2022 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival (#TCMFF) Recap

The 2022 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival has come and gone. It went by so fast, as it always does, but it was great to see friends I hadn't seen in two years. This year, I went a day before the festival started.

It was always tough arriving on the day of the festival and jumping into watching movies. I found myself falling asleep during the last movie of the evening. So arriving Wednesday morning meant I could relax before the festival got started. This year, due to the pandemic, we had to pick up our badges in person. Every other year, badges were mailed to us. We had to prove that we were vaccinated before we could get our festival badge. Once we proved our vaccination status, we were given a wristband that we had to show to get into certain venues.

Day One

Thursday morning, I went to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The venue is interesting. Part of the museum was a repurposing of the old May Company Department Store at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The museum is part of Museum Row, which is on the Miracle Mile.

One of the prop sleds from Citizen Kane

The museum was a bit of a disappointment. There didn't seem to be any logic, at least any logic that I could figure out, to how the museum was organized. I thought we would be exposed to the history of film from its very beginnings, but that wasn't the case. There were exhibits that seemed almost random to me. There was an exhibit of artifacts from Citizen Kane next to artifacts from Brue Lee movies. 

The famous matte painting of Mt. Rushmore from North By Northwest

Many of the exhibits were interesting, including the matte painting from Alfred Hitchcock's North By Northwest (1959). It was photo-realistic and a favorite spot for folks to take pictures. If you positioned your camera properly, you could appear to be at the famous landmark.

Posters from movies made for Black audiences from the silent era to early talkies

It isn't cheap to go to the Academy Museum, so do your research before you plan your trip.

Here I am with the winning team, featuring Lara Gabrielle (in blue), me (the only guy on the team), and Karen Hannsberry (in black next to host Bruce Goldstein).

At 3 p.m. in the Blossom Room (Club TCM) of the Roosevelt Hotel, it was time for So You Think You Know Movies, one of the hardest classic movie trivia contests around, Bruce Goldstein, repertory program director of New York's Film Forum and founder of Rialto Pictures, was the host of the annual event. You can play this team challenge (2-8 members each). The questions are really tough. Year after year, I go thinking I have a chance but have ended up humiliated for the last six years. But this year was different. My team won! Not only did we win, but we won outright. Generally, there are a few teams tied that require a tiebreaker. As winners, we received a canvas tote bag with a DVD collection, a book, and refrigerator magnets. To see if you could have been a winner, click here.

Since I had a Classic pass, going to see E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982) was out of the question. So my choices were The Harvey Girls (1946), Jeweel Robbery (1932), The Slender ThreadI (1965), Tender Mercies (1983), and Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. So which film did I choose? The Harvey Girls. I've seen it before but never on the big screen so that's why I made that choice. To see the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe number on the big screen was a treat.

Eddie Bracken, Ella Raines, and William Demarest
in a publicity shot from Hail the Conquering Hero

The next choices were difficult. The choices were Lover Come Back (1981), Topkapi (1964), Hail the Conquering Hero (1944), and A Star is Born (1937). I've seen all of these movies and saw a great print of A Star is Born at the TCMFF several years ago. So which movie did I choose? Hail the Conquering Hero.

Day Two

Friday morning, I had five movie choices: The Sunshine Boys (1975), Maisie Gets Her Man (1942), The Gunfighter (1950), Dinner at Eight (1933), and The Jungle Book (1967). There were a couple of movies in this grouping that I hadn't seen. So which movie did I choose? Maisie Gets Her Man. I'm a fan of Ann Sothern and I had never seen this Maisie movie before. And co-starring with Sothern in an early film role was Red Skelton. I've been a fan of Skelton since I was a boy, watching his weekly television show.  The film was introduced by actress Kate Flannery, an Ann Sothern superfan. She set up the movie and the cast perfectly which made me enjoy it all the more.

In between the morning and afternoon movies was the Lily Tomlin hand and footprint ceremony in the Chinese Theatre courtyard. I've never attended any of these ceremonies in the past, mainly because you have to miss two movie showings if you do. I always pass. Congratulations, Lily!

The afternoon's offerings included Tootsie (1982), The Group (1966), Spy Smasher Strikes Back (1942), Coming Home (1978). Also on the schedule was a short film A Little Song, A Little Dance (2022). So which movie did I choose? None! Instead of the movies, I went to Club TCM to see Mark McCray present Looney Tunes in Hollywood. It was a fun look at how (primarily) Warner Bros. animators portrayed the movie stars of the day in cartoon form. McCray, an animation historian was energetic and entertaining in his presentation of the clips he chose. I was glad I choose this presentation over the movies.

John Rait and Doris Day (center) in the delightful The Pajama Game

Later in the afternoon, I had pretty much made up my mind I was going to see one movie. My choices were All of Me (1984), The Pajama Game (1957), Pride of the Marines (1945), Queen Bee (1955), and Lillies of the Field (1963). Also during the afternoon was A Conversation with Bruce Dern in Club TCM. So which movie did I choose? I chose The Pajama Game. There was really no other choice for me. I had never seen it before and I'm a huge Doris Day fan so it was a no-brainer. The film was introduced by Eddie Muller. The host of Noir Alley on TCM may seem like an unlikely person to introduce this movie, but Muller is an unabashed Day fan. He said when they announced that this film was being screened, he expressed his interest in introducing it. The only way he wouldn't have introduced it is if Bonnie Rait, actor John Rait's daughter, was available. Well, she wasn't so Eddie got the gig. This was a premier restoration of the classic musical and boy did it look amazing. The audience was really into the movie; we clapped after each musical number. It was only day two but knew this would be my best movie experience at the festival. And by Sunday, nothing had changed. It was far and away my favorite experience.

