Robert Osborne interview for his own Private Screening

[Lzcutter]

Robert Osborne for almost twenty years has been doing interviewing of classic era and post-1968 film stars for the TCM interview program, *Private Screenings*. Guests have included Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell, Margaret O'Brien and a group of other child actors, Debbie Reynolds, Betty Hutton and many others.

And now, this January, Robert Osborne will be the one being interviewed in a very special upcoming *Private Screening*.

"Ever since TCM launched, Robert Osborne has been the face of the network and its passionate, driving force," said Charlie Tabesh, senior vice president of programming for TCM. "Private Screenings: Robert Osborne is a perfect chance for viewers to get to know Robert and learn the story behind his fascinating career. As TCM celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are proud to take this opportunity to honor the man who has done so much to bring classic films to life for generations of movie lovers."

The special *Private Screening* airs on January 6th. Robert O's former *Essentials* co-host, Alec Baldwin, is the interviewer.

Baldwin and Osborne's conversation begins with his early days tracking the movies playing in New York and compiling the background information into a hefty notebook he affectionately calls "Blackie." Viewers will not only get to see Blackie on camera for the first time, but also enjoy clips from Osborne's early days as an actor in commercials, as well as in the daytime drama The Young Marrieds and the pilot for The Beverly Hillbillies. In addition, Osborne is featured in several clips from The Dinah Shore Show, which frequently had him on to talk about the Academy Awards, and The Morning Program on CBS, for which he did movie and theater reviews.

The special is packed with great stories from Osborne's life and career, which has included influential encounters with several notable figures, Jane Darwell, who suggested he move to Hollywood after working with him in a regional theater production; Lucille Ball, who put him under contract at Desilu and later encouraged him to go into journalism; Natalie Wood, who helped him work out the questions for his first interview; Olivia de Havilland, who asked Osborne to escort her to the American Film Institute's tribute to Bette Davis and whom Osborne continues to talk nearly every Sunday; and Dorothy Lamour, who introduced Osborne to the executives who would eventually launch Turner Classic Movies.

Osborne also speaks about the many memorable Private Screenings interviews he has conducted since the franchise launched in September 1995, including with such stars as Betty Hutton, Robert Mitchum, Jane Russell and Mickey Rooney.

So, be sure to mark the date, Jan. 6th, because you won't want to miss this special *Private Screening*.

[mongoII]

Lynn, I will be there front and center although I don't care that much for Baldwin.
It happens to be my daughter Audrey's birthday on the 6th., so I won't forget.
Thanks, Lynn

[moira finnie]

This will be a real treat, Lynn. Thanks for posting the news. I wonder if RO will touch on his appearances as an actor? I've always wondered about those. Perhaps it seems as though that was a previous incarnation to him.

Joe, even though Alec Baldwin makes it very difficult to like him at times, he was often at his best when in the company of Robert Osborne in the past (Baldwin is also surprisingly good and low key as the radio announcer for The New York Philharmonic too--honest!). I hope that he is again on his best behavior for this occasion.

[Rita Hayworth]

Thanks Lynn for the update on Robert Osborne - on the 6th of January! ... It will be a treat for all of us!

[Lzcutter]

Don't forget about this!

It's on tonight!!!

5:00 PST/8:00 EST and again at 8:30 PST/11:30 EST

It's a 90 minute interview and is supposed to be awesome!

[mrsl]

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I've had it in my queue to be DVR'd for 2 days. Looking forward to it!!!
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[Rita Hayworth]

Robert Osborne is Mr. TCM


I was in tears at the end of the show and I'm grateful that he shared with Mr. Baldwin that his passions for movies, television, personalities, and much, much, more that he made himself a decent living researching movies like no other man alive. His bible that he shared was one of the many highlights on that show, and roots in Colfax Washington and his start in Seattle - and I was stunned to hear that he was a fellow Washingtonian and truly speaks of his roots.

His ability to grasp people and relate to them shows decency, love, and respect. He is an amazing man and I just can't put a price tag on it. I just can't imagine what would Turner Classic Movies to be without Mr. Robert Osborne and just can't even think of that.

I just go on, and on about him ... but, he's a truly an unique Gentlemen and I just wanted to thank TCM to honor him tonight and I was truly entertained by all that. I just in awe ... so in closing, Mr. Robert Osborne is Mr. TCM.

[Lzcutter]

Erik,

I totally agree it is all kinds of wonderful! Robert O talks about his life and his career and how lucky he feels (and how lucky he is!). His stories about the people he met and knew are priceless!

I loved his interactions with Alec B!

I hope everyone enjoyed it!

[Vienna]

Sounds wonderful. Any chance it will be posted here or on YouTube? I'm in UK. Would so love to see the interview.

[mrsl]

,
I can't think of anything to say except "What a Great Life" Robert Osborne has had. He exhibited true joy and comfort in his choice of livelihood and so other than Please Continue, I am at a loss for words, because he said it all.
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