By Judy Shields
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 04/25/2024
So hard to believe we just celebrated the 15th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival. It all started with Robert Osborne in Times Square launching TCM in April 1994 along with Arthur Hiller, Arlene, Dahl, Jane Powell, Celeste Holm, Ted Turner, and Van Johnson and he created a wonderful classic film festival to last a lifetime. I know all his colleagues and fans miss him so much. I was one of the lucky ones to have met him and had the opportunity to interview him.
Waking up on Sunday, knowing that it was the last day of the festival can get you feeling a little down, but knowing that I would get to purchase Billy Dee Williams book and get it signed by him in person was going to be a great end of the festival day. Also to see Mel Brooks and Spaceballs on the big screen WOW!
I met this wonderful couple, Jeff and Sandy from San Francisco who have been coming to the film festival since 2018, in line for Billy Dee Williams book signing and had a little interview with them. Here is that interview:
Here are few photos from the book signing:
Highlights:
- Mel Brooks introduced a closing night presentation of his film Spaceballs (1987) marking his 7th appearance at the TCM Classic Film Festival
All I have to say is God Bless Mr. Mel Brooks at age 97 and going strong! He is so funny and brilliant. Please enjoy this hilarious conversation TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz has with Mel Brooks, which of course Mel Brooks steals the show. The end of the movie is touching to say the least. We all love you dearly Ben and Mel. Seven out of 15 festivals Ben tells Mel he has been to and that made Mel smile. I will from now on laugh every time I hear the words “Sour Cream”! Thank you Mr. Mel Brooks for that. Enjoy the laughter that will soon fill your soul:
Photos taken by The Hollywood Times
- Alexander Payne presented a world premiere restoration of The Searchers (1956), restored by Warner Bros. with The Film Foundation
- The Mont Alto Orchestra performed alongside The Goat (1921) and Sherlock Jr. (1924)
- Cora Sue Collins appeared at a presentation of The Sin of Nora Moran (1933), a film she starred in at 6 years old
- Andy Marx – “It Had to be Gus…and Groucho, too! The Life and Songs of Legendary lyricist Gus Kahn
- The TCM Hosts made a toast to TCM’s 30th anniversary at the Closing Night Party
That’s a Wrap, until April 2025, see you all then.
About the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival
Movie lovers from around the globe will descend upon Hollywood for the 15th edition of the TCM Classic Film Festival. The 2024 Festival is set to take place Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21, 2023. Over four packed days and nights, attendees will be treated to an extensive lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions, special events, and more.
TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz will serve as official host of the TCM Classic Film Festival, alongside Jacqueline Stewart, Dave Karger, Alicia Malone, and Eddie Muller.
The Festival’s official hotel and central gathering point will be The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Academy Awards® ceremony. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will also offer special rates for Festival attendees. Screenings and events during the Festival will be held at the Egyptian Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX®, and the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. For the latest news and information, follow us on social at #TCMFF.
This year’s theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” inviting the usual suspects to the big movie house for a lineup of films that not only bring the heat but reflect and inspire new ways of thinking about what defines true justice, straight down the line.
Information about the Festival can be found at https://filmfestival.tcm.
