lzcutter

*Now that I have focused in on this subject, witness the recent subtle shift from Renee's promises to a more vague "reminder" to somebody-or-another to do something or other, and her suggestion that an "update" might be forthcoming at some undisclosed time in the future* I hate to burst your bubble. Past experience with other issues with this board reveal that this "recent subtle shift" by Renee is nothing new. It's how Renee deals with problems here at TCM City.

*It never seems to be shown by TCM now, for an unexplained reason.* The reason is not unexplained, most posters are aware of it. The film is owned by Fox and so far, Fox has been unwilling to rent/lease the film to TCM. Fox has certainly gotten easier for TCM to work with the last few years so there is hope that the film will ultimately air on TCM.

Newspapers bank obituaries of beloved stars so they can be prepared when the news breaks. MrCutter used to be an editor for a major nightly news broadcast and says that news organizations also bank visual obituaries of beloved stars which they update periodically so that when the beloved star does pass away, they have it all but ready to put on the air. It would make sense that TCM's On-Air department would follow a similar course.

From the TCM website: Important Schedule Change on Friday, May 13th to Honor the Late Jackie Cooper TCM will present a memorial tribute to the beloved Jackie Cooper featuring some of his most famous films (all times shown are EDT): 6:00 AM Dinky ('35) 7:15 AM Divorce in the Family ('32) 8:45 AM O'Shaughnessy's Boy ('35) 10:15 AM Boy of the Streets ('37) 11:45 AM Gallant Sons ('40) 1:15 PM Tough Guy ('36) 2:45 PM The Devil is a Sissy ('36) 4:30 PM Treasure Island ('34) 6:30 PM The Champ ('31)

*I used to consider this a second tier Ford film. Now I see it as one of his best. I don't know what inspired the turnaround* Red, Welcome to the wonderful world of John Ford where no matter how many times you've seen any of his films, on some subsequent viewings of his films, suddenly everything will fall into place and you will hit your forehead and go, "How did I miss how great this film is?". You've made the first step. There will be others. Welcome to the Club!

*Hey, how about some photos.* FredC, I'm actually working on a video (that includes photos) that I hope to post either over the weekend or early next week.

*The In-N-Out gathering rocked.* I think there were at least twice as many people there than last year. We took up a whole wall of tables and chairs. Many were returnees. Filmlover had copies of the secret menu for those who wanted to live on the wild side. MrC and I figured this was the one big meal we would get today and so we went for the cheeseburgers, fries and shakes. JackBurley, YanceyCravet, DaveinSeattle, the usual TCM City crew, VDOVault, wouldbestar, Cinemaven are some I remember being there. Suex2 flitted around the place making sure that everyone was having fun. She would make a great cruise director. After In-N-Out, we returned to the Roosevelt where many people went to get ready for the opening party. We weren't able to spend much time at the Opening Party but we did manage to say hello to Tom Brown who asked Jon, "How do you keep up with her, she's everywhere!" We soon had to leave to join JB over at the Chinese Multiplex for the opening screening of the Festival, the *Laugh-O-grams*. We were able to go upstairs to the VIP/Green Room with JB. The only downside was the air conditioning. Like last year, it had not been turned on early enough to cool the building down and it was a warm day in the City of Angels. The VIP Room is very nice and we had a great conversation with JB and Rickey from Darcy's staff. Then it was time to move into the Chinese #4 for the big moment. We even got to sit in reserved seats! Shannon Clute, of TCM?s Brand Marketing department, introduced J.B. Kaufman, to a near capacity audience. J.B. set up the back story of the *Laugh-O-grams*. "The Walt Disney Family Museum illustrates the life and career of Walt Disney, and