Ep. 217- So Proudly We Hail

Front Row Classics is celebrating World War II on film with 1943’s So Proudly We Hail. This movie is one of the finest illustrations of the impact women had on the front lines as opposed to the home front. Jessica Pickens returns to celebrate all aspects of this remarkable film with Brandon. We pay tribute to the amazing cast headed by Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard and Veronica Lake. The remarkable screenplay and realistic depictions of war are also discussed.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Jessica Pickens

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Ep. 117-The Best Years of Our Lives-Interview with Alison Macor

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“Making the Best Years of Our Lives: The Hollywood Classic That Inspired a Nation” is available from University of Chicago Press wherever books are sold.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome award-winning author, Alison Macor, to the podcast. Brandon and Front Row Flashbacks host, Jay Hoffman join Alison to discuss her newest book, “Making the Best Years of Our Lives: The Hollywood Classic that Inspired a Nation”. Macor discusses the history of The Best Years of Our Lives along with its many themes that remain contemporary in 2022. We also get Jay’s perspective on the way veterans issues were portrayed in the 1946 film. The hosts also discuss why this film remains such an unsung classic among contemporary audiences.

Alison Macor received a Public Scholars grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for her forthcoming book “Making The Best Years of Our Lives: The Hollywood Classic That Inspired a Nation” (University of Texas Press, 2022), about the 1946 blockbuster that influenced the way we talk about PTSD. She’s also the author of “Rewrite Man: The Life and Career of Screenwriter Warren Skaaren” (UT Press, 2017) and “Chainsaws, Slackers, and Spy Kids: Thirty Years of Filmmaking in Austin, Texas,” which won the 2012 Peter C. Rollins Book of the Year Award. She holds a PhD in film history and taught for more than 20 years at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, Austin Community College and the Austin Museum of Art. A former film critic, she currently works as a freelance writer and ghostwriter and lives in Austin with her husband and son.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Jay Hoffman

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Ep. 113-The Human Comedy with Christian Blauvelt

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Christian Blauvelt returns to Front Row Classics to celebrate one of the greatest homefront films of World War II. Brandon and Christian discuss 1943’s The Human Comedy. The movie, based on an original screenplay by William Saroyan, was made at the peak of MGM’s powers during the days of the studio system. Mickey Rooney delivers an Oscar nominated performance alongside a top notch ensemble cast. The film is a perfect mix of sentimentality and the reality of war on the homefront. Both Brandon and Christian hope this discussion will lead listeners to re-discover this underappreciated gem.

Christian Blauvelt is an entertainment journalist, who serves as the managing editor of leading film and TV industry website IndieWire. He regularly appears on CBS New York to give previews of upcoming films and awards season analysis; has hosted films on Turner Classic Movies; and has presented at South by Southwest and San Diego Comic-Con. Blauvelt is the author of books including, “Hollywood Victory” from TCM and Running Press. He lives in New York City.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis

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Ep. 109- Casablanca 80th Anniversary

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Front Row Classics celebrates the 80th anniversary of one of a film that truly epitomizes the word, timeless. Lou Hare, from Guilty Pleasures, joins Brandon and Eric to break down a movie that remains as powerful and relevant as it was in 1942. The hosts discuss the iconic performances, scenes and dialogue that have made Casablanca a touchstone in film history. We also make the case for why it can be ranked among the top movies of all time.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis, Eric Flick and Louis Hare

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Ep. 91-Hollywood Victory-Interview with Christian Blauvelt

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Front Row Classics celebrates Veterans Day with a special interview. Brandon welcomes award-winning journalist, Christian Blauvelt, to discuss the time Hollywood helped win World War II. Blauvelt is the author of the new book, “Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II” . Both Brandon and Christian consider this era of film to be their favorite. The book highlights the movies’ impact on both the battlefield and home front during the war years. The topics highlighted include: stars in the military, entertaining the troops and the surprising inclusion & diversity that permeated the era. The discussion includes a wide variety of films including Casablanca, Mrs. Miniver, The Human Comedy and The Best Years of Our Lives. Blauvelt also discusses the impact of the Hollywood Canteen, which made Hollywood more accessible to the everyday man.

“Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars and Stories of World War II” is available from Running Press and Turner Classic Movies wherever books are sold.

Christian Blauvelt is an entertainment journalist, who serves as the managing editor of leading film and TV industry website IndieWire. He regularly appears on CBS New York to give previews of upcoming films and awards season analysis; has hosted films on Turner Classic Movies; and has presented at South by Southwest and San Diego Comic-Con. Blauvelt is the author of books including Cinematic Cities: New York. He lives in New York City.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis

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Don’t forget to follow/reach us at:

Website: www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network
Twitter: @FRNCLASSICS
Email: classicsfrn@gmail.com
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