Turner Classic Movies Celebrates 18th Birthday at
3rd Annual TCM Classic Film Festival
April 2012
Photo by WaldenPonders
The glamor of a heralded era in cinema returned to the theaters of Hollywood as the third year of TCM's Classic Film Festival came to town from April 12-15.
Choosing which films or discussions to attend is daunting at any festival, but more so when TCM is in charge of programming. I seriously have to choose between listening to legendary director/choreographer Stanley Donen or Hitchcock starlet Kim Novak?!
Cue Margaret Hamilton's witchy lament, "Oh, what a world, what a world!"
Inevitably, I chose to witness Donen introduce his film, Two for the Road, starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. Hepburn trumps Hitchcock in WP land, I must admit. The man who gifted us with Singin' in the Rain, On the Town, (the first musical ever shot on location) Funny Face, and Charade turned 88 during festival week. However, his demeanor and spirit betray his age, as he mesmerized the crowd with tales of working with Gene Kelly and Hepburn, and simply being the man who has given generations lasting smiles, laughs, and enchantments through his contributions to cinema, most prominently, musicals.
Of course, this would not be the only starstruck moment to be had, as the day prior, the festival kicked off with an opening night surprise appearance by Tina Sinatra, Frank's daughter. TCM's Ben Mankiewicz (@benmank77) led her in a discussion about her father's career prior to screening his film, High Society.
Such a title couldn't be more apropos of the atmosphere the festival builds for its patrons. We may not be groupies for Plato's Republic or Nietzsche, but by showbiz standards, this is the ultimate world of Cinema Chic. TCM fans are not only granted the chance to see some of their favorite films on the big screen, but they get to witness talent guests add another dimension to the viewing experience. The noteworthy realization, though, is that unfortunately these remarkable opportunities have an expiration date beyond the timelessness of the films themselves. To me, that is the true beauty of what TCM has gifted festival-goers with this relatively new venture. We don't get to hear stories from Gene Kelly anymore, but thankfully, we still have the likes of Donen and Debbie Reynolds to help fill the anecdotal void for us.
TCM has stepped up to facilitate those unforgettable moments, and this year brought no shortage, as next on the WP must-see list came a screening of Chinatown, introduced by legendary producer, Robert Evans, and lauded screenwriter, Robert Towne. The two Roberts clearly haven't lost any affection for their partnership in the nearly 40 years since the Polanski-helmer and award darling was released. Evans, 82, looked slick as ever, the embodiment of the "Hollywood Producer" persona - tanned skin, sunglasses, and signature devilish grin as if he's permanently poolside strategizing ways to stay in the picture. Towne, 78, is still churning out scripts and appeared modest at the mention of the film's accolades and acclaim, which largely rest on his shoulders. As would be expected from a showman like Evans, upon taking his exit, introduced the film with a fitting declaration,
"It's Chinatown!"
Saturday, the 14th marked a milestone for Vertigo actress Kim Novak who had her hands and footprints cemented in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Robert Osborne, Debbie Reynolds, Connie Stevens, and Lainie Kazan were on hand to celebrate the occasion. In the evening at Club TCM (exclusive to festival passholders), Novak returned with Robert Wagner, Margaret O'Brien, Joe Luft (son of Judy, half-brother of Liza), and Peggy Cummins to celebrate the cable channel reaching legal age. Celebrities and enthusiasts shared in a champagne toast and slices of cake. TCM knows how to throw a party, so it was fitting the festival throw one right back.
With a loyal fanbase and authentic industry cred, the TCM Classic Film Festival can only get classier with age.
Festival photos appear in the slideshow below and in the gallery!
Choosing which films or discussions to attend is daunting at any festival, but more so when TCM is in charge of programming. I seriously have to choose between listening to legendary director/choreographer Stanley Donen or Hitchcock starlet Kim Novak?!
Cue Margaret Hamilton's witchy lament, "Oh, what a world, what a world!"
Inevitably, I chose to witness Donen introduce his film, Two for the Road, starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. Hepburn trumps Hitchcock in WP land, I must admit. The man who gifted us with Singin' in the Rain, On the Town, (the first musical ever shot on location) Funny Face, and Charade turned 88 during festival week. However, his demeanor and spirit betray his age, as he mesmerized the crowd with tales of working with Gene Kelly and Hepburn, and simply being the man who has given generations lasting smiles, laughs, and enchantments through his contributions to cinema, most prominently, musicals.
Of course, this would not be the only starstruck moment to be had, as the day prior, the festival kicked off with an opening night surprise appearance by Tina Sinatra, Frank's daughter. TCM's Ben Mankiewicz (@benmank77) led her in a discussion about her father's career prior to screening his film, High Society.
Such a title couldn't be more apropos of the atmosphere the festival builds for its patrons. We may not be groupies for Plato's Republic or Nietzsche, but by showbiz standards, this is the ultimate world of Cinema Chic. TCM fans are not only granted the chance to see some of their favorite films on the big screen, but they get to witness talent guests add another dimension to the viewing experience. The noteworthy realization, though, is that unfortunately these remarkable opportunities have an expiration date beyond the timelessness of the films themselves. To me, that is the true beauty of what TCM has gifted festival-goers with this relatively new venture. We don't get to hear stories from Gene Kelly anymore, but thankfully, we still have the likes of Donen and Debbie Reynolds to help fill the anecdotal void for us.
TCM has stepped up to facilitate those unforgettable moments, and this year brought no shortage, as next on the WP must-see list came a screening of Chinatown, introduced by legendary producer, Robert Evans, and lauded screenwriter, Robert Towne. The two Roberts clearly haven't lost any affection for their partnership in the nearly 40 years since the Polanski-helmer and award darling was released. Evans, 82, looked slick as ever, the embodiment of the "Hollywood Producer" persona - tanned skin, sunglasses, and signature devilish grin as if he's permanently poolside strategizing ways to stay in the picture. Towne, 78, is still churning out scripts and appeared modest at the mention of the film's accolades and acclaim, which largely rest on his shoulders. As would be expected from a showman like Evans, upon taking his exit, introduced the film with a fitting declaration,
"It's Chinatown!"
Saturday, the 14th marked a milestone for Vertigo actress Kim Novak who had her hands and footprints cemented in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Robert Osborne, Debbie Reynolds, Connie Stevens, and Lainie Kazan were on hand to celebrate the occasion. In the evening at Club TCM (exclusive to festival passholders), Novak returned with Robert Wagner, Margaret O'Brien, Joe Luft (son of Judy, half-brother of Liza), and Peggy Cummins to celebrate the cable channel reaching legal age. Celebrities and enthusiasts shared in a champagne toast and slices of cake. TCM knows how to throw a party, so it was fitting the festival throw one right back.
With a loyal fanbase and authentic industry cred, the TCM Classic Film Festival can only get classier with age.
Festival photos appear in the slideshow below and in the gallery!
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