one of my favorite parts of that story is the very beginning of his career, when he was basically a kid?I should say, a young man?living in Kansas City, and discovering animated cartoons for the first time, and getting intrigued with them. I discovered this part of his story when I was about nine years old, and I?m a Midwestern boy myself, so this chapter of Walt?s story has always had a kind of primal appeal for me. I just think there?s a tremendous romance in the idea of this bunch of young guys, all getting interested in animation?probably with a strong boost from Walt, whose enthusiasm for an idea could be highly contagious?and deciding to give it a whirl. And then going on to revolutionize an art form, and an entertainment form, all within the next two decades! And the best part is that most of the films still survive, so we can watch them taking those first steps. I think, as you watch the films?knowing, in hindsight, what was going to happen afterward?you can feel something of the excitement they were feeling as they started on their journey.? J.B. described the details of how two of shorts, *Goldie Locks and the Three Bears*, and *Jack the Giant Killer*, long considered lost films, were found by David Gerstein and Cole Johnson. The shorts were well received with the film-loving audience enjoying all the historic silent film gags, and especially, the homage to Rudolph Valentino in *Puss in Boots*. Pianist Ben Model provided the music for the screening. After the screening, Jon and I went over to another of the theaters and heard the introduction with Andy Marx for *A Night at the Opera* and a must-see on Jon's list, *What's Opera, Doc*. *"Shhh, I'm hunting wabbits."* *"Kill the wabbit"* After the cartoon was over, we left and went back to the Roosevelt for the poolside screening of Elvis Presley's *Girl Happy*. Poolside at the Roosevelt was weather perfect, a balmy evening with a slight breeze. Blue and white beach balls with the TCM logo, silently floated around the pool. *The boy from Tupelo (Tom Brown) introduced the boy from Tupelo (Elvis).* Tom Brown, a major Elvis fan, had the honor of welcoming us to *Girl Happy*. He talked briefly about how much Elvis meant to him growing up. He also said he had the dream job of all time, "I get to work with Robert Osborne." He then introduced singer Chris Isaak and Elvis' co-star, Mary Ann Mobley. Both were delightful. Isaak talked about how Elvis had influenced him and how much he enjoyed watching the old Elvis musicals. "I love the mistakes they make. They get up to dance around the room and the whole band, including the drummer, follows them. It's a small band but I'm wondering, where are those horns I'm hearing?" Mary Ann talked about how each time Elvis would move, someone would call her, "Maryann, we have a new number. Elvis wanted you to have it in case you need it." "Elvis was probably hoping you would need it!" Chris Isaak playfully said. She also said, "I could stay here and talk for hours." "But we could go eat." Isaak suggested. "I was born talking." Mobley retorted in her soft southern drawl. She finished up by telling the audience that the film was shot at MGM on Esther Williams' soundstage. "Looks like it could have been shot right here (the pool is straight out of the early 1960s) except y'all need fake tans and bikinis. Ya need to work on that." She couldn't sing in the film despite being a singer because of the success that Ann-Margaret had with *Viva Las Vegas*. "The Colonel wouldn't allow it." Then it was time for Mobley and Isaak to go eat. As the lights went down and Leo came up on the screen, Jon and I headed back into Club TCM to see if we could find anyone we knew. We ran into Kyle and ended up going to the restaurant in the hotel for a snack and a chance to get caught up. Before too long, it was time to call it a day and get some sleep. Note to self. Next year, get plenty of sleep before the Festival. Don't come to the Festival tired as it will only make you more tired as the weekend goes on. Tomorrow would start early enough!

