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 Victor Fleming's well-paced direction.
The Front Row Network welcomes the Midwest Wrestling Coalition to the show. Brandon sits down with booker/promoter Shane Walters to preview their upcoming show this Saturday, July 26th. The show is entitled "Wrestling Like It's 1989". Brandon and Shane discuss the details of the show and how it will be a throwback to old school wrestling. We, then welcome MWC World Coalition Champion, Mario Pardua followed by Jayson Breed and Clean Cut Cole Stevens to preview all of the action-packed fun. The sh...
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 of Ralph Bellamy. The two also pine about the lost art of romantic comedies.
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 the many projects he's involved with keeping the McDaniel legacy alive. You can find all of the updates at www.hattiemcdaniel.com
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 one of the most stressful shoots in Hollywood history. This season, you'll hear many of the participants through their own words. Some long-standing myt...
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 Louise in this production. The three discuss the film adaptation and how it compares to the stage production. The performances of Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood and Karl Malden are also discussed....
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 Oscar fare discussing a comedy classics with Brandon. The hosts are discussing 1968's The Odd Couple. Brandon and Andrew discuss the timeless comedy of Neil Simon along with the legendary performances of Jack Lemmon...
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 Padhe along with Curley & Laurey themselves, Nathan Moss and Brooke Seacrist. We discuss their feelings on the show and how they've approached this production. Then, we'll move on to the film version and how it still captures...
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 Parker and Hope Emerson. Caged is one of the highlights in the career of director John Cromwell who is also celebrated.
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 chat about what it means to be the descendant of a legendary family member.
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 the performances by Tommy Lee Jones and Beverly D'Angelo. The discussion also turns to the amazing direction by Michael Apted who keeps the film unpretentious and appealing to even non-country music f...
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 most popular regulars.
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 on Turner Classic Movies.
Front Row Classics is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week and we're celebrating with a series of special episodes. Today, Brandon is chatting with two very special guests. We welcome the wonderful Lorna Luft and, friend of the podcast, James Duke Mason. Lorna and Duke chat with Brandon about 1954's A Star is Born. We discuss the legendary performances of Judy Garland (Lorna's mother) and James Mason (Duke's grandfather). The three chat about the inception, production and aftermath of the ...
The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome Pro Wrestling star, Vinny Pacifico. Vinny has been in the world of professional wrestling since the age of 14. Brandon and Vinny discuss his wrestling journey and how he approaches the business. We also discuss the many places he's traveled. Halfway through, Brandon and Vinny are joined by Jedi K. He is the creative mind behind “Mr. Reset and The Society of Turnbuckle & Bone:. This series is an avant-garde look at wrestling through the eyes of horr...
Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular films in the catalog of Douglas Sirk. Brandon and Emmett Stanton discuss 1956's Written on the Wind. The hosts celebrate Sirk's signature style and melodramatic tone that permeate through all his films. The two also discuss the star studded cast including Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Robert Stack and an Oscar-winning performance by Dorothy Malone. We also make the connections between films like this and the modern American soap opera....
Front Row Classics welcomes back our friends from Sweet Tea and TV to take a look at another movie with a southern flavor. Brandon welcomes back Nikki and Salina to take a look at 1938's Jezebel. The three discuss the Oscar-winning performance from Bette Davis and why it remains one of the standouts of her career. We also discuss the direction of William Wyler as well as the portrayal of the South throughout the movie.
Front Row Classics is taking a splash this summer with Esther Williams. Brandon and Ben Burke are chatting about 1953's Dangerous When Wet. The two discuss Williams' underrated talents as well as the prolific career of director, Charles Walters. The talents of Fernando Lamas, William Demarest, Jack Carson and Charlotte Greenwood are honored. Brandon and Ben also spend time discussing the legendary underwater sequence featuring Tom and Jerry.
Front Row Classics is taking a look at a not-so-great movie that has earned a cult status over the decades. Brandon welcomes Nigel Speed and Kevin McLain to discuss 1967's Valley of the Dolls. We talk about the camp legacy the movie has left behind along with the devoted following from the gay community. The three talk about the stand out moments and performances as well as behind the scenes trivia.
Front Row Classics welcomes back historian and freelance writer, Holley Snaith. Holley recently contributed two articles for PBS' American Masters documentary, "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. Brandon and Holley discuss the highlights of the documentary as well as their own thoughts of Liza career, especially her career in film.
Front Row Classics welcomes Pat Gallagher to celebrate Judy Garland on her 103rd birthday today! Pat is the "man behind the curtain" of The Judy Garland Archive on Instagram. He has earned a loyal following through his thought curation of Garland's life and career. Brandon and Pat discuss their mutual admiration for Garland's talent and Pat's origins as a Garland/Oz fan. We also discuss the events/opportunities that Pat's efforts have allowed him to be part of. You can find Pat on Instagram at @...
Front Row Classics welcomes back Turner Classic Movies host, Alicia Malone. Alicia recently penned "TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema". Brandon and Alicia discuss the origins of the book along with her passion for international cinema. The two also discuss the wide variety of genres covered in the book. "TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema" is available from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies wherever books are sold. Alicia Malone is...
Front Row Classics welcomes author, Christopher McKittrick, to celebrate Vera Miles. Chris recently penned a book called "Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away". Brandon and Chris discuss how Miles' shaped her life & career on her own terms. We also discuss her relationship with Alfred Hitchcock while making films like "Psycho" and "The Wrong Man". "Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away" is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold. Christopher McKit...
The Front Row Network welcomes third generation wrestling superstar, Kerry Morton. Kerry currently holds several championship titles within different promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Brandon and Kerry discuss his wrestling origins along with his background in cheerleading and musical theater. The two also spend time discussing Morton's process in preparing for a match and his legendary father, Ricky Morton.
Front Row Classics is celebrating the centennial of the great Robert Altman with one of this true masterpieces. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are taking a look at 1975's Nashville. We discuss the legendary ensemble cast featuring the likes of Lily Tomlin, Henry Gibson, Ned Beatty, Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall, Ronee Blakley and Geraldine Chaplin. The hosts discuss the multiple meanings behind the film and how it resonated in a post-Watergate America.
Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back George Stevens Jr to the podcast. George was this year's recipient of the Robert Osborne Award at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Brandon and George discuss the award as well as the restoration of "Talk of the Town" and his documentary, "George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey".
Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular courtroom mysteries ever made. Brandon is joined by friend of the podcast, Matt Duffy, to celebrate Billy Wilder's Witness for the Prosecution. Brandon and Matt celebrate the wit, drama and humor of this movies based on a play by Agatha Christie. The standout performances of Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich are especially praised.
Front Row Classics is proud to welcome Russ Tamblyn to the podcast! Brandon and Russ sit down to discuss several of the stories found in Russ' memoir "Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving, and Tumbling Through Hollywood." The two discuss his memories of films like Father of the Bride, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story and The Haunting. RUSS TAMBLYN, is an Academy Award-nominated actor, dancer, choreographer, director, and artist best known as Riff in the iconic 1961 fi...
Brandon sits down with WOW Women of Wrestling superstar, Penelope Pink. Penelope is half of the current WOW tag team champion as well as a former WOW World Champion, Hailing from Detroit, Pink had many influences in her life, including the blond bombshells from Hollywood's past. Brandon and Penelope discuss her rise to the top and how she combines grit and glamour keeping WOW fans on the edge of their seats.
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 Judi...
