lzcutter
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Posts posted by lzcutter
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What's that song in my head:
"You just keep me hanging on".
Looking forward to the Challenge!
Emeritus Challenger, Lzcutter
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Interesting comment about the "media machine". The biggest surprise is that it turned out to be a hit at all, when the movie was pushed back to December from a summer opening, all media outlets started talking about it as if it were a sure-fire turkey. They really sounded like they expected it to be another "Heaven's Gate".>>
Cinemascope,
Excellent example. As far as most of the media was concerned "Titanic" was supposed to be the next "Heaven's Gate", over budget, missed the scheduled, the studio was up in arms, the burgeoning internet had it pegged as a disaster, the established media had it pegged as a disaster.
But the public showed up in droves, swept up in the story, or swept up in the artistry of the recreation of the unsinkable Titanic or swept up in the possibility of seeing a piece of history that they knew about but could never experience first hand or swept up in the love story.
Whatever the reason they showed up, they helped propel the film to #1 at the box office despite all the buzz and the majority of the media proclaiming it would it lay an egg at the box office and never make its money back.
Sometimes, more often than not, the media is wrong about a film but because we live in a culture of sound bites we tend to believe the sound bites and not the actual facts.
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I mean, if there's a good source material anywhere, it should still rest within the vaults of the studios that originally owned them, even if the copyright expired at some point, right? >>
Unless there was a vault fire, or the film elements were melted down for their silver content, or the film was originally on nitrate and decomposed or the studio threw out the elements at some point because they needed the storage space or the elements were mislabeled or the elements were on safety stock but have faded to pink or the people in Home Video have no idea of what films they have their in their in their libraries.
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I would like to see "The Stunt Man" again. I saw it a year after it first came out and thought it had been a little overrated, but O'Toole was fine as the movie director in the movie. (I guess based on John Huston.) >>
I would sell my brother to see "The Stuntman" again. A wonderful film, shot on location at the Del Coronado down San Diego way with a wonderful performance by O'Toole and a great soundtrack.
An under-rated gem of film from the late 1970s/early1980s.
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Cinemascope,
You might try participating in our TCM Challenge. This was started by one of the long standing posters here, path40a, last spring. The idea is to schedule a week of TCM programming using the basic ground rules that the programmers themselves use.
We are coming up on our fourth Challenge next month. Filmlover won the last one and is hosting the next one.
I think all of us who have participated have had our ideas used by the TCM staff. In fact, Filmlover's theme of "A Star is Born" will be used for the September month of programming later this year. Matthelm has seen his idea of TCM showing serials become a reality. Kyle has seen his "Pulp Fiction" and "John Ford Unarmed" themes used. Allieharding has seen her British film themes used and I have seen my own Lucille Ball theme and a few others. Later this year, "The Men Who Made the Movies: William Wellman" from my first and third Challenge will be on the schedule.
It's a good way of showcasing some of the films you feel strongly about and getting them noticed.
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"Many of the changes that I've seen on TCM have been awesome -- see Lynn and Kyle's list of things to be thankful for over the past year (although I would have put TCMU in the top ten -- I have no idea what they were thinking).">>
JonParker,
Thanks for the kind words. I know how much you are enjoying the Underground and RZ.
<>
Thank you for stating that so eloquently and precisely.
As Kyle said:
We also fought over the ranking of the Janus Films Series for the same reason. I think Lynn wanted Janus at # 3 but I wouldn't hear of it. Many of the same films have shown up on IFC lately. It, too, suffered from a lack of "uniqueness to TCM" in the rankings debate.>>
I was adament, Kyle was adament, repeat over many times, I blinked.
<>
Me, too!
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lzcutter has been kind enough so many times to tell about this that I will just reprint one of her recent posts about this, so she won't have to do so:>>
Filmlover,
Thanks for reprinting that. What I would give to have it as a sticky on the front board under announcements.
Another thing we should keep in mind is that the sheer number of films in the Warners/TCM library. All RKO films, all Warner Bros films and pre-1986 MGM films. Even if you figure half the silent films may be lost, the sheer number of feature length films, serials, cartoons and short subjects that have to preserved/restored and/or transferred to a digital format is rather staggering.
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If that is what has happened to TCM where was the logic in going digital so soon if they lost most of their library and are having to show newer movies as a result?>>
Broadcasters don't have a choice. All networks/stations have until 2009 to be on a digital platform. Most networks began migrating to digital about the time TCM did. They may have been using both servers for awhile to work out any bugs in the digital server.
Think of it as the better safe than sorry idea. If they had waited till the end and there were problems we'd be watching a blank screen.
But the bottom line is they had no choice in going to digital.
