lzcutter

Kyle, Excellent analysis! I would wager (being the betting girl I am) that you are "on the nosey" with this one. Good catch on FFC not participating. I wonder if FFC ever got over working with Brando in "ANow". I vaguely recall that FFC wasn't not thrilled about Brando showing up in the condition he did. FFC was expecting the Brando from their "Godfather" days. Of course, FFC was not in great shape during "AN" either. I would hope they mended whatever fences between them before Brando passed away. Still, given the plethora of actors and filmmakers speaking of Brando, FFC seems very absent, especially since he wanted Brando for "Godfather" and Paramount didn't. Either way, if it is more than two hours, I think Brando holds the title for biggest doc made about a star or filmmaker done by TCM. As TCM is financing, am hoping they were able to use a plethora of film clips. If it is three hours (or more), I almost prefer this to him being SOTM, because they will still show some of his films and it is a chance for all of us to learn alot more about Brando the man, the actor and the influence. Hoping, hoping, hoping....

Kyle, Wow, a two part documentary! I wonder if it a two hour doc or a four hour doc? I can't imagine them cutting up a two hour doc to show over two days. However a four hour doc, that makes more sense. If it is a four hour, two part doc, I think that is a first for TCM. I can't recall any other TCM commissioned four hour doc on a star or a filmmaker. Sounds like a great documentary and am looking forward to seeing it because of all the people talking about Brando. If they use extensive film clips, it won't have been cheap to do, either.

Scarebaby, Not to worry, it's February and the 31 Days of Oscar salute (goes until the first few days of March). Cartoon Alley, Sunday Silents and all the regular genre programming should return after the Oscar salute is over. Happens every February, come rain or shine.

Vertigo, I totally agree with you in regards to the message boards and modern films. I have been railing about it off and on for almost a year now. It is one of the quirks of this board that I just don't understand. We are all here because we love classic films and some of us because we love film. I don't understand the need to make a point about how great classic films are by dissing films of today. Classic films (and actors and craftspeople) are great. But there have been some great films made in the last forty years, the last thirty years and so one. There were some great films made in 2006. Hollywood didn't stop making great films when they stopped making black and white films, nor when the code died nor when the studio system finally gasped its last breath. If they had, films wouldn't still be made. Granted, a great deal has changed about movie making (especially from the corporate, blockbuster mentality that runs the game today) in the last twenty five years, yet filmmakers working for studios and working independently still manage to make good films. Anyone who does these days deserves applause because the bottom line is making movies isn't easy.

Hollis, When Ted Turner owned TCM and its film library, the film library consisted of all RKO films, pre-1949 Warner Bros films, and pre-1986 MGM films. However, Turner did the merge with Time Warner back in the late 1990s/early 2000s, the film library came under the care and handling of Warner Brothers Studios. For the first time in more than thirty years, the Warners film library was reunited. According to a post from TCMProgrammr about a year ago, TCM now has to rent/lease evry film it shows TCM probably has some sort of "deal, deal" (as Don Rickles would say) with WBros for showing films originally owned by TCM and possibly films from the rest of the WBros library. TCM recently cemented a great deal (from the looks of things) with Sony to show films from the Columbia Studios film library, also things seem to be warming up between Paramount (maybe that regime change was good for something) and TCM and Universal and TCM. Even Disney seems to have joined the 21st century because we are being treated to live action films from the Disney classic library. 20th Century Fox has its own movie channel - FMC- and so TCM only rarely (it seems) gets films from Fox. There are a couple of ways to suggest movies for TCM to run. One is the Suggest a Movie tab at the top of the page of the website. Many posters have said that TCM is now running films that they have requested via this tab. Also, those who participate in the TCM Programming Challenge (a new one has started), have had many of our ideas from the last four challenges appear on the TCM schedule as well. It can be complicated trying to keep all the studios and who owns what clear in one's mind. I have a cheat sheet that I put together on my computer desktop so I don't get confused. Welcome and hope that helps!

Ben, That's a great promo. What a cool idea to promo your schedule. Now you've got me thinking. Hmmmm..............

Elvis was originally cast for the Ricky Nelson part but he was drafted and the part went to Nelson. As for Dean and Ricky singing, this was the era when movies was up against television and movies were doing everything they could think of to lure audiences into the theaters. As for screenwriter Leigh Brackett, she has many credits to her name, including the first draft of "The Empire Strikes Back".

Was the kind of coat he was wearing when he first came to call on Ruth normal for the teens?>> Was it one of those long coats with a somewhat fur collar? If so, yes. Examples of that coat can be seen being worn by Harold Lloyd in silent films and in MGM musicals that try to portray that era such as "Good News". Those type of coats were popular with young men with early cars.

