The 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival is rapidly approaching April 24-27. The central theme for the 16th annual event in Hollywood is “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film.” I am intrigued by the offer of fantastic enchanted worlds, ghostly encounters, and traveling through time.
Of the 80-plus films that have been announced, the following are, in no particular order, at the top of my list of must-sees.
Thursday:
Moonlight and Pretzels (1933): My attempt to get into the highly sought-after Theater 4 for the showing of pre-Codes starts with this musical about an unemployed singer who finds love and a talent for songwriting in a small-town music store.
Blithe Spirit (1945): Going to test my luck with a double feature in Theater 4. I have never heard of this David Lean film about a writer and his second wife being haunted by his first wife. One of my all-time favorite actresses Margaret Rutherford stars as a medium, which places this high on my list.
Friday:
The morning block on Friday offers a few options, it will likely be a last-minute decision.
The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957): Being a huge fan of the comedy Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) staring Lily Tomlin, I am curious about this serious original take. Director Jack Arnold was highly regarded for his science-fiction films with this considered to be his finest. Joe Dante is the scheduled special guest who is always a treat.
Cinderella (1950): A visit to the El Capitan Theatre to see the organist and the curtain program is always a must. I haven’t seen Cinderella in quite a while and might be the perfect cheery start to the day along with an introduction by Mario Cantone and Leonard Maltin.
Buy Cinderella (Diamond Edition) Blu-ray/DVD ComboI may bypass any films to see Michelle Pfeiffer’s hand-and-foot ceremony. I have loved her since Grease 2 and this is a wonderful opportunity to see her celebrated.
The Time Machine (1960): This is a film which I feel like I should have seen by now and this is the perfect chance to see Rod Taylor travel through time on the big screen.
The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989): Featuring one of Michelle’s Pfeiffer’s best performances as an aspiring singer creating conflicts between piano-playing brothers played by Jeff and Beau Bridges. I am excited to revisit this film especially with her in attendance.
Misery (1990): I have seen this film many times after being a huge fan of the book. Kathy Bates deserved her Oscar win for her brilliant portrayal of a crazed fan who holds her favorite author hostage, who is perfectly played by James Caan. Rob Reiner and Kathy Bates will be in attendance for a discussion after the film.
Buy Misery (Collector’s Edition) Blu-rayLili (1953): This is a new film to me, which inspired the Broadway musical Carnival. Leslie Caron stars as an orphan who joins a traveling carnival and connects to the puppets brought to life by Mel Ferrer.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): It is always fun watching this with an audience. Tim Curry shines as a mad scientist whom newlyweds Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick are not prepared for. Bostwick should be entertaining as the special guest during this midnight showing.
Saturday:
The Preview Murder Mystery (1936): Without even knowing much about this film, the title had it secured on my list with murder mysteries always being my #1 choice. Reginald Denny stars as a PR man looking to save his company by solving a rash of murders. Perfect start to the morning.
Gunman’s Walk (1958): I was able to see Keith Carradine speak before The Prisoner of Shark Island at last year festival in connection with his father, so I am thrilled at the opportunity to see him again before this U.S. Premiere restoration about a rancher dealing with his two sons.
Jaws (1975): Another film that I have seen a zillion times but it warrants my first intended trip to the Egyptian Theater this year. I was last able to see this during the resurgence of drive-in theaters during Covid but I am excited to see it on the big screen with an audience. The opening scene still terrifies me since the first time I saw it. It keeps me out of the ocean and even nervous in pools.
Buy Jaws Blu-rayThe Wiz (1976) or Blade Runner (1982): It will depend on how I am feeling as to which film I choose, if I want to ease on down the road with Michael Jackson or hang out with Harrison Ford as he fights replicants. I have seen both films previously but both are worth revisits.
Wild at Heart (1990): The passing of David Lynch was a sad day for the world of filmmaking as there has never been anyone quite like him and his unique style of original storytelling. I was working at a movie theater which this came out and I would sit in the back during all my breaks. It is one of my favorite Lynch films, and it made me an instant fan of Laura Dern. The midnight showing will be a great chance to see it again after so long.
Sunday:
I am leaving Sunday open for the To Be Announced films which are those films that were so highly sought after they need to be shown again.
My initial selections are determined based on 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 and the amount of time between films play a major factor in my decision-making as well. Especially as the festival progress and fatigue sets in!
