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We're thrilled to welcome Ben Mankiewicz back to Front Row Classics. Ben will be hosting Turner Classic Movies' newest limited series, "Making Change: The Most Significant Political Films of All Time". This series will feature films that were ranked by The New Republic Magazine. Throughout the nine-week series, Ben and a wide range of guests from the world of film and politics will showcase political-themed films from the silent era through through the 21st Century. Beginning tonight, September 6th ,Making Change airs every Friday night for the next nine weeks at 8pm est/7pm cst.
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Front Row Classics is spending Labor Day Weekend with Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and one of the most impressive all star casts in film history. The Towering Inferno was the apex of the disaster film genre in the 1970s thanks to producer Irwin Allen. Lou Hare returns to the show to help Brandon break down all the action and suspense. Brandon and Lou discuss how many of the stunts and practical effect still hold up in 2024. We also break down the fascinating supporting cast including William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire. Jennifer Jones, Robert Wager and yes, even O.J. Simpson.
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Front Row Classics welcomes back author and historian Joseph McBride. Brandon and Joe are discussing the newly revised and expanded edition of his critical study, "John Ford". Co-authored by the late Michael Wilmington, the book takes a look at Ford's key films and recurring themes found throughout his filmography. Brandon and Joe discuss several of these films & themes as well as Ford's directorial style. "John Ford" is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold. Joseph McBride is the author of twenty-four books, including the biography Searchingfor John...
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Front Row Classics is shining the spotlight on the legendary Mae West. We're taking a look at 1935's She Done Him Wrong. Brandon is joined by Hollywood historian, April Clemmer. April is best known as the creator of the Old Hollywood Walking Tour. Brandon and April discuss West's pioneering presence during Hollywood's Golden Age and constant battles with the Hays Code. We also pay tribute to the strong supporting cast including a young Cary Grant who always credited West with jumpstarting his career.
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Front Row Classics is paying tribute to the amazing Carole Lombard with one of her most hilarious comedies. Brandon is joined by film historian, Olympia Kiriakou to discuss 1937's Nothing Sacred. Olympia is the author of , the only scholarly study about Lombard's evolving star persona and career. Brandon and Olympia discuss Lombard's effervescent performance and chemistry with co-star Fredric March. We also discuss how modern the film still feels almost 90 years later.
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Front Row Classics is shining the spotlight on one of the underrated gems in Billy Wilder's body of work. Brandon is joined by Benjamin Meissner to discuss 1948's A Foreign Affair. Benjamin is a classic film enthusiast who also is the President of the Marilyn Monroe fan club in Germany. Brandon and Benjamin discuss the wit and poignancy of this post World War II look at Berlin. They praise the performances of Jean Arthur, John Lund and especially Marlene Dietrich in one of her finest screen roles. Benjamin also helps to shine a spotlight on how Wilder uses Berlin as a character unto...
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Front Row Classics welcomes historian and freelance writer, Holley Snaith to the podcast. Holley recently penned an article called "Let's Face the Music and Dance" for American Heritage magazine. The article provides an historical and cultural look at the partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Holley has placed them within their proper context in terms of American History. Brandon and Holley cover their partnership origins, impact on the Great Depression & working relationship among other topics. The article can be found here:...
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We're right under the wire but Merry Christmas in July from Front Row Classics. Brandon is thrilled to welcome back author & historian, Jeremy Arnold to the podcast. Jeremy is the author of last year's "Christmas in the Movies" from Running Press and TCM, which is still available wherever books are sold. Brandon and Jeremy discuss two films celebrating anniversaries in 2024. Both films discussed are connected in ways that may surprise you. 1944's Meet Me in St. Louis (80th anniversary) and 1994's Little Women (30th anniversary) both feature pivotal scenes of the holiday season. Yet, they...
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Front Row Classics is proud to welcome Chris Yogerst to the show. Chris recently penned "The Warner Brothers" for University Press of Kentucky. The book provides an epic look at the brothers Warner who founded one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history. The book paints a portrait of not only Hollywood history but how American history shaped the brothers in their outlook and worldview. Brandon and Chris discuss how these brother helped shaped American ideals in some of the most crucial moments of the Twentieth Century. "The Warner Brothers" is available from University Press on...
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Front Row Classics takes it's first look at the James Bond franchise by celebrating the 60th anniversary of what many consider the ultimate Bond film. Emmett Stanton joins Brandon to celebrate 1964's Goldfinger. Brandon and Emmett discuss the unending charisma of Sean Connery as 007. We also celebrate the iconic performances of Gert Frobe as Auric Goldfinger, Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore and Harold Sakata as Oddjob. This is the film where many of the permanent elements of the franchise came together in spectacular fashion. We also celebrate the unforgettable theme song sung by Dame Shirley...
info_outlineFront Row Classics takes it's first look at the James Bond franchise by celebrating the 60th anniversary of what many consider the ultimate Bond film. Emmett Stanton joins Brandon to celebrate 1964's Goldfinger. Brandon and Emmett discuss the unending charisma of Sean Connery as 007. We also celebrate the iconic performances of Gert Frobe as Auric Goldfinger, Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore and Harold Sakata as Oddjob. This is the film where many of the permanent elements of the franchise came together in spectacular fashion. We also celebrate the unforgettable theme song sung by Dame Shirley Bassey.