Category Archives: #TCM

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TCM Celebrates Legendary Actor Michael Douglas

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

Festival Lineup Also Features Cast Reunion of Christopher Guest’s Best in Show, Plus Appearances by Film and Television Icons John Landis, Dick Cavett and Bob Newhart

Special Presentations for 2017 Festival Include Rare Nitrate and Cinerama Screenings

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) recently announced that legendary actor Michael Douglas will attend the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival for a pair of major events. On April 8, Douglas will sit down with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz for an in-depth interview about his career at the legendary The Ricardo Montalbán Theatre as part of the annual Live from the TCM Classic Film Festival series. In addition, the Oscar®-winning icon will participate in a discussion following a screening of the 1979 thriller The China Syndrome, which he produced and starred in opposite Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon.

“Michael Douglas has been part of our collective Hollywood consciousness his entire life. From chasing bad guys through the streets of San Francisco to playing an iconic bad guy in Gordon Gekko, Michael has stayed not only relevant, but vital,” said Mankiewicz. “To say that I’m looking forward to discussing the career of an actor who played Liberace 38 years after producing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a huge understatement.”

TCM continues to add screen legends and beloved icons to its impressive lineup for the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival, which is set to take place April 6 – April 9 in Hollywood, including:

  • Best in Show (2000) – cast members from Christopher Guest’s acclaimed mockumentary – Fred Willard, John Michael Higgins, Jim Piddock and Bob Balaban – will be on hand to discuss the hilarious comedy about the eccentric characters competing at a national dog show.
  • Bob Newhart – the Golden Globe® and Emmy® winner will introduce a screening of Hell Is For Heroes (1962).
  • John Landis, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker – will attend a 40th Anniversary screening of their irreverent sketch comedy The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) and participate in a conversation about the film.
  • Dick Cavett –Emmy-winning television personality will introduce screenings of Monkey Business (1931), the first original film production from the Marx Brothers, Way Out West (1937) and sit down for a conversation in Club TCM.

In addition, the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival will present a number of rare screening events that celebrate cinema’s ability to immerse viewers in the film experience, including:

  • Nitrate Films – this years festival will showcase the history of cinema and highlight the institutions that work hard to protect original nitrate prints for contemporary audiences to experience, including Academy Film Archive, George Eastman Museum and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Lineup includes: Black Narcissus (1947), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), Laura (1944), and Lady in the Dark (1944) all shown at the Egyptian Theatre. Nitrate projection made possible through support of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Turner Classic Movies and The Film Foundation in partnership with the American Cinematheque and the Academy Film Archive.
  • Cinerama – a screeing of the very first film made for the ultra-widescreen process – the aptly titled This is Cinerama (1952) – in its original format presented at ArcLight Cinemas’ Cinerama Dome.
  • Speedy Accompanied by the Alloy Orchestra – a screening of the Harold Lloyd comedy Speedy (1928), with original music by the famed Alloy Orchestra.
  • Those Redheads from Seattle in 3D – the world-premiere restoration of the rarely-seen musical Those Redheads from Seattle (1953), presented in its original 3D format.

Previously announced events and appearances include Oscar® winner Sidney Poitier for the 50th anniversary opening-night screening of In the Heat of the Night (1967); Mel Brooks for the 40th anniversary screening of his Hitchcock spoof High Anxiety (1977); actress Lee Grant for screenings of Detective Story (1951) and The Landlord (1970); and actor-director Peter Bogdanovich for screenings of The Last Picture Show (1971) and What’s Up, Doc? (1972). Grant and Bogdanovich will also be interviewed in the Festival’s central gathering point, Club TCM. And legendary father and son filmmakers Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner will be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX®.

Complete bios for each of the artists appearing at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival and for film descriptions, please visit the festival’s website: filmfestival.tcm.com

About the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival

For the eighth consecutive year, thousands of movie lovers from around the globe will descend upon Hollywood for the TCM Classic Film Festival. The 2017 festival is set to take place Thursday, April 6 – Sunday, April 9, 2017. Over four packed days and nights, attendees will be treated to an extensive lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions, special events and more.

TCM host Ben Mankiewicz will serve as official host of the TCM Classic Film Festival, with TCM’s Tiffany Vazquez introducing various events. The festival’s official hotel and central gathering point for the eighth consecutive year will be The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Academy Awards® ceremony. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will also offer special rates for festival attendees. Screenings and events during the festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres and the Egyptian Theatre, as well as other Hollywood venues.

