lzcutter

Chief, It looks they have, indeed, been fixed including the Remind button for both the schedule and the database. As cinemafan noted, 9am is on the schedule as 9pm and 9pm is switched as 9am but that seems to be the only problem. And, best of all, the schedule page remembers what time zone you select! Here's hoping!

Tracey, Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad my recaps are being appreciated! MrCutter, at first, thought I was nuts dragging a notebook around and writing down so much info but after I explained to him the purpose, he understood. Though, by the end, I was wishing I had taken short-hand in high school or college. As for a pared down version of the Festival, TCM has announced its first-ever cruise coming up in December. Robert O was careful to note that it wouldn't be a smaller version of the Festival but from the sounds of things, there will be films and panels. For more info, here's the link: http://www.tcmcruise.com/

Andy, Here's a link to my list of previous Stars of the Month: http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8482562 Hope that helps!

*Thank you for letting us know Zohra Lampert is still with us. Althought she is probably best known for ending up with Warren Beatty in Splendor in the Grass, she made me laugh and cry with so many other wonderful pieces of work.* Wouldbe, I remember her from her very memorable characters on *Kojak*.

*What wasted space? Where? Please explain what you are talking about. I am new here, now that I have some spare time to watch those marvelous old "classic" movies, but I do not understand all of the criticisms that are being leveled here at this web site.* JB, This is the Tech Forum for problems with using the website. (The Discussion Forums for enjoying movies is at the very top of the main forum page.). Since this entire website underwent a major upgrade two months ago, certain features have not been working properly. One of the biggest problems is with printing out the monthly schedule. Before the upgrade, it was easy to do. Since the upgrade, it now takes twice as much paper due to large parts of wasted space on the printed page. Though, it sounds like in the last few days, that problem is being worked on. This entire thread is dedicated to problems that people have been having with the various areas of the website since the upgrade. If you want to talk about the movies and features on TCM, you can do so in the Discussion Forums! Hope this helps.

*Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*. I was a big film fan before I saw that film on its second run in the early 1970s. After the film was over, I turned to my friends and said, "That's what I want to do with my life." "What, rob banks?" "No, edit films." That moment changed my life and propelled me towards a college outside of Las Vegas and towards the career I enjoy today. Thank you, George Roy Hill, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and John C. Howard and Richard C. Meyer, who, without this film my life likely would have been very different and, more importantly, there would not be MrCutter. Without *Butch Cassidy* I would never have considered moving to the City of Angels and without that move, no MrCutter. And I cannot imagine my life without him.

I thought it might be nice to have a thread where festival goers would put together a list of their favorite moments. Here's mine: 1) *The Cameraman* with Vince Giordana and His Nighthawks. From the beginning to the end, with the salute to Buster with porkpie hats AND the two encores, the highlight of the festival for MrCutter and me. 2) The discussion with Kevin Brownlow in Club TCM. A million thanks! 3) Mary Badham talking about *To Kill a Mockingbird*. A dream come true for one who loves this movie more than any other! 4) The shout-out from Tom Brown on Wednesday afternoon during his warming up the audience for Robert O's Festival interviews. 5) Ben M's absolute delight at saying Miss Galore's full name during the introduction of *Goldfinger* and his apology to parents in the audience who brought their kids. 6) Filming in the Roosevelt lobby. What a great idea and I hope you start the day before the Festival begins again next year! Thoughts for next year: I would ask for next year is that there be more time to gather at Club TCM to socialize throughout the weekend.. I really enjoyed doing this during the first FF and really missed it this year. While I enjoy chatting folks up while standing in line, it's not the same as being at Club TCM. Too many film choices seemed to cut into people's time at Club TCM. Please keep the poolside screening! The discussion before the film this year was just terrific and the weather certainly accommodated. More rarities. This year's rarities like *Hoop La*, *Night Flight* and The Constant Nymph* were major hits. Here's hoping they continue to have a major presence at the Festival. More interstitials! Especially with at least a half hour of sitting and chatting before the program starts. Maybe a retro package of interstitials would help spark conversation. Just some thoughts.

