Monday, March 18, 2024

A Visit to Forest Lawn Glendale

Last weekend we spent some time in the Los Angeles area. We had a couple hours free in between appointments and spent the time strolling through Forest Lawn Glendale.


We were able to pay our respects to a number of notable filmmakers, including famed horror director William Castle.


I recently enjoyed Ethel Waters in CABIN IN THE SKY (1943) for the first time in many years, so it was lovely to visit her final resting place.


Character actress Doris Lloyd was an important name for me, as she played the small role of Baroness Ebberfeld in the party sequence of one of my all-time favorite movies, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965). In movies for over four decades, Lloyd also voiced "The Rose" in Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND (1951) and appeared in the bank scene in MARY POPPINS (1964).


Having read many books on the Roy Rogers family over the years, I was moved to be able to visit the gravesite of his wife Arlene, who passed away a few days after giving birth to Roy Jr. (Dusty) in 1946. She was also the mother of Cheryl, whom I've had the honor of meeting, and Linda Lou. A little over a year after Arlene's passing Roy married Dale Evans on New Year's Eve 1947. That marriage, of course, lasted until Roy's death in 1998.


Composer-orchestrator Constantin Bakaleinikoff was usually billed as "C. Bakaleinikoff" in movie opening credits. He worked at RKO for many years. His brother, Mischa Bakaleinikoff, also worked in movie scoring.


Terry Kath, guitarist for Chicago:


Baseball legend Casey Stengel has this plaque on a wall, in addition to his nearby gravestone:


The Dolly Sisters, Rosie and Jenny, were vaudeville and theatrical stars. They were played by June Haver and Betty Grable in a 1945 film loosely based on their lives. The sisters are interred in Glendale's Great Mausoleum.


As with most cemeteries in the Greater Los Angeles area, it's very common to randomly come across well-known names. In this case I turned into a mausoleum hallway and there by pure chance was the wonderful actress Mary Boland. Her mother, who shares her name, is nearby.


A few steps away from Boland is singer Russ Columbo, who died tragically at a young age.


This is the Joe E. Brown family plot behind the Great Mausoleum. Those buried here in addition to the comedian include Joe's son Don, who died in a stateside military crash during WWII, and actress Binnie Barnes, who was married to Brown's adoptive son.


A few more images from this visit will be published later this month in my Classic Movie Hub Western RoundUp column.

Additional photo posts on the final resting places of historic Hollywood figures: A Visit to Forest Lawn Glendale, Part 1, A Visit to Forest Lawn Glendale, Part 2, A Visit to the Forest Lawn Museum, A Visit to Hollywood Forever Cemetery (2014), A Visit to Westwood Village Memorial Park - The Musicians, A Visit to Westwood Village Memorial Park - The Comedians, A Visit to Westwood Village Memorial Park - The Actors, A Visit to Westwood Village Memorial Park - Writers, Directors, and More, A Visit to Holy Cross Cemetery, Part 1, A Visit to Holy Cross Cemetery, Part 2, A Visit to Holy Cross Cemetery, Part 3, A Visit to Desert Memorial Park, Los Angeles National Cemetery, A Visit to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Part 1 (2017), A Visit to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Part 2 (2017), A Visit to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Part 3 (2019), A Visit to Forest Lawn Cathedral City, A Visit to Oakwood Memorial Park, A Visit to Hillside Memorial Park, Part 1, A Visit to Hillside Memorial Park, Part 2, A Visit to Hollywood Forever Cemetery (2019), A Visit to Woodlawn Cemetery, A Visit to Valley Oaks Memorial Park, A Visit to Valhalla Cemetery, A Visit to Pacific View Memorial Park, A Visit to Glen Haven Memorial Park, A Visit to Forest Lawn Glendale (2020), A Visit to Calvary Cemetery, A Visit to Home of Peace Memorial ParkVisits to Sedona and Las Vegas Cemeteries, A Visit to Forest Lawn Glendale (2022), Visits to Orange County Cemeteries (Holy Sepulcher Cemetery and El Toro Memorial Park), A Visit to Inglewood Park Cemetery, A Visit to Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, A Visit to Palm Springs (Coachella Valley Public Cemetery), A Visit to Marysvale Cemetery, A Visit to Holy Cross Cemetery, Part 1 (2022), A Visit to Holy Cross Cemetery, Part 2 (2022), A Visit to Rose Hills Memorial Park, A Visit to San Fernando Mission Cemetery, A Visit to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Part 1 (2023), and A Visit to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Part 2 (2023).