This year’s festival theme will be Make ‘Em Laugh: Comedy In The Movies. From lowbrow to high, slapstick to sophisticated comedies of manners, the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival will showcase the greatest cinematic achievements of lone clowns, comedic duos and madcap ensembles.

Festival Passes

Passes for the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival are on sale now. Fans are able to purchase them through the TCM Classic Film Festival website. As the number of passes available is limited, fans are encouraged to purchase their passes as soon as possible.

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 exclusive opening-night party following the red-carpet gala screening at TCL Chinese Theatre; meet-and-greet events with 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 gift bags.

The “Classic” Festival Pass: $649 – Includes access to all film programs at festival venues Thursday, April 6 – Sunday, April 9 (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 access to all screenings and events at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre (excluding the opening-night red-carpet gala) and the Egyptian Theatre Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 9, as well as poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

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About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz and Saturday daytime host Tiffany Vazquez, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 22nd year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

TCM is a division of Turner, a Time Warner company, Turner creates and programs branded news, entertainment, sports, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, FilmStruck, Super Deluxe, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE

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(Source: TCM Press Release)

#TCM, #TCMFF

TCM to Honor Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

TCM to Honor Father & Son Filmmaking Icons Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner with Hand and Footprint Ceremony

Celebration to Take Place April 7 at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival

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Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will honor legendary father and son film icons Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner during a hand and footprint ceremony at the world-famous TCL Chinese Theater IMAX® in Hollywood during the eigth annual TCM Classic Film Festival on Friday, April 7. TCM will celebrate the storied careers of the father and son duo who have collectively worked in the industry for over a century and amassed countless accolades along the way. This marks the first occasion that a father and son have jointly been honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX®.

 

Industry titan Carl Reiner has been a celebrated director and comedic performer for more than 70 years, gaining a loyal following for his sketch comedy work alongside Sid Caesar and Mel Brooks and for directing such beloved films as Oh, God! (1977), Dead Men Don’t War Plaid (1982), Where’s Poppa? (1970), The Jerk (1979) and for creating and writing The Dick Van Dyke Show, for which he collected multiple Emmys® during his career.

 

Filmmaker and political activist Rob Reiner has had an equally illustrious career, from his Emmy®-award winning role on the revered television sitcom All in the Family to his work behind the camera, directing such American cinematic classics as This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990) and A Few Good Men (1992). Renowned for his staunch support of civil rights, Reiner is a co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights and has long lent his support to non-profits that address social and environmental issues.

 

“Carl Reiner is a genuine comedy pioneer, a breakthrough artist from Hollywood’s golden era,” said TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, who also serves as the official host of the TCM Classic Film Festival. “It’s never easy following in the footsteps of a force as innovative and creative as that, but Rob found his own way to success, as an actor, first as a vital part of the social relevance of All in the Family, then as thoughtful director and producer of both comedies and dramas. There’s is a family that belongs forever imprinted in Hollywood history.”

 

This marks the seventh consecutive year TCM has featured a hand and footprint ceremony at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX®. In 2011, Peter O’Toole was the honoree, followed by Kim Novak in 2012, Jane Fonda in 2013, Jerry Lewis in 2014, Christopher Plummer in 2015 and Francis Ford Coppola in 2016.

 

Carl Reiner Biography

Depending on who you talk to, Carl Reiner is best known as a co-star on the legendary television program, Your Show of Shows…or as the creator and co-star of The Dick Van Dyke Show…or as The Interviewer of “The 2000 Year Old Man”…or a director of feature films, including Where’s Poppa (1970), Oh, God! (1977), The Jerk (1979) and All of Me (1984)…or as father of actor-writer-director-producer Rob Reiner and husband of jazz vocalist Estelle Reiner…or as the recipient of twelve Emmy Awards…or…

 

Born in the Bronx, Reiner is the son of a watchmaker. At Evander Childs High School, his interest was baseball, but at age sixteen he took a job as a machinist’s helper in the millinery trade. He simultaneously enrolled in drama school for eight months and landed a part as a second tenor in an updated version of The Merry Widow.

