The Front Row Network

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CLASSICS-Goldfinger 07/23/2024

CLASSICS-Goldfinger 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 Bassey. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/32251862

CLASSICS-The Bachelor and the Bobby -Soxer 07/17/2024

CLASSICS-The Bachelor and the Bobby -Soxer Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated comedies of the 1940s. Brandon is joined by Lauren Van De Vendel to discuss 1947's The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. Legendary writer, Sidney Sheldon. won that year's Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The hosts celebrate the many hilarious moments made real by a charming cast. Brandon and Lauren also celebrate the performances of Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and a teenage Shirley Temple. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/32174212

CLASSICS-Inherit the Wind 07/13/2024

CLASSICS-Inherit the Wind Front Row Classics is taking a look at Stanley Kramer's acclaimed production of the classic play Inherit the Wind. Brandon is joined by brothers. Edmund and Gary Entin to discuss a film still relevant today. Edmund and Gary are filmmakers and producers aside from being film buffs. We discuss their personal connection to the piece and how the movie perfectly captures the essence of the play. We also celebrate the remarkable performances of Spencer Tracy, Frederic March and Gene Kelly. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/32119407

CLASSICS-TCM's The Hays Gaze-Interview with Tara McNamara 07/08/2024

CLASSICS-TCM's The Hays Gaze-Interview with Tara McNamara Front Row Classics welcomes entertainment journalist/historian Tara McNamara. Tara is co-hosting this month's TCM Spotlight, The Hays Gaze, alongside Dave Karger. The weekly series highlights the anniversary and influence of The Hays Code. Tara and Dave will present different film pairings before and after the implementation of censorship in Hollywood. Brandon and Tara discuss the history of the Hays Code as well and several of the selections this month. They also discuss the power of movies to influence young people from an early age. The Hays Gaze will be presented every Monday night at 8pm est/7pm cst on Turner Classic Movies. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/32055227

CLASSICS-The Wild Bunch 07/06/2024

CLASSICS-The Wild Bunch Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most groundbreaking films of the late 60s. The Wild Bunch marked the end of an era for the classic American western. Brandon is joined by Jay Hoffman of Front Row Flashbacks to discuss Sam Peckinpah's violent revisionist take on the Old West. The hosts discuss the legendary cast including William Holden, Robert Ryan and Ernest Borgnine. We also discuss the many themes that include sense of duty, loyalty and aging. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/32032377

CLASSICS-The Sign of the Cross 07/03/2024

CLASSICS-The Sign of the Cross Front Row Classics welcomes Ryan Bijan this week. Ryan is founder and host of Cowtown Movie Classics which curates classic films for movie goers in Fort Worth, TX. Brandon and Ryan are discussing Cecil B DeMille's 1932 pre-code epic film, The Sign of the Cross. The film, starring Fredric March, Claudette Colbert and Charles Laughton, perfectly illustrates DeMille's penchant for storytelling and grandeur. The film also features several scenes that wouldn't have gotten past the Hays Code only a couple years later. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31995997

CLASSICS-The Parent Trap (1961) 06/27/2024

CLASSICS-The Parent Trap (1961) Front Row Classics is traveling back to the Disney Studios in the 1960s. Brandon is joined by author, Morgan Matson to discuss 1961's The Parent Trap. Morgan is a New York Times bestselling novelist, who also happens to be a film buff. Brandon and Morgan celebrate the charm and fun that keeps this movie timeless 6 decades later. We celebrate the remarkable performance of Hayley Mills (and Hayley Mills) as well as the star power of Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith. The stacked supporting cast of legendary character actors also help the film achieve its prominent place in Disney history. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31920157

CLASSICS-Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) 06/25/2024

CLASSICS-Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) We're taking a look at one of the most suspenseful crime dramas of the 1970s. Brandon is joined by lawyer and journalist, Matt Belenky, to discuss 1974's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Brandon and Matt praise the deliberately paced direction by Joseph Sargent. The movie perfectly mixed suspense with quirky comedy thanks to the script by Peter Stone. We also praise the performances from the ensemble cast including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Jerry Stiller, Hector Elizondo and Earl Hindman. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31877187

CLASSICS-Brigadoon 06/20/2024

CLASSICS-Brigadoon Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated of MGM's great output of movie musicals. Brandon is joined by jazz singer Mary-Catherine Pazzano and her husband Dana Harrison to discuss 1954's Brigadoon. Vincente Minnelli's adaptation of the classic Lerner & Loewe musical is a mixed bag of highs and lows. Gene Kelly gives one of his finest acting performances while Cyd Charisse delivers some of her finest on-screen dancing. We also discuss the differences between the stage and screen versions and why Van Johnson practically steals the movie. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31819342

CLASSICS-Brigadoon 06/20/2024

CLASSICS-So Proudly We Hail 06/13/2024

CLASSICS-So Proudly We Hail Front Row Classics is celebrating World War II on film with 1943's So Proudly We Hail. This movie is one of the finest illustrations of the impact women had on the front lines as opposed to the home front. Jessica Pickens returns to celebrate all aspects of this remarkable film with Brandon. We pay tribute to the amazing cast headed by Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard and Veronica Lake. The remarkable screenplay and realistic depictions of war are also discussed. Jessica's website and blog, "Comet Over Hollywood" can be found at /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31727227