*What is planned already concerning the schedule for 2012, especially:* *The Film Festival* *30 Days of Oscar* *Didn't they do some travelling special programs from various sites around the country leading up to this years Academy Awards and Film Festival? What's planned?* Haironemo, Welcome to the boards! As for what TCM has planned: All we know about the Film Festival is that there will be a 3rd one. The 2nd FF just ended last week and while a 3rd one has been announced no details about the theme, etc has been released. Last year, TCM released information about the 2011 FF in September, 2010. There is a cruise that has been announced and is planned for December of this year. Info on it can be found here: www.tcmcruise.com The info on the *31 Days of Oscar* is usually revealed about 90 days out. Ben M announced that they will be doing more *Road to Hollywood* screenings during the intro to *Goldfinger* last Sunday at the FF but said details would follow later. Hope that helps!

*How does TCM decide which stars they are going to "bank" and which they don't? Do you think they had one "banked" for Elizabeth Taylor?* Robbie, I don't know for a fact that TCM has any visual obits banked. It just makes sense that they might for stars for stars like Taylor and Cooper. If not banked, then at least at in rough cut, so they can turn them around quickly rather than starting from scratch. Again, it's just my opinion based on what others do.

A number of us have been lobbying for *Wild in the Streets*. Rich (Scsu1975) has a great review of the film in the Film and Filmmakers forum. Ah, Chris Jones, so dreamy but the rest of the film, so bad. But, as a time capsule, can't be beat!

*A guy talks to a girl then drives around L.A. He stops and talks to another girl and drives around L.A. some more. He stops and talks to another girl and then he drives around L.A. then he stops somewhere and talks to a girl. Then he gets in his car and drives around L.A. and talks to another girl. Then he drives around L.A. some more and talks to another girl. Then he takes a ride in his car, he drives around L.A. a while, and he talks to a girl.* Forget the movie, the chance to see LA and its neighborhoods in the late 1960s, I am *SO* there! Hope I can remember to tivo this one!

He deserved nominations for: *She Wore a Yellow Ribbon* *Red River* *The Quiet Man* *The Searchers* *The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance* and he should have won an Oscar for *The Searchers*. There are few characters in American film as dark as Ethan Edwards and Wayne's performance is both believable and genuine.

*I am no more incredibull then you are lzcutter, LoveFilmNoir, hlywdkjk, or fxreyman. It's funny how whenever, I or someone else points out an error or problem with TCM the FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE come charging to the rescue of TCM, like the KLAN in BIRTH OF THE NATION. I can almost hear that stiring music playing in the background.* infinite1, This isn't meant personally, but in all the years I have been a member of this board, this is the most laughable thing I think I have ever read here at TCM. Comparing us to the Klan? Really? LOL!!!!!

DC, Robert O announced during the intro to *The Constant Nymph* that Joan Fontaine had been contacted about participating in the Festival. According to Robert O, she made it very clear that has no interest in doing public things and no interest in coming to Hollywood. I think TCM stands a better chance of convincing Doris Day (and we all know how difficult that is) to attend than the DeHavilland sisters appearing together and kissing and making up. Darryl Hickman was at the Festival last year and he and Robert O discussed *Leave Her to Heaven* following a beautifully restored print from Fox.

*Anyone else feeling post Festival let-down?* Yancey, You betcha! That and an overwhelming desire to sleep. While I did the extensive recaps in the 2011 Recaps thread, I got to relive the fun and joy of the weekend!

*You don't have to own film rights to get photos.* No, but if you are going to use photos from his films in the book, you have to get permission from the studio who owns the rights (likely Fox) as well as the Power Estate (likely his children) for permission to use the photos and Power's likeness. Fox, like every other studio, charges for the use of the photos, just as they charge for the use of clips in documentaries. As we learned from the discussion with Kevin Brownlow at the Film Festival, many times studios don't want to be bothered and will quote outlandish sums just to discourage film makers and authors. I'm not saying that this is what Fox did but it is a possibility. TCM has been working for many years on their working relationship with Fox. It certainly seems in the last year to 18 months that the hard work has started to pay off. Another possibility is could be that the first book had a limited budget for photographic rights but since that book sold well, subsequent books in the series may have had a less constricted photographic budget which allowed them to negotiate with Fox for photos.

