TCM Classic Film Festival Announcements

Classic film fans have been anxiously awaiting updates on the TCM Classic Film Festival, which takes place in Hollywood from April 6-9, 2017.

The wait was rewarded with a number of exciting announcements today!

Over 20 films on the festival schedule were announced today, most of which tie in with this year's theme, "Make 'Em Laugh: Comedy in the Movies."

Among the titles I'm especially excited about: Kate MacMurray attending a 70th anniversary premiere of the restoration of THE EGG AND I (1947), starring her father Fred and Claudette Colbert; the Alloy Orchestra accompanying Harold Lloyd in SPEEDY (1928); BEYOND THE MOUSE: THE 1930S CARTOONS OF UB IWERKS (2017), with Leslie Iwerks on hand; THE PALM BEACH STORY (1942), which is one of my all-time favorite comedies and so much fun with an audience; BORN YESTERDAY (1950), which I've never seen; and Pat O'Brien and Adolphe Menjou in THE FRONT PAGE (1931).

Also on the schedule: Several pre-Codes, including Jean Harlow and Chester Morris in RED-HEADED WOMAN (1932); the restored THE UNDERWORLD STORY (1950) with Dan Duryea and Gale Storm; a restored 3D print of THOSE REDHEADS FROM SEATTLE (1953); and a restored print of the ever-popular Danny Kaye film THE COURT JESTER (1956).

Incidentally, TCM's Charles Tabesh Tweeted to some of us that they are working on ideas for the issue of Theater 4, the small theater where 35mm prints of rare films are shown, which is always sold out. He said "We will do our best to improve - issue is only 2 theaters can play 35mm but there are a couple of things we can do to help, working on that." Great news!

Peter Boganovich will be honored at the festival, with screenings of THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971) and WHAT'S UP, DOC? (1972). Genevieve Bujold is another announced guest.

Unlike many festival attendees, I've already had the good fortune to see several of the announced films on the big screen, whether as a teenage film fan at places like the Vagabond Theater or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or more recently at UCLA or the Egyptian Theatre. That said, there's nothing quite like the TCMFF experience and the chance to see so many great movies with friends from across the U.S. and Canada, as well as the UK and Japan. And seeing comedies with an appreciative audience is "the best"!

I'll be sharing more festival updates as news is released.

Previous post: TCM Announces 2017 Festival Dates and Theme.

February 2017 Update: The Latest TCM Classic Film Festival Announcements.