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In just two weeks, the TCM Classic Film Festival (TCMFF) is back in person for the first time since 2019! I’m thrilled to be returning to Hollywood for this fest for the fourth time and reuniting with friends from around the globe I haven’t seen in three years, as well as friends I will be meeting in person for the first time.
One of my favorite aspects of the film festival experience is mapping out my tentative schedule. There’s no such thing as a bad film at TCMFF, which is both a blessing and a curse because one inevitably has to make some tough decisions among all of the excellent options.
Though I like to make plans, I try to keep a go-with-the-flow mindset. What follows below are my tentative first-choice picks. The criteria that influences my selections* are:
- Unique experiences I’d unlikely have anywhere else
- Special guests I must see
- Film accessibility outside of the festival
- New-to-me vs. old favorite
*Subject to change due to hunger, exhaustion, poor timing, last-minute changes of heart, special guest additions/cancellations, and peer pressure.
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Thursday, April 21
Before the first block of films, I’m going to try for the red carpet bleachers for the opening night 40th anniversary gala screening of E.T. (1982) in hopes of catching a glimpse of Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore. It’ll be my first time doing the bleachers, so any tips are appreciated!
The Slender Thread (1965)
This thriller has been on my watchlist for a while, and it’ll be bittersweet to kick off the festival by celebrating the memory of Sidney Poitier, who passed away in January.
Topkapi (1964) or Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)
I’m torn. I haven’t seen either before and from what I hear, both should be a lot of fun. I kind of regret missing Preston Sturges’ The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944) at the 2019 fest, so his Hail The Conquering Hero is currently in the lead by a nose.
Friday, April 22
The Jungle Book (1967)
Weeping at the stunning screening of Sleeping Beauty introduced by legendary Disney animator Floyd Norman at the 2019 fest still stands as one of my all-time favorite TCMFF experiences, and I’m very much looking forward to hearing him share memories of working on this classic, too.
All of Me (1984)
Cruel of TCM to put All of Me with special guest Lily Tomlin and the Conversation with Bruce Dern in the same block. Since Club TCM is a small hotel ballroom and All of Me is in the TCL Chinese IMAX, plus a first-time viewing, Lily Tomlin is the winner.
Cocktail Hour (1933)
Going to try for this rare pre-Code today even though it will likely be a TBA on Sunday.
The Gay Divorcee (1934) or I, The Jury 3D (1953)
Another block where I’m at a stalemate. I adore The Gay Divorcee and it would be my first Fred/Ginger big screen experience, but I, The Jury, a film noir I have never seen–and in 3D no less–is also extremely tempting.
Saturday, April 23
With a packed schedule and a wealth of great options, I could potentially see a whopping SIX films today. Emphasis on “potentially.”
Angels With Dirty Faces (1938)
I have an ongoing love-hate relationship with the 9 AM Saturday block of TCMFF (see: The Ox-Bow Incident at TCMFF 2018). They always schedule great films in this block, but this is the point of the festival where my exhaustion starts to kick in. Seeing Angels With Dirty Faces for the first time would be wonderful. So would sleeping in/eating a big breakfast.
The Flame and the Arrow (1950)
Craig Barron and Ben Burtt’s presentations focusing on a film’s special effects are always a must-see at TCMFF. I still talk about their 2019 intro for Tarzan and His Mate every chance I get, so I will be at this screening with bells on.
But wait, there’s more! One of the film’s stars, former child actor Gordon Gebert (who is now an architecture professor!), is also a special guest for this screening, and I’m absolutely delighted by this news. Fellow Holiday Affair (1949) fans will recognize him as Janet Leigh’s train-obsessed son Timmy.
Somewhere in Time (1980)
I’ve heard great things about this film and have been looking forward to this screening ever since it was announced for the cancelled 2020 edition of the fest. And Jane Seymour is set to appear!
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
I cannot pass up the chance to see Warren Beatty in person. Hoping current Super Bowl-winning Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will also stop by, because it just makes sense.
Drunken Master II (1994)
Embarrassed to admit I’ve never seen a Jackie Chan film. This one looks exciting, and according to the festival website, it will be the version rarely seen in the West: the original, uncut Hong Kong version with English subtitles.
Polyester (1981)
Will I get a strong enough second wind to for my first-ever viewing of Polyester, my first-ever midnight movie at TCMFF? Stick around to find out.
Sunday, April 24
Paper Moon (1973)
Also embarrassed to confess I’ve never seen Paper Moon; it would be incredibly cool to experience it for the first time at the TCL Chinese IMAX. I just hope I’m not too tired by the time this screening rolls around.
Fly-By-Night (1942) or Popi (1969)
I’ve already seen Peggy Sue Got Married and High Noon and not too keen about seeing either of them at the fest so that leaves “noir-adjacent” “comic thriller” Fly-By-Night and “family comedy” Popi. Both are new-to-me and hard to find elsewhere, so I will decide on the day.
The Sting (1973)
The Sting is one of my all-time favorite movies and I am absolutely over the moon that I finally get to see it on the big screen with the TCMFF crowd.
However, it breaks my heart that I will have to skip the post-film discussion with the producers and writer (and likely the last 30-ish minutes of the film) to get in line to guarantee a seat for my other all-time favorite movie, A League of Their Own, which I expect to be a mob scene.
PSA: Probably preaching to the choir here, but if you’re attending the fest and have already seen The Sting, please avoid discussing any spoilers before the film screens (or heaven forbid, during the film). You don’t know if your line or seat neighbors haven’t seen it before and the experience of the film for first timers hinges on keeping it spoiler-free. Remember that feeling you had when you saw it for the first time not knowing how it would play out, and help preserve that for others.
A League of Their Own (1992)
I first saw the best baseball film (heck, best sports film) of all time as a softball-playing youngster and it’s been special to me ever since. I was even #8, the same as Geena Davis’ Dottie, and made it to high school History Day state-level finals with a documentary I made about the AAGPBL. This 30th anniversary screening with several cast members in attendance (Lori Petty [Kit Keller]; Megan Cavanagh [Marla Hooch]; Ann Cusack [Shirley Baker]; Anne Ramsay [Helen Haley]; Jon Lovitz [Ernie Capadino]) will conclude my festival experience on the highest of highs.
Are you attending TCMFF this year? What are some of your must-sees?
Cinema Crossroads 
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