Sorry, double post

Sunday evening at the TCM Film Festival: As we were leaving the *Dancing* panel, we ran into Diane Disney Miller (Walt's daughter), her daughter, Joanne and her grandson, Nick along with the Marketing Director of the Museum, Marsha Robertson. As we are talking, Marge Champion, who is a good friend of Diane's, came up and she and Diane started chatting away. Jon and I went to get something eat before the encore screening of the *Laugh-O-grams* and *Fantasia*. The Grill at Hollywood and Highland provided just the right fare. On our way over, we scoped out an easy way to get the Disney Millers from the grams in the multiplex to the forecourt of Grauman's. We met up with the Disney Millers and JB Kaufman in the lobby of the multiplex just prior to the screening of the grams. Once inside, I was thrilled to see among the many patrons, my good friend Eric Lynxwiler and a pal of his. The screening of the *Laugh-O-grams* went smoothly with Shannon Clute, once again, introducing JB Kaufman and Ben Model on the piano. After the screening, a number of patrons came up to introduce themselves to Diane. Finally, it was time to get them moving towards the door. Luckily, the TCM staff helped get us all to Grauman's with only a bit of time to spare before the beginning of *Fantasia*. They have reserved seats down closer but Diane opted to sit in the back. We sat with her. Suex2 joins us. One last time, Genevieve McGillicuddy introduced Robert O. The crowd gave him one last standing ovation! He announced the TCM Cruise in December and announced that there would be a 3rd TCM Film Festival next year! The crowd roared their approval. After introducing Marge Champion, who was the dancing model for hippo in the film, Robert O introduced Diane and her family and then encouraged everyone to visit The Walt Disney Family Museum (yay!!!!). He also announced that though the film had an intermission, there would be no intermission. He thanked everyone, one last time, for coming to the Festival and then, it was time for film to begin. After the screening, it was time to head to Club TCM for the closing night party. The place was packed with passholders and TCM staff. The band, Doozy, was playing and they were showing slides of pictures taken during the Festival. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Suex2 on the Red Carpet for the Gala Opening of *American in Paris*. We found Kyle and Kingrat in the back of the room. Filmlover came by to say hello as did Shannon Clute. JackBurley found us and hung out for awhile before needing food. We ended up outside for awhile because it was cooler and quieter. News of Osama Bin Laden went through the crowd like wild fire. Back inside, Suex2 introduced us to Angela Allen, the script supervisor on *The Third Man* and other films. We were able to congratulate various TCM staff members on a great job, well done. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of JB Kaufman before he was surrounded by others. But finally, we all succumbed to the need for sleep. With hugs and kisses all around, it was time to call it a night and bring the 2nd TCM Classic Film Festival to a close. We were all wondering how four days could pass so quickly but they had. Wearily, I returned to the room I shared with Suex2 and, again, was asleep almost before my head hit the pillow. I hope we are all to do it again next year and I hope many of you are able to join us! *Special thanks to everyone at TCM for making this such a memorable experience for all of us. To Genevieve, Charlie, Scott, Tom, Sean, Pola, Shannon, Darcy, Jeff Stafford, Richard Steiner, Heather Margolis, MA Glenn and everyone else, a very heartfelt Thank-You for making this year's Festival bigger than last year's but just as memorable!* Thus, concludes my recaps of this year's Festival. I hope all of you enjoy reading them and I thank you for taking the time to do so!

