Welcome Alicia Mayer Front Row Classics welcomes Alicia Mayer to the podcast this week! Alicia’s family history is rooted in the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is the grand niece of Louis B Mayer and granddaughter of Ida Mayer Cummings. Brandon and Alicia discuss the history of the Mayer family and their immigration to America. The conversation also …

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela, Vanessa, and Andrew prepare for summer as they discuss the most anticipated movie releases of the season. From horror franchise additions such as Final Destination Bloodlines and 28 Years Later to family favorites like Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, there is no doubt that this summe…

The Best of Cary Grant Front Row Classics is celebrating the ever-eduring star power of Cary Grant! We’re trying out something different in this episode and hope you’ll like it. Brandon is joined by actor, writer and social media curator, Cassidy Krygger. Cassidy and Brandon will be counting down their personal top 5 favorite Cary Grant performance…

TCM Film Fest 2025 It was another eventful year at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in 2025. Brandon is joined by the Front Row’s Associate Editor in Chief, Craig McFarland, to talk about the many highlights from his third trip to Los Angeles. FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Craig McFarland Don’t forget to follow/reach us at: Website: https://l…

Mad About Musicals Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jessica Pickens to celebrate one of our favorite genres. Brandon and Jessica are celebrating movies musicals. In this episode, we are sampling four favorites from the thirties through the fifties. We’re taking a look at Footlight Parade (1933), Moon Over Miami (1941), Bathi…

Captains Courageous Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated adventure films of all time. Brandon is joined by author & historian John DiLeo to discuss 1937’s Captain Courageous. Victor Fleming’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s novel still tugs are the heartstrings. Brandon and John celebrate the amazing performance of Fred…

Maisonette Co-founder & CEO Sylvana Ward Durrett joins Hollywood Gold to share an inside look at her time as Director of Special Projects at Vogue, as captured in the documentary The First Monday in May. The film follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s stunning exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass, and its transformation in…

An Affair to Remember Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular romances in film history. Brandon welcomes Daveyanna Garcia to take a look at 1957’s An Affair to Remember. The two discuss many of the memorable moments between stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. We also discuss the connections between the original 1939 film Love Affai…

TCM Film Fest 2025 Brandon is out in LA and ready to celebrate the 16th annual TCM Film Festival. Before he left Illinois, he was able to chat with Scott McGee. Scott is the Senior Director of Original Programming for Turner Classic Movies and is one of the original architects of the Festival. Brandon and Scott discuss many of the highlights that w…

NEON Chief Marketing Officer Christian Parkes pulls the curtain back on movie marketing, revealing the secrets behind some of NEON’s most daring campaigns. With a passion for film, Parkes shares how he approaches marketing with the filmmaker's vision as his priority, treating marketing not just as promotion, but as an extension of their artistry. K…

300th Episode Front Row Classics is celebrating its 300th episode with one of the most celebrated film authors working today. Brandon is thrilled to welcome historian, author & publisher, Sam Wasson. We discuss Sam’s origins as a film fan and what inspired him to write about film. We also discuss his two latest books, “The Big Goodbye” and “The Pat…

Producer Michael Roiff returns to Hollywood Gold to discuss how the hit romantic-comedy Waitress became a musical sensation. From the initial pitch in 2007 to its first opening night in 2016, Roiff shares how different theater is compared to film, taking years to find its creative and musical stride. While Roiff was disappointed after opening night…

Dark City Dames Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Czar of Noir himself Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie chat about the newly revised and expanded edition of “Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir”. The book chronicles Eddie’s interviews with 6 of noir’s greatest ‘dames’: Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, Evelyn Keyes, Jane Greer,…

It Should Happen to You Front Row Classics welcomes Spring with one of the most charming romantic comedies of the 1950s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are discussing George Cukor’s It Should Happen to You from 1954. The film features one of the best film performances from the effervescent Judy Holliday. We also celebrate the 100th birthday of Jack Lem…

McCabe and Mrs Miller Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th birthday of Robert Altman by taking a look at one of his greatest works. Brandon is joined by Spencer Davis to discuss 1971’s McCabe and Mrs, Miller. Brandon and Spencer discuss this classic anti-Western which features stellar performances from Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. The h…

Producer Todd Lieberman, founder of production company Hidden Pictures, recounts the making of one of the most iconic and lauded boxing movies of all time. It had been a dream of Todd's to make a boxing movie, and he knew The Fighter was the one as soon as it came across his desk, but the process from script to screen wasn't an easy one. There were…

Connecticut in the Movies Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome actress & filmmaker Illeana Douglas to the show. Brandon and Illeana discuss her love of the movies which led to her becoming a professional in the business. Her love of the movies has led her to many exciting projects including her recent book, “Connecticut in the Movies”. We talk …

