SueSueApplegate

I definitely agree, Jackie....Great post, Mave! I enjoy reading about all your adventures!

*FIRST OFFICIAL POST* Dateline: Hollywood! Arriving at the Hollywood Roosevelt is always a thrill, especially when it's time for the TCM Film Festival. Palm trees are softly swaying in the breeze, and tall, cool beverages stand **** on a tray held high by a handsome waiter circling the heated pool now filled with salt water, which keeps all us bathing beauties more buoyant. Ah...the good life. It is indeed comforting to see some of the same wonderful staff members ready to help with luggage, directions, and suggestions for the fast-paced excitement. They want all guests to have fun, relax, and enjoy, and not long after my check-in, I met a couple of fun-loving kids from the Jersey Shores, Milt and Sue and Mike and Fran, and they were doing their best to comply. On Wednesday afternoon, Robert Osborne is conducting interviews with film professionals in the lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, located on Hollywood Blvd, across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theater. As I arrived in the lobby, it was a bustle of activity and excited fans. Mr. Osborne prepares to conduct an interview with Barbara Rush, who is all "decked out" in a lovely two-piece suit in a striking shade of canary. One fan in front of me compliments Ms. Rush concerning her shoes, which were multicolored and vibrant with almost every shade in the rainbow. Ms. Rush volunteered to everyone that she designed her shoes all by herself, and that it was one of her favorite pursuits. I introduced myself to Ms. Rush, and her manner and gracious reserve is very much like her character of Joan Dickinson in *The Young Philadelphians*, and she looks so lovely, and seems to glow with good health and energy. I am impressed with her kindness, also. She sat and spoke privately with Isac, a young man whose TCM Fan Perspective was filmed at the TCM Festival in 2010, and whose last name is not in my notes. Regular TCM viewers will recognize him for his energy and enthusiasm for classic film and popular media from his interview, which has aired many times in the past year. After Ms. Rush's lengthy visit with Isac, those adorable, tiny feet in those beautiful shoes carried Ms. Rush and her elegance toward the stage and to her interview with Robert Osborne, who states that Ms. Rush and her family were extraordinarily kind to him in his early days in Hollywood. Kudos to Ms. Rush for helping out one of our beloved TCM hosts. Other interviews conducted this afternoon on the lobby stage include the legendary Angela Allen (continuity expert on *The African Queen*, *Pandora and the Flying Dutchman*, *The Third Man* and many other legendary films) who arrived from London and was staying with friends in L.A., Dorothy Hermann ( Composer Bernard Herrman's daughter, who will introduce *The Ghost and Mrs.* *Muir* during later festival activities), and others. The unveiling of the original Grauman's footprints of Sid Grauman, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. , was hosted by Robert Osborne and a lovely young lady from the family who currently owns the "cement" archives. Applause and ahs were heard even from event-seasoned media in attendance and also those savvy passholders who were early birds... On Thursday, the first official event is graphic artist Michael Schwab who is signing the official TCM Film Festival Poster, and many passholders did not pass up this opportunity to have an official 2011 memento signed by its originator. From 1 to 2 p.m. in Club TCM, all eager festivalgoers had a chance to Meet the People Behind the Network and connect a face to a job description. Adorable Scott McGee, in charge of festival research and other festival duties, including compilation of festival tributes, moderated the event. Charles Tabesh (Programming Director), Genevieve McGillicuddy (Managing Director), Pola Changnon(Creative Director), and Darcy Hettrich(Director of Talent) were on the dais. Each spoke about their job responsibilities,and Ms.McGillicuddy and Mr. McGee revealed that they both had Master's Degrees in Film/and or Communication, and that having those degrees greatlly helped in their eventual employment with Turner Classic Movies. Tom Brown, Director of Original Programming, also discussed his contributions to the network and explained that financing is often a major factor in developing certain creative programs particular to TCM. One young lady from the audience expressed her desire to work as an intern, and it was suggested by panel members that she visit the website for jobs at the Turner Network. Mr. Tabesh was responsible for the programming of the films at the 2011 festival and as I recall, received a round of applause for his many efforts, and Ms. Hettrich reminisced about the harrowing moments during the TCM Festival 2010 when volcanic ash clouds almost prevented Luise Rainer from appearing at the festival and having that wonderful interview with Robert Osborne. Because of Ms. Hettrich's activism, we are able to enjoy so many wonderful film professionals at this festival, like Debbie Reynolds, Jane Powell, Richard Roundtree, Julie Andews, Hayley Mills, George Chakiris, Kirk Douglas, Angela Allen, Diane Disney Miller, Dorothy Hermann, Angela Landsbury, Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, Barbara Rush, Warren Beatty, Mickey Rooney, Margaret O'Brien, Leslie Caron, Mary Badham, Kirk Douglas, and Peter O'Toole! And film experts like Donald Bogle, Leonard Maltin, Cari Beauchamp, Katie Trainor, David Stenn, Kevin Brownlow, and Disney historian J.B. Kaufman. I am glad Ms. Hettrich could persuade them all to leave their "swankiendas." Genevieve McGillicuddy, Managing Director of the Festival, is also responsible for the upcoming TCM Cruise in December. Great idea! Many passholders I've spoken to expressed keen interest in the USS TCM.... After the interesting TCM Panel, all TCM City Posters trounced over to the In-and-Out Burjay for our annual officially unofficial gathering of the clan: The mysterious red-headed stranger, Jack Burley, friendly and fedora'd Kingrat (winner of the last TCM Challenge and host of the next), Stephanie from Jersey, Miss Emberly from Texas, Charlie Chaplin 101, BeatleBrandon, the legendary Kyle from Hollywood, Izcutter and Mr. Cutter from the San Fernando Valley, David from Seattle, lovely loveslilacs and her husband James, the stylish and efficient Countess De Lave (hostess of the last programming challenge), Glenn, the winner of the Classic TCM Festival 2011 pass, wouldbestar, Morlock Jeff, and Disney historian J.B. Kaufmann. It was so much fun meeting acquaintances from last year, and new ones I'd already made this year. If I've left anyone out of our star-studded scenario, feel free to update me!

