TCM in July: Highlights

It's been quite a week of news regarding Turner Classic Movies, with the latest development being the confirmation that head programmer Charles Tabesh had his layoff rescinded; he will remain with the network.

As for the channel's future, we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

In the meantime, here's a look at TCM in July!

There will not be a traditional Star of the Month in July; instead there will be a series of films featuring '70s movie stars. Some of the actors being featured are Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, and Richard Dreyfuss.

The July Noir Alley titles are DEEP VALLEY (1947) on July 1st and 2nd, IMPACT (1949) on the 8th and 9th, SHOCKPROOF (1949) on July 15th-16th, JULIE (1956) on the 22nd and 23rd, and DESPERATE (1947) on July 29th and 30th.

The Noir Alley titles I've reviewed are all quite worthwhile to varying degrees. I particularly recommend trying out the lesser-known IMPACT which features good performances by Brian Donlevy and Ella Raines, seen here.

The TCM Spotlight on Thursdays will focus on "B" movies. Additional "special themes" are "The South on Film" and "Disability."

Here's a closer look at some of the many fun things on this month's schedule. Click any hyperlink to read an extended review.

...Anyone interested in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935) should be sure to catch the short PITCAIRN ISLAND TODAY (1935) on July 1st. Later in the day one of the best James Stewart-Anthony Mann Westerns, WINCHESTER '73 (1950), is on the schedule.

...A great weekend of movies includes one of my favorite Judy Garland musicals, THE HARVEY GIRLS (1946), on July 2nd. Check out the entire weekend schedule, there's too much great stuff to mention!

...TCM celebrates Independence Day with a series of musicals including the annual July 4th airings of THE MUSIC MAN (1962) and 1776 (1972).

...A very interesting day of anti-Communism films on July 5th includes the TCM premiere of ARCTIC FLIGHT (1952) starring Wayne Morris. I may be in the minority on this film, but I'm fond of BIG JIM MCLAIN (1952), filmed in Hawaii with John Wayne and Nancy Olson.

..."B" movie night on July 6th includes THE STRANGE MR. GREGORY (1945) starring Edmund Lowe and Jean Rogers. I'll be recording that one! It's also the TCM premiere of MURDER BY INVITATION (1941) starring Wallace Ford and Marian Marsh.

...DANGEROUS WHEN WET (1953) starring Esther Williams was just released on Blu-ray; I'll be reviewing it soon. The movie is on July 9th, and I'm guessing perhaps they'll be showing the new print.

...A day of films on pianists July 10th includes the imperfect but very enjoyable THE MAN I LOVE (1947) starring Ida Lupino. It's also one of a very small handful of films set in my birthplace, Long Beach, California.

...Prime time on July 11th has a Las Vegas theme, including Victor Mature and Jane Russell in THE LAS VEGAS STORY (1952).

...The second night of "B" films on the 13th includes multiple TCM premieres such as IDENTITY UNKNOWN (1945) starring Richard Arlen.

...The Musical Matinee on July 15th is the beautiful THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964).

...Ida Lupino's NEVER FEAR (1949), about a young woman (Sally Forrest) stricken with polio, is part of the Disability series, airing July 16th.

...A murder mystery theme on July 18th includes Hitchcock's enjoyable British film YOUNG AND INNOCENT (1937), starring the uniquely named Nova Pilbeam. It's not on especially often, so check it out.

...I'm especially looking forward to THE PREVIEW MURDER MYSTERY (1936) starring Reginald Denny and Gail Patrick. It's part of the "B" movies airing on July 20th.

...Jean Simmons is a teacher moonlighting as a nightclub accountant in THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT (1957), a delightful film showing on July 21st.

...You've got to love a day of movies with "Moon" in the title! There are some fun films on the list, including Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in NEW MOON (1940), one of my top favorites among their films together. The date is July 24th.

...I also love the Christmas in July theme on July 25th! The lineup includes CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) and four other holiday staples.

...The month of "B" movies concludes on July 27th with more TCM premieres including LIGHTHOUSE (1947) starring Don Castle of THE GUILTY (1947) and HIGH TIDE (1947). I am so looking forward to trying out a bunch of new-to-me movies thanks to TCM!

...The month concludes with a July 31st prime time tribute to the great Rita Hayworth. Films include GILDA (1946).

For more on TCM in July 2023, please visit my Quick Preview of TCM in July and TCM's online schedule.

Happy summer movie viewing!

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