CLASSICS- Red Dust & Mogambo 06/08/2024

CLASSICS- Red Dust & Mogambo Front Row Classics welcomes back Madeline Hanson to take a look at two films with much of the same DNA. We're taking a look at 1932's Red Dust and its' 1953 remake Mogambo. Both films feature the King himself, Clark Gable, playing the same role 21 years apart. Brandon and Madeline discuss the chemistry he has with both Jean Harlow and Ava Gardner respectively. We also discuss the differences in both films regarding the production code. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31659222

CLASSICS-Forbidden Cocktails Interview with André Darlington 06/04/2024

CLASSICS-Forbidden Cocktails Interview with André Darlington Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome author André Darlington. André is the author of the latest book from TCM, "Forbidden Cocktails: Libations Inspired by the World of Pre-Code Hollywood". The book is packaged handsomely with a sleek layout and gorgeous photos. Brandon and André discuss the history of pre-code films and how Prohibition affected the movies. The conversation then turns to the perfect cocktail parings with films such as Footlight Parade, Dracula and The Thin Man. "Forbidden Cocktails: Libations Inspired by the World of Pre-Code Hollywood" is available from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies wherever books are sold. André Darlington is the author of Bar Menu and Booze Cruise, among many other food and drink titles, as well as the co-author of Booze & Vinyl, The New Cocktail Hour, and Movie Night Menus. He lives in North Carolina. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31593192

CLASSICS-Ordinary People 05/30/2024

CLASSICS-Ordinary People Front Row Classics is taking a look at the 1980 Oscar winner for Best Picture this week. Brandon is joined by Spencer Davis to discuss Robert Redford's Ordinary People. The film, which marked Redford's directorial debut, was a huge hit despite its very complex subject matter. It very sensitively portrays topics such as mental illness , grief and family dysfunction. Brandon and Spencer highlight the remarkable performances of Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch and the and Oscar-winning performance by Timothy Hutton. The movie is often remembered as the film that "beat Raging Bull for Best Picture". But, we hope this discussion will inspire you to re-discover this remarkable piece of filmmaking. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31525392

CLASSICS-Sweet Smell of Success 05/23/2024

CLASSICS-Sweet Smell of Success We're taking a look at one of the most uncompromising, ruthless films of the 1950s this week. 1957's Sweet Smell of Success is a movie unlike any other. Brandon and Emmett Stanton take a look at the unforgettable performances of Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis as J.J. Hunsecker and Sidney Falco. The acidly poetic screenplay by Ernest Lehman and Clifford Odets remains one of the wittiest ever seen on celluloid. The conversation also praises the direction by Alexander McKendrick, cinematography by James Wong Howe and score by Elmer Bernstein. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31437007

Special Episode - A Conversation with Demetri Martin 05/20/2024

Special Episode - A Conversation with Demetri Martin Demetri Martin sits down with Craig from The Front Row Network to discuss his latest comedy special on Netflix, "Demetri Deconstructed." This is the first of a trilogy of specials which will also release on Netflix. "Demetri Deconstructed" is shot using a New Wave French cinema style, Demetri discusses the choices he made in curating the new special. Available now on Netflix. Featuring: Craig McFarland /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31389797

CLASSICS-Interview with James Duke Mason 05/15/2024

CLASSICS-Interview with James Duke Mason Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most respected actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. March 15th marks the birthday of James Mason. Brandon is happy to welcome Mason's grandson, James Duke Mason to the show. Duke is a writer, commentator and advocate. We discuss his experiences living in both LA and Europe as well as his life in both show business and politics. Brandon and Duke also pay tribute to many of his grandfather's best performances. The best James Mason impersonators are also discussed. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31300337

CLASSICS- Chatting with Tinseltown Maddie 05/09/2024

CLASSICS- Chatting with Tinseltown Maddie Front Row Classics welcomes Madeline Hanson this week. Maddie is a passionate classic film fan with her own social media series called "Tinseltown Maddie". She looks at the Golden Age of Hollywood with a comedic twist on both Instagram and TikTok. Brandon and Maddie discuss classic film fandom, some favorite movies and pay tribute to the likes of Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard and Ava Gardner. They also recap and compare notes on this year's TCM Film Festival. You can find more about Maddie at https://tinseltownmaddie.com/ /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31211777

Classics-TCM Film Festival Recap 05/02/2024

Classics-TCM Film Festival Recap Brandon is back from Hollywood. This year's Turner Classic Movies' Classic Film Festival proved to be even more memorable than last year's. Craig McFarland joins Brandon to break down each day of the Fest. From memorable screenings to the WB Studio tour, we're taking a look back at a jam packed 5 days. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/31085958

CLASSICS- From the Moment They Met It Was Murder-Interview with Alain Silver and James Ursini 04/25/2024

