TCM Star of the Month: Dick Powell
39 Powell films will be shown on Thursdays, beginning during the daytime hours, continuing into prime time and overnight.
Powell is a particular favorite of mine -- my 2011 tribute to him may be found here -- so over the years I've reviewed a significant number of his movies. Below is the complete lineup; click any hyperlinked title for the related review.
Times may be found on TCM's online schedule.December 6th
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (1935)
THE KING'S VACATION (1933)
COLLEGE COACH (1933)
BLESSED EVENT (1932)
42ND STREET (1933)
FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933)
GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 (1933)
GOLD DIGGERS OF 1935 (1935)
GOLD DIGGERS OF 1937 (1936)
HAPPINESS AHEAD (1934)
TWENTY MILLION SWEETHEARTS (1934)
PAGE MISS GLORY (1935)
HEARTS DIVIDED (1936)
SHIPMATES FOREVER (1935)
FLIRTATION WALK (1934)
COLLEEN (1936)
DAMES (1934)
STAGE STRUCK (1936)
BROADWAY GONDOLIER (1935)
HARD TO GET (1938)
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL (1937)
CHRISTMAS IN JULY (1940)
YOU NEVER CAN TELL (1951)
THE SINGING MARINE (1937)
COWBOY FROM BROOKLYN (1938)
VARSITY SHOW (1937)
GOING PLACES (1938)
NAUGHTY BUT NICE (1939)
SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1934) (also on December 23rd)
THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (1952)
MEET THE PEOPLE (1944)
IT HAPPENED TOMORROW (1944)
THE REFORMER AND THE REDHEAD (1950)
MURDER, MY SWEET (1944)
PITFALL (1948)
CORNERED (1945)
THE TALL TARGET (1951)
STATION WEST (1948)
RIGHT CROSS (1950)
This is a wonderful, comprehensive list, although a few favorites are missing: JOHNNY O'CLOCK (1947), MRS. MIKE (1949), and CRY DANGER (1951). All three are well worth seeking out, though MRS. MIKE is sadly quite difficult to find.
Also not in the lineup are any films directed by Powell, including SPLIT SECOND (1953) and THE ENEMY BELOW (1957).Among the movies being shown I almost have too many favorites to name. From his musicals era, the 1933 trio of GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933, FOOTLIGHT PARADE, and 42ND STREET can't be beat; I love his noir-tinged crime films set in the 1800s, THE TALL TARGET and STATION WEST; and among his comedies, the fantasies IT HAPPENED TOMORROW and YOU NEVER CAN TELL are especially delightful. (My review of YOU NEVER CAN TELL recounts that his directing career actually began with uncredited work on that film.)
This will be a great tribute on TCM, and I encourage my readers to check out as many of these films as possible for a marvelous overview of Powell's career.
For more on TCM in December 2018, please visit TCM in December: Highlights, TCM in December: Christmas Movies, and Quick Preview of TCM in December.
posted by Laura @ 11:15 AM
5 Comments:
The handy-dandy-Laura-guide will come in handy!
I thought my blog was getting top heavy with the Powell posts, but I'm a piker next to you!
I believe the Backlot voting was between Dick Powell and Warren William. I would have been happy with either choice. I'm certainly going to enjoy the December Star of the Month offerings for all they are worth.
Not only are there a lot of good films, but he made them better, especially the non-musicals. Too bad about Johnny O'clock though. Hope we get an upgraded edition in the near future.
I hope the guide comes in handy, Caftan Woman! We had Powell musicals running on our TV all Thursday evening.
He definitely improved many films, Barrylane. :)
Best wishes,
Laura
I'm really excited that Powell is the Star of the Month, because there are quite a few of his films here that I've been wanting to see. Thanks for this list. I really enjoyed FOOTLIGHT PARADE last Thursday; it deserves a Blu-ray release from Warner Archives just like 42ND STREET.
He also stars in RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE, one of my favorite old time radio shows, which was created, and in the early years written, by Blake Edwards. I highly recommend finding some episodes online and giving it a listen.
Seth, I love FOOTLIGHT PARADE too!
A friend of mine introduced me to RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE thanks to CDs of the show from the company Radio Spirits. They have accompanied me on many car trips to and from Los Angeles to see movies! Really enjoy them, including the little inside jokes about June Allyson and the like.
Best wishes,
laura
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