TCM Classic Film Festival 2024
The TCM Classic Film Festival is always a highlight of the year for me, and the 15th edition this past month was another fantastic weekend of cinema history.
I wish I could’ve attended the opening night presentation of PULP FICTION, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. Tarantino couldn’t make it, but the Q&A featured John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson & Harvey Keitel. I’m also glad that some of the other cast members attended, no matter how small (but still memorable) their parts were, from Phil LaMarr (Marvin) to Frank Whaley (“What does he look guy?” guy). It’s fairly easy to see PULP FICTION if you live in Los Angeles, since Tarantino screens all his films at the New Beverly, but I’m sure it was a real treat to see in the main Chinese cinema.
I started my own festival experience with a screening of silent films on Friday afternoon. Leonard Maltin introduced the films — always great to hear him talk about movies — alongside Ben Model, silent film accompanist extraordinaire.
First was the 1928 short film “Dad’s Choice” starring Edward Everett Horton, who I had never seen before. Maltin explained that this was produced by Harold Lloyd’s company, and you can definitely see a Lloyd quality to the character, a young man trying to get the approval of his fiancé’s father, but of course getting into ridiculous shenanigans. The film is very funny, and was shot all around Hollywood, including the very intersection of Hollywood & Highland that the Chinese Theaters are next too!
This was followed by the 1925 feature film “Paths to Paradise” about two rival thieves both trying to steal a diamond necklace, but end up falling in love. Betty Compson & Raymond Griffith are terrific together, and the whole film builds to a ridiculous car chase to the Mexican border when… the film stops! Maltin & Model explained that the final real is missing, but since we have the script, the film includes text that explains the final 10 minutes of the film. Sadly there are so many silent films that are completely lost, so at least we have most of this film still intact.
I followed this with 1972’s “Lady Sings the Blues” with an introduction Q&A with Billy Dee Williams! Still as charming & suave as ever, Williams chatted with Alicia Malone about his love of Old Hollywood, working with Diana Ross & Richard Pryor (they’re all terrific in this), and his memories of Executive Producer Berry Gordon of Motown Records. Fascinating to compare this telling of Billie Holiday’s life to the recent “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” biopic. Both Diana Ross & Andra Day were Oscar nominated for Best Actress.
On Saturday, I came back for a bright & early 9am screening of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time. First time seeing it in a theater! Director Mike Newell introduced the film, half-eaten banana in hand. He told Alicia Malone about discovering the script at his Agent’s office, his memories of Hugh Grant, and how they managed to get extras for all the weddings: they invited rich friends who wore their own suits & dresses! After 30 years, the film holds up beautifully, still as funny & touching as ever.
As always, there were so many other screenings I wish I could’ve attended. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND with Steven Spielberg! 1994’s LITTLE WOMEN with Samantha Mathis, Eric Stoltz, Trini Alvarado and screenwriter Robin Swicord! CLUE with Lesley Ann Warren! A midnight screening of HEAVENLY BODIES!
And finally, I would’ve loved to attend the closing night screening of SPACEBALLS with Mel Brooks! One of my favorites of his films, with especially hilarious turns from John Candy & Rick Moranis. I saw Brooks 10 years ago at a screening of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Academy, and I’m thrilled he’s still around & still doing appearances. One of the greatest comedic filmmakers to ever live. As always, it was great fun to walk around the Chinese multiplex, packed with eager cinema-goers of all ages. Can’t wait to return next year! Fingers crossed that we get 30th Anniversary screenings of CLUELESS or DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS next year.