 

Reiner subsequently served in World War II, first training as a radio operator in the Air Force, followed by an assignment to Georgetown University to study French in order to become an interpreter, then as a Teletype operator in the Signal Corps, and later as a comedian and actor with Maurice Evans’ Special Services Entertainment Unit.  He toured the Pacific for eighteen months in G.I. revues.

 

Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he won the leading role in the national company of Call Me Mister and after three more years in various Broadway musicals, joined Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca on Your Show of Shows.

 

In 1958, his first novel, Enter Laughing, was published. An autobiographical work, the book chronicled Reiner’s frustrations as a young machinist helper in the millinery trade and his eventual entry into show business.  The book subsequently became the basis for a Broadway play (adapted by Joe Stein) and feature film (directed and co-produced by Reiner) of the same name.

 

In 1961, Reiner conceived The Dick Van Dyke Show, which would become one of the most famous and best loved sitcoms in television history. Of course, audiences have never forgotten his co-starring role on the show as the toupee-wearing producer, Alan Brady. That same year, he wrote his first feature film, The Thrill of It All, for Doris Day and James Garner.

 

Reiner’s other feature film credits as a director include: The Comic (1969), co-written by Reiner and Aaron Ruben; Where’s Poppa? (1970), starring George Segal and Ruth Gordon; Oh, God! (1977), starring George Burns; films with actor Steve Martin: The Jerk (1979), Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982), The Man With Two Brains (1983) and All of Me (1984); Summer Rental (1985), with John Candy; The One And Only (1978), with Henry Winkler; Summer School (1987), with Mark Harmon; Bert Rigby, You’re A Fool! (1989), which Reiner also wrote; Sibling Rivalry (1990), with Kirstie Alley; Fatal Instinct (1993) with Armand Assante and Kate Nelligan; and That Old Feeling (1997), with Bette Midler and Dennis Farina. Mr. Reiner and Mel Brooks released a CD and book with new material in Oct. 1997, The 2000 Year Old Man In The Year 2000. (Harper Collins Publisher and Rhino Records Distributor)

 

His motion picture acting credits include a starring role in The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming (1966), and featured or cameo roles in It’s A Man, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), The Gazebo (1959), Generation (1969), Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982), The End (1978), and Slums of Beverly Hills (1998). His most recent acting role was of Sol in the remake of Ocean’s 11 in 2002.  He is the voice of one of the characters in Good Boy, which opened in October 2003. He reprised his role of Saul in Ocean’s 12, which opened December, 2004 and Ocean’s 13 which opened in June 2007.

 

His TV acting credits include features roles in Beggars and Choosers, Family Law, The Bernie Mack Show, Crossing Jordan, The Bonnie Hunt Show and, most recently, Boston Legal.   He is the voice of one of the characters in the new DreamWorks animated television show Father Of The Pride. TV Land produced and broadcast an animated half-hour pilot of Reiner’s famous character, Alan Brady.  He’s also had recurring roles in Disney’s Jake and the Neverland Pirates as well as animated TV show Family Guy from 20th Century Fox.

 

His second novel, All Kinds of Love, was published in 1993.  His third novel, Continue Laughing, was published in l995.  How Paul Robeson Saved My Life, a book of short stories, was published in l999.  His latest book, My Anecdotal Life, was published in April of 2003 and his children’s book, Tell Me A Scary Story, was published in Fall 2003. The Two Thousand Year Old Man Goes To School was published Spring 2005.  NNNNN, a novel, was published in February 2006.  Another book, Just Desserts, was published in July 2009.  He has published two other children’s books: Tell Me Another Scary Story and Tell Me A Silly Story. Carl’s memoir, I Remember Me, was published in January 2012.

 

In 2014, the second volume of his memoirs, I Just Remembered, was published. The third volume, What I Forgot To Remember, was published last year, along with another children’s book, The Secret Treasure of Taka Pahka. His next book, Why and When The Dick Van Dyke Show Was Born, was also released in 2015.  His latest, Carl Reiner, Now You’re Ninety-Four, was just released in November 2016.

 

Reiner was married for 64 years to Estelle, before her passing in October 2008.  They are also parents of two other children: Annie Reiner, a poet-painter-playwright-psychoanalyst; and Lucas Reiner, a painter-screenwriter-director.  They are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.  He calls all three of his children “terribly civilized, wonderful human beings.”