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lzcutter: What the heck is a MTSKP3, or whatever those letters were?>>
Anne,
It is actually MST3K which is short for Mystery Science Theatre 3000. This was a wonderful weekly program back in the late 1980s where a janitor. Joel Robinson (Joel Hodgson) is working in the lab of Dr Clayton Forrester, a zany and mad scientist who has an assistant, Frank. One day the get bored, kidnap Joel Robinson and launch him into space aboard the Satellight of Love. Since they are evil scientists they force him to watch some of the worst movies ever made. To keep from growing crazy, Robinson builds two wacky but endearing robots Tom Servo and Crow T Robot to watch the movies with.
They would watch the movies and make the most hysterical running commentary.
Hodgson left after almost 100 episodes but the show lived on for almost another ten years with Michael J. Nelson replacing Joel Hodgson.
A true classic.
"Ah, the ennui, the ennui" Tom Servo
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Vallo,
I think I read it that Shane was coming to TCM in one of the recent press releases that TCM posts.
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My understanding is that MGM as a film production/distribution company of theatrical releases and the MGM film library are two very different things. Ted Turner held on to the MGM library when he had to sell everything else....>>
Cinemascope,
Turner bought the pre-1986 MGM film library. When Turner did the merge with Time-Warner the Turner Film library came under the control of Warner Bros.
The post-1986 film library is owned by Sony.
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CSJ,
Very true about the inserts of the clock would have had to be shot at some point before Williams could edit them in.
There was an article back in the mid-1970s in the old AFI Magazine about the cutting of "High Noon" and Williams said that the idea to add the clock ticking down was his and he added the shots after preview audiences returned them less than satisfactory preview cards.
Was Williams taking more credit than was due, I don't know.
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Rusty,
Your post made me think of a couple of things regarding music rights and clearances, especially for television shows.
The CBS hit "Cold Case" spends a small fortune in music clearances each week. This will likely keep this show from coming to DVD anytime remotely soon.
When "Crime Story", that wonderful TV show by Michael Mann and starring Dennis Farina that was popular in the mid-1980s used all sorts of period rock and roll music. When A&E bought the syndication rights, they had to replace all that original music with sound alikes when they broadcast the episodes because the music clearance rights didn't include syndication.
It's one reason "Crime Story" was so long coming to DVD.
Music Clearance Rights can trip up alot of filmmakers.
Overall clearance rights for clips in wonderful documenataries like Kevin Brownlow's Hollywood, is what has kept it from coming to DVD and being able to be re-broadcast.
Keeping my fingers crossed for "Hollywood", MST3K and SCTV.
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Anne,
Shane is coming up on the schedule and it may be a TCM premiere, I'm not sure. I know a few years ago when TCM ran its wonderful "Every Western but Shane" festival it was called that because Shane was not available for TCM to rent.
So,since it doesn't come up often I would recommend those that love it to program their machnes!
As for the clock in "High Noon' the story goes that it was added by the editor after preview audiences thought the film didn't work.
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Moviegal,
One of the things that we have to remember in all this is that a large number of pre-1950s films have been lost to time, neglect, vault fires, decay, melting down the negatives for silver, etc.
A great deal of the time people assume this means only silent films but it doesn't. A number of films from the beginning of talking pictures until after WW2 have been lost.
There may even be some Oscar nominated and Oscar winners in that group. It is only in the last 25 years or so that our film heritage has become important to preserve and it is only with the advent of VHS and now DVDs that the studios realize that there is an audience and a market for their older films. (And not every studio understands that as well as others).
So, while we treasure the Oscar nominated and winning films of eras gone by, that has not always been the case.
I doubt that every Oscar nominated film is available for TCM to rent. I would be very surprised if even 30% of nominated films prior to 1970 are available for TCM to rent.
However, I have no doubt that 90% of Oscar nominated films since 1970 are available.
And that is TCM's dilemma not only for the 31 Days of Oscar but for their overall scheduling as well.
Just because a movie once existed does not mean it exists today and does not mean that it is available to TCM to rent/lease.
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TCM has done this before then? Okay, but there are Oscar winning films from the 30's, 40's, and 50's that would fit in with the whole basis for the channel in the first place. >>
Moviegal,
I think the 31 Days of Oscar has been a part of TCM almost from the beginning and lord knows, it seems to always have been controversial.
As for the Oscar winning films of the studio era vs post-1960s films and why? TCM has to rent/lease all the films it shows.
The majority of Oscar nominated and Oscar winning films from the studio era may not be available in a digital format that TCM can run.
Few studios are willing (WBros and Sony being the exception) to underwrite the expense of transferring a film to digital so that it can be broadcast.
Some of the films belong to 20th Century Fox which has its own Movie Channel (FMC) and doesn't rent/lease films to TCM on a regular basis. Other films belong to Universal and Paramount and they are just not all that interested in making their studio era films available.
