Ep. 206- A Hard Day’s Night

Front Row Classics is “working like a dog” this week. We’re celebrating the 60th anniversary of A Hard Day’s Night as well as the Beatle’ arrival in America. Brandon is joined by author & film historian, Sloan De Forest. Sloan is a self-proclaimed “Beatle Maniac” and helps to provide great insight into this musical comedy directed by Richard Lester. Brandon and Sloan marvel at the natural acting & comedic abilities from John, Paul, George & Ringo. We also discuss how modern the film still feels after sixty years.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Sloan De Forest

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Ep. 191- Ringing in 2024 with Busby Berkeley

We’re In the Money.

Happy New Year from Front Row Classics! We’re kicking off the new year in style with something fun and frothy. Our friend Emmett Stanton joins us to celebrate the work of choreographer/director, Busby Berkeley. Brandon and Emmett are taking a look at three films with the Berkeley touch. All three films were, miraculously, released in 1933. 42nd Street, Golddiggers of 1933 and Footlight Parade remain as fresh and fun as they did 90 years ago.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Emmett Stanton

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Ep. 174- Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance

Born to Dance.

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.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis

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Ep. 166 – The Band Wagon

Dance Fools, Dance!.

We’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of one Brandon’s favorite films this week on Front Row Classics. The Band Wagon is one of the crown jewels of the Arthur Freed unit at MGM. Author and film historian, John DiLeo also counts the musical comedy as one of his favorites. Brandon and John recount all of their favorite moments and musical numbers from Vincente Minnelli’s love letter to show business. From the romance of ‘Dancing in the Dark’ to the hilarity of the “Girl Hunt Ballet’, The Band Wagon is a film that still charms seven decades later.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and John DiLeo

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Ep. 156- Cabaret

Life is a Cabaret!

“Life is a Cabaret” this week on Front Row Classics. We’re taking a look at 1972’s Cabaret as Emmett Stanton returns to discuss Bob Fosse’s musical masterpiece. Brandon and Emmett break down the legendary performances of Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey and the rest of the impressive cast. Topics also include: the inventive musical numbers, the dark themes which are still relevant today and how Cabaret went toe-to-toe with The Godfather at the 1973 Oscars.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Emmett Stanton

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Ep. 139- Singin’ in the Rain 70th Anniversary with Patricia Ward Kelly

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Front Row Classics rings in the holiday season with a celebration of one of the most joyous films ever made, Singin’ in the Rain. Brandon and Eric are thrilled to welcome back our friend, Patricia Ward Kelly, to discuss the backstory & legacy of what many consider to be the greatest movie musical of all time. Patricia is the widow and biographer of the late, great Gene Kelly. She provides valuable context and perspective on Gene’s contributions to the film and even busts a few popular myths for us. We’re also lucky to hear about Patricia’s recent travels along with some touching holiday traditions she shared with Gene.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Eric Flick

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