Front Row Classics: A Hollywood Golden Age Podcast

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a classic example of a Broadway play turned into a movie. Brandon and Peter Martin are discussing 1952's The Member of the Wedding. Based on the novel and play by Carson McCullers, the film maintains the themes of the play which include isolation, loss of innocence and race. The stage performances of Ethel Waters, Julie Harris and Brandon deWilde are also preserved for posterity in the film.

Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author Mark Bego. Mark has updated Mickey Dolenz's memoir just in time for the 60th anniversary of The Monkees. This honest and funny look back recounts Mickey's memories of the highs and lows of the crazy adventures of The Monkees. Brandon and Mark chat about their impact on pop culture and what made the show such an instant hit. The two also chat about Mark's history in show business and the many legendary personalities he has encountered.
"I'm a Believer: My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness" by Mickey Dolenz and Mark Bego is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold.
Mark Bego is a New York Times best-selling author of sixty-two books on rock ‘n’ roll, country music, and show business. Heralded in Publishers Weekly as “The Prince of Pop Music Bios,” his biographies have covered Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Billy Joel, with 11 million copies of his books in print. Bego lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most taut political thrillers of the 1960s. Brandon welcomes ,film historian, Paul T. Klein to discuss 1964's Seven Days in May. The film captures the paranoia and claustrophobia of the Cold War era in a way that still captivates. Brandon and Paul break down the direction by John Frankenheimer, script by Rod Serling and performances of the legendary ensemble cast.
You can find more information about Paul at https://www.ptklein.com/

Front Row Classics is happy to welcome author Howard Gutner. Howard has recently penned a book devoted to the life and career of costume designer, Travis Banton. "Banton of Paramount: Haute Couture in Hollywood's Golden Age" looks at the man responsible for creating the images of legendary women like Carole Lombard, Mae West and Marlene Dietrich. 
"Banton of Paramount: Haute Couture in Hollywood's Golden Age" is available from Lyons Press wherever books are sold.
Howard Gutner first became interested in the Hollywood studio system and its traditional blend of business and art while attending the film studies program at Northwestern University. In 2001 he published Gowns by Adrian: The MGM Years1928–1941 (Harry N. Abrams). This book was the first comprehensive review of Adrian’s career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Gutner's most recent book is MGM Style: Cedric Gibbons and the Art of the Golden Age of Hollywood. He lives in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend, Maureen Lee Lenker. Brandon and Maureen are taking a look at movies where heat radiates from the screen. Brandon and Maureen discuss their personal top 5 films that makes your home theater feel humid just from their aesthetic. The two cover films from the Golden Age through the modern era.