The evening choices were many but again, my choice was dictated by a decision I made before the final schedule was set. The choices were Giant (1956), The Letter (1940), Fatal Attraction (1987), It's Always Fair Weather (1955), The Gay Divorce (1934), Cocktail Hour (1933), I, The Jury 3D (1953), Nebraska (2013), Cooley High (1975), and Soylent Green (1973) poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. So which movie did I choose? Giant. From the moment they announced this film, I knew I had to see it. I always wanted to see Giant on the big screen and when I found out that they were premiering a new 4k restoration, that sealed the deal. TCM host Ben Mankiewicz conducted interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Stevens Jr., and Margaret Bodde, Executive Director of The Film Foundation. The movie never looked better and those 3+ hours just flew by. It was amazing to see Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean at the height of their attractiveness. 

For those who like to stay up late, there was a screening of Miracle Mile (1988). I have never had enough gas to stay up for any of these midnight screenings. I passed.

Day Three

Another full day at the movies. The morning choices were Houseboat (1958), The Third Man (1949), 100 Busy to Work (1932), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), and Return of the Secaucus Seven (1980). So which movie did I choose? I chose Houseboat (1958) starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. This might seem like an odd choice given the other film options but Houseboat was a favorite movie of mine as a kid so I was happy to see it on the big screen at the Chinese Theatre with an appreciative crowd. The film was introduced by film critic and journalist Tara McNamara who was enthusiastic about the movie, but kept referring to Sophia Loren's husband as "Carlos." You can't make a mistake like that at the TCM Film Festival!

The lunchtime movie schedule included Annie (1982), To Kil a Mockingbird (1962), Three on a Match (1932), The Last of Sheila (1973), and The Flame and the Arrow (1950). So which movie did I choose? I chose The Flame and the Arrow starring Burt Lancaster and Virginia Mayo. I had never seen this Technicolor swashbuckling adventure. It was interesting because Lancaster and friend and co-star Nick Cravat did their own stunts which are pretty spectacular. The film was introduced by Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burt and Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Crag Barron. Both Burt and Barron are regulars at the TCM Film Festival and are probably the most entertaining presenters the festival has ever seen. The two friends have a great report and are audience favorites.

Theresa Harris and Barbara Stanwyck in Baby Face

Later in the afternoon, the choices were The Wizard of Oz (1939), Somewhere in Time (1980), A Man Called Adam (1966), The Tall T (1957), and Baby Face (1933). Again, for me, there was no choice so I chose Baby Face. Introduced by Bruce Goldstein who called the film the Citizen Kane of pre-Code films and that it is. The movie features a dynamic performance by Barbara Stanwyck in an early role. The movie also stars George Brent, Douglass Dumbrille, and Theresa Harris. The film was screened in the Hollywood Legion Theater, one of the most comfortable theaters being used at the festival.

Dinnertime movies included Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Hustler (1961), Little Women (1949), The French Way (1945), Invaders from Mars (1953), and Counsellor at Law (1933). So which movie did I choose? I chose Invaders from Mars. I remember watching this movie as a kid on Saturday afternoons and being terrified. I hadn't seen it in decades so I was keen to see this newly restored print. Boy was I surprised to realize that the movie was in color! I had watched the movie on a black and white television back in the day. The movie was introduced by the director, writer John Sayles. In the audience was Jimmy Hunt who starred as David MacLean. It was fun seeing this film after so many years. I was surprised at how much of the film I remembered. I was glad I saw it.

The evening selections were Singin' in the Rain (1952), Force of Evil (1948), Portrait of Jenny (1948), Drunken Master II (1994), Diner (1982), and Blue Hawaii (1961). So which movie did I choose? None! I was exhausted and went to bed early. And forget about the midnight showing of Polyester (1981).

Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor in Waterloo Bridge

Day Four--the last day!

Sunday was the last day and the last day of the TCM Film Festival is always bitter-sweet. But there were still a lot of movies to choose from. The morning film choices were Paper Moon (1973), After the Thin Man (1936), Waterloo Bridge (1940), Wim Wenders, Desperado (2020), and Spartacus (1960). So which movie did I choose? I chose Waterloo Bridge. I chose Waterloo Bridge. The movie was introduced by writer, actor, and film historian Sloan De Forest. Unfortunately, the movie we saw was an edited version that didn't make some scenes quite clear. Still, the film was enjoyable for the performances of Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor and the direction of Mervyn LeRoy.

