Quick Preview of TCM in July

Turner Classic Movies published its July schedule today, and it promises to be a wonderful summer of movie viewing.

I'm not completely sure about Star of the Month, but it looks as though TCM is doing something a little different and focusing on Western actors in July, so perhaps Western heroes are jointly the July "Star." There are all sorts of films featuring Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Rex Allen, Monte Hale, Tex Ritter, Dick Foran, Charles Starrett, Johnny Mack Brown, and more.

The other big theme of the month is Arabian adventures, with films including THE SHEIK (1921), THE THIEF OF BAGHDAD (1924), THE SON OF THE SHEIK (1926), ROAD TO MOROCCO (1942), ACTION IN ARABIA (1944), KISMET (1944), SINBAD THE SAILOR (1947), THE DESERT SONG (1953), and LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962), among other titles.

It's also a great month for British films, including a rare showing of AN IDEAL HUSBAND (1947) with Paulette Goddard, Michael Wilding, and Glynis Johns. And there are a large number of pre-Codes in July, including a little movie I really liked, STRAIGHT IS THE WAY (1934) starring Franchot Tone and Karen Morley.

Some of the most interesting titles airing in July include SPLIT SECOND (1953), a suspense film starring Alexis Smith and directed by Dick Powell; SHIPMATES (1931) with Robert Montgomery; GRAND SLAM (1933) starring Loretta Young; and a tribute to Robert Young showcasing films from the early to mid '30s.

I'll be taking a closer look at the July schedule when July 1st nears. Meanwhile, we have Esther Williams as the May Star of the Month, and Jean Simmons coming in June.