Tonight, for me, was one of the reasons I love TCM. Started with "The High and the Mighty". I know most of you got to see this film a few weeks ago when it premiered. But tonight was my first chance to see it in about thirty five years. I loved it. Yes, you have to forget everything you know about disaster films but that's okay. This is the grand-daddy of them all. And directed by Mr.Wings himself, William Wellman. From the crying towel to one of Wayne's most understated performances, I loved it. Seeing Jan Sterling last night in "Ace in the Hole" (Did anyone notice that the carnivale that comes to town is the S&M Amusement Company- Gotta love Billy Wilder) and then tonight in this, made me wonder why she didn't have more of a career. Loved Paul Fix and the guy who played the artist. Favorite modern moment was when they cut to the guy in bed answering the phone. My first thought was "OMG, it's the original Joe Patroni!". Next up was the The Professionals (despite losing 20 minutes because of a bad signal to DirecTV). Location filming included the Valley of Fire State Park in Clark County, Nevada. When I was a kid growing up in Las Vegas, the film cast and crew stayed downtown at the old Mint Hotel. Vegas Vic, the big neon cowboy atop the Pioneer Club (across the street from the Mint) used to move his arm, smoke a cigarette and bellow "Howdy Pardner" every 15 minutes. One night, Lee Marvin and Woody Strode, well into their cups and really tired of hearing "Howdy Pardner" while trying to sleep, took matters into their own hands. Opening their hotel windows they had a wonderful view of Vegas Vic. Marvin got out his gun (filled with blanks) and Strode his bow and arrown and they proceeded to shoot at Vegas Vic. All hell broke loose. The next morning, Marvin and Strode went to the location and Vegas Vic from that point on, the city fathers decided, should not speak. Lastly, The Detective Story. A great story with a great cast. Was this the inspiration for Barney Miller? I had no idea that Gerald Mohr was ever that good looking. Lee Grant was great. Thanks TCM for a great night of programming. I know it was mainly encore programming but for me, it was first run and it was first rate!

Just went back on the air. Kubrickbuff said his signal was ok, so it must have been a problem at Direct TV. They seem to have it fixed now. Forgive me, Fred, but when I read your first post about Direct TV having problems, I admit I smiled and thought, "Thank goodness, it's not DISH this time." >> Fred, Mr Cutter's first thought was that Turner was being punished for that stupid Cartoon Network fiasco in Boston earlier this week. Just as I posted my initial response, he yelled from the living room "It's back". In the ten years we have had DirecTV, we have never had this happen. We have had short outages due to torrential rain (being in Southern Calif, we don't get snow. Yet.) On the premiere broadcast of the John Ford documentary in November, we had a small hic-cup but I was watching and was able to record the later feed with no problem. So, tonight, I am hoping was just a quirk.

Fred, As you know we are in the Los Angeles area and have the same problem. The High and the Mighty broadcast was just fine. Got as far into The Professionals broadcast as Lee Marvin loading the gautling gun in the credits. What gives?

Perhaps it is TCM's way of highlighting the top four greatest actors of our time.

A 17 year old who can't think of a way to start a legitimate show-biz career as an actor other than to pose nude, is really a pity.>> He has a legitimate show biz career as the star of the Harry Potter films. He has been starring in the series of films since he was 10 I believe. Equus is a Tony nominated dramatic play that was first staged back in the late 1970s beginning in England, I believe, before coming to the States. I vaguely recall Richard Burton, Peter Finch or someone from that generation in the lead role but cannot remember who originated the role of the troubled young man that Radcliffe will now be playing. He's trying not to get sterotyped as a young man. Of all the things he could have done to try to break out of that role, taking a part in a major theatrical play certainly seems the wiser choice than drinking and carousing through nightclubs like many other young stars.

I think Anne may be right. There are a number of films that TCM aired in January and are being re-broadcast this month (Spiral Staircase, Garden of Allah, High and the Mighty, The Killers, etc) and some until the end of April. This films may have been on TCM's wishlist for February and came with clauses that only allow TCM to have the films to broadcast for a short window of opportunity. Thus, TCM knowing that some of these titles are very popular with their viewers are trying to give their viewers maximum opportunity to view them before they go back into the vaults (so to speak). Having been traveling for the most of the month of January, I am grateful for the chance to get caught up on some of the films that I missed or couldn't Tivo because the hard drive is full. Just at thought.

Kubrickfan, You've got a Private Message!

Kubrick, No, I don't think any thing of the sort. It would probably be helpful for you to click on one of the links (in Filmlovers original post) to see how the schedules are laid out. I'm about to run out the door and run some errands. But when I get back I will check back in. So please don't take me not responding as a reflection on anything else. Also, if you would like to PM with questions, that would work too! See you when I get back!!!!!