Sunday Afternoon at the TCM Film Festival: *"My brother swears that everyone believed that a body covered in gold paint, you'd die. If it was in a Bond film, it was a fact!" Ben Mankiewicz introducing Goldfinger.* Jon and I were in line for *Goldfinger*. It was shaping up to be a hot day in the City of Angels and the line snaked down Hollywood Blvd. Luckily, we had numbers in the mid-100s, so we knew we would get in. I am one of those rare breed of those who grew up in the 1960s. My family didn't go to James Bond films and I never saw any of Connery's Bond films on the big screen during their initial release. I fell in love with Connery once he stopped being Bond, James Bond and started branching into other roles like *Robin and Marian* and *The Wind and the Lion*. Jon, however, is a major Bond fan, especially the Connery films. But, somehow, growing up, he had missed *Goldfinger* on the big screen. This was one screening we were both looking forward to. Initially, director Guy Hamilton was supposed to talk about the film but a leg injury put the kaboosh on that. The rumor was he was having knee surgery (how's that for symmetry?). Even without Hamilton we were both eager to see the film on the big screen at Grauman's. A couple of years back for Christmas, filmlover got us the Blu of this film and it looked great on our HD tv. We were both eager to see it even bigger. Genevieve McGillicuddy was on hand to thank Time-Warner Cable for being a sponsor and to thank Barco, the Danish digital projection company, that supplied the 4K projection equipment and Do-Re-Me who provided the digital server equipment. She then asked that everyone turn off their cell phones and their small screens because, this screen (the silver screen at Grauman's) was the one that matters. She also apologized for Guy Hamilton not being there. She then introduced Ben Mankiewicz. The crowd gave Ben a rousing round of applause. "She runs the Festival and she's awesome." he told the crowd, referring to Gen. "We hope to do more screenings for the Road to Hollywood. Announcements to follow later." he told us. He talked about being in Florida for the screening of Smokey and the Bandit with Burt Reynolds. He told us how Reynolds was offered the role of James Bond after *Diamonds are Forever* but he turned it down. *Goldfinger* was the first Bond film to cost $3 million but it made $125 million in return. He then told the story of how his mother allowed his 9 year-old brother to see the film, " What was my mother thinking? **** Galore! Jesus." Ben seems to be enjoying saying Ms. Galore's full name. There's a reason he's the bad boy of TCM and he reveled in that. "My brother swears that everyone believed that a body covered in gold paint, you'd die. If it was in a Bond film, it was a fact!" He then went on to talk about the Bond films. He apologized to kids' parents in the audience but "the previous Bond films had been about nailing the girls, my apologies to kids in the audience, but it's true." He then recounted how his favorite line in any Bond film is in *Goldfinger* when Bond is getting a massage and is interrupted by Felix. "Run along,now, {major sound effect as Connery smacks the actress's buttock,} man-talk." When the scene played out on the silver screen at Grauman's, the audience applauded enthusiastically! We loved watching the film on the big screen. Jon enjoyed the whole Bondness of the film while I ate up all the mid-century modern set design and roadside architecture of the era that no longer exists. We left very, very happy. We raced across the street to return to Club TCM for the panel on *Dancing in the Movies*. We arrived late, but luckily the panel had just started and Suex2 was already there. By now, my knee and leg were telling my brain, in no uncertain terms, "I hate you!!!" and the brain was finally listening. Luckily, filmlover, always the gentleman, gave me his seat on one of the ottomans. I have no notes on the panel with Marge Champion, Debbie Allen and others but Suex2 took extensive notes so she should have a compelling recap because it did get a bit raucous.