Articles on the final resting places of Western stars and filmmakers from my Western RoundUp column at Classic Movie Hub: May 2019, February 2022, November 2, 2022, November 29, 2022, April 2023, and November 2023.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Tonight's Movie: Man-Eater of Kumaon (1948) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

The Universal Pictures film MAN-EATER OF KUMAON (1948) has just been released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.

The movie, based on a book by Jim Corbett, might be termed a psychological jungle adventure. It's the story of Dr. John Collins (Wendell Corey), a depressed doctor who has given up his New York practice for hunting in India.

When Collins wounds a tiger, blowing off its paw, the tiger turns into a ferocious beast seeking easy prey -- humans. Several local villagers are killed by the tiger.

Collins initially doesn't care about the problems he's caused, but his exit from the area is slowed first when he contracts malaria and then when he finds an orphaned child (James Mossas) during his travels.

When Collins takes the child to a village and gets to know its inhabitants (including Sabu and Joy Page, billed as Joanne), he gradually becomes more sensitive, and in helping others he also gains insight into his own problems.

This film, directed by Byron Haskin and written by Jeanne Bartlett and Lewis Meltzer, kind of works as a fairly short, 79-minute mood piece; it's well done for what it is, yet I can't say I enjoyed most of it. I simply didn't care for the story. 

The movie is fairly depressing, starting with the issues outlined above, and also including the prospect of tradition forcing a young woman out of her marriage after a tiger attack renders her infertile. Except for a few light moments with the appealing young lovers Sabu and Page, it's a sad, dark film about depression, death, and a badly injured animal.

The supporting cast includes Morris Carnovsky, Ted Hecht, and Argentina Brunetti.

The movie was mostly shot on soundstages, and IMDb indicates some filming was also done at Corriganville. I shared photos of Corriganville at Classic Movie Hub a few years ago.

The Blu-ray, from a 2019 HD master by Paramount Pictures, is sharp and clear, showing off the black and white photography of William C. Mellor to its best effect.

Disc extras consist of a commentary track by David Del Valle and Dan Marino, plus a gallery of eight trailers for other films available from Kino Lorber. The case includes reversible cover art, always a nice plus.

The movie may not have been for me, but kudos to Kino Lorber for making it available in a beautiful copy. Those interested in the story may find it worthwhile, and this new release is certainly an excellent way to see it.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Here's lovely Lori Nelson to wish everyone a happy day!

Have a wonderful holiday!

Previous St. Patrick's Day Posts: 2013 (Maureen O'Hara), 2014 (Angela Greene), 2015 (actresses in green), 2016 (Maureen O'Hara), 2017 (more actresses in green), 2018 (posters for Irish-themed movies), 2019 (Maureen O'Sullivan), 2020 (THREE CHEERS FOR THE IRISH photo gallery), 2021 (GOING MY WAY sheet music); 2022 (Arlene Dahl); 2023 (Dorothy Malone).

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...

...A special evening is coming to the Fox Westwood Village Theatre on May 22nd: Flights of Fantasy will feature a restoration of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (1953) along with Puppetoons. Guests will include director Joe Dante and THE WAR OF THE WORLDS star Ann Robinson.

...Kino Lorber's latest Blu-ray announcements include HATARI! (1962), starring John Wayne, listed as "coming soon"...The previously announced BACK FROM THE DEAD (1957) now has a release date of May 7th.

...Coming from the Criterion Collection this June: VICTIMS OF SIN (1951), aka VICTIMAS DEL PECADO, a Mexican crime film. I'm intrigued.

...The cast of TV's THIRTYSOMETHING (1987-91) is hoping for a revival.

...Powerhouse Indicator's newest announcements include the very good THE WHOLE TRUTH (1958) starring Stewart Granger, Donna Reed, and George Sanders. It will be released on a Region B Blu-ray.

...Maddy of Classic Film and TV Corner will be hosting the 2nd Master of Suspense Blogathon celebrating Alfred Hitchcock on April 5th and 6th.

...Recent classic film reviews: Colin has reviewed Ray Milland and Patricia Roc in CIRCLE OF DANGER (1951) at his site Riding the High Country, which just came out on Blu-ray in the UK...At Speakeasy Kristina reviews a pair of "B" films, THE DEVIL'S SLEEP (1949) and GIRLS IN CHAINS (1943)...Jessica also recently reviewed a "B" at Comet Over Hollywood, the intriguingly titled SHOULD A GIRL MARRY? (1939) starring Anne Nagel and Warren Hull...Stephen Bjork reviewed a new 4K edition of HIS GIRL FRIDAY (1940) at The Digital Bits. I don't usually cover 4Ks here, but wanted to mention this due to the participation of friends Kimberly Truhler and Jeremy Arnold on the extras content...CineSavant Glenn Erickson has reviewed the new Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray of FAITHLESS (1932), starring Tallulah Bankhead and Robert Montgomery, for Trailers From Hell. I was honored that Glenn linked to my past review of the film at the end of his!

