.com; TV Series Mentioned: I Love Lucy  The Lucy Show The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour Here's Lucy The Barbara Stanwyck Show Dr. Kildare Gunsmoke Perry Mason Route 66 Wagon Train The Big Valley Batman Petticoat Junction The Brady Bunch The Carol Burnett Show Columbo Murder She Wrote The Love Boat Fantasy Island  Hotel Falcon Crest Charlie's Angels The Colbys --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 & Grace. Jim also previews his upcoming book that chronicles the history of The Love Boat.

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 as his enthusiasm for The Wizard of Oz and other Oz properties. We also discuss his thoughts on Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

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 in her Oscar winning performance.

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.

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.

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) →

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.

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.

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 most complex performances from an actress during the forties. The two also discuss the performances of Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury in her film debut.

Front Row Classics is kicking off Halloween week with several spooky offering. 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. We also discuss Brandon's involvement with the Bernard Herrmann Archive.

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 and redefined female agency on screen. At the heart of the film is the luminous Norma Shearer, whose Oscar-winning performance remains a landmark in cinematic history. We'll also shine a light on the film's stellar supporting cast and the bold themes that made The Divorcee a trailblazer in Hollywood storytelling.

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 →

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 decade remains unsung in terms of its many cinematic achievements.  "Rewinding the 80s: Cinema Under the Influence of Music Videos, Action Stars and a Cold War" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold. John Malahy is a film lover, a veteran of Turner Classic Movies, and a product of the 1980s. He is the author of Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics and the editor of Sidney Poitier: The Great Speeches of an Icon Who Moved Us Forward.

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 →

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 Bringing Up Baby among other topics. The conversation then turns to the 50th anniversary of the legendary documentary Grey Gardens. We discuss Tony's fascination with the film which led to him authoring the book, "The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens".  You can find information about all of Tony's projects at https://tony-maietta.com/.

Front Row Classics welcomes author Laurence Mason 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 package for both films fans and drink enthusiasts alike. "Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations inspired by the Master of Suspense" is available now from Weldon Owen wherever books are sold. 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. Mr. Maslon, otherwise a nice guy, mixes a mean drink.  

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 MGM musicals, keeps the film moving at a fun pace. 

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 most beloved in the Hitchcock canon.  "Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age" is available from Citadel wherever books are sold.  Jennifer O'Callaghan is a freelance writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter for Metro News, The Sundance Channel, Shaw TV, and CKUA radio in news, entertainment, and lifestyle beats. She has also appeared as a red-carpet reporter for the web entertainment site MyBroadway.com, and as host on Paradetown USA on NYC-TV. She has interviewed celebrities including Will Ferrell, Meryl Streep, and Cameron Diaz, and appeared as a featured model on The Today Show and The View. She currently lives in Toronto and can be found online at JenniferOCallaghan.com.

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 are sold. Samuel Garza Bernstein is a bestselling author, a Stonewall Book Award winner, and an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work often reflects the wild intersections of modern life. He, his husband Ronald Shore, and their pack of incorrigible dachshunds split their time between Porto, Portugal, and Los Angeles, California.

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 film's DNA through bubbly comedy or thought provoking drama. Let us know your thoughts.