Front Row Classics: A Hollywood Golden Age Podcast

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the film career of James Mason. Brandon is joined by friend of the pod, James Duke Mason (grandson of James Mason), and author Madeline King Porter. Madeline has recently penned a wonderful examination of Mason's life and career. "James Mason: The Movie Star Hollywood Forgot" is now available from University Press of Mississippi. The book has been a decade in making, and provides illuminating insight on Mason from many who worked with him.
Madeline King Porter is the best-selling coauthor of more than thirty mystery, historical, family saga, and modern romance novels and the first-ever winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Award for Mainstream Historical Romance for The Day Beyond Destiny. Her travel stories have appeared in publications throughout Southern California, including the Los Angeles Times.

Front Row Classics is celebrating 500 episodes. We're taking it a little simpler. Brandon is solo for this episode. He'll be answering questions from listeners and regular contributors to Front Row Classics while also giving some thoughts about what the show has meant to him.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most underrated romantic melodrama's of the 1930s. Brandon is joined, once again, by author and film professor Marsha Gordon. Brandon and Marsha are chatting about 1936's Next Time We Love. Based on Ursula Parrott's novel, the film features the wonderful Margaret Sullivan, Jimmy Stewart (in his first leading role) and Ray Milland. Brandon and Marsha discuss the origins, casting and highlights of their overlooked gem.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at a classic pre-code film from Warner Brothers. We're discussing Night Nurse from 1931. Brandon is joined once again by author Andre Darlington. Andre is the author of "Forbidden Cocktails", released in 2024 by TCM and Running Press. Brandon and Andre discuss the film which includes a tour-de-force from Barbara Stanwyck. The two also discuss the fine support from Joan Blondell and an early performance from Clark Gable.

Front Row Classics is taking a look at the life of Roddy McDowall Brandon is joined by Samuel Garza Bernstein to discuss his book, "Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life -- From "How Green Was My Valley" to "Lassie" to "Planet of the Apes". The two chat about Roddy's remarkable acting career as well as his passion for movies and photography. They also discuss his ability to become best friends with almost every major Hollywood figure of the 20th century.
"Roddy McDowall: An Actor's Life" is available from Penguin Random House wherever books are sold.
Samuel Garza Bernstein is a bestselling author, a Stonewall Book Award winner, and an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work often reflects the wild intersections of modern life. He, his husband Ronald Shore, and their pack of incorrigible dachshunds split their time between Porto, Portugal, and Los Angeles, California.