...The schedule is now up for the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival to be held in Palm Springs this May. I'll have a post here with complete details in the near future.

...Notable Passings: Actor Michael Culver, remembered as ill-fated Captain Needa in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980), has passed on at 85...Australian stuntman Grant Page has died at 85...Robyn Bernard, who played Terry Brock on GENERAL HOSPITAL for several years in the '80s, has passed on at 64. Sadly she had a very difficult life after leaving the show due to mental illness and other problems...Cass Warner, the granddaughter of Warner Bros. co-founder Harry Warner, has died at 76. Her passing was announced by her son, actor Cole Hauser (YELLOWSTONE).

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my March 9th column.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Tonight's Movie: Ordinary Angels (2024)

ORDINARY ANGELS (2024) is a satisfying and uplifting film about persevering through hard times with help from God and the kindness of strangers.

The film, based on a true story, is set in Kentucky in the early '90s.  Construction worker Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson) loses his wife Theresa (Amy Acker) to a rare disease.

Worse, their five-year-old daughter Michelle (Emily Mitchell) suffers from the same disease and will die fairly soon without a liver transplant.

While he copes with grief and caring for Michelle and her older sister Ashley (Skywalker Hughes), Ed is also drowning in medical debt.

Into Ed's life barrels hairdresser Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), who reads of the family's plight in the newspaper and feels inexplicably compelled to help.

Sharon has a fundraiser at her salon and raises over $3000, which she presents to Ed. It's the answer to prayer which will solve short-term problems, but the uninsured Ed owes a hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars for Theresa and Michelle's care...and when a liver becomes available Michelle will need a private plane to immediately fly her to the hospital in Nebraska.

It all seems insurmountable, but Sharon won't take no for an answer and sets about negotiating hospital bills and flights on behalf of the family.

Things start looking up for the Schmitts, but when a liver does become available for the fading Michelle, Kentucky has just been hit with a huge blizzard...

This was a very good film, written by Kelly Fremon Craig and actress Meg Tilly. Swank rings true as a woman we come to realize may be avoiding dealing with her own tragedies and addictive behavior by pouring herself into helping the Schmitt family -- which is exactly why she's an "ordinary angel."

It's a complex part in which Sharon's flaws are made clear, along with the positive aspects of her character, as she repeatedly convinces people to do the right thing. It's admittedly weird and almost stalker-ish when she first starts helping the family out of the blue, and yet she keeps pulling off minor miracles and gradually earns their trust.

My favorite moment came when she approached a bank president (Darcy Fehr) about the loan of his plane to get Michelle to the hospital, saying "I'm going to make you a hero!" Who could resist?

The rest of the cast are all solid, with particular kudos to Nancy Travis as Ed's mother.  Like her son, she's worn with grief and worry, and yet she gamely "keeps the faith" and encourages Ed to do the same.

Parental Advisory: This film is rated a straight PG (not PG-13). Given the subject matter, the film is rather dark at times, as the characters wrestle with tragedy, addiction, and faith, but ultimately it's very uplifting. That said, young children may find the storyline troubling.

The movie runs 118 minutes and was directed by Jon Gunn. It was filmed by Maya Bancovic.

I was initially persuaded to see the film thanks to a brief review by Leonard Maltin.

The trailer is here.

I saw this film at my local Cinemark Theatre, and I encourage readers to see it while it's still available theatrically.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Tonight's Movie: Vice Squad (1953) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

The latest Dark Side of Cinema collection from Kino Lorber, Volume XVII, features a trio of films starring Edward G. Robinson.

All three films are new to me: BLACK TUESDAY (1954), NIGHTMARE (1956), and the movie I just watched, VICE SQUAD (1953).

VICE SQUAD was definitely my kind of movie; this straightforward, no frills film is what I consider "comfort viewing." It's a police procedural with a terrific cast and evocative Southern California locations.

As the film begins a police officer is killed in cold blood when he catches a couple crooks, Al Barkis (Edward Binns) and Pete Monty (Lee Van Cleef), hotwiring a car at a dealer lot.

For the next 24 hours we follow Vice Squad Captain Barnie Barnaby (Robinson) as he juggles a variety of cases while attempting to solve the murder. (It's never quite clear why the Vice Squad is involved with a homicide, but we'll set that aside.)