Producer Dan Levine recalls the making of 2016's iconic Arrival. From the moment he read Ted Chiang's Story of Your Life, Dan knew he had to find a way to bring it to the screen. Director Denis Villeneuve, an incredible talent but still relatively unknown, was the perfect choice. Producers had to wait until Denis wrapped Sicario, but things moved q…

Love, Queenie Front Row Classics welcomes author Mayukh Sen to celebrate the life of Merle Oberon. Mayukh recently penned “Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star”. The book captures the complicated life of Oberon while also providing a picture of the political atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century. Brandon and Ma…

Ole Buttermilk Sky Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung western classic from 1946. Brandon is joined by film historian & producer Daniel Marino to discuss Canyon Passage. The film, directed by Jacques Tourneur, embodies the post-war feelings of American in the forties. It features stunning Technicolor cinematography and an unlikely Osca…

Producer Doug Wick takes us behind the scenes of the legendary Gladiator and its highly anticipated sequel, Gladiator II. Initially marketed as a fight movie, it attracted mostly men; however, Wick shares how the dramatic and harrowing themes drew in female audiences, transcending the film beyond its action elements. He shares his firsthand experie…

Welcome Back Duke Front Row Classics is excited to welcome back James Duke Mason this week. Brandon and Duke catch up on everything happening in the last year. They also touch on some of Duke’s grandfather’s (James Mason) best performances. The discussion turns to films like A Star is Born, The Last of Sheila, Lolita and Heaven Can Wait. We also pr…

His Girl Hollywood Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author & entertainment journalist Maureen Lee Lenker. Brandon and Maureen discuss her origins as a classic film fan favorite film genres and most memorable writing assignments. The conversation, then, turns to her latest book, “His Girl Hollywood”, an historical fiction romance set in Clas…

FilmNation CEO and Executive Producer Glen Basner joins us to discuss his unique perspective in foreign sales and how it helped to created Oscar-winning hits such as Conclave, Anora, and more. Basner shares how FilmNation balances creative vision with market realities to ensure success, putting trust in great filmmakers and communicating with inter…

Garbo Talks! “Garbo Talks!”. Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most promoted events in film history. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to break down 1930’s Anna Christie. The two discuss Clarence Brown’s adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize winning play. This early talkie helped to cement Greta Garbo as a screen icon. Brandon a…

Miss Grant Takes Richmond Front Row Classics is taking a look at an underrated comedy gem in the career of Lucille Ball. Brandon welcomes back Sarah Royal, author of “AKA Lucy”, to take a look at Miss Grant Takes Richmond from 1949. This film came two years before Lucy reached superstardom on “I Love Lucy”. Yet, the film shows seeds of the birth of…

Director of Photography Lol Crawley uses his unique perspective to discuss his Oscar-winning work on The Brutalist. A 10-year friendship, Crawley shares how his trusting relationship with Brady Corbet created a collaborative and creative environment on set, noting the importance of aligning with a director's vision rather than overpowering it. He d…

We’ll Always Have Casablanca Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author, professor & historian Noah Isenberg. Noah penned one of Brandon’s favorite film books, “We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie”. Brandon and Noah discuss their initial discovery of the film as well as their favorite…

Dial M for Murder Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most underrated classics. Brandon is joined by Emily Nesbitt to talk 1954’s Dial M for Murder. The hosts discuss Hitchcock’s unique storytelling and camera work. The performances of Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Bob Cummings & John Williams are also celebrated. FEATURING…

Producer Alex Coco takes us behind the scenes of the making of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner and recent winner of the Acadamy's Best Picture award, Anora. Alex reflects on his collaboration with director Sean Baker, revealing how flexibility with the script led to a more authentic and organic storytelling experience, including a sponta…

Welcome Jacqueline Stewart Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart. Brandon and Jacqueline discuss her career in film scholarship and origins as a film fan. The two also discuss her passion for African American film history and silent film. The conversation, then, turns to TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar. Bran…

Producers Fred Berger and Alex Heineman take us behind the scenes of A Complete Unknown, a biopic of legendary artist Bob Dylan. A movie six years in the making, Berger and Heineman share how they started this journey by casting a young Timothée Chalamet fresh out of Call Me by Your Name. Chalamet dedicated himself to this role, spending his time m…

The Public Enemy Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of Hollywood’s most famous gangster films. 1931’s The Public Enemy set the stage for so many films that followed. Brandon is joined by writer, Sophia D’Aurelio to break down the movie. Sophia is versed in many areas of classic film, especially topics involving pre-code films and Jean Harlo…

The Big Carnival Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most cynically biting films ever made. Brandon is happy to welcome back author/historian Chris Yogerst to take a look at Billy Wilder’s Ace in the Hole. This 1951 film is one of the most audacious films in Wilder’s canon. Brandon and Chris pay tribute to the amazing performance by K…