Sunday Morning at the TCM Film Festival: "Thanks for being here. Is everyone having fun?" Robert O to the audience. The next morning I had the choice between *That's Entertainment* with Marge Champion or *Night Flight*. I love *That's Entertainment* and am hoping to get a copy of the new book on the MGM backlot and for that, alone, I was interested in seeing the last film filmed on that backlot. Suex2 hoped to go to *Entertainment* but she didn't get up early enough. Neither did I. But, *Night Flight* hasn't been seen in almost 70 years. I decided it's *Night Flight*. Down in the lobby I ran into JB who was going to the same film. We walked over to the Chinese multiplex together. JB was surprised at the size of the line. I knew there would be a line because not only had the film not been seen in almost 70 years but TCM had announced that Drew Barrymore would be there at the end to discuss her grandfather, John and her great-uncle, Lionel. JB, because he was a presenter, had a VIP pass so he was able to go right in. He promised to save me a seat. I stood in line with people who were surprised at many people got up to see this rarity. Once inside, I found JB. The place was packed. Genevieve McGillicuddy came out and implored people to turn off their cell phones (after the plug for sponsor Time-Warner). This time it actually worked as the first time in four days no cell phone went off during the presentation or the film. She then introduced Robert O. The crowd, as always, went wild. "Thanks for being here. Is everyone having fun." he asked of the audience. The roar back confirmed we were. "This film and *The Constant Nymph* were the two that excited me the most because they've been out of the public eye for so long." he told us. He had seen these films only in bootleg form. Regarding *Nymph*, in the bootleg version, he had only liked Joan Fontaine but watching the film the other morning, that it was much better." (I wish I agreed with him but I don't. See my recap of Friday morning at the Festival for why.) The film was produced by David Selznick and one of the major stars was Clark Gable whose experience on the film (and the reaction to the film) he remembered when it came time to make Gone with the Wind and was one of the reasons he was reluctant to work with Selznick again. Robert O warned us, this film "could be bad.". Boy was he right. Calling Barranca! Calling Barranca!!! We were less than 15 minutes into the film and I was realizing that Hawks did a much better job with the idea of mail carriers flying in South America when he made Only Angels Have Wings. Night Flight can't hold a candle to Hawks. Despite an all-star cast of John and Lionel Barrymore (Robert O warned us that Lionel was quite a scene stealer even with John and he was right), Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Helen Hays and Robert Montgomery, this film has laughable moments. SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the top of the film, the camera zooms in *THREE* times on the Infantile Paralysis sign on the hospital doors, I guess, in case, we missed that the hospital specializes in infantile paralysis cases. Like we could, because the first scene was between a young boy suffering from the disease (he's on the verge of death without medicine) and the sun hurts his eyes while his mother tried to soothe him. If the doctors don't get the medicine by morning the boy will, wait for it, die. John Barrymore played the harried director of the airline who pushes his fliers and his staff because someone had to bring mail and medical supplies to small South American towns. Lionel played his subordinate but with a case of, wait for it, eczema, which means in every scene, he is scratching himself. No matter how dramatic the scene is, he is scratching. John Barrymore even has some choice, funny lines about it but every time Lionel would scratch, your eyes went to him. No one stood a chance in a scene with him. Robert Montgomery is a playboy flier. Gable the married one with wife Helen Hayes waiting for him to return from his flight in their *SWANKY* apartment. Who knew fliers made enough to afford such swanky digs? The party scene with Hayes pretending that she is dining with Gable has to been seen. There's a reason she is heralded as such as good actress and this scene, while bordering on camp, indicates how good she could be in spite of the material. Myrna plays a pilot's wife who is the direct opposite of Hayes. When everything goes south and Gable is in trouble, Hayes goes to the airport offices and sits in the waiting room crying. It's more than John Barrymore can handle and he tells her: "You can't cry in here. You'll upset the staff." The staff are all hard boiled guys whose jobs are to support the fliers. That kind of gives you an idea of the film. After the film, Robert O takes the stage and tells us, "Well, you can't trust all bootlegs. I warned you that it could be bad." He then brought out Drew Barrymore. From all accounts (I had to leave to get in line for Goldfinger), she was great. She wants to co-host a season of *The Essentials* and convinced the audience of her film history chops. She loves both John and Lionel and feels their "blood running through my veins." She was a big hit with the audience! She is a major fan of TCM and expressed her love for the channel often during her talk with Robert O, ?This is no lie. I have TCM on my television at all times?. She feels she inherited her grandfather, John's, nose and her favorite classic film studio is Fox. It was her energy and enthusiasm for classic movies and for TCM in particular that was infectious. Robert O said he hoped to get her as a guest programmer, and she quickly rattled off five films she would want to showcase: *Annie Hall, The Lady Eve, The Wild Ones, Jailhouse Rock*, and *Lost in America*. In many ways, Barrymore was the ultimate TCM evangelist. I am sorry that I missed seeing her but *Goldfinger*, especially on the big screen, was calling my name. If she is Robert O's co-host next season for *The Essentials*, remember it started with this screening. And many in the audience feel she would be terrific, much better than Carrie Fisher or Rose McGowan because she actually watches the films and has opinions about them.

*I'm really enjoying your write ups. Did you take copious notes or do you have the most amazing recall?* Countess, Thank you for the kind words! I took copious notes at each of the events I attended (except the *Dancing in the Movies* panel) and carried a notebook along with me. I'm glad you are enjoying the recaps!

*The Quiet Man.* *The Quiet Man* may hinge on whether or not Paramount has the restoration of the film completed by then. They seem to be dragging their feet on this one.

*I personally like the idea of a Transportation theme or Screen Sirens and Tough Guys theme (this could encompass a lot more than Film Noir).* Countess, I love the Screen Sirens and Tough Guys idea. I think next to the cowboy icon on the interstitials, the film noir dame icon was a close second in terms of favorite. One guy leaned over to me and whispered, "I'd like to meet her." while we were watching the interstitials prior to a screening. If they went in that direction, they could have a salute to post-war Los Angeles, as well, since many of the films that would be featured were filmed on the rain-soaked streets of the City of Angels!

My big suggestion would be: *The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance* (it's 50th anniversary) and a panel on John Ford.