Barnie gets a tip on a pending bank robbery which might be connected to the killing, and he also deals with a potential murder witness (Porter Hall) who doesn't want his wife to find out where he was if he testifies.

Escort service head Mona Ross (Paulette Goddard) also comes up with a helpful tip to help track down the bad guys. Barnie seems to look the other way where Mona's business is concerned, as long as she continues to provide him with useful information.

It's a fast-paced 88 minutes, directed by Arnold Laven and written by Lawrence Roman, based on a novel by Leslie T. White.

With its interlocking stories, gritty settings, sarcastic humor, and Robinson's busy "walk and talk" scenes, the film at times seems rather modern in style, very much a forerunner of later shows like HILL STREET BLUES.

On the other hand, the unethical techniques used to keep the reluctant witness played by Porter Hall in custody seem very much a relic of the past. It's also hard to imagine today's cops running a bunco suspect out of town, complete with paid train ticket.

As always, Robinson is highly watchable and compelling. Goddard has essentially a colorful character role; I can't imagine she worked on the film more than a couple days, but she gives the part her all.

Goddard's role is also interesting as the film is quite obvious about her "business." The dialogue may be more circumspect than is used today but the film makes the unsavory goings-on clear. I found it quite frank for an early '50s film; it was shot at the end of 1952.

K.T. Stevens (ADDRESS UNKNOWN) plays Barnie's efficient secretary Ginny. The cast also includes familiar faces such as Joan Vohs, Dan Riss, Barry Kelley, William Boyett, Jay Adler, Adam Williams, Percy Helton, Mickey Knox, and Harry Lewis, to name just a few. Mary Ellen Kay is effective as a bank teller.

The black and white photography was by Joseph F. Biroc, with location filming taking place in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Long Beach.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray print is a new HD master from a 2K scan of the 35mm fine grain. I recall seeing a few minutes of this movie on Turner Classic Movies many years ago, and the print was pretty rough. By contrast, this new Blu-ray looks terrific, sharp and clear, with very good sound.

Disc extras consist of a commentary track by Gary Gerani, who also provides a commentary for the set's BLACK TUESDAY; a trailer with French graphics and English narration; and two additional trailers for other films available from Kino Lorber.

I quite enjoyed VICE SQUAD and look forward to seeing the next two films in the set.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray collection.

Laura's Miscellaneous Musings in The Dark Pages

I'm happy to share that I have a review appearing in the January-February 2024 edition of the film noir newsletter The Dark Pages.

My decade-old blog review of the enjoyable B (C?) crime film HI-JACKED (1950) has been adapted for publication.

I describe HI-JACKED, a Lippert Pictures release, as "creaky yet diverting." I enjoyed it enough I'd like to revisit it now that a decade has passed!

The movie stars Jim Davis and Marcia Mae (Marsha) Jones, with a fun supporting cast including David Bruce, Iris Adrian, Paul Cavanagh, and Margia Dean.  

This latest edition of The Dark Pages is Volume 20, No. 1. It's a "hard copy" publication founded nearly two decades ago and edited by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry.

Other articles in the new issue include reviews of BLACKMAIL (1947) and THE BIG NIGHT (1951), along with additional reviews of film noir titles available on YouTube, plus an article on "Neo-Noirs in the '90s" and more.

The Dark Pages may be subscribed to here. Back issues are also available, including for issues I've written for in the past; descriptions of those issues are linked below.

Previous Dark Pages posts: January 2011, December 2011, January 2013, June 2013, December 2022, and March 2023.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

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!

Saturday, March 09, 2024

Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...

...Fabulous news today from Kino Lorber Studio Classics: BOTANY BAY (1952) starring Alan Ladd, James Mason, and Patricia Medina, is "coming soon" to Blu-ray. It was directed by John Farrow. Kino Lorber also recently announced another Ladd film, THUNDER IN THE EAST (1955), will be released on Blu-ray on April 30th. I'll definitely be reviewing that one, which costars Deborah Kerr and Charles Boyer, and hopefully BOTANY BAY as well.

...Several other interesting titles are coming from Kino Lorber in April. I'll be reviewing BLUEBEARD (1944), SECRET BEYOND THE DOOR (1947), SUBMARINE COMMAND (1951), THE LOOTERS (1955), and more.

...Looking ahead to early May, Kino Lorber's Blu-ray releases will include the three-film Philo Vance Collection and the four film Republic Pictures Horror Collection.

...Here's the trailer for Kevin Costner's HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA - CHAPTER 1 (2024). Nice to recognize some familiar Moab area locations.  The trailer itself I didn't find particularly appealing, given the overall negative vision it depicts.  I'm a big Costner fan and hope the movie itself will be a good one.