My sentiments exactly, yancey. Another wonderful, excitement-filled experience. And I need to find out what kind of vitamins Mr. O uses. His stamina and graciousness to passholders amazes... I am still recovering here in the high desert where I'm visiting family, and hope to make my first "Sue Sue" post this evening... Met so many wonderful folks like Milt and Sue and Fran and Mike from "Jersey," Emberly, Garrett and Rob, Jeff and Ed, a great crowd of fun-seeking thrillmongers from Ohio (one of whom was Antoinette), Stephanie, Victoria and Katie from Rhode Island, Isac, a true "whiz kid," Cinemaven, Jack Burley, wouldbestar, Bruce and Ben(Mr. Photo-Op), Jonathan from Scotland, "June Bug" from Houston, Heather from Canada, Susan from Virginia, Keith from Houston, and Glenn, the classic pass winner...more later....and I wish to thank everyone for the kind words about Sue Sue's Blog on theFestivals Forum.

filmlover, it's been so much fun! I really enjoyed that Peter O'Toole interview with RO at the Music Box yesterday. I've seen Hayley Mills discuss her family and career before presentations of Summer Magic and The Parent Trap, Julie Andrews remember Blake Edwards before a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Angela Lansbury recall her first big break before a showing of Gaslight. Plus the Fred and Kate presentation at Club TCM, Voice Doubles with Marni Nixon, and the late screening of The Mummy introduced by Ron Perlman. And that's only todays agenda! It's been so much fun because I've also met so many great film fans here at the festival And it was wonderful to see you, too! I've visited with Kingrat, CineMaven, wouldbestar, chilibug, charliechaplin101, beatlebrandon, Kyle, lzcutter (my roomie), that wonderfullly tall Scotsman, and many other folks who read threads here at TCM City, but rarely post. Hope to start seriously posting on the travel blog soon....

I will be arriving on Wednesday, so I may not start "official" posting until Friday morning. I can't wait to see all my "new" pals from last year and can't wait to make the acquaintance of first-time passholders in 2011! Lzcutter and Cinemave have already started rolling with their posts, so enjoy!

This is great news! I'll be there...

