Last year in 2010 Turner Classic Movies chose director, George Cukor’s 1954 version of “A Star is Born” to be the film to kick off their first ever Classic Film Festival. This Friday, June 10 at 12:15PM (PST) you can see for yourself exactly why the iconic film was such a perfect choice for establishing the tone of a festival dedicated to the celebration of great classic cinema.

Judy Garland stars as a struggling, unknown performer who becomes the protégé and love interest of a difficult and egotistical Hollywood star played by James Mason. The two become devoted to each other, but, sadly, as her star goes on a meteoric rise his life spins completely out of control until he becomes a hopeless has-been. Set amid the exciting yet brutal behind the scenes world of Hollywood the story is deftly presented with all the skill and drama one would expect of the collective talents involved. The relationships feel authentic, and the chemistry between the two stars is a uniquely palpable one that sustains itself right up until the heartbreaking conclusion. The supporting cast is equally exceptional, led by the always charming Jack Carson who plays an insider who does his best to help the two people he cares deeply for until it hinders his own career opportunities – he may be a pariah, but you feel for him as he struggles with his conflicting loyalties.

Along with the performances the overall production is absolutely stellar. The glossy and saturated look of the film drenches you with the feel of 1950’s Hollywood, providing a heavy atmosphere to the dingy after hours clubs, and an extra sparkle to the glamorous side of a movie star’s life. And the song and dance numbers are so well integrated there’s never a moment that doesn’t feel completely organic in origin, especially the more intimate scenes between Garland and Mason. The scene where she entertains him with a one-woman show at home is absolutely inspiring, and a great moment in movie history.

I promise you, if you haven’t seen this version of “A Star is Born” you are missing out on a seminal example of cinema at its absolute best. And if you’re already familiar with the film, why would you miss out on the chance to see it again? I know you’ll agree, it’s that good.

As posted before, Josh and I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival.  It was held in Hollywood with screenings going on at the Chinese Theater and the Egyptian Theater with the festival headquarters in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Thursday, April 28th

The opening night movie was An American in Paris which we did NOT get an invite to.  It was pretty exclusive.  One of our bloggers, Carrie Specht went to the Red Carpet and was able to speak with several old and new stars.  Check out her coverage here.

We started the festival on Thursday evening by seeing a collection of Walt Disney’s earliest animated shorts called the Laugh-O-Grams.  He was only twenty years old when he formed this venture.  He made seven in all before going bankrupt and heading west.  (I”m so glad he did.)

We’d only seen bits and pieces of the Laugh-O-Grams on various Walt Disney biography specials.  There is one famous Laugh-O-Gram that many might recognize.  It actually shows Walt at the animation desk and his drawings come to life.  We were very excited to see the complete short.

The screening was emceed by Disney Historian JB Kaufman.  You can hear his commentary here:

LAUGH-O-GRAMS

Next, we were able to see A Night at the Opera — starring the Marx Brothers.  It was a rare treat to be able to screen the film with Groucho’s grandson, Andy Marx, and hear stories of what it was like growing up in the Marx family.  Producer Robert Bader provided great commentary as well.

I had never seen this particular Marx Brothers film.  It is definitely one of their best.

You can hear the audio here:

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

Friday, April 29th

On Friday, we started early in the morning with a screening of A Streetcar Named Desire at Grauman’s Chinese.  Leonard Maltin was on hand to introduce the film.  You can hear the audio here:

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Immediately after, we watched The Godfather also at Grauman’s Chinese.  That experience was like none other.  A film historian (whose name I don’t remember) gave a quick intro to the film:

THE GODFATHER

After that, we had a tough decision to make but ultimately landed on seeing Girl Crazy.  The thing that put this film over the top — Mickey Rooney was in attendance.  He gave a long introduction to the film and it was delightful!

You can hear the audio with Mickey Rooney and Ben Mankiewicz here:

GIRL CRAZY

On Friday evening, TCM hosted a party at The Music Box on Hollywood Blvd.  A swing orchestra called Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks played the event.  They are famous for being the on screen orchestra in The Aviator (among other things.)  They are the best swing orchestra I’ve ever heard.  And I’ve heard several play.  (About a year ago I took up swing dancing.)  It was an extremely fun evening.

At midnight, we went to a screening of William Castle’s The Tingler.  I had never seen this film before.  When it originally ran during the 1960′s, William Castle would have special in-theater effects to enhance the viewing experience.  We heard a rumor that they were going to recreate some of these effects.  And sure enough, toward the end of the film, there were in-theater actors running around screaming plus a skeleton on cables flying around.  Such a cool experience.