Piper Laurie interview in Club TCM

The lunchtime movies included Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), High Noon (1952), Fly-by-Night (1942), and Popi (1969). Well, I chose Fly-by-Night but I didn't get into that one. So I decided to go to Club TCM for A Conversation with Piper Laurie. I was happy to see Laurie. She was scheduled for the festival two years ago but due to the pandemic, her appearance was postponed. We're so fortunate to have her with us still at age 90! She had an interesting life and career and she seems very happy with herself, her career, and the choices she made.

The later afternoon choices included The Sting (1973), Has Anybody Seen My Gal (1952), Key Largo (1948), Evenings for Sale (1932), The Pajama Game (1957), Three on a Match (1932), and The Letter (1940). Some movies that were shown in smaller venues or were very popular get repeated on Sunday so you get a second chance to see a movie you missed earlier in the week. I chose The Sting. I hadn't seen The Sting on the big screen since it was first released so I thought it would be fun to see it on the big screen at the Chinese Theatre.

Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in 7th Heaven

The evening movie choices and the last movie (sniff) that I would see at the festival would be one of the following: A League of Their Own (1992), 7th Heaven (1927), Jewel Robbery (1932), Coffy (1973), and The Group (1966). I chose 7th Heaven. I had never seen the silent classic and I had always wanted to. The film was accompanied by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra which was wonderful. They also had a foley artist create sound effects which were pretty cool. I'm glad I saw this film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell who made a total of 12 films together.

Total films seen:

1. The Harvey Girls
2. Hail the Conquering Hero
3. Maisie Gets Her Man
4. The Pajama Game
5. Giant
6. Houseboat
7. The Flame and the Arrow
8. Baby Face
9. Invaders from Mars
10. Waterloo Bridge
11. The Sting
12. 7th Heaven

With the last movie screened, it was time for the Closing Night Reception at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel poolside. This too is bittersweet because we have to say goodbye to folks we probably won't see for at least a year and it's back to reality and day-to-day life back home.

It's been a week since I left for the TCM Film Festival and it seems like a long-ago distant memory.

Well, there's always next year!

Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival returns in 2022

The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival (TCMFF) returns to an in-person event April 21 - 24, 2022. For the last two years, the festival has been virtual.

The festival theme is “Back to the Big Screen.”

2022 FESTIVAL PASS INFORMATION: 

Passes for the 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival are set to go on sale to the public in November 2021. Fans will be able to purchase them exclusively through the TCM Classic Film Festival website. The number of passes available is limited, especially for top-level passes. As an expression of how excited we are to reunite with Festival fans in Hollywood, TCM is offering a special one-time Early Bird discount window on 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival passes. The dates for this discounted purchase window will be announced in the coming weeks via the TCM Classic Film Festival email newsletter. If you are not signed up to receive our TCM Classic Film Festival emails, click here to sign up today and select TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL. 

The “Spotlight” Festival Pass: $2,449 (Early Bird), $2,549 (Regular) – Includes all privileges available to “Classic” and “Essential” pass holders, plus priority entry to all screening events; entry to the exclusive Opening Night Gala party following the Opening Night red carpet screening at TCL Chinese Theatre; “meet and greet” events with TCM hosts and special guests; and a limited edition TCM Classic Film Festival poster. 

The “Essential” Festival Pass: $999 (Early Bird), $1,099 (Regular) – Includes all privileges available to “Classic” pass holders, plus entry to the Opening Night red carpet screening at TCL Chinese Theatre and a gift bag of official TCM Classic Film Festival collectibles. 

The “Classic” Festival Pass: $749 (Early Bird), $849 (Regular) – Includes four-day access to film programs at all Festival venues Thursday, April 21 – Sunday, April 24 (does not include admittance to the Opening Night red carpet screening at TCL Chinese Theatre or the Opening Night Gala party); access to all Club TCM events, panels and poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; an Opening Night Welcome Reception at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; and the Closing Night event. 

The “Palace” Festival Pass: $349 (Early Bird), $399 (Regular) – Includes three-day access to screenings Friday, April 22 – Sunday, April 24 at all Festival screening venues, excluding the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Multiplex and Club TCM. The Palace pass does not grant entry at any time to TCL Chinese 6 Theatres multiplex screenings, Club TCM events or official parties/receptions. This pass does not grant entry to any screening venue prior to Friday, April 22.

For complete festival information, click here.

2018 Turner Classic Film Festival (#TCMFF) Day 3

Saturday the 28th was the third day—second full day—of the TCM Film Festival. And what a tough beginning to the day (To borrow a movie quote, “were there enough days in that sentence?”). There were four movies that I would have loved to have seen, but I had to choose one.

Dana Andrews (center) in The Ox-Bow Incident

His Girl Friday (1940) is a favorite of mine and it would have been great to see it with an audience in the Chinese Theatre and who doesn’t love the teaming of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell? Kiss Me Deadly (1955) is a movie that I’ve never understood its appeal; this was an easy pass for me. Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938) would have been great fun with Mickey Rooney, Lana Turner and Judy Garland before they became screen legends. And another favorite, A Letter to Three Wives (1949) I would have really loved to have seen with an audience. In my opinion this Joseph L. Mankiewicz classic (he won Oscars for his writing and direction) holds up better than All About Eve, the movie he made the next year. I decided to go to the Egyptian Theatre to see The Ox-Bow Incident (1943). This modest western was a favorite of the film’s star, Henry Fonda. The film is a tragic example of what happens when men take the law into their own hands. When word comes to town that a man has been shot dead, a group of men decide to find and hang the murderer. The supporting cast is excellent. It includes Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn, Francis Ford, Jane Darwell, Harry Davenport, Harry Morgan, and William Eythe. Andrews is a standout as one of the victims at the hands of the posse. Fonda delivers a solid performance as a member of the posse who doesn’t go along with the mob. William Wellman, who also counted this as among his favorites, directed the film. Scott Eyman who is the author of the recent biography Hank and Jim: The Fifty-Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart, introduced the movie. The movie was shown in a digital format that looked flawless.