TCM did have a breakthrough with Disney this year (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) so that bodes well for the future.
But when putting together the Oscar schedule, the reality is that the post-1960s films are more likely to be available in a digital format for renting/leasing than the studio era films.
Message was edited by:
lzcutter because clarification is important
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*******URGENT*Western Union Telegram*URGENT********
Jan. 2, 2007. Dateline: Pacific
To: Dean Finnie, Head of Classic Cinema College
From: Lzcutter, Head of Film Restoration
Dean Finnie,
Got your wire. stop. Funds have been given to Mary Bailey for deposit in the Bailey Building and Loan. stop. Do not think for a New York minute that you are leaving this school and that I will take your job. stop. It must be the champagne talking. stop.
Have my heads plenty full with my own department, do not need nor want more responsibility. stop. Imagine there will be full scale riot should you not return. stop.
As things have been running amok here the last few weeks don't think you want the faculty, staff and students walking in protest lines demanding your return. stop.
Hope you had a jolly New Years celebration and look forward to your return later this month. stop.
Dr. Jacquith may be able to make time for you in his schedule to help you with your return transition. stop.
Happy New Year!
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******Western Union Telegram******
To: Dean Finnie, Honolulu, Hawaii
From: Chancellor Lewis Stone, Classic Cinema College
Dean Finnie,
Received notification from one Lzcutter in Film Restoration that you are resigning. stop.
You know that I have the utmost respect for you and all that you have done to turn this college around the last few years. stop. You have managed the staff and faculty with great aplomp, have rounded out the curriculum and even the students seem to enjoy going to classes more. stop.
I know your vacation was interrupted by a few problems and that a round the world trip can be a heady experience. stop. However, I would like to remind you that you did sign a seven year contract with us and you have still have a few years to go on that contract. stop.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation in the Pacific and will get lots of rest and sun. Expect to see you here the week before classes recommence for the winter semester. stop.
If you are going to break your contract, know that it will disappoint me a great deal and cause me to take you to court. stop. Hope common sense prevails.
Regards,
Lewis Stone
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Sam,
Welcome back!!! We were worried about you! Hope you had a great time in Italy. You've lots of reading to catch up on.
Looking forward to your posts!
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Moviegal,
Here's the link to the earlier thread:
http://forums.tcm.com/jive/tcm/thread.jspa?threadID=93444&tstart=15
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Cinemascope,
The Warners Studio Library (thanks to the Turner deal a few years back that brought the TCM library under the ownership of Time-Warner and the library under the control of Warner Bros) consists of all RKO films, all Warner Bros films and MGM pre-1986 films.
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*********************Via Air Mail*****************
To: Dean M. Finnie, Classic Cinema College IN TRANSIT
From: Lzcutter, Head of Film Restoration Department, Classic Cinema College
Dear Dean Finnie,
We hope this reaches you at the port stop in South Africa.
We here at the College are relieved beyond words that you did not board the plane with Ronald Coleman (some of the staff, who shall remain nameless, even had a betting pool going). The plane has been reported lost over the Himalayas with reports of the Mongol pilots bailing out prior to the crash. All aboard are feared lost up there on the snowy horizon.
That said, it sounds like you have had a delightful trip and have met some very interesting characters and people along the way. Congratulations on such an interesting holiday. Most of the male faculty and staff ask if its possible that the smoking blonde you met on the train could be invited for Valentine's Day.
As for Harvey, it's probably best to start at the beginning. After our Holiday party, the faculty and staff were quite taken with Harvey.
Mr. Pangborn, who has to have his fingers (and nose) in everything it seems was bent on chastising everyone who attended our party. Harvey, Lord bless him, suggested that perhaps all the good man needed was to add a little extra "kick" to Pangborn's coffee every morning. Well, the change in Pangborn was almost miraculous.
He became a different man, even hanging out with the Billiards instructor, W.C Fields.
With Pangborn no longer threatening to send us all packing, Harvey befriended Dr. Jacquith of the Psychology Department. Their friendship was going swimmingly until the arrival of one Miss Charlotte Vale. Given her extreme condition, Dr. Jacquith decided that she needed his immediate attention.
Harvey, not one to be without friends for long, discovered that Prof. Thomas Mitchell's Uncle Billy was paying the campus a visit. In addition, the Professor of Wizardry and Arts, Frank Morgan, from Kansas arrived saying he had so much fun at your "Meet the Staff" picnic last summer he came back for a visit. He was disappointed you were not here but he quickly became friends with Uncle Billy and [/b]Harvey.
Mickey Rooney, scamp that he is, showed them the old barn and the three began working on some contraption that involved a giant head, lots of smoke and fog and some fire. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.