You can read what I wrote about William Castle last Halloween here.

And check out the audio from Bruce Goldstein who produced the night’s screening and in-theater effects:

THE TINGLER

Saturday, April 30th

Early Saturday morning, we saw one of our favorite classic Disney films, Summer Magic.  It’s not as widely known but anyone who has ever been to Disneyland or The Magic Kingdom in Orlando has heard the music from it.  Most of the songs are played on Main Street.

Becky Cline, the current Disney archivist, introduced the film:

SUMMER MAGIC – Part 1

The film stars Hayley Mills and she was on hand to do a Q and A afterwards.  You can hear that here:

SUMMER MAGIC – Part 2

Josh and I parted ways only once during the festival.  He went to see The Outlaw Josey Wales while I saw Cabin in the Sky.  I chose this film because I had heard it had swing dancing in it.  I didn’t like the film but I get why it is historically significant.  You can hear why in the audio I recorded:

CABIN IN THE SKY

Next we went back to the Chinese Theater to see Citizen Kane.  What can one say about that experience?

Norman Lloyd, a frequent collaborator with Orson Welles, was on hand to give an introduction:

CITIZEN KANE

We ended our Saturday night with a screening of the great silent film star Buster Keaton’s The Cameraman.  Vince Giordano and his Nighthawks played the score for the film live.  I have never laughed this hard in a movie theater.  Keaton is a genius.  I’ve had a limited exposure to Keaton but after seeing this film, I want to see more of his movies.  I highly recommend this one.

Check out Leonard Maltin giving the introduction:

THE CAMERAMAN

Sunday, May 1st

Our church meets in the old Pacific Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.  After church, Josh and I drove west on the Boulevard to experience the final day of the festival.

We started by watching Goldfinger in Grauman’s Chinese.  I’m embarrassed to admit it but I had never seen this Bond film.  (I haven’t seen a lot of them.)

It was pretty silly but had some fun iconic moments and was generally a fun ride.  Ben Mankiewicz gave an introduction to the film:

GOLDFINGER

For me the highlight of the film was seeing A Place in the Sun on the big screen at the Egyptian.  I had seen this film once before but even so, I was equally moved by it.  I always leave it feeling incredibly conflicted about the outcome.  If you’ve seen the film, you know what I mean.  If you haven’t I highly recommend it.  I’d put in the top 10 films ever made.  Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift give incredible performances, as does Shelley Winters.  CHECK IT OUT.  NOW!

Rose Mcgowan introduced the film:

A PLACE IN THE SUN – PART 1

After the film, Robert Osborne interviewed Eva Marie Saint about Elizabeth Taylor:

A PLACE IN THE SUN – PART 2

The finale of the event and the highlight for Josh was Fantasia at Grauman’s Chinese.  We were shocked to find out that Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller, was in attendance.  Josh and I walked right past her in the lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt.

Walt Disney’s daughter!  Wow!  Experiences like that make this whole thing seem so real.  These people you read about and see on the screen aren’t just characters but real people.

Hear Robert Osborne close out the TCM Classic Film Festival here:

FANTASIA

Hopefully we’ll make it back to the 2012 festival.  I wouldn’t miss it for the world.  You shouldn’t either.  I just can’t emphasize enough how amazing it is to see all of these classic films in the heart of Hollywood at the most iconic movie theater in the world.  Plan on joining us next year.

Last year, we covered the 2010 TCM Classic Film Festival and had an amazing time.  And this year, we’re going back!  April 28th thru May 1st.  Just a few days away!  We are so excited.

In anticipation for this year’s festival, check out all of our coverage from last year’s festival:

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Egyptian Theater

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

We’re lining up some REALLY EXCITING interviews so make sure to check back here on the site and follow us on Twitter.  @JoshDaws and @JeremiahDaws

You never know who we might bump into.

Tuner Classic Movies highlight’s one movie every week as an “Essential” must-see. This week I couldn’t agree more with their choice. “Ball of Fire” is an exceptional Howard Hawks’ comedy, which is really saying something considering the acclaimed and much-revered director’s lengthy resume includes “Bringing Up Baby”, “His Girl Friday”, and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”.