The next choice at 11:30 a.m. was pretty easy. Bullitt (1968) starring Steve McQueen was a film that I had never seen from beginning to end. I’d seen clips of the famous car chase, but again, I never sat down to watch the whole film. The IMAX screen in the Chinese Theatre was the perfect venue in which to watch this movie. When the car chase happened, it was incredible and it holds up amazingly well. Actress Jacqueline Bisset was scheduled to appear at the screening, but she canceled at the last minute due to a family emergency. Eddie Muller, who was set to interview Bisset, expressed his disappointment at this turn of events, but managed to pull it together and deliver a good introduction.

My next film was another easy choice for me. I chose Sunset Boulevard (1950) because it’s just an amazing piece of filmmaking, directed by the legendary Billy Wilder. The movie takes a look at Hollywood in a most unglamorous light, which was a big risk at the time of its release. The Studio System was still in effect and many in Hollywood, including Louis B. Mayer, hated it. The film also features a great early performance by William Holden as Joe Gillis and was his first collaborative work with director Wilder. Gloria Swanson also delivers an amazing performance as silent film star Norma Desmond, winning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in the process. She lost out to Judy Holiday. On the big screen in the Chinese, Sunset Boulevard looked just perfect…and Sunset Boulevard is an almost perfect movie. Nancy Olson who starred as Betty in the film was interviewed by Ben Mankiewicz before the screening.

Nancy Kwan and William Holden in The World of Suzie Wong

Another relatively easy pick for me came up at 6:30 p.m. The World of Suzie Wong (1960) starring William Holden and Nancy Kwan in her film debut. I had never seen this movie, being too young to have seen it in the movies (I was only three at the time) and when it finally arrived on network TV, I wasn’t allowed to watch it (once again, I was too young as far as my parents were concerned). By today’s standards, the movie is fairly tame, but it does deal with serious issues of race, sex, discrimination, and marriage. And it does so in a way that I found interesting and not as dated as I had been led to believe. Before the film, Kwan was interviewed by film historian Donald Bogle. She talked about her early life and how she entered acting completely by accident. Kwan was studying ballet in London and was discovered in her native Hong Kong when she visited the studio where they were testing for the role of Suzie Wong. Kwan wanted the opportunity to see some of her favorite actresses in person. She had no intention of auditioning herself. I enjoyed listening to Kwan talk about the movie, working with Holden (a good experience for her), and how her movie career wasn’t sustainable due to too few roles for Asian actresses.

The last movie of the night for me was Gigi (1958). I though it would be great to see this film on a big screen because every frame looks like a painting. I was not disappointed. The digital restoration was beautiful. The music by Lerner and Lowe is memorable, as is the cast: Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jordan, Hermione Gingold, and Leslie Caron as Gigi. Caron was perfect in the role; it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing her. The tuneful classic was the perfect end to the third day of the festival.

Looking ahead to day four of the festival. Some good choices in the morning: Once Upon a Time in The West (1968), The Black Stallion (1979), Woman of the Year (1942), Tunes of Glory (1960). What movie will I choose? What movie would you pick for your first movie on the last (sniff) day of the festival?

2018 Turner Classic Film Festival (#TCMFF) Day 1

It’s hard to believe that the 2018 TCM Film Festival is over. My anticipation builds as soon as the weather turns chilly here in Chicago. Dreaming about the film festival and warm days and nights in Los Angeles helps me get through the winter. Plus it’s great reconnecting with friends from all over the country and the world.

This year’s festival began for me on Thursday, April 26. Flying out of Chicago’s Midway airport in the morning and arriving in LA four hours later…in the morning! After leaving the airport and heading for the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where fellow classic movie fans gather in the Blossom Room—the room where the very first Academy Awards ceremony was held in 1929—to hang out and chat, celebrity watch, and watch everyone arrive. After the couple of hours of meeting and greeting, it’s check in time at the Air B & B; this year barely a block away from the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Score!

After checking in, it’s back to the Hollywood Roosevelt for the hardest movie trivia game ever, “So You Think You Know Movies,” hosted by Bruce Goldstein, repertory program director of New York’s Film Forum. I think my knowledge of classic movies is pretty good, but every year, this event just crushes me. We assembled a good team, but we came up extremely short.