*Cinemave!* I hope I was one of the ones who inspired you to come this year!! I can't wait to read about your exploits. I enjoyed reading about your train travel, and hope to hear more about Ann-Margret later! Keep us posted and can't wait to see you soon!

Dear Wouldbestar, There was one ATM at the hotel, but last year during the festival, it quit working for awhile. There are quite a few ATMs near the Hollywood Roosevelt and the festival area, so not to worry.

Dear Wouldbestar, 200 business cards sounds way too ambitious for someone like me. Plus, I just refer folks to the TCM City website and say email "Sue Sue." But it all depends on how friendly you want to be, and if you are attending the festival for professional reasons concerning the film industry. I know someone who said he was glad he had brought about 100 or so cards. Network, network, network, and it's also the title of a film being screened...

Bronxie, Louis Jordan was so sneering and leering in this "Epic." Was this one of those Marty Melcher Makes Doris Pay the Mortgage films he demanded she do?...She does have the best laugh, and I have to admit, I thought she was again her wonderful self. She carries it. And I love it when she lands the plane..... Jackie, I also love Doris' songs in *My Dream is Yours* . Mave, I wish we could worship and bask in her presence...I so want her to know how much she has meant to the movie going public. I wish Barry Sullivan had been around to save her from Marty the Moocher Melcher and his lawyer friend, sheister Rosenthal. But her son, Terry, saved the day for her. I've actually been to her hotel, The Cypress Inn, in Carmel...It's charming.

Tracey, I agree with your "sanitized" comment. She does seem to gloss over noteworthy details. I am just wondering how much is memory, how much is documented, and how much is she paid. For a great biography of Dietrich, I would recommend the book her daughter, Maria Rivas, wrote, and I would also recommend watching the documentary by Maximilian Schell. One of the most haunting interviews he does is with Hildegard Neff. Burt Bacharach and Maria Rivas also appear. Several of the folks I know who are attending the TCM FILM FESTIVAL also have recommended *Furious Love*, about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, by Sam Kashner, a Vanity Fair contributor, and Nancy Schoenberger, a professor and writer. I've read it, and recommend it, and it is a roller-coaster of a riotous read. Life surpasses art with their indulgences, imbroglios, and indelicacies... I couldn't put it down!

Tatiana, check out this wealth of information for newbies at the following link if you haven't all ready found it! TCM Film Festival 101: http://www.tcm.com/festival/index.html/#2 As for DVDs for the autograph parties, I am sure they will be readily available when the gift shop opens for business on Thursday. I think you will have ample time to secure a copy before the signing parties with Debbie Reynolds and Leslie Caron. Autograph collection is a little more involved than purchasing a DVD or book. Wait for the right moment when the film professional is not involved in answering a personal phone call, or signing someone else's DVD or book. If there is a group or line gathering, patience is a virtue. Wait your turn, try not to nudge or offend anyone with whom you are waiting in line, or jostle the person whose penmanship you wish to purloin.... I found that all film professionals I encountered are happy to visit with their fans and sign autographs. Anyone at last year's TCM Festival that I presented with my autograph request was kind, courteous and compliant. Good luck and have fun!

Definitely pack your dancing shoes, Jezebel! Don't miss out on any of the fun at any time. You will be smiling all the way on the flight home!

The Countess and Miss Lilacs, Lynn, were some of the great style setters of the glam set, and I definitely agree that "going all out" is also "going all out" to have a wonderful time! If you don't wish to "get all dolled" up, there is no requirement, but half the fun is pretending you are at a "real" premiere, and there will be "real" screen queens and kings attending the screening as well as the Vanity Fair after party.... Last year, hair salon "Fekkai" treated Countess De Lave and Loves Lilacs to a complimentary "do", and as I recall, you ladies were certainly complimented!! Have fun, dress up, and don't forget your smile! (Yes, I may be Pollyanna, and yes, I'm going to see Hayley Mills and *The Parent Trap* and/or Summer Magic* !) Yay for Disney Musicals!!

