TCM FEST 2012: A Flickcharter’s Itinerary
The TCM Classic Film Festival is how I got to see Spartacus on the big screen last year in glorious digital projection at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. A three-day festival from April 12th-15th, TCM Fest showcases classical film from a variety of eras and often aligns them to a specific theme. This year the theme is “Style in the Movies,” which means that this writer will be taking a trip down noir-lane with the likes of Chinatown and Fall Guy. There’s also a western in there along with some Hitchcock, Douglas Fairbanks and James Bond.
Since I’ve got press accreditation representing Flickchart this year, I’ve decided to try and review as many of these films as I can for the blog. With the exception of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea and Duck Soup, everything on my itinerary will be a first-time watch. Here’s the itinerary for you to peruse. If you want to see the full list of films, check them out over at the TCM FEST site.
THURSDAY
Criss Cross (1949)
Here’s the line in the synopsis that sold me:
The caper plot anticipates such other classics as The Asphalt Jungle (1950), The Killing (1956) and Reservoir Dogs (1992), and mobster Dan Duryea’s white tie and black shirt would become a standard costume for big-screen gangsters.
FRIDAY
The Searchers (1956)
Spaghetti Westerns are a bit more in my wheelhouse in terms of film interests, but the idea behind this John Ford western intrigues me. Going to give it a shot and perhaps educate myself on “other” westerns. It’s time I gave John Wayne another shot.
Raw Deal (1948)
Looks to have the types of noir trappings that I’m interested in.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
I saw this film when I was much younger and absolutely loved it. It will be interesting to see how this holds up so many years later. And come on, it’s Kirk Douglas!
Vertigo (1958)
Awhile back my wife and I made lists of films we were going to make each other watch. Vertigo is on her list for me, and what better way to see it than on the big screen for a festival audience?
Chinatown (1974)
This is one of those films that currently sits in my list of shame. Haven’t seen it and have wanted to see it for awhile. And I like myself some younger Jack Nicholson.
Phase IV (1974)
The premise alone has my interest piqued. Desert ants form a collective conscience and wage war on mankind? And this from Saul Bass?! Heck yeah, sign me up!
SATURDAY
Fall Guy (1947)
Yet another Noir flick, with an intriguing summary:
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
Sadly, I don’t know a whole lot about this film other than it was remade. I plan to fix this and am anxious to see this one. Apparently there’s an awesome chess scene I need to check out.
Dr. No (1962)
I’ve seen Casino Royale (both versions), Quantum of Solace, Goldeneye and Die Another Day. Not an impressive list of seen Bond films, but this viewing should help to fix that.
The Black Cat (1934)
Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. I don’t need to say any more.
Seconds (1966)
Don’t know a lot about the film, but it has a cult status and the premise sounds right up my alley. From the IMDB page:
Want out of your life? Just pay the fee and we’ll fake your death, change your face, and set up a new identity for you…
Duck Soup (1933)
I got to see this for the first time in Chicago during their Movies in the Park series. Absolutely loved the film. I’ve seen it again since then, but not on the big screen. And since this is not competing with anything in terms of time slot, I plan on seeing it again.
SUNDAY
Black Narcissus (1947)
This may seem a little shallow, but all the stills I’ve seen from this film look gorgeous. The Criterion cover is similarly striking. I looked up the premise and it sounds like it might be interesting enough.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
I keep hearing about this film and how I should really see it. Not only that, but other films I like get compared to it. We shall see.
The Women (1939)
Remember that list of films from my wife that I need to watch? This one is also on that list.
The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
I’ve only seen a couple of Douglas Fairbanks films, but I’ve liked each one I’ve seen. The guy has quite the acrobatic prowess and he’s absolutely fun to watch on the big screen. Naturally, when I saw this one on the schedule, I had to schedule it!
Comments on my selections? Criticism? Dish it out in the comments section below!