TODDFAN Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Can anyone tell me if TCM has ever run Phantom Lady w/Ella Raines, Franchot Tone and Alan Curtis? I don't seem to recall if it has because it is a great noir! Link to post Share on other sites
HollywoodGolightly Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 Given that there are articles written about it in the TCM database, it probably has been shown at some point: http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=86584&category=Articles Link to post Share on other sites
danthemoviefan Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 TCM has shown it at least four times, on April 3, 2004; May 28, 2004; Jan. 18, 2005; and Sept. 26, 2005. Link to post Share on other sites
HollywoodGolightly Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 If it hasn't been shown at least since 2005, I sure hope they could show it again, I'd love to watch it. Link to post Share on other sites
DownGoesFrazier Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 This film is primarily known for Elisha Cook, Jr.'s manic drum solo. Link to post Share on other sites
HollywoodGolightly Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 I didn't even know he played the drums! Link to post Share on other sites
FredCDobbs Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 This is a very good film noir. I have a recording of it. I don't know why TCM doesn't show it anymore. Link to post Share on other sites
HollywoodGolightly Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 I found a VHS copy of the movie today - I'll probably be watching it later tonight! Link to post Share on other sites
FredCDobbs Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Be sure to let us all know how you liked it. Link to post Share on other sites
HollywoodGolightly Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Fred, I watched it last night, and I liked it a lot! It packs quite a punch with its lean 90-minute running time (approximately). There's some great performances there and I really loved what Franchot Tone did with his character (no spoilers!). The mystery unwraps at a good pace and it kept me guessing as to the exact way in which the villain had accomplished his initial goals. The scenes with Elisha Cook banging the drums are priceless, and I liked the lady doing the tropical number in that theater. I guess I didn't know you could walk into a NYC theater in the 40s and watch some such show. I'll probably post more later today or tomorrow, because I'd really love to sit down later on and make some nice screencaps, to show some of the moments I liked best. And I'm more convinced than ever that this is really a great noir which the TCM programmers should try to get back into the TCM schedule now and then. Link to post Share on other sites
FredCDobbs Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Thanks for the good review. It really is a fine noir film with some interesting characters in it, and it is fast paced, and filled with mysteries. This is my favorite Ella Raines film. She is so beautiful. Thomas Gomez is very good in the film too. Link to post Share on other sites
TODDFAN Posted January 18, 2010 Author Share Posted January 18, 2010 Thanks so much to everyone for all the great responses. Hopefully this gem will air again soon. For now, all I have is a VHS copy to hold me. And, yes, the drum solo is great as is Ella Raines. Alan Curtis (remember Buck Privates?) was someone to root for. Also, I believe the scene in the club with the cuban dancer was an inspiration to Jim Carrey when he did "The Mask" ! Link to post Share on other sites
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