Saturday evening at the TCM Film Festival: *"The last pinnacle of his greatness at that time." Leonard Maltin on Buster Keaton's The Cameraman.* We were at the head of the line with YanceyCravet. A woman asked us to watch her bag while she went somewhere. We said sure. They started passing out numbers and we got ours (1,2 and 3) but the lady ended up with higher number because she wasn't there and none of us knew her well enough. While standing in line we had a great time talking with Yancey who lives in Culver City near the old MGM lot. We would love to explore the area with Yancey because he has the new book on the MGM backlot and has been trying to find visual landmarks based on the book. That would be a cool tour for next year! Kyle and MorlockJeff and JB were there as well. From all the talk the last few days, we knew this was going to be a very popular screening with most of the posters from here and TCM City in attendance as well as most of the TCM staff. The other big talk of the line was how great the interview with Peter O'Toole was yesterday. Everyone who was in the audience at the Music Box said it was great and that he told stories he hadn't told before. (We had to miss it because of *Mockingbird*.) It will be edited and will be shown on TCM either later this year or early next year ala the Louise Rainer interview from last year. While waiting for the doors to open, Mr. Brownlow walked up with actor James Karen. Karen, of course, is a big Keaton buff and was friends with Buster and Buster's widow, Eleanor. A couple of fans approached Mr. Brownlow to talk to him and show their appreciation. Finally, the doors opened! We ended up sitting with Kyle, MorlockJeff, JB, and Kingrat. CountessDelave, loveslilacs and Club1939 (Loveslilacs hubby) were seated in front of us. Old home week! Scott McGee did the first introduction thanking Time-Warner cable (the main sponsor) and again, implored everyone to turn off their cell phones. Again, to no avail as at least three phones in vibrating mode, went off around us during Leonard Maltin's introduction. Again, I thought, "Really? At a classic film festival?" Grrr. Scott introduced Leonard Maltin who seemed thrilled to be introducing the event. "I didn't think a series of Guatamala shorts would get this sort of response." he jokes. He introed Vince and the Nighthawks to an appreciative crowd. First up was a Vitaphone short, *Lamb Chops* starring George Burns and Gracie Allen. Maltin gave a brief history of Vitaphone and a short history of Buster's career and his move to MGM. "The last pinnacle of his greatness at that time." Then we were off! *Lamb Chops* was a lot of fun though George Burns had a bit too much mascara. *The Cameraman* was sheer delight! Was Buster really buck naked in the swimming pool sequence? It sure looked like it on the big screen! And Josephine the monkey almost stole the movie! It may be blasphemous to say so but I swear the whole bit with Jo seemed like a take-off on Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in *The Kid*, especially when anyone tried to separate Jo and Buster. I dare you to watch those sequences and not think of Coogan and Chaplin. Vince G and the Nighthawks were just great!!!!! The only downside was the occasional passholder taking a flash picture of them DURING the screening! We had a similar experience during the screening of *Spartacus* with a couple of passholders using their cameras to *TAKE* video of the film as it was being projected! I wish I was making up these experiences with cell phones throughout the Festival but alas, I'm not. When the film was over, Vince G and his Orchestra had one more surprise up their sleeve. They donned porkpie hats and turned to point to the screen where suddenly the image of Buster (in his porkpie) and Jo was projected. The crowd went wild!!! Vince G revealed that James Karen brought one of Buster's own porkpie hats for him to wear! The Nighthawks looked very styling in their hats! I suddenly wished we lived in NYC so we could see Vince G and the Nighthawks on a regular basis! They performed two encores before the audience would let them off the stage. Once outside, we were all giddy from the experience. As much as we wanted to go see Angela Landsbury intro *Gaslight*, we were too amped up. Marco and JB took off for different films. Kingrat regaled us with the tale that Maud Nielsen and her chamber group had done even a more spectacular job the night before at *The Merry Widow* and then he took off for another film. We decided to head back to Club TCM with Kyle and MorlockJeff to see the band that TCM had brought in. Once back at the Roosevelt, we were introduced to the new General Manager of TCM. He seems like a real nice guy and is very impressed with all that the channel has accomplished. He told us that no changes are in order and that he respects the job that all the staff have done and are doing. After that, we headed into Club TCM. We got drinks but the band was much too loud for the size of the space and the number of people. It probably would have been better if it had been a jazz quartet like last year instead of an amplified swing band. The band was very, very good just much too loud and, thus, hard for us to enjoy them. We went out the back entrance where it was quieter. It was a balmy evening but not too chilly yet. We were having a great conversation with Kyle when a guy, a bit in his cups, came up and started blathering on about how rude the cell phone users were during the conversation with Kevin Brownlow. We agreed but he wouldn't let the issue go and kept on talking about it. Finally, it got too chilly for him and he headed inside. A bit later, we decided that the weather had gotten a bit too cool. We headed inside where we saw the guy talking up a couple of women. We figured they could handle themselves. We finished out the evening talking and decided to call it an evening. Jon headed to the car and Kyle headed home. I passed through Club TCM one last time where the band was still playing. Again, I was almost asleep before my head hit the pillow. How can tomorrow be the last day? Where has the time gone?