New Titles and Guests Announced for 2020 TCM Classic Film Festival

Turner Classic Movies made several exciting announcements Thursday regarding schedule additions for this year's TCM Classic Film Festival.

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (1954) will be shown with Russ Tamblyn and Ruta Lee in attendance. Since this movie is in a three-way tie for my favorite film, along with THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944), I am thrilled by this news! Many years ago I was fortunate to attend a special screening with several cast members in attendance, but that was quite a long time ago so I'm very excited by this opportunity.

I was also delighted to hear that Margaret O'Brien will be on hand to introduce THE SECRET GARDEN (1949), a movie which fits perfectly with the festival theme "Fantastic Worlds on Film." She's seen here in a still with Dean Stockwell (who turned 84 yesterday) and Brian Roper.

A decade ago I recounted here that as a teenager I had had the chance to see O'Brien at a screening of this film at the Vagabond Theater in Los Angeles, where she signed a still from the movie for me. It's rather amazing to have the opportunity to see her introduce the movie again, 40 years after that screening!

Every year special effects geniuses Ben Burtt and Craig Barron put on special presentations on the making of a movie or two. In years past I've seen their shows on WAR OF THE WORLDS (1953), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946), and last year, TARZAN AND HIS MATE (1934). (They also came to Lone Pine for a GUNGA DIN presentation several years ago!) This year they'll be showing THE FLAME AND THE ARROW (1950) with Burt Lancaster and Virginia Mayo, which I've been meaning to see for quite a while now!

And to top it all off, Julie Andrews will be there in person to introduce VICTOR/VICTORIA (1982). (March 10th Update: Unfortunately Julie Andrews is no longer scheduled to appear at the festival.)

Mel Brooks and George Chakiris were also announced as guests, at screenings of SPACEBALLS (1987) and THE 5,000 FINGERS OF DR. T (1953), respectively.

This might be my favorite of all the festival schedules TCM has organized over the years. I have a feeling very difficult schedule choices are ahead for attendees!

TCM also announced that Disney's ROBIN HOOD (1973), which I recently mentioned would be shown, has been withdrawn from this year's schedule.

Today TCM also addressed the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation which has disrupted plans for numerous large gatherings around the world. TCM announced, in part: "Turner Classic Movies is closely monitoring this evolving situation. We are working with internal and external partners to ensure that the safety of attendees and staff are our priority. At this time, the 2020 TCM Classic Film Festival is moving forward as planned. Our teams are still hard at work making sure the Festival is the best possible event for our attending fans. If there are any changes to the Festival status TCM will notify the public via the TCM Classic Film Festival website, via our social media outlets and via email to passholders and to those fans subscribed to the TCM Classic Film Festival email list."

The annual festival will take place in Hollywood from April 16th through 19th, 2020.

Previously: TCM Announces 2020 Festival Dates and Theme (August 27, 2019); Latest TCM Classic Film Festival Announcements (December 13, 2019); The Latest TCM Classic Film Festival Announcements (February 5, 2020).

March 12, 2020 Update: 2020 TCM Classic Film Festival Cancelled.

April 15, 2020 Update: The TCM Classic Film Festival 2020 Special Home Edition.