The 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival is rapidly approaching April 18-21. The central theme for the 15th annual event in Hollywood is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film”. Considering that this theme represents my favorite genre of films, I am more excited than ever.
Of the 75-plus films that have been announced, the following are, in no particular order, at the top of my list of must-sees.
Thursday:
Only Yesterday (1933): Pre-Code films are always highly sought after and this story about a single mom (Margaret Sullavan) struggling to raise her child in an era that didn’t look upon this situation fondly seems like a good start.
Buy Clue: The Movie Blu-rayClue (1985): I have seen this more times than I can count and it always brings a smile to my face. Lesley Ann Warren being in attendance is the sole reason I may need to see this again. It is also one of the poolside screenings at the Roosevelt Hotel, which I have always been curious to check out, and this seems like a great movie to finally do so.
Friday:
The Little Foxes (1941): A recommendation from my mom along with being directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis in a role considered one of her most wicked has it at the top of my Friday list. The Letter (1940) was a highlight of the 2022 festival so I trust in Wyler and Davis to deliver again.
Buy The Little Foxes DVDThe Silence of the Lambs (1991): It has been many years since I have watched this edge-of-your-seat thriller. Jodie Foster is scheduled to be in attendance to talk about her performance in this Best Picture winner (it still remains the only horror film to receive this honor).
Se7en (1995): David Fincher is in my list of Top 5 directors of all time. Having the opportunity to hear him discuss this dark, riveting film is a dream come true.
Saturday:
The Mad Miss Manton: (1938) You had me at “Barbara Stanwyck” and “Henry Fonda,” who star in this comedic romantic murder mystery.
Buy Little Women (1994) Blu-rayLittle Women (1994): The last time I saw this film was when it came out. I was shocked to see the cast that I had forgotten includes Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, and Christian Bale. Additional stars Trini Alvarado, Eric Stoltz, and Samantha Mathis are special guests appearing at the festival. I have also gained appreciation for Gillian Armstrong having seen and enjoyed her first feature film My Brilliant Career (1979) at a prior TCM festival. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the more recent 2019 version by Greta Gerwig.
Heavenly Bodies (1984): The midnight movies selections tend to be fun and silly or terrible, hoping for the former with this Canadian cult film that has been described by critics as “the world’s longest music video.” With a soundtrack featuring Bonnie Pointer, The Tubes and Sparks, that quote sounds like a positive to me.
Sunday:
Murder, She Said (1961): The title warms my heart with thoughts of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) and my favorite show of all-time, Murder, She Wrote. In the first Agatha Christie/Miss Marple film featuring Margaret Rutherford, Marple is forced to investigate a murder that nobody believe she witnessed on a moving train. Perfect Sunday morning viewing to wake me up!
Buy Murder, She Said DVDSherlock Jr. (1924): Film fatigue might make it difficult to make it to this later screening. However, this Buster Keaton feature sounds up to the challenge with him as a projectionist who falls asleep and ends up in the movie he is showing. The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanies the film. These screenings are always special.
The reasoning behind these initial selections is a balance between films I have never seen, favorites that I can’t wait to see again on the big screen, and the special guests expected to be in attendance. The location of the theater can also play a significant factor. The newly restored and reopened Egyptian Theatre is back in the line-up this year. While I look forward to seeing the renovated theatre, the long walk as the festival progresses plays a major role in my decision making.