That's great, David! Can't wait... BTW, if anyone hasn't seen information from Film Festival 101 on the film website, it reveals when Ben and Robert O. will be interviewing and visiting film professionals at Club TCM... While you'll see our production teams at work often throughout the festival, here are some specific opportunities to watch Robert Osborne or Ben Mankiewicz interview some of our special guests live from the TCM Classic Film Festival. WEDNESDAY, April 27 (if you're in town, come on by) 1:00pm- 3:00pm Robert Osborne- TCM Stage in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby Ben Mankiewicz- Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Pool THURSDAY, April 28 1:00pm-3:00pm Robert Osborne- TCM Stage in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby Ben Mankiewicz- Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Pool FRIDAY, April 29 12:30pm-2:00pm Ben Mankiewicz- TCM Stage in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby SATURDAY, April 30 12:30pm-2:00pm Robert Osborne- TCM Stage in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby 2:00pm- 3:30pm Ben Mankiewicz- TCM Stage in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby *Shoot times and locations subject to change; please see the Information Desk for updates. FILM 101 LINK: http://www.tcm.com/festival/index.html/#2

Can't imagine anyone not wanting to travel in style with Jack Burley!

I am definitely planning to attend Peter O'Toole's Footprints Ceremony on the schedule. Anyone else add this item to their personal agenda? And I will certainly enjoy the booth they've set up at the Hollywood Roosevelt for interviews with Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz as they speak with film industry professionals. Messageboards member Butterscotchgreer really enjoyed the Road to Hollywood with Ben and Angie Dickinson in Austin to introduce *Rio Bravo* on April 16, and Tricia NY wrote about Tippi Hedren and *The Birds* on the messageboards, as well as Cinemaven discussing her foray to see Robert Osborne and Angela Lansbury as they introduced *The Manchurian Cadidate*. The Road to Hollywood is a wonderful way for folks to enjoy a taste of the TCM Film Festival if they don't have the time to come to LA in April. I can't believe it's NEXT WEEK!

Jack, I had two or three last year. They must not have been the special "suicide" shakes. I still remember what happened that night! Oooh La La! Darryl, hope to see you all there!

Yes, Sam, the more the merrier! They have great chocolate shakes.

I can't wait to see all these Laugh-O-Grams! I think it will be so much fun!! Do you have a favorite?

Great photos on your link, Tricia! This thread is so much fun to read. Maven, I also enjoyed reading about your Angela/Bob encounter. Tippi and *The Birds* with Ben!

Jiminy Crickets!! Everybody is so quick to put the kabosh on my canoodling.... I just said "OOOooohh, a tall Scotsman." Maybe I just like to carry on a conversation with someone and not have to duck 3 or 4 feet...Jeeesh!!! So much subtext.....

For updates, check out these great festival links... Things to bring...... http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?threadID=159444&tstart=0 In and Out Unofficial Gathering Updates.... http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?threadID=158580&start=0&tstart=0 Just get ready for lots of fun, film, and friends galore! And of course there is the usual camaraderie, canoodling, and canapes, and not necessarily in that order!!! I wonder if they might be taping some of these great guest programmer segments at the Film Fest.. http://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5638 Hope so! And for all you Wills and Kate fans, check out the following article about what TCM is planning on Friday, April 29th, (Wedding Day): http://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5650 And if you are at the festival, it's 1 a.m. in the morning when the royal nups begin....

> {quote:title=hulaskater wrote:}{quote} > Updated to remove bringing items to be signed by celebrities... > > Things people have recommended bringing: > - Comfortable shoes (for sprinting between theaters) > - Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat (for standing in line) > - Snacks and bottled water (for in-theater dining) > - Business/Personal cards (for exchanging with new friends) > - Small notebook and pen (for recording contacts and happenings) > - Sweater or light jacket (for nights and over-cooled places) > - Camera, memory cards (or film), batteries, charger > > NOTE: only CDs and books purchased at the festival will be signed by the celebrities, so don't bother bringing photos DVDs or other items from home to be signed. > > Don't leave home without: > - TCM Festival Pass > - Studio Tour Confirmation (if you're taking WB Studios tour) > - Photo I.D. (if you're taking WB Studios tour) > > Kathie > Excellent list, Kathie! And I would also recommend, just like Kyle said, leave your cares and woes at home, bring your Joie de Vivre, and remember how much fun it is going to be!!

A tall, Scottish man? Ooohhh....I'll be there, all right.