Quick Preview of TCM in September

Turner Classic Movies has released its tentative September schedule.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Jones will be the September Star of the Month. 17 Jones films will be shown on Tuesday evenings, including classics such as THE SONG OF BERNADETTE (1943), SINCE YOU WENT AWAY (1944), CLUNY BROWN (1946), PORTRAIT OF JENNIE (1948), MADAME BOVARY (1949), and LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING (1955).

As I wrote at the time of her passing in 2009, Jones's filmography might have been relatively short, with just over two dozen films, but it's filled with classics. I'm thrilled that her work is being recognized by TCM.

Treasures From the Disney Vault returns in September. Some of the films feature a nautical theme, such as SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1960) and BLACKBEARD'S GHOST (1968). Also on the schedule are a pair of Jodie Foster movies, FREAKY FRIDAY (1976) and CANDLESHOE (1977).

An interesting title which caught my eye: YOUTH RUNS WILD (1944), directed by Mark Robson and produced by Val Lewton. It stars Bonita Granville, along with the stars of previous Lewton films, Kent Smith and Jean Brooks.

Also of note is an episode of Screen Directors Playhouse called "The Dream" (1956), starring George Sanders and Patricia Morison, and a pair of documentaries: SHOWFOLK (2014), about residents of the Motion Picture Home, and HAROLD AND LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY (2015), which I've been wanting to see.

There's an evening of boxing films scheduled in early September; I wonder if perhaps Noir Alley host Eddie Muller will be the host that night, as he has expertise on that topic. (Update: This evening will be pre-empted for a tribute to the late Jerry Lewis.)

Additional September themes will include Beach Party films, submarines, Robin Hood, twins, India, fantasies, trains, RKO "B's," police "B's," and films with "How To..." in the title. The Boston Blackie films continue as the Saturday morning "B" series.

September tributes include Elia Kazan, Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante, Greer Garson, Carole Lombard, Anatole Litvak, and Lizabeth Scott.

There's a prime time Sunday night double bill of Linda Darnell movies, BLOOD AND SAND (1941) and BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE (1952). Elsewhere in the month, TCM is showing the very fine comedy she and Dick Powell made for Rene Clair, IT HAPPENED TOMORROW (1944), seen below. (Update: IT HAPPENED TOMORROW did not make the final version of the schedule.)

I found it interesting that ten days in September, or a third of the month, will have a film released in the mid '60s or later airing in the prime time 5:00 Pacific/8:00 Eastern slot. (I didn't include the documentary HAROLD AND LILLIAN in that tally.) On the plus side, there seem to be a lot of silents this month also!

I'll have a more detailed look at the September schedule at the end of August.

Audrey Hepburn is currently the June Star of the Month, with Ronald Colman scheduled for July. August will feature the annual Summer Under the Stars festival.

Update: For more information on TCM in September 2017, please visit TCM in September: Highlights and TCM Star of the Month: Jennifer Jones.