 

Rob Reiner Biography

Rob Reiner first came to fame as an actor in the landmark television series All In the Family but went on to become the acclaimed director of some of the most popular and influential motion pictures of the past few decades, deftly moving among many styles.  His work ranges from the pure comedy of This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and The Princess Bride (1987) to the intense drama of Stand By Me (1986), Misery (1990), A Few Good Men (1992) and Ghosts of Mississippi (1996); from the romantic comedy of When Harry Met Sally… (1989), The American President (1995) and Flipped (2010) to the poignant comedy-drama, The Bucket List (2007), And So It Goes (2014) starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton, Being Charlie (2015), which was co-written by Reiner’s son, Nick and LBJ (2016) starring Woody Harrelson, and he is currently in post production on his latest Shock and Awe which again stars Woody Harrelson along with Alec Baldwin, Tommy Lee Jones and James Marsden.

 

Reiner is also a vigorous political activist and was instrumental in establishing the California Children & Families Commission, which he chaired for seven years. Recently, he and his wife Michele joined with the American Foundation for Equal Rights to bring the landmark federal court challenge to California’s Prop. 8, the ban on marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

 

About The TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX ®

Since 1927, The TCL Chinese Theatre has been the home of the most important, star powered red carpet movie premieres and special events, where Hollywood’s biggest and brightest talents have come to watch their movies.  The most famous movie theatre on the globe is world-renowned for its unique forecourt of the stars, featuring cement hand and footprints of major movie stars, from Marilyn Monroe to Brad Pitt, and numerous stars from all eras of Hollywood. In 2013, the main theatre was relaunched as the world’s largest IMAX® theatre.

 

About the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival

For the eighth consecutive year, thousands of movie lovers from around the globe will descend upon Hollywood for the TCM Classic Film Festival. The 2017 festival is set to take place Thursday, April 6 – Sunday, April 9, 2017. Over four packed days and nights, attendees will be treated to an extensive lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions, special events and more.

 

TCM host Ben Mankiewicz will serve as official host of the TCM Classic Film Festival, with TCM’s Tiffany Vazquez introducing various events. The festival’s official hotel and central gathering point for the eighth consecutive year will be The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Academy Awards® ceremony. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will also offer special rates for festival attendees. Screenings and events during the festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres and the Egyptian Theatre, as well as other Hollywood venues.

 

Description of the 2017 festival theme Make ‘Em Laugh: Comedy In The Movies:

From lowbrow to high, slapstick to sophisticated comedies of manners—the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival will showcase the greatest cinematic achievements of lone clowns, comedic duos and madcap ensembles.

 

Festival Passes

Passes for the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival are on sale now. Fans are able to purchase them through the TCM Classic Film Festival website. As the number of passes available is limited, fans are encouraged to purchase their passes as soon as possible.

 

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 exclusive opening-night party following the red-carpet gala screening at TCL Chinese Theatre; meet-and-greet events with 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 gift bags.

 

The “Classic” Festival Pass: $649 – Includes access to all film programs at festival venues Thursday, April 6 – Sunday, April 9 (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 access to all screenings and events at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre (excluding the opening-night red-carpet gala) and the Egyptian Theatre Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 9, as well as poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

 

About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights of hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 22nd year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

 

TCM is a division of Turner, a Time Warner company, Turner creates and programs branded news, entertainment, sports, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, FilmStruck, Super Deluxe, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE

(Source: TCM Press Release)

#TCM, #TCMFF

50th Anniversary Screening of ‘In the Heat of the Night’ (1967) To Open 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival

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Posted by Larry Gleeson.

Festival To Celebrate Oscar Winner Sidney Poitier, Producer Walter Mirisch, Director Norman Jewison, Actress Lee Grant and Composer Quincy Jones

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Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will kick off the 8th annual TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday, April 6th with a 50th anniversary screening of the Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger classic In the Heat of the Night (1967).

The iconic actor Sidney Poitier, who will attend the screening, broke stereotypes and new ground when he starred in this five time Academy Award winner about a black detective from the north who finds himself investigating a murder in a small-town in Mississippi.

Producer Walter Mirisch and Director Norman Jewison along with actress Lee Grant and composer Quincy Jones will be on hand to discuss the film which is considered to be a landmark.