With no one adding that little extra "kick" to Pangborn's coffee in the morning he quickly reverted to his old, flustered, curmudgeonly self. He got so bad that Professor W.C. Fields was heard to say "That on the whole I'd rather be in Philadelphia than spend another moment in Pangborn's company".
I wish we were all in Philadelphia with Prof. Fields but, alas, we are not. With Professor Fields gone, Pangborn began looking for other people to harangue. He soon found them down at the old barn.
Harvey, Uncle Billy and Professor Morgan had finished their contraption and were giving a select audience a run-through of what it could do. Pangborn entered after the lights had gone down and became entangled in the curtains that were stretched over the doorway to keep light out.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain" the giant (did I mention it was emerald green) head thundered amid all the smoke, fog and fire.
Well, Pangborn thought the giant, green head was referring to him and went apoleptic.
He called Professor Thomas Mitchell and demanded that Mitchell control his Uncle Billy or "perhaps this wasn't the best place for the good professor to be employed". As Mitchell is up for tenure this year we were all horrified. Uncle Billy, not wanting to hurt his nephew's career grew very quiet.
Prof. Frank Morgan was aghast at the heavy handed tactics that Pangborn was using and decided to leave the campus. He had hoped to see you but said that staying while Pangborn was running things was out of the question. He departed by balloon for Kansas.
Harvey tried to explain the whole contraption and the situation but by now Pangborn was all but foaming in hysteria. Filmlover, one of our best students, trying to help rushed to find Prof. Jacquith but ended up tripping on a wire and almost knocked himself out. Rusty/jarhfive and Matthelm took him off to the infirmary where he could be placed under observation and, I suspect, they could check out the nurses.
Our English Professor, BillMcCrary, went to fetch Dr. Jacquith but came back saying that Dr. Jacquith had his hands full not only with Charlotte Vale but some guy named Jerry that she had met on a cruise and a little girl he thought might be Jerry's daughter.
Harvey was seen dejectedly walking away from the barn and was awol for a few days. We tried to find James "Call Me Jimmy" Stewart to come and help, phone calls were placed but Mr. Stewart could not be found. We did find his sister, Veta and his neice, Myrtle Mae, but when we mentioned Harvey they became as crazed as Pangborn. Not wanting to have any more lunatics around here, we hung up.
I suspect that it was while he was suffering from melancholy, that Harvey wired you. We are thrilled he wants to become a member of the faculty and trust me, he will fit right in.
Well, Kyle from Hollywood and I were most worried about Harvey falling into depression and talked about remedies. Kyle had the perfect answer. I placed a call to the savior of many of our precode films, Mr. Hugh Hefner. He said not to worry he would send a couple of his best Playboy bunnies over to keep Harvey company. I have heard of brown bunnies, white bunnies and even black and white bunnies but not Playboy bunnies. Are you, by chance, familiar with them?
Well, Kyle told Harvey, who perked up immediately. He got all dressed up in a tux and made reservations at La Jazz Hot for New Years Eve. The Professor of Rejuvination, Victor Frankenstein (that's Frank-en-stein) and the Monster are begging Harvey to take them along. The Monster does look good in a tux. So, it looks like Harvey, Frankenstein, the Monster and the Bunnies are going out for a night on the town.
As for us in Film Restoration, we are opening our screening room for an all-night bill of Marx Brothers movies. Matthelm and Jarhfive brought Filmlover to the screening room saying that Doc suggested keeping filmlover awake for at least 12 hours to make sure he doesn't have a concussion.
Since laughter is the best medicine, we think the Brothers Marx will keep him in stitches.
We will toast the New Year and you, our dear Dean, at midnight with some champagne from California (who knew?) and look forward to your safe return to this asylum.
As for Pangborn, we are hoping the wonderful dinner Home Ec Professor Marjorie Main with able assistance from staffer, Thelma Ritter made using mainly wine and assorted alcohol in place of water, milk and oil, will keep old Pangy (as they were calling him after they had fixed the feast) from feeling no pain.
Happy New Year, Dean Finnie!!!
Message was edited by:
lzcutter
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Larry,
Have a wonderful time at the New Years Eve do tonight! I'm still ruminating on your other post!
To one and all, have a happy and safe New Years Eve and may 2007 be the best year yet for all of us!
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Carol,
I was five years old and we were living in North Las Vegas. I remember my mom, dad and I learning the twist together.
Have a twisting New Years Eve everyone and Larry, have fun at that dance!
TCM personnel sure have to put up with a lot
in General Discussions
Posted
Last month I asked on General Issues 'why' and the reply was they don't consult each other in scheduling, which I can understand, but do they at least look at the previous month? >>
Anne,
The General Issues forum is for technical problems with the website or with TCM. TCMProgrammr may not have seen your question since it was in the General Issues forum.