The idea of the challenge is to program a week of TCM programming following the ground rules that the programmers actually do. You can choose films from any of the following film libraries: All the RKO films, all the pre-1986 MGM films, all the pre-1950 Warner Bros films. You can also include films from Monogram, Columbia, J Arthur Rank, Disney (live action only) and post-1950 United Artists. You can schedule 5 films to premiere on TCM during your week. These can be films from any library and any year that have not been on TCM previously. Maybe you would like to premiere the cut of Blade Runner that you have been posting about as one of your premieres. You can use the TCM Database or imdb.com to find out what year a film was released and which company released the film. Programming Challenges begin on a Sunday morning and end on the following Saturday night. You get to choose a Star of the Month (every Tuesday evening was Jean Arthur evening last month as an example) and program one evening featuring films of your selected star. You choose two Essential Films (for your starting day of encore Sunday (this would be a repeat) and one for the following Saturday first run Essential. Each day and evening can have themes: ideas that tie your block of films together. Instead of programming a Guest Programmer, you get to create your idea of a boxed set (Remember in December when TCM ran the three Forbidden Hollywood films and promoted the box set of said films.) and run three of the five films on one of your evenings. The TCM database and imdb.com also list running times, cast and crew. Hope this helps! Message was edited by: lzcutter

I think it's appalling that a 17 year old is posing in the nude. This kid should really put clothes on - he'd look a lot better. >> But he's not posing in the nude for a centerfold or such. He is acting in a dramatic play and the character he plays is quite troubled. In the course of the play, he has to appear nude on stage. I congratulate him on stretching his acting chops and hope he does well. He can't be Harry Potter forever and obviously doesn't want to get typecast this early in his career.

Kubrick, It may seem overwhelming but it really isn't. If you have any questions or any concerns, please post them. It's hard to believe almost a year ago many of us were in your shoes and we would be happy to help you understand anything that doesn't make sense to you. The Challenge is a great deal of fun and as filmlover pointed out, TCM Programmr does follow this thread and does use some of our ideas for really programming what TCM airs. So, it's a great opportunity to shine some light on films and themes you would like to see on TCM. It also gives everyone a real appreciation for the just how hard the actual Programming job can be. So, ask away, we'd be glad to help! lzcutter, player emeritus

It's the 100th birthday for both John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn, so those two will both be SOMs then (first time we have 2 in one month). Also it's Olivier's 100th, so a 24-hour tribute to him.>> TCMProgrammr, I've been hoping you guys would honor these greats in just this way in May. Last year when I was reminded that all three would be celebrating their centennial birthdays I responded by saying "Damn, TCM is going to have a busy month!"

You mean the people on "Antiques Roadshow" are... (gasp)... ACTORS?!? *sob*>> No, just the host. I don't know much about the original host, but the woman from a few years ago is now the host of one of those silly Entertainment Tonight shows and this guy came from the theater. I have no problem with the hosts being professionals because someone has to be able to memorize the wrap arounds and the on locations stuff and not every one is ready for their close up. The appraisers are all real people who are used to talking with the public and are probably pretty p.r. savvy and we only see the ones who can interact on camera and do it well. But the folks who bring their stuff in to the Roadshow are real honest to gosh folks just like you and me. Now if I only had something in my attic or closets worth a half a million dollars.

Richard Jaeckel in Sometimes a Great Notion Warren Beatty in Reds The Wild Bunch Sean Connery in Robin and Marian Sean Connery in The Man Who Would Be King Sean Connery in The Untouchables James Caan in Brian's Song (technically a tv movie but still a great scene) Myrna Loy in The Rains Came John Wayne in The Shootist The crew of Mr. Roberts when they find out Doug has died

I finally got to see this masterpiece tonight. Just as great as I remember from almost forty years ago! Two quick questions that I should probably know the answers to and probably did when I was younger: Why didn't Wilder work with his usual partner on the script? And the song that Leo sings when Chuck first visits him in the cave. What western is that from? I want to say "Red River" but my brain keeps saying it's from a John Ford western.

I hope we don't get yelled at for abusing the message boards.>> Me too. Mr Cutter and I became fans about a year ago while traveling. We were stuck in a hotel one evening and the only thing on was Family Guy. Have loved it ever since. Stewie and Brian are my favorites. Mr Cutter, great guy that he is, even got us the boxed sets and the Stewie magnets.

Dear Alumnus Anne (did I forget a word? hic-cup) The wonderful Professor Klondike assures me that he will be in rare form and on-time for his class tomorrow. We are still partying heartily here at the pub though Filmlover, hard working ace that he is, has called it a night. He is so looking forward to the TCM Programming Class and I suspect he will be readily prepared. If I might suggest, you might not want to sit in the front row of Professor K's class in the morning. We got into a belching contest here at the pub and the man won! The grease-monkeys down at the motor-pool would be proud. Please let me know if there are any problems with the good Professor's class in the morning. I do hope you enjoy it and look forward to your evaluation. We are always happy to welcome alumni back to our little home away from home. So good cheer and good night. Interim Dean LZ Cutter, via some contraption called a Blackberry. who knew?