TCM in March: Highlights

The 31 Days of Oscar lineup on Turner Classic Movies comes to an end on Sunday, March 10th, so it's now time to look at the rest of TCM's March schedule!

The Star of the Month will be Debbie Reynolds. The format will be different than the norm, though TCM has done it a couple times in the past; the Star of the Month lineup will fall over the course of a single week, from March 25th-29th, instead of airing once weekly.

Similarly, the March Spotlight on Women at Work will be presented from March 11th to 15th. Each evening will focus on a different movie decade, beginning with a number of pre-Codes on the 11th.

Noir Alley fans will be happy to hear the franchise returns on the weekend of March 16th and 17th with LE SAMOURAI (1967), followed by WHERE DANGER LIVES (1950) on March 23rd-24th and PUSHOVER (1954) March 30th-31st.

The other regular weekend franchises, Musical Matinee, Silent Sunday Nights, and TCM Imports, also return the weekend of the 16th-17th.

Here are just a few highlights from TCM's schedule airing March 11th through 31st. Please click on any hyperlinked title to read my full review.

...March 11th kicks things off in grand style, with a daytime tribute to director Raoul Walsh followed by the first evening of the "Women at Work" series. Films in the latter series include pre-Code classics such as BABY FACE (1933) and FEMALE (1933).

..."Women at Work" moves to the '40s on March 12th, with films including HIS GIRL FRIDAY (1940) and MILLIONS LIKE US (1943). I love the fact the latter title, a British movie starring Patricia Roc, was included in the series.

...The daytime lineup on March 13th features some excellent '50s Westerns, including AMBUSH (1950) and WAGON MASTER (1950). Then in the evening look for films of the '50s featured as part of the "Women at Work" series, including an old favorite, DESK SET (1957).

...Fun crime movies on the 14th include THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET (1949) starring Wayne Morris, Janis Paige, and Bruce Bennett. The '60s "Women at Work" films that evening include COME FLY WITH ME (1962).

...The last night of the "Women at Work" series on March 15th features films of the '70s and '80s, including a Diane Keaton favorite, BABY BOOM (1987).

...On March 16th there's a terrific primetime double bill of two films starring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerry, KING SOLOMON'S MINES (1950) and THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1952).

....St. Patrick's Day will feature a lineup of Irish-themed films, including THE QUIET MAN (1952) and the TCM premiere of FAR AND AWAY (1992). FAR AND AWAY stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, directed by Ron Howard.

...Cornel Wilde receives a primetime tribute on March 18th, including the classic noir THE BIG COMBO (1955). A terrific film costarring Richard Conte, Brian Donlevy, and Wilde's then-wife, Jean Wallace. Tremendous black and white cinematography by John Alton!

...TCM will have a primetime memorial tribute to Ryan O'Neal on March 20th, including WHAT'S UP, DOC? (1972).

...The 21st will feature a tribute to the late director Norman Jewison, including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971).

...TCM is trying something interesting on March 22nd, showing a lineup of classic 1970s TV-movies: BRIAN'S SONG (1971), THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE (1976), DUEL (1971), and THE AUTOBIOPRAPHY OF MISS JANE PITTMAN (1974). The first two films are TCM premieres. Although I most like watching "older" classic films, I like the idea of TCM occasionally delving into this kind of programming, as these films can be hard to see elsewhere.

...The weekend schedule on the 23rd includes pair of films featuring "Fish Out of Water" themes, BRANNIGAN (1975) and COOGAN'S BLUFF (1968). BRANNIGAN stars John Wayne as a Chicago detective in London, while COOGAN'S BLUFF features Clint Eastwood as an Arizona deputy sheriff in New York City.

...March 24th will include a rare TCM showing of the 20th Century-Fox film THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954), which I've described as a "lovely feel good movie." Jean Peters, Rossano Brazzi, Louis Jourdan, and Dorothy McGuire are just some of the excellent cast.

...Half a dozen Debbie Reynolds films will be shown on March 25th, her first nigh as Star of the Month, including an all-time favorite, TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE (1950). "Aba Daba Honeymoon"!

...There's another great Reynolds lineup on March 26th. I especially recommend the lesser-known, terrific GIVE A GIRL A BREAK (1953), costarring Bob Fosse and Marge and Gower Champion.

...On March 27th I recommend an old favorite starring Reynolds and Frank Sinatra, THE TENDER TRAP (1955). I couldn't begin to guess how many times I've seen it over my lifetime!

...On March 28th I'm highlighting a Debbie Reynolds film I've never seen! I believe it's been many years since TCM last showed THE RAT RACE (1960), costarring Tony Curtis. I'm looking forward to seeing it for the first time! Also airing that night: The relatively hard to find THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY (1961), costarring Fred Astaire.

...Reynolds' weeks as Star of the Month comes to a close on March 29th with her Oscar-nominated performance in THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (1964).

...March 31st is Easter Sunday, which of course means it's time for EASTER PARADE (1948) starring Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Ann Miller!

For more on TCM in March 2024, please visit my Quick Preview of TCM in March along with TCM's online schedule.

Happy March movieviewing!

Tweet