The 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival: Day Two

On to Day Two of this year's TCM Classic Film Festival!

Thursday morning breakfast at Mel's has become an annual tradition, and this year was no exception, with seven of us gathering for a hearty breakfast before the day's events.

After breakfast a couple of us took a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and checked out the current state of construction at the Eygptian Theatre (above). It's rumored to be opening late this year.

We also took a look at the red carpet being set up at the Chinese Theatre for the opening night screening of RIO BRAVO (1959):

We found more movie memorabilia in the Chinese Multiplex! I don't remember it offhand, but this is said to be one of Grace Kelly's gowns from TO CATCH A THIEF (1955):

And it was amazing to see Rita Hayworth's famous "Put the Blame on Mame" gown from GILDA (1945):

I attended another TCM panel in Club TCM, this time aimed toward all festival-goers.

We also participated in the annual photograph of the #TCM Party Twitter group. This photo was taken by David Byrne of Turner Classic Movies:

Soon it was time for the first film of the evening -- my first time to see Hitchcock's SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943) on a big screen. It was nice to have the second ticket in line and be assured of getting in!

There was an excellent discussion between Dave Karger and actor John Hawkes preceding the movie. Hawkes knew the movie inside and out, even referring to Janet Shaw's unique deadpan performance as Louise, the cocktail bar waitress. He described Joseph Cotten's performance as a "combination of subtlety and sledgehammer."

It was marvelous seeing one of my very favorite Hitchcock films in this world premiere of a new 4K restoration.

After that, it was back in line for the second and final film of the night, THAT TOUCH OF MINK (1962) introduced by Alicia Malone:

I hadn't seen THAT TOUCH OF MINK in years, and it was a wonderful film to see with a crowd. Cary Grant and Doris Day provoked plenty of laughs from the delighted audience.

Coming soon: A five-film Day Three, including the unexpected festival appearance of George Clooney at OCEAN'S 11 (2001). The festival crowd was abuzz when our phones lit up with the announcement he'd be at the Friday night screening!

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