Front Row Classics: A Hollywood Golden Age Podcast

Download the episode Join Front Row Classics for a special bonus episode this week. We’re joining forces with Beyond the Mouse to bring you a special conversation with the legendary, Lesley Ann Warren.  From Broadway to movies to TV, Lesley has worked with some of the most influential people of the 20th century. Brett Rutherford … Continue reading Bonus Episode-Interview with Lesl...

Download the episode Front Row Classics welcomes author, critic and essayist, Kristen Lopez. Brandon and Kristen discuss her new book, “But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films”. The book is a helpful guide both readers and cinephiles to programs their own book club or film festival. Films covered … Continue reading Ep. 153- But Have You Read...

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates the 100th birthday of Warner Brothers with one of the best films to ever come out of the studio. Emmett Stanton and Jay Hoffman join Brandon to discuss 1948’s, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The hosts discuss the themes of greed and paranoia beautifully told in John … Continue reading Ep. 152- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre &...

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. We’re taking a look at Martin Scorsese’s 1980 film, Raging Bull. Brandon is joined by Noah Henry and Guilty Pleasure’s Lou Hare. The three hosts discuss the career defining performance of Robert DeNiro as real-life boxer, Jake LaMotta. … Continue reading Ep. 151- Ragi...

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates the teaming of Rock Hudson and Doris Day in their signature romantic comedy, Pillow Talk. Brandon is joined by Erin McCabe from Front Row Flashbacks this week. The two hosts discuss the undeniable chemistry between the two leads along with the quirky supporting cast. They also touch upon … Continue reading Ep. 150- Pillow Talk →

Download the episode Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome back celebrated author and historian, Joseph McBride. Brandon and Joe discuss his recent critical study of the career of Billy Wilder. “Billy Wilder: Dancing on the Edge” is a comprehensive look at the filmography of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated writer/directors. Brandon and Joe discuss … Continue reading E...

Download the episode Front Row Classics welcomes attorney, Jason Isralowitz this week. Brandon and Jason discuss his latest book, “Nothing to Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and The Wrong Men”. The book tells the story of The Wrong Man, one of Hitchcock’s most unusual films and the real-life case of wrongful conviction case that inspired it. Isralowitz … Continue reading Ep. 148- No...

Download the episode Front Row Classics says “Bonjour, Paris!” as we celebrate 1957’s Funny Face. Brandon is joined this week by Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson from Beyond the Mouse. The trio discuss Stanley Donen’s classic musical, which features the only pairing of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. The hosts discuss their favorite musical numbers … Continue re...

Download the episode Front Row Classics welcomes February with one of the most acclaimed romantic dramas of the twentieth century. David Lean and Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter remains as tender and heartbreaking as it was in 1945. Emmett Stanton joins Brandon to discuss this film that ranks #2 among the greatest British films ever made. … Continue reading Ep. 146- Brief Encounter...

Download the episode Front Row Classics shines a spotlight on one of the most acclaimed films of the 1970s. Brandon is joined by Noah Henry to discuss 1976’s Network. Sidney Lumet’s dark comedic satire of the television industry would prove to be scarily prophetic in ensuing decades. Brandon and Noah praise the wonderfully smart and … Continue reading Ep. 145- Network →

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates the 90th anniversary of one of the most celebrated films of the pre-code era. We’re taking a look at 1933’s Dinner at Eight, directed by George Cukor. Brandon is joined by Matt Duffy of Reel Gold Rundown to discuss this elegant dramedy from MGM’s golden era. The two … Continue reading Ep. 144-Dinner at Eight →

Download the episode Front Row Classics kicks off 2023 with a conversation featuring three-time Oscar nominated actress, Diane Ladd. Brandon recently sat down with Diane to discuss her latest film, Isle of Hope, directed by Damian Romay. This touching film is a testament to the power of family and working through your past to define … Continue reading Ep. 143- A Conversation with Diane ...