CLASSICS- From the Moment They Met It Was Murder-Interview with Alain Silver and James Ursini Front Row Classics welcomes historians/writers Alain Silver and James Ursini this week. The two have penned a book celebrating the quintessential film noir, Double Indemnity. "From the Moment they Met it Was Murder: Double Indemnity and Rise of Film Noir" is a valuable resource for fans of this legendary movie. Brandon and the two authors discuss the origin and impact of the film on the noir genre. They also celebrate the performances of Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G Robinson. "From the Moment they Met it Was Murder: Double Indemnity and Rise of Film Noir" is available wherever books are sold from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies. Screenwriter/producer and film historian Alain Silver is the author/editor of more than thirty books on cinema, including The Noir Style, The Samurai Film, and Film Noir The Encyclopedia. He has also produced more than thirty independent motion pictures; provided commentary for many noir DVD/Blu-ray releases; and lectured on film history and production at numerous colleges, festivals, and conferences in the US and abroad. James Ursini has cowritten or edited more than a score of books with Alain Silver, including their Film Noir Reader series and director studies of David Lean and Robert Aldrich. He has also supplied commentary for numerous film noir DVDs, including Double Indemnity. He has worked in both fiction and non-fiction feature production and has taught filmmaking at UCLA and other schools in the Los Angeles area. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30992613

CLASSICS - TCM Classic Film Fest with Charlie Tabesh 04/18/2024

CLASSICS - TCM Classic Film Fest with Charlie Tabesh Brandon is currently attending the 15th Annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. He recently spoke with TCM's SVP of Programming, Charlie Tabesh. Brandon and Charlie preview the various aspects of this year's festival and what passholders can look forward to. Be sure to check out Brandon's daily coverage on the festival on Front Row Classics' Facebook and Instagram pages this weekend. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30879258

CLASSICS-The Hustler 04/16/2024

CLASSICS-The Hustler Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of great films of the 1960s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are discussing The Hustler. Robert Rossen's character study features one of Paul Newman's signature performances as Fast Eddie Felson. Brandon and Emmett praise the sharp camera work, screenplay and performances by a great cast including Piper Laurie, George C. Scott and Jackie Gleason. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30841743

CLASSICS-A Hard Day's Night 04/04/2024

CLASSICS-A Hard Day's Night Front Row Classics is "working like a dog" this week. We're celebrating the 60th anniversary of A Hard Day's Night as well as the Beatle' arrival in America. Brandon is joined by author & film historian, Sloan De Forest. Sloan is a self-proclaimed "Beatle Maniac" and helps to provide great insight into this musical comedy directed by Richard Lester. Brandon and Sloan marvel at the natural acting & comedic abilities from John, Paul, George & Ringo. We also discuss how modern the film still feels after sixty years. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30674418

CLASSICS-Sleeping Beauty 65th Anniversay with Michael Giaimo 03/28/2024

CLASSICS-Sleeping Beauty 65th Anniversay with Michael Giaimo Front Row Classics is joining forces with Beyond the Mouse this week. We're celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Walt Disney's masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty. Brandon. Craig and Vanessa are proud to welcome Disney artist and animator, Michael Giaimo. The hosts discuss the elegance and pageantry that covers every frame of Sleeping Beauty. We spend time discussing their favorite scenes and characters. Michael also helps put the film into proper context within the history of the Disney Studios. Michael Giaimo's many credits includes Art Direction for Pocahontas (1995) as well as Production Design & Art Direction for Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019) /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30575928

CLASSICS-Not Your China Doll-Interview with Katie Gee Salisbury 03/21/2024

CLASSICS-Not Your China Doll-Interview with Katie Gee Salisbury Front Row Classics welcomes author Katie Gee Salisbury this week. Katie has just penned a wonderful book on one of the 20th century's greatest pioneers of film, Anna May Wong. "Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong" is a page turning exploration of Wong's life set against the Jazz Age and early days of Hollywood. Salisbury shines a spotlight on Anna May's glamourous life along with her rebellious personal life & fight for less stereotypical roles. "Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong" is available from Dutton Publishing wherever books are sold. Katie Gee Salisbury is the author of Not Your China Doll, a new biography of Anna May Wong, the first Asian American movie star. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Ringer, the Asian American Writers' Workshop, and elsewhere. She was a finalist for the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in 2021 and gave the TED Talk “As American as Chop Suey.” She also writes the newsletter Half-Caste Woman. A fifth-generation Chinese American who hails from Southern California, she now lives in Brooklyn. /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30472803

CLASSICS-The Awful Truth 03/14/2024

CLASSICS-The Awful Truth Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest romantic screwball comedies of the 1930s. Brandon is joined by Mia Tiffany from Movies with Mia to discuss 1937's The Awful Truth. Leo McCarey's film about marriage and infidelity still packs a hilarious and poignant journey for movie goers. Brandon and Mia discuss the fantastic chemistry between Cary Grant and Irene Dunne as well as the witty script by Vina Delmar. This film is often credited with creating the "Cary Grant persona" we all know and love. You can see all of Mia's classic film reactions at https://www.youtube.com/@MoviesWithMia/featured /episode/index/show/frontrowmoviereviews/id/30369113

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