The TCM Classic Film Festival will be held in Hollywood, Calif., from April 6 through April 9thj, 2017. This year’s theme is “Make ‘Em Laugh: Comedy in the Movies.”

Tickets and passes are still available HERE

Check out the newly added Festival 101 – TCM Classic Film Festival 2017

Stay tuned for more exciting 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival events!

ABOUT TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL

Held over four days in the heart of Hollywood, the TCM Classic Film Festival is a place where movie lovers from around the world can gather to experience classic movies as they were meant to be experienced: on the big screen, in some of the world’s most iconic venues, with the people who made them. Moreover, the TCM Classic Film Festival strives to be a place where a community of movie fans of all ages can share their love of classic movies with each other, make new friends and see films as they are seldom seen today.

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(Source: tcm.com)

#TCM, #TCMFF, Venice International Film Festival

FILM REVIEW: Shanghai Express (von Sternberg, 1932): USA

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Viewed by Larry Gleeson during TCM Classic Film Festival.

screen-shot-2016-11-14-at-10-37-09-amShanghai Express,  a 1932 Pre-Code U.S. production, based on a book by Harry Harvey, written by Jules Furthman, and directed brilliantly by Joseph von Sternberg, is a story of one-time lovers, Shanghai Lily, played by Marlene Dietrich, and Captain “Doc” Harvey played by Clive Brook, who rediscover each other during an exciting, yet dangerous, train ride from Peiping (Peking) to Shanghai. Complete with stabbings, machine gun fire, and plenty of physical altercations the Shanghai Express is a non-stop action/adventure with high production values encapsulated within a melodramatic narrative.

Interestingly enough, most passengers on the train are more concerned that the notorious Shanghai Lily is on board rather than the fact that the country is enmeshed in a bloody civil war. Shanghai Lily is referred to as a “coaster, a woman who lives by her wits along the China Coast.” In essence, it is a nice way of saying she is a woman who indulges in casual affairs as a means to an end – a lavish lifestyle of beautiful gowns and stunning jewelry. Yet, when Chinese guerillas stop the train and Captain Harvey is selected to be the hostage, Shanghai Lily foregoes her honor and manages to entice the elusive Mr. Chang, played by Warner Oland, to release the doctor by “praying all night,” and by agreeing to visit Mr. Chang at his castle. By the film’s end, the core group of passengers’ real identities have emerged. None of the characters were who they seemed to be when the train ride began.

Von Sternberg, nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for his work in Shanghai Express, makes exquisite use of  the camera and lighting in creating the effect of tight space with mesmerizing shadows and his extensive use of netting in delivering a phenomenal atmospheric of a train ride in the Orient is a visual treat. Dietrich’s performance as Shanghai Lily was alluring and she captivates with her emotionally wrought physicalities  and exotic costuming. We first get a glimpse of her dressed in black with her face partially covered with a veil. She is often seen puffing on a cigarette as she paces sluggishly back and forth. Her heavy eyelids and sultry good looks, however, offset any semblance of an awkward accent.  provided the cinematograpy and received an Oscar for his efforts. Controlling most of this production in China for Paramount Pictures, Sternberg claims to have collaborated extensively with Garmes and felt he was as much deserving of an Oscar as Garmes. In addition, the costuming, handled by Travis Banton (gowns) and Eugen Joseff (jewelry), was right on the mark. The film utilized over 1,ooo extras, primarily in the locales where the train made stops.

The screening was followed by a Q & A with Nicholas von Sternberg, son of Director Joseph von Sternberg, along with author and film historian, Jeremy Arnold. The younger von Sternberg shared an original script book from the 1932 film, Shanghai Express as well as how his father discovered Marlene Dietrich on a cabaret scene. The elder von Sternberg saw something in Dietrich he believed would be perfect for his upcoming film, The Blue Angel. The two would go on to collaborate on seven films between 1930 and 1935 with most film historians agreeing the 1932 Shanghai Express to be the team’s best work.

In my opinion, Shanghai Express is a must-see treasure from Hollywood’s Golden Age of Glamour. This digitally restored version of Shanghai Express kept the refinement of the original film and provided a seamless viewing. Highly recommended.