...Like every other streaming service of late, Max (formerly HBO Max) will no longer allow family members not living in the same home to share log-in passwords.

...Mark Wahlberg is interested in making more family-friendly movies. I liked his film INSTANT FAMILY (2018) and hope he can do more in that vein.

...For anyone wondering why GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023) is suddenly hard to find for viewing, Tom Brueggemann of Indiewire has the details.

...Mary Mallory wrote about Republic Pictures for a Toluca Lake magazine.

...I was amused to read that NCIS is bringing back former stars Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly to star in NCIS: EUROPE. Even after a couple decades, NCIS is the franchise that has no "quit" in it!

...Glenn Erickson's latest Blu-ray reviews for Trailers From Hell include MYSTERY OF MARIE ROGET (1942) from Kino Lorber Studio Classics and CAUSE FOR ALARM! (1951) from ClassicFlix. CAUSE FOR ALARM! also had a positive review at Home Theater Forum. I haven't seen it since watching it on video years ago and look forward to watching the Blu-ray at some point.

...Several Disney+ series, including the highly regarded Star Wars series ANDOR, are (finally!) coming to Blu-ray on April 30th.

...Speaking of Disney releases, at The Digital Bits Bill Hunt shares updated thoughts on the deal for Sony to distribute Disney films.

...Toby's Roan's latest DVD reviews include THE LAS VEGAS STORY (1952) at The Hannibal 8 and LIGHTNING GUNS (1950) at 50 Westerns From the 50s. THE LAS VEGAS STORY stars Victor Mature and Jane Russell, while Charles Starrett stars in LIGHTNING GUNS.

...Notable Passings: Film historian David Bordwell, the author of many books on cinema, has passed away at the age of 76. After reading this interview on his recent book PERPLEXING PLOTS I decided to order it...Anne Whitfield, who had a busy career as a child actress in radio and then played General Waverly's granddaughter Susan in WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954), has passed on at 85...Actress Betty Brodel, the older sister of Joan Leslie, has passed away at the age of 104. Their sister Mary Brodel was also an actress...Jackie Loughery, who was married to Jack Webb for six years and appeared in his film THE D.I. (1957), has died at 93.

...More Notable Passings: Producer E. Duke Vincent (DYNASTY) has died at 91. He is survived by his wife of over four decades, actress Pamela Hensley (MATT HOUSTON), who announced his passing...Animation sculptor Kent Melton, who worked on numerous Disney classics, has died at 68...Jean Allison, a busy working actress in TV for over 20 years, has died at 94...I was sad to learn of the passing of singer Steve Lawrence at the age of 88. His wife and partner of 55 years, Eydie Gorme, died in 2013.

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my February 24th column.

Sunday, March 03, 2024

Quick Preview of TCM in April

Time for a quick look ahead at the April schedule for Turner Classic Movies!

TCM will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, and there will be special anniversary programming every Thursday.

There will also be a special evening on Sunday, April 14th, showing the first movie played on TCM when the network began on that date in 1994: GONE WITH THE WIND (1939).

The network will also be celebrating the centennial of Marlon Brando. Brando's Star of the Month films will be shown on Wednesdays.

I'm particularly excited about TCM's Monday Spotlight celebration of the centennial of MGM.

The April Noir Alley schedule will include VIOLENCE (1947), THE BREAKING POINT (1950), and BORN TO KILL (1947). The film to be shown the last weekend of April has not yet been announced.

The Saturday Musical Matinee series will include SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) and THE HARVEY GIRLS (1946) on the April schedule.

The new "Two for One" franchise debuts on Saturday, April 6th, and will feature Martin Scorsese discussing BLOOD ON THE MOON (1948) and ONE TOUCH OF VENUS (1948). The latter film will be making its TCM debut.

TCM will feature a memorial tribute for actress Glynis Johns on the 23rd. Other filmmakers honored with multifilm tributes in April include Ann Dvorak, Emma Thompson, Billy Wilder, Bette Davis, Sidney Blackmer, and Shirley MacLaine.

I'm particularly pleased that TCM will be celebrating the centennial of Stanley Donen on April 13th and the centennial of Henry Mancini on the 16th.

April programming themes will include jazz, fortune hunters, escapes, Shakespeare, and movies with the word "Young" in the title.

I'll have more details on the April schedule posted here around the end of this month. In the meantime, enjoy the conclusion of the 31 Days of Oscar series, which comes to an end on March 10th, and later this month Debbie Reynolds will be the March Star of the Month.

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