The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is stepping into the 1990s to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Pretty Woman. Brandon and April Clemmer are discussing the classic film connections that permeate throughout the classic Garry Marshall comedy. They also pay tribute to the performances of Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Hector Elizondo and the final screen appearance of Ralph Bellamy. The two also pine about the lost art of romantic comedies.

Front Row Classics welcomes Kevin John Goff to the podcast. Kevin is the great-grand-nephew of Hattie McDaniel and Executive Director of the Hattie McDaniel Estate. Brandon and Kevin discusses Hattie's journey through show business and road to Hollywood. The two discuss the many barriers she broke and her astonishing perseverance. Kevin also discusses the many projects he's involved with keeping the McDaniel legacy alive.

You can find all of the updates at www.hattiemcdaniel.com

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Turner Classics Movies' host, Ben Mankiewicz. Brandon and Ben are chatting about the new season of the TCM podcast, The Plot Thickens. This season focuses on the storied production of 1963's Cleopatra. Ben's great-uncle, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, helmed the mammoth production and had to navigate through one of the most stressful shoots in Hollywood history. This season, you'll hear many of the participants through their own words. Some long-standing myths will even be busted,

The new season of The Plot Thickens drops tomorrow, July 17th and all podcast apps.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the 1962 film adaptation of Gypsy. Brandon is joined by Jordan Rinkenberger and Kimmy Schofield to discuss the film. Jordan is the director of the upcoming production by Champaign Urbana Drama Makers in Champaign, IL. Kimmy will be tackling the legendary role of Louise in this production. The three discuss the film adaptation and how it compares to the stage production. The performances of Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood and Karl Malden are also discussed.

Front Row Classics welcomes Andrew Corns of The Revisionist's Almanac podcast. Andrew's show takes a unique look at past Oscar races where he and his guests re-vote to see how those ceremonies may have gone in the present day. This week, he is taking a bit of a break from his serious Oscar fare discussing a comedy classics with Brandon. The hosts are discussing 1968's The Odd Couple. Brandon and Andrew discuss the timeless comedy of Neil Simon along with the legendary performances of Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma. Brandon is joined by three guests who are currently involved in the Springfield Muni's production opening this weekend. We welcome Assistant Director, Jacob Padhe along with Curley & Laurey themselves, Nathan Moss and Brooke Seacrist. We discuss their feelings on the show and how they've approached this production. Then, we'll move on to the film version and how it still captures the magic of the stage production.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most daring films of the early 1950s. Brandon is joined by Larry Aubrey to discuss Caged from 1950. They discuss how Caged is the grandmother of all "women-in-prison" movies. Brandon and Larry also celebrate the Oscar nominated performances of Eleanor Parker and Hope Emerson. Caged is one of the highlights in the career of director John Cromwell who is also celebrated.

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Vanessa O'Neil to the podcast. Vanessa is the granddaughter of Judy Garland and daughter of, recent podcast guest, Lorna Luft. Brandon and Vanessa discuss what it means to carry the Garland Legacy and how she recently decided to pick up the mantle. The two also chat about what it means to be the descendant of a legendary family member.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated biopics in history. Brandon is, once again, joined by Peter Martin to discuss 1980's Coal Miner's Daughter. We discuss the Oscar winning performance of Sissy Spacek at the legendary Loretta Lynn. Brandon and Peter also pay tribute to the performances by Tommy Lee Jones and Beverly D'Angelo. The discussion also turns to the amazing direction by Michael Apted who keeps the film unpretentious and appealing to even non-country music fans.

Back by popular demand, Brandon is one again joined by Ben Burke, Emmett Stanton and Matt Duffy to discuss all things Classics film. The four play classic film games, discuss guilty pleasures and talk performances they wish could be recast. It's another episode of outrageous fun with three of the Front Row's most popular regulars.