As usual I opted for the Classic Pass, which doesn’t include the red carpet presentation movie (this year Mel Brooks’s The Producers). The bump in price has never seemed worth it and there are plenty of movies to choose from while the celebrities mingle with ordinary folk on the red carpet at the Chinese Theater. The first movie I saw was To Have And Have Not (1944) directed by Howard Hawks. I’ve seen bits and pieces of this film over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it from beginning to end. The film that introduced Lauren Bacall to film audiences starred Humphrey Bogart who would end up marrying his 19-year-old leading lady the next year. The 35MM print provided by Warner Bros. Classics looked great on the big screen at the Egyptian Theatre and was the perfect movie to start my 2018 TCMFF.

The next movie on my agenda was The Sea Wolf (1941) directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino, and John Garfield. The supporting cast includes Gene Lockhart, Alexander Knox, and Barry Fitzgerald. Besides being a fan of all three stars, this movie went through a restoration. In 1947, Warner Brothers paired The Sea Wolf with The Sea Hawk (1940) on a double bill. In order to get more screenings in, Warners cut 14 minutes from The Sea Wolf. Those 14 minutes were thought lost forever until a 35MM nitrate print was discovered at the Museum of Modern Art. What we saw at the Chinese Multiplex House # 6 was a beautiful digital restoration that looked brand new. The performances of Robinson, Lupino, and Garfield are extraordinary. Robinson’s performance is especially good; it’s hard to believe he was never nominated for a competitive Oscar—neither was Lupio; Garfield was nominated twice: Best Supporting Actor in Four Daughters (1938) and Best Actor in Body and Soul (1947). By the time The Sea Wolf ended, it was nearly 11:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. Chicago time!). Time to get some shuteye and plan on what movie to see Friday morning. Here are my three choices: The Merry Widow (1934), Strangers on a Train (1951), and Intruder in the Dust (1949). Which movie would you pick?

2018 #TCMFF dates set: April 26 – April 29

The dates for the 2018 Turner Classic Film Festival (TCMFF) have been announced: April 26 – April 29. The 2018 theme will be Powerful Words: The Page Onscreen.

TCL Chinese Theatre

According the the TCM website, “Writing focuses visions, reflects our feelings and inspires great performances on both sides of the camera. Join us for the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival, celebrating the representation of the written word on the silver screen. From original screenplays to unique adaptations to portrayals of writers real and imagined, we will celebrate the foundation of great film: the written word.”

Passes for the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival will go on sale in November 2017. Passes are limited, especially the top-level (and priced) “Spotlight” passes.

Pass information and pricing:

The “Spotlight” Festival Pass: $2,149 – Includes all privileges available to “Classic” and “Essential” passholders, priority entry to all screening events; plus entry to the Opening Night Gala party; meet-and-greet events with TCM hosts and special guests, and a limited edition TCM Classic Film Festival poster.

The “Essential” Festival Pass: $799 – Includes all privileges available to “Classic” passholders, plus entry to the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala screening at TCL Chinese Theatre and official TCM Classic Film Festival collectibles.

The “Classic” Festival Pass: $649 – Includes four-day access to film programs at all festival venues Thursday, April 26 – Sunday, April 29 (does not include admittance to the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala screening at TCL Chinese Theatre or the opening night party); access to all Club TCM events, panels and poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; an opening night welcome reception at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; and the closing night event.

The “Palace” Festival Pass: $299 – Includes three-day access to screenings at three historic venues, Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29 :  the TCL Chinese Theatre (excluding the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala), the Egyptian Theatre, and poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Note: This pass does not grant entry to the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres multiplex, Club TCM events or official parties and receptions.

Editor’s note: The “Classic” pass is the one I have gotten the past three years. It gets you into just about everything except the Thursday Opening Night Red Carpet Gala. I think it’s the best value for the money.

For helpful hints for those attending their first TCM Classic Film Festival, check out the link here.

Classic Pass from 2017 TCMFF

2017 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival (#TCMFF) Recap: The First Day

Hollywood, Thursday April 6, 2017
The first day of the 2017 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival started for me as a reunion of sorts. After checking into my room, I headed toward the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Club TCM to catch up with #TCMParty friends. Then it was a mad dash to the hotel pool for the annual #TCMParty “class photo.” The last two years I’ve missed the photo, but this year I was determined. After some confusion about the pool area being closed, I made it! I guess three’s a charm.

Since I had the Classic Pass, I wasn’t able to attend the 50th anniversary screening of In the Heat of the Night (1967). So my choices were Love Crazy (1941), Some like it Hot (1959), Jezebel (1938), the documentary Dawson City: Frozen in Time (2016), and the poolside screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). For me, the choice was pretty easy. I decided on Love Crazy with William Powell and Myrna Loy at the Egyptian. Actress Dana Delaney introduced the film and she was excited to do so, being a big Powell/Loy fan. This movie was new to me and it was hilarious. As always, Powell and Loy didn’t disappoint, but the movie featured great support from Gail Patrick, playing the other woman, of course, and Florence Bates, the mother-in-law from hell. And then there’s the always dependable Jack Carson on loan from Warner Bros. as the “other man.” This was a great pick to open my festival and a chance to appreciate the exceptional comic abilities of Powell and Loy, the perfect screen team.

