Brandon Davis

2 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Brandon Davis

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 about her love of the state of Connecticut and its complicated history. We also spend time discussing her grandfather, the legendary Melvyn Douglas.

3 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Brandon Davis

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 Mayukh discuss the origins and research process of the book as well as some of the high points of Oberon's life.

4 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Brandon Davis

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 Oscar nominated song by Hoagy Carmichael. The film also benefits from a strong cast featuring Dana Andrews, Susan Hayward, Brian Donlevy, Ward Bond and Lloyd Bridges.

1 month ago | nprillinois.org | Brandon Davis

It's been an eventful awards season with many front-runners still up in the air as we approach the biggest night in the film industry; The Academy Awards.

1 month ago | nprillinois.org | Brandon Davis

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. Brandon receives Jacqueline's thoughts on four of the films featured this month: In the Heat of the Night, Cabin in the Sky, Sounder and All About Eve.