Executive Producer Alexandra Loewy dives deep into the making of 2025 Oscar-nominated horror film, The Substance. She shares how Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat meticulously crafted the film, spending two years writing what Loewy calls the most detailed script she had ever read, paired with an 80-page lookbook including striking visual references. …

Rock a Hula Front Row Classics is celebrating the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley with one of his most popular movies. Brandon welcomes back Tristan Tapscott to chat about 1961’s Blue Hawaii. Elvis was at the peak of popularity and magnetism when he made this escapist musical romp. Brandon and Tristan discuss the many colorful locations and musical …

Storm Warning Front Row Classics is celebrating an audacious and vastly underrated thriller from Warner Bros. Brandon is pleased to welcome back Holley Snaith to discuss Storm Warning from 1950. This noir thriller was an allegory for the politically charged era of the Red Scare in Hollywood. Brandon and Holley discuss Richard Brooks’ and Daniel Fuc…

Producer Bruce Cohen recounts the making of 2012’s Oscar winning Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell’s brilliant film about a bipolar man and the widow who changed his life. Not only did the film launch a young Jennifer Lawrence into a new... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Welcome John Joseph Front Row Classics welcomes content creator John Joseph to the show. John Joseph has a series of classic Hollywood related videos and posts through his various social media platforms. He and Brandon discuss the origins of their classic film fandom, favorite films and the studio system. The conversation, then, moves to the career…

The Big Parade Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th anniversary of another landmark silent film. Our friend, Emmett Stanton, joins us to take a look at 1925’s The Big Parade. Brandon and Emmett discuss one of Hollywood’s earliest statements about war and how it influenced the films that came after. The hosts discuss the timeless performance …

Producer Michael Roiff takes us behind the scenes of beloved romantic-comedy, Waitress. What started as an underdog project skyrocketed to success, thanks to a mix of luck, timing, and the passionate champions who believed in it. Roiff shares how they met Keri Russell and instantly knew she was the right choice, even delaying production six months …

The Gold Rush Front Row Classics is celebrating the centennial of one of Charlie Chaplin’s most beloved films. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to take a look at 1925’s The Gold Rush. The hosts discuss their favorite moments from this landmark achievement that still entertains 100 years later. FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Peter Martin Don’t forget…

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela and fellow producer Riva Marker dive deep into this year's Oscar nominations. From Kieran Culkin to Demi Moore, to The Brutalist to Wicked, Daniela and Riva explore each film and performer nominated, using both their personal taste and professional experience to cast their predictions. Tune in for …

The Magnificent Ambersons Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the greatest achievements from one of cinema’s true geniuses. Brandon welcomes Robert Bellissimo to celebrate Orson Welles’ The Magnificent Ambersons. Robert is the host of his own video podcast called “Robert Bellissimo At the Movies”. Brandon and Robert discuss how the film h…

Producer and the Co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises Jane Rosenthal joins us to discuss family comedy Meet the Parents and the successful franchise it inspired. What began as the simple yet wildly entertaining premise of meeting a tough, mobster-like father-in-law like the iconic Robert De Niro turned into a comedic phenomenon. Rosenthal reve…

A Summer Place Front Row Classics is taking a look one of the most popular love stories from the late 1950s. Brandon is joined by film historian & author Sloan De Forest to take a look at 1959’s A Summer Place. The two discuss the origins of the film and how it pushed the envelope with it’s coming-of-age themes. Brandon and Sloan also discuss how t…

In this episode, Daniela and Vanessa discuss their personal experience with the LA wildfires and share their support with the survivors who tragically lost their homes. For more information on how to help, see below for trusted resources: Mutual Aid Network LA California Fire Foundation LAFD Friends in Deed Dream Center Entertainment Community Fund…

Editor Joe Walker takes us behind the scenes of the sci-fi epic, Dune: Part Two, and its Oscar-winning predecessor. In collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve, Walker shares how they worked together to balance intimate character moments with grand world-building and action, using his specialty in sound to create immersive environments and emot…

Follow the Yellow Brick Road Front Row Classics welcomes back professional wrestler Marina Tucker to discuss her favorite film of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Brandon and Marina celebrate Oz’s 85th anniversary by discussing the aspects that have made a perennial favorite for over eight decades. Marina can be seen as “Penelope Pink” on WOW (Women of …

Happy 2025!! Happy New Year from Front Row Classics! Brandon is joined by friend of the podcast, Emmett Stanton, to ring in 2025. We’re taking a look at the first two sequels to The Thin Man: After the Thin Man (1936) and Another Thin Man (1939). Brandon and Emmett discuss the further adventures of Nick, Nora and Asta as they navigate their way thr…