Next up was a choice between The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), Harold and Maude (1971), Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962), and I’m All Right Jack (1959). Again, this was a pretty easy choice for me. I’ve seen The Man Who Knew Too Much before, but the chance to see this early Hitchcock classic featuring a nitrate print, sealed the deal for me. Martin Scorsese introduced the film, which was a big surprise since no introduction was mentioned in the printed program. He was excited to be able to share the nitrate print of this film with us. The Man Who Knew Too Much was also presented at the Egyptian (all the nitrate screenings were shown there) which made it really easy to just exit after Love Crazy and get on line for the Hitchcock classic! Nitrate prints boast a “luminous quality and higher contrast than the cellulose acetate film that replaced it,” but honestly, without a comparison, it was hard for me to notice any real difference. But it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the film. Even though I prefer the remake to the original, the 1934 version has a lot to offer in the way of suspense. We also get to see Edna Best as a leading lady before she started playing character parts like Martha Huggins in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947). Plus the way the villain is dispatched is amazingly cool and completely Hitchcockian!

Alfred Hitchcock directing The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

After that is was bedtime. Friday would be the first full day and the first films screened at 9 a.m. And my choices would be: Rafter Romance (1933), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Cry, The Beloved Country (1951), Beyond the Mouse, The 1930s Cartoons of UB Iwerks, and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). What film did I choose?

What film would you choose?

2016 #TCMFF: Sunday, The Third Full (and Last) Day

The last full day of the film festival is always a little sad. Even though the schedule is crammed with movies, it’s the realization that all good things must come to an end. On the positive side, my Thursday strategy of seeing The More The Merrier over Shanghai Express (1932) paid off. Shanghai Express was a TBD scheduled for noon.

Bobby Henrey and Ralph Richardson in The Fallen Idol

The first movie I saw on Sunday was Carol Reed’s The Fallen Idol (1948). This film from the UK starring Ralph Richardson and Michelle Morgan was one that I had never seen before. It was an intriguing tale of a diplomat’s son Philippe (Bobby Henrey) who idolizes his father’s butler, Baines (Richardson). To keep the young boy occupied, Baines made up stories about his life in Africa, a place he has never been. After Philippe witnesses a tragic accident, what’s true and what’s false gets complicated. The Fallen Idol was wonderfully directed and acted, especially by Richardson. After the movie, Bobby Henrey who played Philippe talked about his experiences making the film. Unfortunately, I had to dash before Henrey really got going in order to get in line to see Shanghai Express (1932).

I had never seen the film, directed by Dietrich’s mentor Josef von Sternberg. The restoration was flawless. Shanghai Express was Dietrich’s most commercially successful film and for good reason. The story moves along briskly and is beautifully filmed by Lee Garmes who won an Academy Award for his efforts. I was especially impressed with the slow screen dissolves, which instead of being a device to go from one scene to the other, actually helped advance the narrative. Dietrich never looked more glamorous and Garmes photographed her in the most flattering light; she looked absolutely stunning. The supporting cast is a who’s who of early-1930s cinema: Clive Brook, Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, and Eugene Pallette.

There was some time in between Shanghai Express and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming (1966) so I went to the Roosevelt Hotel to hang out and visit with some people. While I was there, the folks promoting the TCM Backlot fan club had a trivia contest. I answered a question correctly and won a t-shirt and baseball cap, both with the TCM Backlot logo. Woohoo!

My trivia winnings

I was looking forward to seeing The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming for two reasons: 1. I hadn’t seen it since I saw it in the movies with my parents and 2. I was finally going to see Eva Marie Saint in person. Saint was in Chicago several years ago with Robert Osborne for a special screening of North By Northwest, but I was unable to attend. I thought, well that’s that; I’ll never get the opportunity to see her again. When I saw that she was on the TCM Film Festival schedule I almost couldn’t believe it. It’s hard to believe that Saint is 92 years old. She’s so vibrant and funny. She really enjoyed making The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming and she shared some stories related to its production that were both interesting and amusing. Though the political climate between Russia and the United States has changed since the movie was released 50 years ago, it’s still hilarious. The cast was loaded with great comic actors, including Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, Brian Keith, and Paul Ford. Again, even though the film is 50 years old, it’s aged very well.

Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray, and Jack Buchanan from The Bandwagon

Well it finally came…the last movie of the festival. Once again, I chose a film that I hadn’t seen before. The film was introduced by director and choreographer Susan Stroman and Illeana Douglas. Hard to believe, but I had never seen The Bandwagon (1953) before. The musical stars Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Nanette Fabray, Jack Buchanan (who stole the picture in my opinion), and Oscar Levant. The plot is a thin one, Fred is a washed up song-and-dance man attempting a Broadway comeback, but it’s really all about the dancing and musical numbers. Director Vincent Minnelli and producer Arthur Freed gave The Bandwagon that MGM polish with its vibrant Technicolor photography. Far from my favorite film musical, it was enjoyable mostly for the talent involved. After the film it was time to pose for some photos, touch base with some friends and head to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to say my good-byes and prepare for the early morning wake-up call and trip to the airport.

Here’s to next year’s festival!

