The Front Row Network

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most talked about films of the 20th century. We're celebrating the 60th anniversary of Cleopatra from 1963. Ryan Lootens and Erin McCabe from Front Row Flashbacks are joining Brandon to take a look as this gargantuan epic directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. We take a look at the strengths and flaws of a film that nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. Other topics include the storied affair of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the expert performance of Rex Harrison and the incredible excess that is seen in every frame of the film.

We're continuing #MonsterCast with another director interview of last year's #Huluween Horror Short Film Festival entries. Today we're talking with Actor/Director Michelle Krusiec (Netflix's Hollywood, The Invitation) on her film #Nian.

A Chinese American girl faces her racist bully with the help of the Nian, a mythological creature said to eat bad children.

NIAN is available NOW on Hulu.

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We're continuing #MonsterCast by bringing you the first of 22 (yeah that's right!) interviews with the directors of last year's #Huluween Horror Short Film Festival entries. We're starting off with actor, writer and director of the short Bad Rabbit, Rebekka Johnson.

A timid woman finally stands up to her cruel, elderly mother with encouragement from a deranged new friend, Bad Rabbit.

BAD RABBIT is available NOW on Hulu.

Don't forget to follow/reach us at: Website: www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network Twitter: @frontrowreviewz Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrown... Instagram: frontrownetwork YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NyawO0

We're taking a look at one of Alfred Hitchcock's most popular thrillers, Strangers on a Train. Brandon is joined by Emmett Stanton to discuss this heart-pounding and fun movie based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. This 1951 film has a wonderful cast including a powerhouse performance from Robert Walker as Bruno Anthony, one of Hitchcock's greatest villains. The host also discuss many of the great set pieces and shots that make this one of the standouts the Master of Suspense's canon.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome authors Paula Broussard and Lisa Royère to discuss their latest book, "Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance". The book chronicles Powell's life and work but is mostly is a testament to finding your personal gifts and nurturing them as best you can. Brandon, Paula and Lisa discuss some of Powell's expert skills as dancer and pay tribute to some of her greatest production numbers, We also discuss why she is long overdue for a renaissance with classic film fans.

"Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance" is available from University Press of Kentucky wherever books are sold.

Paula Broussard is an experienced journalist. In addition to her years as a newspaper reporter, she has written extensively on dance for such publications as Dance Magazine, LA Weekly, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher. She holds a BA in mass media/communications from Chapman University with a minor in dance and also studied French at the University of Paris, Sorbonne.

Lisa Royère has a love of classic films, particularly musicals, and has extensive knowledge about the MGM era. Her years of dance training give her excellent critical insight into this field. An authority on Powell's career, she has written about Powell in American Classic Screen Profiles and served as a consultant on several book projects. Fluent in French, she has also done translation and editing work in the United States and France, where she lived for twenty-five years.

Front Row Classics is proud to welcome back Patricia Ward Kelly for her fourth appearance. Patricia is the widow and biographer of Gene Kelly. Brandon and Patricia discuss a film that both feel needs to garner more attention: 1948's The Pirate. Alongside Gene, the film stars Judy Garland and features a score by Cole Porter. This musical farce directed by Vincente Minnelli is a feast for the eyes and ears. Brandon and Patricia discuss the shooting history, musical number and many myths surrounding the difficult production. They also discuss whether or not the tongue-in-cheek tone of the movie may have been ahead of its time.

Be sure to check out Gene Kelly The Legacy to see how Patricia is keeping Gene's legacy alive for future generations.

Front Row Classics is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a true gem of 1970's cinema. We're taking a look at Peter Bogdonavich's Paper Moon from 1973. Matt Duffy from Reel Gold Rundown joins Brandon to discuss this road comedy-drama. The hosts discuss the tremendous chemistry between real life father and daughter, Ryan & Tatum O'Neal. Tatum won an Oscar for what remains one of the greatest child performances in film history We also pay tribute to the late, great Madeline Kahn is an Oscar nominated performance. This depression era film is filled with rich characters, stunning black & white cinematography and snappy dialogue. We hope our conversation inspires you to re-discover this American film classic.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome actor and social media personality, Brandon Johnston this week. We discuss his early love of classic film and how it had influenced his life and career. The advent of social media has been able to expose younger people to classic movies like never before. But, it has also paved the way for many myths and untruths about the era to spring forward. The two Brandons later discuss the film that probably has created the most myths over the years: The Wizard of Oz.

You can find Brandon Johnston at Hollywood History on Tik Tok. https://linktr.ee/brandonjohnston

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the seminal films of the 1970s. American Graffiti took audiences back to a more innocent era of malt shops and sock hops. Brandon is joined by Meghan Lowder-Paul and Jacqueline Keysear of "I Think You're Gonna Like This" to break down this ensemble dramedy. The hosts discuss the young cast of future stars including Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Ron Howard and Mackenzie Phillips. We also track how American Graffiti helped to usher in the concept of nostalgia.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Picture winner of 1932, Grand Hotel. Emmett Stanton, once again, joins Brandon to discuss what may just be the very first all-star movie. MGM pulled out all the stops for this glamorous melodrama featuring the likes of Greta Garbo, Lionel Barrymore, John Barrymore and Joan Crawford. We discuss what still works about the film and why it may not be the best choice to introduce to someone just beginning to discover classic film.