#AFI, #AFIFEST, #TCM, #TCMFF

LA FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION HONORS SHIRLEY MacLAINE WITH CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA), comprised of professional film critics working in the Los Angeles print and electronic media, has announced it will Shirley MacLaine with its Career Achievement Award on January 17th, 2017 in Century City, California at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Ms. MacLaine, one of Hollywood’s legendary leading ladies, has an extensive body of work beginning with her breakthrough performance in The Apartment (1960)  and includes strong performances in Sweet Charity, Irma LaDouce and Terms of Endearment.  MacLaine won an Oscar with Terms of Endearment for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as Aurora Greenway. More recently MacLaine played Marjorie Nugent alongside Jack Black in the dark dramedy, Bernie (2011). Her next role in The Last Word can be seen starting in the spring of 2017.  MacLaine is also a prolific writer having authored several books.

The 35th Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards - Inside
Pictured above is Claudia Puig, LAFCA President (Photo credit: lacfa.net)

LAFCA President Claudia Puig lauded MacLaine by saying,

 

 

“We are very excited to be giving the award to someone who has had such an illustrious, versatile acting career, and who has contributed so much to our collective enjoyment of movies.”

 

MacLaine responded saying, “I’m thrilled with the honor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the recognition and the encouragement.”

Here’s a brief snippet from Shirley on criticism and Billy Wilder:

According to LAFCA’s website other top awards will be decided by the membership on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, and those honorees will join MacLaine at the January dinner.

This year’s awards ceremony is dedicated to director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys), who died on Sept. 20.

(Sources: http://www.lafca.net, HollywoodGlee archives)

#TCM, #TCMFF

TCM Classic Film Festival Runs April 6-9

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

 

By Michael Malone

 

The 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival will be held April 6-9 in Hollywood and will bear the theme “Make ‘Em Laugh: Comedy in the Movies.” The gathering of filmmakers, performers and fans for screenings and panels will represent the eighth TCM film fest.

TCM, part of Turner, described the films to be showcased as being “from lowbrow to high, slapstick to sophisticated comedies of manners” and said the 2017 festival “will showcase the greatest cinematic achievements of lone clowns, comedic duos and madcap ensembles.”

Tickets go on sale in November.

The 2016 festival, held in Hollywood, had the theme “Moving Pictures” and focused on rousing, inspiring and emotionally stirring films.

(Source: http://www.broadcastingcable.com)

 

See you at the movies!

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HollywoodGlee takes direction on “set” at the TCM Backlot in the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel lobby.

 

 

#TCM, #TCMFF, Uncategorized

More Highlights from #TCM Classic Film Festival (#TCMFF)

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Posted by Larry Gleeson.

Enjoy these pictures courtesy of Turner Classic Movies!

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Actress Angela Lansbury speaks onstage at ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ during day 2 of the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 on April 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 25826_005 (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Turner) *** Local Caption *** Angela Lansbury
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Director/producer John Singleton speaks onstage at the ‘Boyz n the Hood’ screening during day 2 of the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 on April 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 25826_008 (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for Turner) *** Local Caption *** John Singleton
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: (L-R) Lassie, Brigitte aka Stella and Clyde aka Marley attend Man’s Best Friend: Dogs in Film panel during day 2 of the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 on April 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 25826_009 (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Turner) *** Local Caption *** Lassie; Clyde aka Marley; Brigitte aka Stella
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Actors Lee Meriwether (L) and Adam West attend ‘Batman: The Move’ during day 2 of the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 on April 29, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 25826_006 (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Turner) *** Local Caption *** Lee Meriwether; Adam West

Please click images for captions.

Director John Singleton attends the 25th anniversary screening of Boyz N the Hood at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival. Checkout the behind-the-scenes clip from the groundbreaking film!

 

 

Iconic director Francis Ford Coppola is honored at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival Handprint/Footprint Ceremony and introduces a screening his film The Conversation.

 

Adam West and Lee Meriwether made a special appearance at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival screening of Batman.

 

 

The 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival showcases canine performers in their Dogs in Movies Panel featuring Lassie, Bridget and Clyde along with their trainers.

 

 

Stay tuned for more updates including Illeanna Douglas with Carl Reiner during An Afternoon With Carl Reiner/Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid! 

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#TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 Day 2 Update

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Turner Classic Movies continues its 7th annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood on Friday, April 29 with the special screenings and appearances by Francis Ford Coppola, John Singleton and Angela Lansbury to name a few.  Please enjoy highlights of Day #2 at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival.