Barbara Stanwyck stars in this 1941 gem as a mobster’s moll hiding out amongst a gaggle of straight-laced elderly professors led by a younger man, the ruggedly handsome Gary Cooper. Cooper is a serious scholar who naturally falls for Stanwyck (at her brassy best) during his pursuit to understand modern culture. Stanwyck in turn falls for Cooper’s modest and old-fashioned ways as he pumps up the “ah, shucks” personae while he stumbles and blushes from her wisecracking entendres. Likewise, the professors have grown found of the brash young thing and jump to her rescue when her gangster boyfriend, played by the devilishly handsome Dana Andrews tries to take her away. It’s not the most complicated of plots, but it’s an adorably cute tale without being saccharine. It’s well put together with a cast that performs in top form without exception down to the smallest bit part. It’s sure to amuse even the most jaded of modern movie watchers. With such sensational stars, a boat load of charm and a supporting cast to die for I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t like this timeless comedy. Honestly, this is the Golden Age of Hollywood at its comedic best, if you don’t like this film I won’t to know why.

As an added treat “Ball of Fire” will be introduced and discussed by evening on-air host Robert Osborne and series guest host Alec Baldwin. These two highly regarded cinephiles will share their thoughts and insights on the film shortly before it airs, Saturday, April 16th, at 5PM (PST).

Heralded as the film in which Greta Garbo laughs, “Ninotchka” is a supremely delightful comedy centered on an unlikely romance between a ne’er-do-well French playboy (portrayed by the dapper Melvyn Douglas) and a deadly serious Bolshevik aptly cast with the Silent Screen’s queen of drama. Although sent to Paris on government business, the icy beauty melts when she finds herself attracted to a man who represents everything she has learned to detest. Likewise, the roguish aristocrat who was merely playing around for sport is sent for a loop when he finds that he has truly fallen in love for the first time in his life.

Director Ernst Lubitsch draws the comedienne out of the notoriously dramatic Garbo who plays the unemotional Russian official as a pitch perfect “straight man” for the better part of the film. Known for a terribly serious persona on and off the screen, it is an absolute revelation when the Swedish beauty finally bursts out into uncontrollable laughter. It is one of the most contagious moments in screen history, helped along by the amusing charm of Douglas. This scene alone is reason enough to place “Ninotchka” on your list of all time favorite comedies.

This 1939 masterpiece airs Thursday, March 24th at 7:00PM (PST).

Choosing the TCM Pick of the Week is always difficult for me, however this is a particularly challenging task during the cable station’s annual 31 Days of Oscar. For me, it’s the most wonderful time of the year (well, it’s a close tie with August when TCM hosts Summer Under the Stars). February (yup, the 28 day month) is jammed full of some excellent viewing choices, and with a week with the likes of “Marty”, “12 Angry Men” and “Network” it was going to have to be something pretty spectacular to warrant a recommendation above all others. And “The Westerner” is just that: an exceptional film.

Just as the title suggests, “The Westerner” is a good old Western starring Gary Cooper as a lonesome drifter who stumbles into a none too friendly town where he is accused of the lowest crime of the west: stealing a horse. Coop faces off with the notorious Judge Roy Bean portrayed by the era’s top supporting actor, Walter Brennan who is superlative as the most dubious judge in the west. Brennan earned a well deserved third Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for the role of a lifetime that placed the beloved character actor in the shoes of possibly one of the most conflicted characters in all of Westerns – he admires Cooper while he is doggedly determined to execute him.

This is fine, low-key drama at its best, with plenty of moments of comic relief backed by an extremely moving and satisfying ending. This is definitely one of the most unique buddy moments in all of film history. “The Westerner” airs this Saturday, February 19 at 12:30PM PST.

For me one of the highlights of TCM’s first annual Classic Film Festival was the premiere of the extensively restored version of Fritz Lang’s 1927 Masterpiece. Now you get to see why, because the same restoration will be airing this Sunday, November 7th at 5PM (PST). Metropolis is an iconic example of German expressionism and really shows the misunderstood genre off to its best. The use of extreme (and sometimes surreal) set design relies upon black and white cinematography to show it off in a way that color just can’t, and the marriage between the two elements here is nothing short of stunning. The visuals alone are worthy of viewing in absolute silence.

Set in the future, the story revolves around a society where there exists only the extremely privileged and the over wrought working class that maintains the city. The some-what Romeo and Juliet story tells a good love story, while offering a virtual treaty on the state of humanity and man’s ill treatment of his fellow man. In general, Metropolis will give you an appreciation for the art of the silent film drama, and entertain you in a way you did think possible. Don’t be surprised if after viewing this gem you start watching more and more of the great Silents (which happen to be on TCM every Sunday night).

This Sunday, TCM is spending a good part of the day focusing on the many comedies of Alec Guinness. That’s right. In case you don’t already know it, Alec Guinness made quite a few comedic films in his day, and most of them are down right brilliant.

