Cutting it kind of close, but here is a pretty comprehensive list of the TCM Film Festival I am looking forward to. The lists are divided by virtual venue – programming which will be broadcast on the TCM network as well as the TCM curated section of the streaming service HBO Max (requires a subscription). All times are EST.
You can even participate in a Club TCM event (access subject to availability). Last night, I had the please of attending “Meet TCM” and tonight, I am all set for the “Opening Night Toast With the Hosts” a little later at 6:00PM EST.
Overall, my impression is that there is literally something for everyone – and minus the queueing up (although I do miss the socializing that queueing for hours inevitably brings). Check back later AFTER the festival for a wrap up of my experience.
Also note – realistically, I do not imagine I will watch everything I have called out below. But hopefully, this collection will serve as inspiration for you to check out something that you might not have otherwise considered.
Linear (on TCM)
Opening Night (Tonight)
1:30 AM Doctor X (1932). A reporter investigates a series of cannibalistic murders at a medical college.
Friday 5/7
8:00 PM – SF Sketchfest (Plan 9 From Outer Space), 2020. Television Premiere. SF Sketchfest Presents a table read of Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959), adapted by comedian Dana Gould.
9:30 PM – Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)
11:00 PM TCM Underground Presents Grease 2 (1982)
Saturday 5/8
6:00AM Tex Avery: The King of Cartoons (1988)
7:00 AM Tex Avery at MGM (1943-1955). As is tradition, make sure to tune into some classic Saturday morning cartoons at the festival!
8:00 AM I Love Trouble (1947) TCM Premiere.
5:45 PM Bullitt (1968)
Sunday 5/9
8:45 AM Her Man (1930) Television Restoration Premiere.
12:45 PM Princess Tam Tam (1935). Premiere Restoration.
7:00 PM Hollywood Home Movies: Stars at Work and Play (2021)
8:00 PM So This is Paris (1926) World Premiere Restoration.
Streaming (on HBO Max)
The Masters of Filmmaking
Barbara Kopple Oscar-winning director Barbara Kopple introduces her debut feature documentary Harlan County USA (1976).
Steve McQueen Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen introduces his feature-length film debut Hunger (2008). This is a film I reviewed way back in 2012. Click the link to that review is right here.
Essentials
The Thin Man (1934)
The Searchers (1956)
North by Northwest (1959)
Discoveries
Chain Lightning (1950)
Cleo From 5 to 7 (1962)
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Victim (1961)
Special Collections
The LA Rebellion – Selections include Bless Their Little Hearts (1983), Daughters of the Dust (1991) and To Sleep with Anger (1990). But there is a festival bonus featuring Jacqueline Stewart, Billy Woodberry and Charles Burnett discuss The L.A. Rebellion.
The Méliès Mystery – This collection is devoted to one of the earliest and most influential silent filmmakers, Georges Méliès, and features five recently restored short films.
The Streets of New York – Features include The Naked City (1948), Speedy (1928) and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974).
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