(Source: TCM Press Room

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Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Launches #TCM Backlot

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April 27, 2016

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) today announced the launch of its first ever-official fan club, TCM Backlot, which will serve as the ultimate destination for enthusiasts of TCM. TCM Backlot will give fans unprecedented access to all things TCM including exclusive content, never-before-seen talent interviews, archival videos from the TCM vault, an exclusive TCM podcast, as well as opportunities to win visits to the TCM set, attend meet and greets with TCM hosts and the opportunity to influence programming through online votes. TCM Backlot can be accessed at tcmbacklot.com for an $87 annual fee and will be available for fans to join on April 27, as a kick-off to the 7th annual TCM Classic Film Festival which begins the next day in Hollywood. The fan club was created in partnership with fullcube, a platform integrating and automating subscription-based businesses.

 

“Creating a fan club allows us to super-serve and further engage with our most passionate and devoted fans,” said Jennifer Dorian, general manager of TCM. “We are always looking for exciting and immersive brand extension opportunities and TCM Backlot offers just that – allowing fans the ability to go behind-the-scenes and dive deeper into the world of TCM, providing a consistently updated fan experience filled with entertaining content and engaging opportunities.”

 

“The creation of TCM Backlot shines a spotlight on the tremendous opportunities for media companies, like TCM, to transform their relationship with consumers,” said David Hickson, co-founder and CEO of fullcube. “Fullcube’s capabilities help create a brand extension for TCM by bundling a wide variety of engaging assets such as digital content, e-commerce, event and experiential assets, into a premium subscription offering delivering exclusive benefits to classic movie lovers.”

TCM Backlot will provide members with robust access to TCM content, talent, programming and events. Membership highlights include:

 

  • Programming Influence – receive an advance look at TCM programming and have the opportunity to influence the schedule of movies through contests and voting.
  • Guest Programmer – enter to win an opportunity to co-host a night of movies with a TCM host.
  • On-set Tours – win the opportunity to tour the TCM set and watch a TCM production being shot as well as interact with TCM hosts and crew.
  • VIP Event Access & Members-Only Events – enjoy exclusive access to special events during the annual TCM Classic Film Festival and the TCM Cruise, as well as exclusive events at historical Hollywood sites and members-only TCM Bus Tour events
  • Giveaways and Discounts – receive discounts to TCM related events, tours and merchandise as well as contest givaways of TCM merchandise.

 

For more information on TCM Backlot, please click here or visit tcmbacklot.com.

 

About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM, which is available in more than 85 million homes, features the insights of hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 22nd year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, hosted by Robert Osborne and Sally Field, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

 

TCM is part of Turner, a Time Warner company. Turner creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

 

About fullcube

 

fullcube is a platform integrating and automating subscription-based businesses. Developed after more than a decade of experience designing, launching and managing premium subscription programs for enthusiast brands, the fullcube platform simplifies the consumer experience and maximizes revenue for subscription offerings from publishers, media, entertainment and sports companies, and membership organizations. fullcube’s platform provides an infrastructure that creates a premium subscription product and integrates multiple subscription offerings into a single hierarchy through the bundling of digital content, commerce, event and experiential assets designed to engage subscribers spanning the spectrum from fanatical to brand-new. For more information, visit: www.fullcu.be.

(Source: Press Release TCM Press Room)

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#TCMFF Opening Night Screening

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Turner Classic Movies kicks off its 7th annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood on Thursday, April 28 with the opening night screening of All The President’s Men at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX. Carl Bernstein, investigative journalist and author of the book “All The President’s Men,” joined Spotlight director Tom McCarthy and Spotlight screenwriter Josh Singer for a conversation with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz highlighting journalism in film. Actor Alec Baldwin joined Ben Mankiewicz to open the evening’s events.

TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 - Opening Night
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Head of Turner Network Sales Coleman Breland, General Manager at TCM Jennifer Dorian, Managing Director at TCM Genevieve McGillicuddy attends ‘All The President’s Premiere’ during the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 Opening Night on April 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Turner)

 

TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 - Opening Night
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Head of Turner Network Sales Coleman Breland, Managing Director at TCM Genevieve McGillicuddy, General Manager at TCM Jennifer Dorian, and actor attends ‘All The President’s Premiere’ during the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 Opening Night on April 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Turner)

(Press release provided by TCM Press Room)