Wouldbe, It was so cool meeting you! I wish we had more of a chance to hang-out but this year was crazier than last year and if you wanted to see a film, you had to get in line for it early or run the chance of missing out. But, I now have a face to go with your name and am very grateful for that. Perhaps next year we will have more time!

*I suspect Robert is aware of this and may be preparing to retire soon.* I saw him in person and on the stage during four days at the Film Festival and he looks and sounds great. He shows no signs of wanting to retire.

*Don't tell the lady how to post. Everyone will see that these aren't spams* FredC, I'm guessing that you missed the thread from a poster named Jono who was organizing a get-together during the Festival and included a link to his personal website. The mods deleted his thread without a word.

The first day of the Festival and MrCutter (Jon) and I were up early and out the door for the commute to Hollywood. This festival is special for us because the Walt Disney Family Museum is presenting the *Laugh-O-grams* later this evening. He took the time off from work so that he could be there with me. The boutique is now in the lobby across from the stage where each day Robert O and/or Ben will be interviewing celebrities and fans of TCM. The lobby of the Roosevelt has tall ceilings and a camera jib is up on the second floor so that they can overhead shots. Also upstairs was the Situation Room which at all hours of the day and night seemed to be filled with TCM staffers. I joked with one of them, "Is there anyone left in Atlanta to answer the phone?" I am assured there is. First up for us and most other board denizens, the *Meet the TCM Staff* panel. While waiting for the panel to begin, we meet up with Kyle, Kingrat, Suex2, Cinemaven, CountessDelave, loveslilacs and others including my co-worker, Disney historian, JB Kaufman. Last year the panels were held in a ballroom upstairs. This year they are in Club TCM. Rich, our tuxedo clad hero who managed the Club last year has returned and we are thrilled to see him. This year the Club is laid out a bit better to accommodate not only the panels but dancing as well. The walls are adorned with photos that have not been viewed before. The photographer, Jack Pashkovsky, took some beautiful portraits of Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, Walt and Lillian Disney and others. There are also large one sheets of foreign releases of some of the most famous musicals. Kyle was in heaven as there were a few posters he had never seen. The panel begins and we are off to the races, as they say. Scott McGee is the moderator and welcomes us all to the second TCM Film Festival. He introduces Charlie Tabesh (Senior VP of Programming), Darcy Hettrich (Talent), Pola Changnon (On-Air Creative), Gen McGillicuddy (Brand Marketing and Festival Director), Richard Steiner (the website) and, ultimately, Tom Brown (Original Productions). *"Darcy has not slept since September." he jokes.* Darcy talks about her personal highlight from last year: "Getting Louise Rainer. I was lying on the bed with a tweezer trying to get the battery out (of her hearing aid) and her daughter was sobbing." It was finally time to go and once we got to the Egyptian Theater she realized she had forgotten her knit cap. She had to have that knit cap so we sent someone back to the hotel to get it. She is looking forward to the interview with Peter O'Toole, *The Cameraman* and she declares, "I AM Spartacus". The crowd goes wild. Charlie fields a question from Scott about what we can look forward to on the channel. Buster Keaton is Star of the Month in October. Also in October, TCM will premiere Nick Ray's final film as part of the salute to Ray on his centennial. The Singing Cowboys and B-westerns being saluted later this summer. "What makes TCM special to talent?" "We're uncut and commercial free. You can tell by watching us that we care. We treat them like family, even the dysfunctional family. They trust us. It's the love and reverence for these people and our attention to detail." Pola fields the question about the *In Memoriams* and tells the audience "it pains all of us that not everyone can be included." Tom Brown arrives a bit late coming directly from the stage in the lobby where the taping is still going on and we can occasionally hear the roar of the audience. He talks about upcoming Original Productions. They will include two more Genre Installments: Horror and Christmas Movies. He considers these small documentaries 'gateways"- introducing new fans to classic movies. Charlie talks about the fact they have to rent all the films they air. "I hope we have a good relationship with the studios. We're seen as the home for classic movies. We're trying to establish a relationship with all the studios." Richard Steiner talks about the upcoming app for the IPAD. It's almost done. Tom Brown shows off the app on his cell phone and cracks, "It's larger the closer you get." He also notes that he is going to ignore the fact that his phone was vibrating and that we can no longer hear the cheering from the stage audience and he hopes the taping is going well. Gen talks about the work involved in planning the Festival and how it is truly a team effort. Scott throws it out for questions and the first one is, of course, about the film library. Charlie handles the question with his usual aplomb. ""We have to rent all the films we show. At one time we owned the Turner Film Library and that leads to a great deal of confusion because we no longer own that library. That is now owned by Time-Warner and administered by Warner Brothers." "In the beginning, the channel depended upon the Turner film library but we realized that, in order to grow, we would have to establish relationships with the other studios as well so we could expand." "Today, we have relationships with most of the studios and as well as Warner Brothers. We have to rent the films from our former library through Warner Brothers but we now have limited access to the rest of their library as well." The next question is about *Hollywood Hideaways* the short pieces starring Ben and Tom. The person asking the question wishes there would be more of them. "The problem is" Tom deadpans,"you don't get to see the 50 minutes of footage of Ben forgetting to steer." We'd be driving along and talking and Ben would take his hands off the steering wheel. It's like, who's driving here?" I asked a question. Would there be more SOTM promos like the one for Jean Harlow. Pola replied that it comes down to budget $$$. But I made the pitch for them! Another attendee wanted to know why TCM wasn't available in Florida (he just moved there) on Comcast. Tom replied, "Have you unpacked yet? You could keep moving until you find us." Someone asked what TCM was about. "TCM celebrates the beauty and the actors of classic film." Tom noted that Robert O "wears the mantle with dignity" and is a joy to work with. Someone from the audience shouted, "I can't live without my TCM" A question about silent films was asked and Charlie replied: "I've been there 14 years and feel we haven't dimensioned silents in favor of other titles." There is no interest or move to change the way the channel works in favor of newer titles. They will show newer films if it fits the theme. Tom noted, "If you're doing Prison Break films it would be crazy not to include *Shawshank Redemption*." "We won't run a new film just to run a new film." The panel concluded and it was time for In-N-Out!

Glam, To avoid the Mods thinking you are spamming the boards, it might be wise (since you are linking to your personal blog) to keep all your updates in one thread. Welcome to the boards and hope you had fun at the Festival!

*Ha, ha, ha, ha! Liz WAS 20 years older and 40 pounds heavier!* Au contraire, mon FredC. Elizabeth was only 34 years old when she played Martha. She put on extra weight and allowed Haskell Wexler to photograph her in some of the most unflattering light (for an actress) this side of *Sunset Blvd*. She was nothing like Martha and Richard was nothing like George but they essayed a harrowing portrait of a marriage in hell.

*Disappointing that SPARTACUS was scheduled opposite THE MERRY WIDOW on the same day and the same hours of the festival. What was up with that?* Jeffrey, The entire four days of the Festival is filled with choices just like that. It's part of the charm of the Festival.