My favorite among the lot showing at 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST) is “Kind Hearts and Coronets”. It’s the story of an ambitious young man around the turn of the century in England who sets out to kill everyone who stands between him and a family fortune.

In this case Alec Guinness plays every single one of those family members, including the female. One might think it a challenge to portray so many distinct personalities, but sir Alec does it with ease and is truly hysterical in the process.

If you don’t know Alec Guinness as a comedian than this is the day for you to sit in front of the TV and let TCM show you what you’ve been missing.

Well, this may be a bit obvious, but I’m going to have to go with “Gone With The Wind” as my TCM pick of the week (although I was momentarily tempted by a childhood favorite, “The Apple Dumpling Gang”). Vivien Leigh is the honored Star of the Month for the classic film channel, so it was inevitable that the 1939 Best Picture winner would emerge among the many films scheduled for Tuesday evening’s in September. GWTW is undoubtedly one of the best films ever made and a shining example of the old “Studio System” at its very best.

Producer David O. Selznick deserves the credit for bringing together the forces involved with creating the masterpiece. Never before, or since has so much talent (in front of, and behind the lens) been united for a single product. The result is an eye popping, gorgeously rendered adaptation of a beloved novel about a spoiled Southern Bell who must endure the hardships of the Civil War and the effects it has on her family, friends and love life.

Leigh came into her own as a star with her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara, and Clark Gable is at his roguish best as the immoral Rhett Butler. The rest of the unparalleled cast reads as a virtual who’s who of Hollywood of the day, providing substantial support in even the smallest of roles. Honestly, if you haven’t seen GWTW, you really ought to. And without commercials! Once you have you’ll understand why it’s the largest grossing film of all time (when adjusted for today’s dollars), and is likely to hold that title for a very long time.

“Gone With The Wind” plays on TCM this Tuesday the 14th at 5:00 in the afternoon PST (and for those interested “The Apple Dumpling Gang” plays on the same day at 1:15P).

August is Summer Under the Stars month on TCM, and in a month full of great films that highlight the talents of a different personality every day, it’s difficult to find just one film during the course of a week to choose as a top pick. However, when you include the insanely funny and versatile Walter Matthau within any given week the choice becomes a whole lot easier.

This Wednesday the best of Matthau’s films includes one of my all time favorites, “The Odd Couple”. This 1968 Neil Simon comedy classic stars Matthau as a divorced slob playing opposite his most constant companion, Jack Lemmon. Lemmon is a neat freak that drives Matthau crazy after he moves in when his wife has thrown him out.

Lemmon was an extremely skilled comedian in his own right, whose style and timing meshed perfectly with Matthau. And “The Odd Couple” is the absolute pinnacle of excellence among their extremely successful collaborations together. Whether you’ve seen it a million times or never before you’ve got to catch “The Odd Couple” this week on TCM. You’ll either discover, or celebrate some really great comedy that’s just to good to miss.

Odd Couple, The (1968) – Wednesday, August 11 at 10:00pm EST
A divorced neat freak moves in with his sloppy best friend.
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, John Fiedler, Herbert Edelman Dir: Gene Saks C-105 mins, TV-PG

One of my favorite actors of the golden era is Errol Flynn. If you look “dashing” up in the dictionary, I’m sure you’ll find his picture. He made the ladies swoon and the guys envious.

TCM is having a day long tribute to Flynn this Saturday (Aug 7). It’s yet another day where you could do a lot worse than to sit on the couch and watch TCM all day. However, I have a duty to pick one and that one is Objective, Burma!

Objective, Burma! tells the true-ish story of paratroopers fighting World War 2 in the jungles of Burma. It’s one of my favorite WWII films from that era. Loaded with great characters and a plot that keeps things moving, it’s one of the films on my list of films I’d like to remake.

Objective, Burma! (1945) – Saturday, August 7 at 12:00pm EST
An American platoon parachutes into Burma to take out a strategic Japanese outpost.
Cast: Errol Flynn, James Brown, William Prince, George Tobias Dir: Raoul Walsh BW-142 mins, TV-PG

Also be sure to check out The Adventures of Errol Flynn at 4:45pm EST that same day. It’s a wonderful documentary about the actor.

Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney star in this weeks pick. Boys Town is based on the life of Catholic priest, Father Flanagan who started an orphanage and believed there was no such thing as a bad boy. In the film, Spencer Tracy plays Father Flanagan and has that belief tested when Mickey Rooney shows up to live at Boys Town. It’s a wonderful feel-good film that you’re sure to enjoy. Tracy won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance.