Download the episode We close out a very busy 2022 with a look back at some of our most memorable film discussions and interviews. Brandon and Eric covered films that ranged from 1926 to 1982. As we close out the year, we’re incredibly grateful for our various guests that joined us to discuss these movies. … Continue reading Ep. 142- 2022 Year in Review →

Download the episode Front Row Classics rings in the holiday season with a visit from Nick and Nora Charles. Brandon and Eric celebrate the greatest husband & wife detective team in 1934’s The Thin Man. Our friend, Emmett Stanton, joins us to discuss the beloved comedy/mystery classic that spawned five sequels and a legion of … Continue reading Ep. 141- The Thin Man →

Download the episode We wanted to share with you the episode of Beyond the Mouse that Brandon was on this week. When it comes to the history of Walt Disney and the studio, the labor strike of 1941 is a fascinating moment. Jake Friedman joins Craig and Brandon (Front Row Classics) to discuss his book, … Continue reading Bonus-The Disney Revolt with Beyond the Mouse →

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates the holidays with a charming romantic comedy. We’re taking a look at Ernst Lubitsch’s The Shop Around the Corner from 1940. Brandon is joined by Kelly Lohrenz to discuss this sophisticated and heartfelt gem starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. We break down the best scenes and performances, … Continue reading Ep. 140- Th...

Download the episode Front Row Classics rings in the holiday season with a celebration of one of the most joyous films ever made, Singin’ in the Rain. Brandon and Eric are thrilled to welcome back our friend, Patricia Ward Kelly, to discuss the backstory & legacy of what many consider to be the greatest movie … Continue reading Ep. 139- Singin’ in the Rain 70th Anniversary wi...

Download the episode Happy Thanksgiving from Front Row Classics! Classic film fans around the world are celebrating Noirvember. This week, we’re discussing one of the most unique film noirs to come out of Hollywood, Leave Her to Heaven. Brandon and Eric welcome back author and film historian, Sloan De Forest, to discuss this psychological thriller. … Continue reading Ep. 138-Leave Her...

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates the 40th anniversary of one of the seminal Sci-Fi/Fantasy films of all time. Brandon and Eric welcome Guilty Pleasures’ Louis Hare to salute E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. The hosts discuss the many aspects that have kept the film timeless for four decades. Among the topics are the phenomenal … Continue reading Ep. 137- E.T. the Extra Ter...

Download the episode Front Row Classics welcomes author Carla Valderrama to the podcast this week. Carla’s 2020 book, “This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories” takes a look at personalities and events that have been, mostly, lost to history. Brandon and Carla discuss such wide-ranging events as the first Oscars ceremony and the death of … Continue reading Ep. 136-Th...

Download the episode Front Row Classics is proud to welcome Nancy Olson Livingston this week. Ms. Livingston sits down with Brandon to discuss her remarkable life as told in her upcoming memoir, “A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour”. The book chronicles her life, career and marriages … Continue reading Ep. 135- A Front Row Seat-Interv...

Download the episode We conclude this year’s MonsterCast with one of the most unique thrillers to ever come out of Hollywood. 1955’s “The Night of the Hunter” remains as frightening and dream-like as it was upon release. Brandon & Eric welcome back Jay Hoffman to discuss Charles Laughton’s only outing as director. The hosts praise … Continue reading Ep. 134-...

Download the episode It’s October and that means Front Row Classics gets into the Halloween spirit with something a little creepier. Brandon and Eric welcome Vanessa Ferguson and Allison Means to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. The hosts discuss the macabre classic which revitalized the careers of Bette Davis and … Continue reading Ep. 133-Whatever Hap...

Download the episode Front Row Classics celebrates screwball comedy with 1941’s Ball of Fire. This delightful, romantic comedy stars Barbara Stanwyck, Gary Cooper and seven of Hollywood’s top character actors. Brandon is joined by author, Alison Macor and classic film aficionado, Emmett Stanton to celebrate the many aspects of the Samuel Goldwyn production. We’re sure … Con...

Download the episode Front Row Classics welcomes renowned author/historian Joseph McBride to the podcast. McBride discusses his well-researched and personal critical study, “What Ever Happened to Orson Welles?: A Portrait of an Independent Career”. Brandon and Joe walk through the many misconceptions of Welles’ final decades along with the many projects he helmed as a … Con...