The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author Martin Turnbull to the show for the first time. Martin is an accomplished scribe who has written several series of historical fiction novels set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Brandon and Martin discuss his origins as a classic film lover and segue into a chat about Hollywood during World War II. They also mention Martin's latest "Hollywood Home Front Trilogy" which features many dramatic aspects of Hollywood's war years.

You can find more information about his work at martinturnbull.com.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dog Day Afternoon. Brandon welcomes back Matt Duffy to take a look at this landmark crime drama from the legendary Sidney Lumet. The two take a look at the Oscar nominated performance from Al Pacino in one of his signature roles. The performances of John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon and James Broderick are also celebrated. Brandon and Matt also talk about the authenticity of movies filmed in New York City in the 70s.

Front Row Classics welcomes back author & historian Olympia Kiriakou to discuss another gem from Carole Lombard's filmography. Brandon and Olympia are taking a look at Hands Across the Table from 1935. The two discuss the romantic chemistry between Lombard and Fred MacMurray. The sleek direction from the underrated Mitchell Leisen is also praised.

Turner Classics Movies is celebrating its' yearly Summer Under the Stars festival this August. Brandon is thrilled to welcome back actor/comedian, Mario Cantone to the show. Mario is co-hosting every Wednesday night with Ben Mankiewicz this August. His stint premieres tonight at 8pm est/7pm cst with Judy Garland. Mario and Ben will also celebrate James Cagney, Shirley MacLaine and Joan Crawford on the following Wednesdays.

Front Row Classics welcomes back author Mayukh Sen to celebrate Merle Oberon. Brandon and Mayukh are taking a look at one of Merle's greatest screen performances. 1941's Lydia provided Merle with a perfect vehicle to showcasing her talent & beauty. The two celebrate the incredible camera work and pace from director Julien Duvivier. We also honor the supporting cast including Joseph Cotten, George Reeves the final screen appearance from Edna May Oliver.

Mayukh's book "Love, Queenie" is still available wherever books are sold.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the earliest triumphs of Katherine Hepburn's career. Brandon and Peter Martin are taking a look at 1935's Alice Adams. The hosts chat about the screenplay adapted from the Booth Tarkington novel. We also discuss the direction by George Stevens in one of his earlier efforts.

Brandon welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jeremy Arnold to celebrate Christmas in July. Jeremy is the author of "Christmas in the Movies: 35 Classics to Celebrate the Season" and is highlighting two lesser known gems. We start of with We're No Angels from 1955 which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Brandon and Jeremy, then, discuss the 20th anniversary of Joyeux Noel from 2005.

"Christmas in the Movies" is still available from TCM and Running Press wherever books are sold.

The summer heat is raging and Front Row Classics is taking a look at some of our favorite summer movies. Brandon is joined by Jessica Pickens, an unabashed fan of summer, to count down their top 5 favorite classic films to watch in summer. Our picks run the gamut of stars from Frankie & Annette to James Cagney to Sandra Dee and Elvis.

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 show will be at Alton Wood River Sportsman Club in Godfrey, IL. Doors open at 6pm with bell time at 7pm.