Television Channels for Classic Movies
CLASSIC FILMS AND TELEVISION
Although TV is not the ideal format, it’s simply impossible to view all the films you’d like to watch in a movie theater. With the options available today why not take advantage of what your television has to offer in your own home?
Turner Classic Movies is without a doubt the best friend classic cinema has on television. There are many channels for old movies (links to the upper right), but most mix in a fair amount of modern programming, and some even have commercials (now, even the Fox Movie Channel has gone that way). TCM, is dedicated to the classics, offering diverse and innovative programming that meets the desires of the die-hard enthusiast while staying accessible to new audiences commercial free.
“The Essentials” is an example of the network’s exceptional programming. The weekly show that airs Saturdays (8:00P EST/5:00P PST) is designed to introduce highly regarded classics to the unacquainted (film geek or otherwise). Venerable film authority Robert Osborne shares anecdotes and inside information with co-host and fellow enthusiast, Drew Barrymore as they introducing the films deemed essential must-see classics.
It’ll be interesting to see how Barrymore fares as she follows in the footsteps of her impressive predecessor, Alec Baldwin. The chemistry Osborne and Baldwin shared will be hard to beat. The pair were as much fun to listen to as the movie they introduced was to watch. Now Barrymore will sit opposite Osborne, providing commentary on the cultural relevance of a hand-picked film, describing what elements combine to make a timeless, must-see movie.
The 12th season is set to include Some Like It Hot, The Razor’s Edge, Alice Adams, The Goodbye Girl, and the silent classic Sunrise. For a complete schedule of films use the TCM logo to the upper right to go to the official TCM website. I encourage you to check it out.
Their focus is on modern classics
Exclusively Fox Studio productions
Exclusively MGM Studio productions
Extensive programming in all genres, including Silents, Imports, and Cult.
FEATURED: TCM’s FRIDAY NIGHT SPOT LIGHT
It use to be that TCM would offer up something uniquely independent on Friday nights. The evening was until recently dedicated to offering films from the underground, otherwise known as extremely independent productions. However, the classic movie channel likes to try new things once in awhile and now the evening is a month by month long showcase dedicated to an individual guest programmer with a definite agenda in mind. For May it’s Illeana Douglas.
Every Friday night in May, the Emmy nominated actress and classic film fanatic will present her choices of films that deserve a second look, many of which were dismissed or harshly criticized upon their initial release. Most of these films are actually quite good. They just needed a little time (or a lot) to provide a proper perspective of the qualities they possess. This in fact is (I believe) the best way to truly judge any film. Fortunately, TCM has provided a platform in which to re-present this gems.
I think the format itself is a particularly great idea, knowing first hand how enjoyable it is to hear a beloved star gush about their favorite classic movies. And as much as I like the monthly programers I’ve always wished that I could see more of what they had to say about the films they love, as well as discover more of the films they cherish. This new Friday night format provides an answer to just that. So, mark your calendars and set your DVRs for Friday nights and TCM. No doubt, with their broad appeal and impressive fan base, TCM will have one intriguing guest after another.
The old Essentials Team
The new Essentials Team
