It’s that time of year again, as it has been for the past four years, when classic movie fans begin the great anticipation of the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival (TCMFF). For we devoted it’s very much like Christmas or a milestone birthday. We just can’t wait for it to get here! And yet, there is one great worry - will I be able to see all the films I want to without having to sacrifice one to a conflicting schedule.
Well, the answer to that is, of course there will be sacrifices that will have to be made. From experience I know that it will be impossible to meet everyone of my goals. However, that’s not a terrible thing to get upset about. Okay, I may never forgive TCM for making me choose between a live presentation with Angela Lansbury and an in-person appearance by Richard Roundtree. That was a tough one I don’t even like to think about. However, these choices exist because their is a classic film festival. And for that I will be forever grateful.
Now, the details with times and dates has yet to come out but there is already an impressive list of films scheduled to screen this year come April 25 - 28, including The Great Escape, The Lady Vanishes, Shane and On Golden Pond. The breadth of style and genres is quite extensive, complimenting the festival’s theme of Cinematic Journeys; Travel in the Movies. And then there are the special tributes to Jane Fonda, Ann Blyth and Max Von Sydow as well as the guest appearances by Eva Marie Saint, Mel Brooks, Mitzi Gaynor, and Mickey Rooney all appearing in accompaniment with one of their famous films.
Of course, I’m only scratching the surface, so if you want to know all about what’s happening and read the latest updates you can use the image above as a link to the official festival website. Once you do you’ll see what I mean by tough choices. I mean I already know that I want to see just about everything they have to offer. So, unless they plan on showing each film one at time without anything else playing in any of the other participating theaters I’m in trouble. Particularly since they’ve added a theater, The El Capitan to the three theaters at the Chinese, the Egyptian down the street and the Cinerama Dome a couple of blocks away.
I know more theaters means more movies but it also means more conflicts. Arg. What’s a classic cinema fan to do? Count my blessings I suppose. And stop worry until the final schedule comes out. In the mean time I’m going to keep a box of tissues by my computer for that inevitable moment. And one of those stress squeeze toys. With all the great films being offered I know there’s going to by some heartache and frustration, but more importantly there’s going to be lots and lots of classic movie watching going on.
If you don’t already have your pass and live in Los Angeles do not fear. It is possible to go stand by and buy tickets to individual screenings. If one of your favorite films is playing I highly encourage you to do so. It will be an experience you will never forget. And look for me. I’ll be the gal in the black baseball cap that says @ClassicFilms on it. Please say hi and take a moment to bond over classic films. It’s one of the great bonuses of the festival - meeting the people who share your passion for great cinema. I look forward to our conversation!