The Front Row Network

Merry Christmas from Front Row Classics. We're pleased to welcome back Natasha Gregson Wagner. Natasha is an actress, author & producer and returns to discuss one of her mother's most beloved movies: Miracle on 34th St. Brandon and Natasha discuss the film's lasting legacy and why it still warms our hearts in 2024. They also highlight Natasha's participation in the newest fragrance named after her mom.

We're taking a look at one of the most beloved Christmas classics on this Christmas Eve. Brandon is, once again. joined by New York Times bestselling author, Morgan Matson, to take a look at 1947's The Bishop's Wife. This warm and charming film personifies the holiday spirit thanks to it's incredible cast including Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Brandon and Morgan discuss the many memorable moments that help to keep this movie a perennial holiday favorite.

Front Row Classics begins its celebration of the holidays with an underrated gem from 1944. Brandon welcomes back Mary-Catherine Pazzano and Dana Harrison to take a look at 1944's I'll Be Seeing You. This film explores topics not typically discussed at the time of release such as PTSD. We discuss the stand out performances from Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten and a teenage Shirley Temple. The film also features some very warm moments set at Christmas time.

Front Row Classics is having a little fun this holiday season. Brandon welcomes three friends of the podcast (Emmett Stanton, Benjamin Burke and Matt Duffy) to give some unfiltered classic film opinions. We're playing a game of This or That featuring classic films and classic film stars.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated films in Bette Davis' filmography during her time at Warner Brothers. Brandon welcomes Samantha Mason to look at 1942's In This Our Life. Samantha is a history teacher and movie buff who cohosts the Movie Club podcast with former Front Row guest, Hayley Chow. Brandon and Samantha dive into a film that was both current and ahead of its time in many ways. Themes of racial prejudice and possible incest are peppered into John Huston's potboiler. The movie also features one of Davis' most unsympathetic character portrayals. She is supported by an amazing ensemble cast including Olivia de Havilland, George Brent, Dennis Morgan, Billie Burke, Charles Coburn and Hattie McDaniel.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most charming, romantic films of all time. Brandon is joined by Ryan Taylor to discuss 1947's The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Ryan is a life-long classic film fans and has her own classic film content on Instagram celebrating Theda Bara. Brandon and Ryan praise the simple, but effective storytelling in The Ghost and Mrs Muir. The pitch perfect performances of Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison along with taut direction by Joseph L. Mankiewicz help to create a film that's been a fan-favorite for generations. The hosts also praise the supporting performances from George Sanders, Natalie Wood and Edna Best along with the haunting score by Bernard Hermann.

Brandon welcome entertainment journalist Esther Zuckerman to Front Row Classics. Esther has recently penned "Falling in Love at the Movies: Rom-Coms from the Screwball Era to Today". The book focuses on the impact & legacy of romantic comedies from the beginning of cinema through today. Brandon and Esther discuss some of the greatest directors & stars who placed their stamp on rom-coms through the years. They also discuss the themes and narratives commonly found romantic films. Brandon also gets Esther's thoughts on the future of romantic comedies in the era of streaming.

"Falling in Love at the Movies: Rom-Coms from the Screwball Era to Today" is available wherever books are sold from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies.

ESTHER ZUCKERMAN is an entertainment journalist whose work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, GQ, the Hollywood Reporter, and many more. She is the author of Beyond the Best Dressed and A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends. Esther lives and writes in New York City.

Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular screwball romantic comedies of the 1930s. We're taking a look at My Man Godfrey from 1936. Brandon welcomes back Olympia Kiriakou to the podcast. Olympia is the author of Becoming Carole Lombard: Stardom, Comedy, and Legacy. Brandon and Olympia discuss the fantastic performances of Carole Lombard and William Powell that defines both their on-screen and real-life chemistry. They also focus on the major themes of the film that remain as relevant as their were during the Great Depression.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of greatest Hollywood films about Hollywood ever made. Brandon welcomes back April Clemmer to discuss 1952's The Bad and the Beautiful. Vincente Minnelli's glamourous and cynical take on the movie business still packs a punch today. Brandon and April consider the performances of Lana Turner and Kirk Douglas as two of the best performances in their careers. They also discuss the amazing supporting cast including Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Gilbert Roland and Gloria Grahame (in one of the shortest Oscar winning performances on record).

Front Row Classics is happy welcome Oscar-nominated actress, Cathy Moriarty. Cathy is currently appearing in "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers" at THE BENT in Palm Springs, CA from December 6th-27th. Cathy is portraying, legendary Hollywood talent agent, Sue Mengers in this 90-minute one-woman play. Brandon and Cathy discuss Cathy's real-life relationship with Mengers as well as her preparation for the role. The conversation then turns to Cathy's career in such films as Raging Bull, Soapdish & Casper. Brandon and Cathy also discuss their shared love of classic film.

For more information or tickets for "I'll Eat You Last" you can go to www.thebent.org.