Boys’ Town (1938) – Sunday, July 11 at 8:00am EST
True story of Father Flanagan’s fight to build a home for orphaned boys.
Cast: Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton Dir: Norman Taurog BW-93 mins, TV-G

This week’s pick has the distinction of being the one and only film ever written by Theodore Geisel. “Who the heck is Theodore Geisel,” you may ask. Well, dear reader, Theodore Geisel is none other than the beloved author, Dr. Seuss.

Yes. Long before Ron Howard ever made How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss wrote The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. It’s a very strange film about a little boy who dreams that his piano teacher is kidnapping children and forcing them to play a huge piano. All of this takes place in a Seuss-like nightmare world. Did I mention that this movie is weird?

When it opened in 1953, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T was a huge failure. So much so, that Geisel doesn’t even mention the whole fiasco (as he later called it) in his autobiography. At the Hollywood premier, people started walking out after 15 minutes. Since then, it’s gained a bit of a cult following. It’s a trippy movie, well worth checking out. It kind of reminds me of The Peanut Butter Solution, another weird movie about kidnapping kids that scared the crap out of me when I was young.

5,000 Fingers Of Dr. T., The (1953)
A young boy dreams that his piano teacher is a super-villain out to rule the world.
Cast: Peter Lind Hayes, Mary Healy, Hans Conried, Tommy Rettig Dir: Roy Rowland C-89 mins, TV-PG

This week’s pick is a film that I really hated to miss at the TCM Classic Film Fest. A Star Is Born (1954) was the opening night film and the only film that our media credentials didn’t give us access to.

This Judy Garland classic is a remake of a 1937 film staring Janet Gaynor and Frederick March. I actually prefer the original, but the Garland version is really good as well. In it, Garland plays a young actress who falls in love with a huge star (played by the always wonderful James Mason) just as she is discovered and his fame is beginning to subside. It’s a great behind the scenes look at Hollywood of the 1950s.

Judy Garland delivers the performance of her career in this film. She was nominated for Best Actress, but ultimately didn’t win. It’s a heartbreaking look at fame and all the negatives that come with it, especially when you consider Ms. Garland’s own struggles due to fame.

With some great musical numbers and a ton of fantastic Hollywood locations, I heartily recommend you checking out A Star Is Born (1954).  If you can’t catch it on TCM, a newly restored version has just been released on DVD & Blu-ray.

Star Is Born, A (1954) – Saturday, June 19 at 8:00pm EST
A falling star marries the newcomer he’s helping reach the top.
Cast: Judy Garland, James Mason, Jack Carson, Charles Bickford Dir: George Cukor C-176 mins, TV-PG

This week’s TCM pick is a film that I’m not particularly fond of, but since it was directed by the recently departed Dennis Hopper, I figured it was a good time to give him and his film their due respect. Easy Rider is long, rambling, drug-fueled film without much of a story. All things that made it a huge success in 1969.

Famous for its portrayal of real drug use, to say Easy Rider was counterculture is an understatement. For better or worse, its success ushered in a new era of Hollywood films that dealt with difficult subject matter and had content that would have been unthinkable just 10 years earlier. For that reason it’s essential viewing if you’re looking to understand the films of the 70s. Easy Rider does have a fantastic soundtrack and some fine performances by Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and a young Jack Nicholson.

Easy Rider (1969) Wednesday, June 9 at 12:30am EST
A cross-country trip to sell drugs puts two hippie bikers on a collision course with small-town prejudices.
Cast: Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Antonio Mendoza, Phil Spector Dir: Dennis Hopper C-96 mins, TV-MA

This week’s pick is one that I’ve sadly never seen. Proving that film franchises have been around since the beginning of movies, Tarzan, The Ape Man was the first of twelve Tarzan films starring Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan. These films were hugely popular in the 30 & 40s and continued to spawn additional films in the Tarzan franchise well into the 60s and early 70s.

Even if you’ve never seen any of them (I haven’t), you are sure to have heard the famous Tarzan yell. Weismuller claimed to have developed that yell at a yodeling competition he won when he was a boy. In actuality it was created by early sound recording engineer, Douglas Shearer, using a recording of an Austrian yodeler that was sped up and reversed. Weismuller eventually became so good at mimicking the sound that most people believed he was providing the sound for the films. (source: wikipedia)

Tarzan, The Ape Man (1932) – Saturday, May 22 at 4:15pm EST
A British lord raised by apes kidnaps a beautiful noblewoman exploring Africa with her father.
Cast: Johnny Weissmuller, Neil Hamilton, C. Aubrey Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan Dir: W. S. Van Dyke BW-100 mins, TV-G