Show Notes
Front Row Classics welcomes back author Kristen Lopez to chat about her newest volume of "But Have You Read the Book?". Kristen recently penned "But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition: 40 Love Stories That Inspired Our Favorite Films". The book chronicles forty great romantic literary works and how they adapted to the big screen. From the Golden Age through Modern Day, Brandon and Kristen celebrate how romance has defined the movie going experience But Have You Read the Book? Romance Edition: 40 Love Stories That Inspired Our Favorite Films is available from TCM and Running Press wherever books are sold. Kristen Lopez is a pop culture essayist, critic, and editor whose articles have appeared at Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, MTV, TCM, and Roger Ebert. She was previously the Film Editor for TheWrap and the TV Editor for IndieWire. She is a two-time National Arts and Entertainment winner and was nominated for a SoCal Journalism Award by the LA Press Club.
More from The Front Row Network
Front Row Classics is taking a look at 1963's Charade. Brandon is joined by Matt Duffy to take a look at the most-Hitchcock like film that wasn't directed by Hitch himself. Directed by Stanley Donen, the movie is a suspenseful comedic mystery and still feels fresh in 2026. Brandon and Matt discuss the charm of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn and how the constant plot twists keep the momentum and fun at a high pace.
Front Row Classics is taking a look at 1963's Charade. Brandon is joined by Matt Duffy to take a look at the most-Hitchcock like film that wasn't directed by Hitch himself. Directed by Stanley Donen, the movie is a suspenseful comedic mystery and still feels fresh in 2026. Brandon and Matt discuss the charm of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn and how the constant plot twists keep the momentum and fun at a high pace.
Front Row Classics is taking a look at the Best Actress winning performance of 1948. Brandon is joined by, friend of the podcast, Holley Snaith. They two are discussing Johnny Belinda starring Jane Wyman. Directed by Jean Negulesco, this drama tells the story of Wyman as a young woman who is "deaf-mute" and lives with her father and aunt in Canada. The movie explores the themes and consequences of spreading lies & rumors. Brandon and Holley also celebrate the performances of Lew Ayres, Charles Bickford and Agnes Moorehead.
Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome podcaster and host, Tommy Kovac. Brandon and Tommy discuss his love of film and how it inspired him to host his own show. The conversation then turns to Batman (1966). The two hosts discuss the highlights and fun that continues to permeate these decades later.
Front Row Classics welcomes back our friend, Jessica Pickens. Brandon and Jessica pick up where they left off with their "trashy movie" discussion from earlier in the year. They're taking a look at 1957's Peyton Place. The two not only re-visited the movie, they also took a look at the original book by Grace Metalious. The conversation includes the highlights of the film and why it might be better than the book itself.