The Front Row Network

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 t...

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 enth...

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome Pretty City Express (CLAS and Devin Reno) to the show. Based in the southwest, CLAS and Reno are just as charismatic & entertaining out of the ring. Brandon dives into their journey into professional wrestling as well life outside the ring. The conversation also turns to the importance of finding your passion and maintaining your mental health.      

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. 

The Front Row Network welcome Dante Pharaoh to the podcast this week. Dante is a talented performer who has been making his name known throughout our area. This weekend, he'll be challenging Mario Pardua for the Midwest Wrestling Coalition Heavyweight Championship in Brighton, IL. Brandon and Dante discuss his origins in wrestling as well and what his ultimate goals are. You can find more informat...

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 Mak...

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 Aw...

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 y...

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated films of Humphrey Bogart's career. Brandon is joined by author and film historian Christ Yogerst to chat about 1937's Black Legion. The film, directed by Archie Mayo, is a hardboiled socially relevant film that still shocks in 2025. Brandon and Chris also discuss the risk Warner Brothers took in brining it bringing it to the screen.

The Front Row Network is pleased to welcome independent professional wrestler, Matthew Ennis. Brandon sits down with Matt to discuss his journey through the world of wrestling. The two talk about Matt's military background, early days in the business and his journey to joining House of Champions in Orlando, FL. We also discus his process in preparing for matches and what the future may hold.

Front Row Classics welcomes Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara to the show. Steve and Nan have their own classic Hollywood podcast called, "From Beneath the Hollywood Sign" which covers wide-ranging topics from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The two join Brandon for a deep-dive discussion on the best of Warner Brothers.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of Alfred Hitchcock's most underrated masterpieces. Brandon welcomes author Stephen Rebello to discuss his new book, "Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock's Dazzling Subversive Masterpiece, Strangers on a Train". The book is a witty and insightful look at a film filled with quirky and eccentric performances. Brandon and Stephen also discuss the political clima...

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the use of cigarettes as props in film. Brandon and Peter Martin are counting down their top 5 moments involving smoking in classic film. Directors and performers during the Golden Age knew how to use a cigarette for storytelling and dramatic purposes. Both Brandon and Peter ended up having very different takes on the topic. Let us know what you think of our...

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome Scott Brogan to the show. Scott is an author and webmaster of The Judy Room online. He recently penned "Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM", which chronicles Garland's 15-year career at the studio that made her a star. Brandon and Scott discuss the highlights of her MGM life as well as some of the rich details included in the book. "Judy Garland: The Voice of M...

Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung musical from the 1940s. Brandon is joined by film historian & content creator Harry Marks to discuss 1944's Step Lively. The movie marked the first starring role for Frank Sinatra on film. The lighthearted musical also features a score by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. Harry also has a personal connection to the movie which we discuss in the episode. Yo...

Front Row Classics is paying tribute to the late Gene Hackman who passed away earlier this year. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, Lou Hare to chat about Hackman and highlight 1974's The Conversation. Brandon and Lou discuss Hackman's body of work and his ability to remain honest in every performance. 

Front Row Classics welcomes some friends of the podcast for another top 5 list. Brandon welcomes Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to rank our personal top 5 MGM Musicals. Brandon, MC and Dana bonded at the TCM Film Festival in 2024 over the genre and are bringing their opinions to the forefront. Let us know if you agree with our picks.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the legacy of Gary Cooper. Brandon recently sat down with Cooper's daughter, Maria Cooper Janis for an insightful and warm conversation. Brandon and Maria discuss growing up in Hollywood, her Father's films and finding your own voice. We also touch upon Maria's passion for the visual arts. You can find out more about Maria here: https://www.mariacooperjanis.com/

Front Row Classics welcomes three beloved cast members of The Love Boat this week. Brandon chats with Ted Lange, Fred Grandy and Jill Whelan about a play the three are currently involved with. "Lady Patriot", written and directed by Lange, is currently running off-Broadway. Fred and Jill are among the talented cast of actors. The story is based on true Civil War events which is explained within th...

The Front Row Network welcomes two of WOW Women of Wrestling's most charismatic superheroes. Brandon is chatting with Animal Instinct (Goldie Collins and Katarina Jinx) about the premiere of Season 4 this weekend. The three discuss Goldie and Katarina's rise in WOW as well as their performance backgrounds. They also settle the age-old question if cats and dogs really can get along. You can find Go...

Front Row Classics takes a deep dive into one of Bette Davis's most iconic performances. Brandon is joined by Scott Gardner to explore the 1941 film The Little Foxes, a masterful adaptation of Lillian Hellman's celebrated play. Together, they highlight the impeccable direction of William Wyler and shine a spotlight on the stellar supporting cast, including Teresa Wright, Herbert Marshall, Dan Dury...

Brandon Davis welcomes Klarissa Becksted, host of the new film podcast  I've Seen That One , to discuss one of the most iconic spy thrillers of the 1970s on  Front Row Classics . The episode explores Sydney Pollack's stylish and suspenseful direction, the effortless charisma of Robert Redford, and standout performances by Faye Dunaway, Max von Sydow, and John Houseman. Brandon and Klarissa also re...

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the finest films in the legendary careers of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball: The Facts of Life (1960). Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a closer look at this witty and sophisticated comedy, directed and co-written by Melvin Frank alongside his longtime collaborator, Norman Panama. The film offers a refreshing departure from typical romantic comedies of the era, p...

Front Row Classics is shining a spotlight on one of the most underrated gems of Hollywood's golden year, 1939. Brandon is joined by writer and podcaster Emily Edwards to discuss Midnight , the sparkling romantic comedy directed by Mitchell Leisen . Featuring a razor-sharp script by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett , the film delivers wit, charm, and a dose of zany fun from start to finish. Brando...

Front Row Classics sits down with actor and filmmaker Raji Ahsan. Raji recently wrote an upcoming short film entitled Dr. Sam. He and Brandon chat about the origins of the film and how he came about casting both Lucie Arnaz and Alec Baldwin in the film. The two also discuss Raji's background in the arts and the journey he's taken to get to this point. Raji's personal stories about his connections...