Films seen after four days:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Brief Encounter

The More The Merrier

The Conversation

It’s A Wonderful Life

The Manchurian Candidate

Bambi

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid

Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell

The King and I

The Fallen Idol

Shanghai Express

The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming

The Band Wagon

2016 #TCMFF: The Festival Begins
2016 #TCMFF: The First Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Saturday, The Second Full Day

2016 #TCMFF: Saturday, The Second Full Day

Saturday the second full day of the festival offered some really great films. Fortunately, the choices were easier (for me) than on Thursday. The movie I chose to see in the morning was Bambi (1942). I only saw Bambi once before in the movie theater, but I love classic Disney. They always remind me of my youth growing up. My older sister always took me to the movies and we saw just about every Disney movie released or re-released between 1962 and 1970. Those were good times. Movies are like music, when viewed they can bring back past memories and emotions.

Donnie Dunagan was the voice and model for Bambi.

Author and filmmaker William Joyce interviewed Donnie Dunagan, the voice of Bambi, before the movie. Dunagan was an absolute delight. He charmed us with his stories about working at Disney (he also posed for Bambi’s facial expressions) when the studio facilities were brand new and how he squirted a grumpy Disney executive in the back of the head with his water pistol. According to Dunagan, he was the only Disney employee who didn’t like kids; he said everyone else was so nice to him. Dunagan went on to explain that being the voice of Bambi has given him many opportunities to meet people. He told the story of a young handicapped girl in a wheelchair brought to meet him by her parents. Dunagan introduced himself and he asked what her name was. She replied, “you can call me Flower if you want to.” Okay, we knew we’d be crying somewhere during Bambi, but we hadn’t counted on getting misty during the introduction. Joyce did a wonderful job interviewing Dunagan, carefully not making the interview about him (Alec Baldwin take note.).

Dunagan stayed around after the movie was over. I got to shake his hand and have him say, “enjoy your life!” What a treat; I will never forget that experience. Oh, the movie was good too!

Carl Reiner was interviewed by Illeana Douglas.

Next I was off to spend “An Afternoon With Carl Reiner” and the screening of Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982). The movie, a homage and spoof of film noir movies from the 1940s was a hoot. Hearing the entire audience howl with laughter inside the Chinese Theatre was contagious. Starring Steve Martin (looking so young) and Rachel Ward (looking so beautiful), the film was a technical marvel, splicing pieces of famous films noir starring the likes of Alan Ladd, Barbara Stanwyck, Ray Milland, Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford, Burt Lancaster, and Ava Gardner, to name a few. I enjoyed it more this time then when first released since my depth and knowledge of classic films is much deeper.

After the movie, Reiner was interviewed by Illeana Douglas. Reiner talked about his early career as a writer and performer and how The Dick Van Dyke show came about. He had some great stories, including how he chose Mary Tyler Moore to play Van Dyke’s wife Laura in the classic sitcom. He reminisced about working on movies like The Thrill Of It All with Doris Day and James Garner and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming with Eva Marie Saint (who would introduce the film Sunday afternoon) and Alan Arkin, in his first major film role. It was great to be able to see this living comedy legend in person.

Phil Silvers, Peter Lawford, Gina Lollobridgida, and Telly Savalas in Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell

The next set of movies presented itself with some more tough choices: Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell (1968), The Big Sleep (1946), The War of the Worlds (1953), which was newly restored, and The Yearling (1946), featuring Claude Jarman Jr. I had seen all of the movies before, except Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell. I really wanted to hear Jarman talk about what it was like working with Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, but I opted to see Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell with Gina Lollobrigida. Lollobrigida at 87 is still beautiful and vibrant. She talked about how she never intended to be an actress (she studied art), but started out playing bit parts for money, which she needed and then being offered lead roles in Italian films, and then finally making it to Hollywood. The movie was delightful and what a cast: Lollobrigida in the title role, Shelley Winters, Peter Lawford, Phil Silvers, Janet Margolin, Lee Grant, and Telly Savalas! Lollobrigida kept the movie moving smoothly with great comedic skill and charm. Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell, according to the TCM Film Festival guide was the uncredited inspiration for the musical Mamma Mia! Once again, the great Chinese Theatre was filled with riotous laughter watching some of the greatest talents from the mid-20th century. What a joy!

Deborah Kerr and Yul Bryner in The King and I presented in Cinemascope 55

Next up was the restored version of The King and I (1956). I think the last time I saw this movie was at least 30 years ago. The movie was introduced by Rita Moreno who talked about how she was cast and what it was like working on such a big budget film with stars Deborah Kerr and Yul Bryner. The Cinemascope 55 restoration was perfect. This was another movie on the Chinese Theatre’s great screen and it looked amazing. After the movie ended, I sprinted to the multiplex to get in line for Midnight (1939), one of my favorite screwball comedies.

The cast of Midnight; did I mention I didn’t get to see this one?

Another disappointment: Midnight was sold out! There wasn’t anything else I really wanted to see so I consoled myself the only way I knew how. I had a late sit-down dinner. I tweeted my disappointment and when I saw tweets from those mentioning Bonnie Hunt’s introduction to the movie, I wanted to scream, but I somehow managed to control myself. I’m so mature. Still I managed to see four movies. Not bad at all!

Sunday is the last day (boo, hoo) of the festival. Will my Friday strategy pay off? Check back and see.