*I AM NOT SAYING ANYTHING BUT THE FACT (AND IT IS A FACT MY DEAR) THAT BALL WAS QUEEN OF THE B PICTURES,* You called her a mediocre actress. See your post earlier where you stated: *She was a mediocre star at best!!!!!!!!* That's what I was objecting to. And I know my film history. I just don't go around yelling it at everyone. Edited by: lzcutter on May 4, 2011 6:58 PM

*I feel this board should have received more recognition at the recent Hollywood film festival.* *Maybe it was; I wasn't there. But people who post on this site...well, it's not all screed, venting and hubris. Tons of work goes into this activity* Sorry if I'm not following you. For four days everyone from Robert O to Ben to every staffer at the Film Festival only had the highest praise for the fans of the channel. From accounts I've heard, some staffers who read these boards regularly enthusiastically acknowledged posters they follow when they met them in person. And for those posters, that was acknowledgment enough.

Sounds like *The Miracle of Morgan's Creek* by the wonderful Preston Sturges!

*General?ssimo Francisco Franco* is still dead. lzcutter - who's probably showing her age.....

*Lucille Ball, come on for goodness sake this clown was Queen of the B pictures!!!! to ever put her in the class of these other stars is a sacrilige! she could NOT do drama to save her life........i personally cannot stand her!* *She was a mediocre star at best!!!!!!!!* Johnbabe, Not every month or every SUTS day can be dedicated to Garbo. There are plenty of your favorites, minus Garbo, getting plenty of love during the month without having to diminish Lucy and her fans.

*everybody should toss their red flags into the nearest rubbish bin. Nothing's going to change.* This is a subject that came up again this year at the *Meet the Staff* panel at the TCM Film Festival. Like last year, the staff addressed the issue and assured the audience that they are dedicated to the channel and that there are no nefarious plans to follow the path that AMC has blazed. The staff, like all of us, are big classic film fans and love working for a channel that understands how important our film heritage is. So, please, put down the red flags.

Just wanted to wish Robert O a Happy Birthday and say thank you for all you do for TCM and classic film! Happy Birthday!!!!

Here's the list for 2011 minus August 31st because with the recent upgrades to the website each month with 31 days for some reason the last day doesn't show up. But it ultimately will: 1- Marlon Brandon 2- Paulette Goddard 3- Bette Davis 4- Ronald Colman 5- John Garfield 6- Lucille Ball 7- Ralph Bellamy 8- Orson Welles 9- Ann Dvorak 10- Shirley MacLaine 11- Ben Johnson 12- Claudette Colbert 13- Jimmy Stewart 14- Charles Laughton 15- Lon Chaney 16- Joanne Woodward 17- Humphrey Bogart 18- Jean Gabin 19- Debbie Reynolds 20- Montgomery Clift 21- Cary Grant 22- Joan Crawford 23- Conrad Veidt 24- Joan Blondell 25- Burt Lancaster 26- Peter Lawford 27- Linda Darnell 28- Carole Lombard 29- Anne Francis 30- Howard Keel

Here's the 2010 SUTS list: August 2010: 1.) Basil Rathbone, 2.) Julie Christie, 3.) Steve McQueen, 4.) Ethel Barrymore, 5.) Woody Strode, 6.) Ingrid Bergman, 7.) Errol Flynn, 8.) Bob Hope, 9.) Warren Beatty, 10.) Kathryn Grayson, 11.) Walter Matthau, 12.) Norma Shearer, 13.) Robert Ryan, 14.) Gene Tierney, 15.) Margaret O'Brien, 16.) Lauren Bacall, 17.) Robert Stack, 18.) Ann Sheridan, 19.) Walter Pidgeon, 20.) Katharine Hepburn, 21.) Paul Newman, 22.) John Mills, 23.) Elizabeth Taylor, 24.) John Gilbert, 25.) Maureen O'Hara, 26.) Lee Remick, 27.) Olivia de Havilland, 28.) Peter O'Toole, 29.) Henry Fonda, 30.) Thelma Todd, 31.) Clint Eastwood

*I met Festival attendees from Italy, Scotland and Canada and wonder if all states were represented. (I met some from Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington.)* JackB, TCM is saying that the 2500 attendees came from 49 states and 5 countries. I think Suex2 met or reconnected with at least 2000 of them. She knows everyone!

*I think that his name is Ted Turner.* Ted Turner hasn't owned or been in charge of TCM for over 14 years. Renee has said in another thread that *Suggest a Movie* would be returning sometime in May. Considering all the problems they had with the *SaM* site from spamming to flaming to attacking others, they may be working to fix those problems to make it harder for troublemakers to dominate that site.