Films seen after three days:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Brief Encounter
The More The Merrier
The Conversation
It’s A Wonderful Life
The Manchurian Candidate

Bambi

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid

Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell

The King and I

*Picture of Carl Reiner and Illeana Douglas courtesy of Kristina Dijan

2016 #TCMFF: The Festival Begins
2016 #TCMFF: The First Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Sunday, The Third Full (and Last) Day

2016 #TCMFF: The Festival Begins

The air temperature during this year’s Turner Classic Movies Film Festival may have been cool, but there was plenty of warmth in the air when classic movie fans gathered at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Thursday afternoon. Meeting fellow movie bloggers and other social media friends was like a high school reunion. And just like a high school reunion, we all picked up where we left off at last year’s fest.

While we were all catching up at the Roosevelt Hotel, we had the pleasure of meeting Monika Henreid, actor Paul Henreid’s daughter. I spent a few pleasant moments chatting with her and sharing one of my favorites of her father’s films, Devotion (1946). Monika is preparing a documentary about her famous dad, Paul Henreid…Beyond Victor Laszlo. The 90-minute documentary and companion book are set for a 2017 release.

Thursday’s film choices were easy ones for me: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) and Brief Encounter (1945). It’s been over 25 years since I saw A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and I’d never seen Brief Encounter before.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Elia Kazan’s first directorial effort, was beautifully restored. Ted Donaldson who played Neely in the film introduced it. His recollections of the film’s production and the other cast members was enlightening and entertaining. He also told a funny story about Joan Blondell who he had a crush on.

Brief Encounter was completely new to me, although I was familiar with its reputation as one of the great films to come out of Britain during the 1940s. Beautifully directed by David Lean, Brief Encounter was a simple love story set in Britain as WWII was winding down. It has wonderful performances from Celia Johnson (a Best Actress nominee) and Trevor Howard. I was glad I finally saw it and on the big screen too!

Last year the festival was almost a month earlier and it was hot! This year, figuring it would be the same, I packed mostly shorts and t-shirts. I even brought a bathing suit to go swimming. The temperature barely reached the 50s and this Chicago boy was freezing most of the time. I ended up wearing the jeans and hoodie I wore to the airport the entire time. It was the same hoodie I brought last year, that I only wore in the theaters which seemed to get colder the longer the movie ran. Tip: If you go to the festival, bring a sweater or a hoodie because the theaters do get chilly. This year I watched several movies with my hood on.

Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea and Charles Coburn in The More The Merrier

I had a good idea what I wanted to see this year, but Monday morning’s screenings were all good. I wanted to see The More the Merrier (1943), Shanghai Express (1932), and Love Me Or Leave Me (1955), all starting at roughly the same time. But I had a strategy. Check back later to see if my strategy worked!

2016 #TCMFF: The First Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Saturday, The Second Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Sunday, The Third Full (and Last) Day

#TCMFF Here I come!

Today I’m off to the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. The four-day event features some of the best in classic films and celebrities like Eva Marie Saint, Gina Lollabridgida, Rita Moreno, and Burt Reynolds. I’ll be posting pics via Facebook and Twitter so you can follow along with me.

The Egyptian Theater

Like last year, I plan to write several blog posts on the movies I saw and the people I met.

Eva Marie Saint will introduce this movie on Sunday.

2016 #TCMFF: The Festival Begins
2016 #TCMFF: The First Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Saturday, The Second Full Day
2016 #TCMFF: Sunday, The Third Full (and Last) Day

2015 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival Recap

The 2015 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival ended Sunday evening, but here I am, on Tuesday still basking in the afterglow. As a first-time attendee, the festival exceeded my expectations.

I met attendees from around the country and the world, met fellow movie bloggers for the first time
that I’ve known online for years, and watched and enjoyed some favorite classic films—16 films in four days—on the big screen with fellow classic film enthusiasts. Honestly, what could be better than that?

Robert Osborne was missed, but the festival went forward without a hitch. With great hosts like Ben Mankiewicz—who my friend Kristina got to speak with right before she left—Illeana Douglas, Eddie Muller, and Leonard Maltin, who soldiered on with a twisted ankle, how could it go wrong?

I found it difficult to walk along Hollywood Boulevard with my mouth closed, viewing and taking photos of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the famous footprints—Jeanne Crain anyone?—in the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre. And what a treat to actually see these classic films in legendary movie palaces like the Pantages, The Egyptian, and El Capitan.


Surely one of the benefits of the festival is meeting and making friends with fellow classic movie fans. It was wonderful to finally meet Laura (How could I not like someone whose avatar is a pic of Deanna Durbin?) and Kristina, two bloggers I’ve followed for years and whose writing I admire. It was also fun to meet Joel and Trevor, two of the managers of @TCM_Party Twitter account and Kelly and Aurora, two of the most enthusiastic movie fans and all-around wonderul and friendly women on the planet (and okay, they write pretty well too).

Over the next few days and weeks I’ll give you a day-by-day recount of my experiences at the festival and I’m compiling some suggestions for first-time attendees (I hope many get the opportunity to attend). I mean, what could be better than watching a restored print of Calamity Jane with a theater full of Doris Day fans? Answer: not much!