Sue Sue's TCM Film Festival Tidbit Travel Blog

[speedracer5]

Can't say that I'm excited about "There's Something About Mary." I was hoping for something really cool. This is definitely an anti-climactic announcement. On the brightside, it opens up that timeslot for one of the other movies I was interested in that was conflicting with the TBA.

[speedracer5]

That is busy. We did Disneyland a few years back at the beginning of a TCMFF trip - flew into SNA and out of BUR. Have also done Universal on the Wednesday before, as it's a very quick Metro ride up to Universal (2 stops, IIRC) and only takes a little more than a half day to do everything. Might do the WB tour, if there are slots still open. Toured the Academy museum last year. Don't feel the need to revisit anytime soon, but my opinion seems to be in the minority.

We toured the Academy museum in October 2021 mainly to see the Hayao Miyazaki exhibit--which was amazing. However, I agree with you. Without that exhibit, we didn't feel the need to revisit the museum. They have a Casablanca exhibit that interests me; but I imagine that I'll get my Casablanca fix at the WB Studio Tour, so I'm okay with not going to the museum. I've also been to the Hollywood Museum in the Max Factor building when they had a Lucille Ball/I Love Lucy exhibit for its 60th anniversary. I can't imagine that the museum has changed that much; so it isn't on the top of the list. The WB Studio Tour is the only thing that we're doing that offers a TCMFF discount. If we go to the TCMFF next year, we probably won't do the tour again; as I imagine it would be roughly the same.

Have also been to the Hollywood Museum/Max Factor building, about five years ago. There was still a lot of Lucille Ball memorabilia there, since she was a client and Max Factor was the one that made her hair red.

BTW, besides the various former Desilu studio locations around LA, they also had offices at 7046 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 515, which is in the same block as the Roosevelt Hotel. This building also housed the AMPAS HQs at one time too.

Ah interesting. I know that the Desilu studio building still exists somewhere. Do you know if the RKO Globe still exists? Right now, since we added 2 days of Disney last minute, I'm in the middle of the cutthroat last minute dining reservations. So far I've scored a Lamplight lounge brunch, cafe orleans dinner, and a World of Color Dessert Party. I'm hoping for an Oga's reservation, so I can get the Fuzzy Tauntaun, with that crazy buzz button foam that makes your mouth numb.

[txfilmfan]

We toured the Academy museum in October 2021 mainly to see the Hayao Miyazaki exhibit--which was amazing. However, I agree with you. Without that exhibit, we didn't feel the need to revisit the museum. They have a Casablanca exhibit that interests me; but I imagine that I'll get my Casablanca fix at the WB Studio Tour, so I'm okay with not going to the museum. I've also been to the Hollywood Museum in the Max Factor building when they had a Lucille Ball/I Love Lucy exhibit for its 60th anniversary. I can't imagine that the museum has changed that much; so it isn't on the top of the list. The WB Studio Tour is the only thing that we're doing that offers a TCMFF discount. If we go to the TCMFF next year, we probably won't do the tour again; as I imagine it would be roughly the same.

Have also been to the Hollywood Museum/Max Factor building, about five years ago. There was still a lot of Lucille Ball memorabilia there, since she was a client and Max Factor was the one that made her hair red.

BTW, besides the various former Desilu studio locations around LA, they also had offices at 7046 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 515, which is in the same block as the Roosevelt Hotel. This building also housed the AMPAS HQs at one time too.

Ah interesting. I know that the Desilu studio building still exists somewhere. Do you know if the RKO Globe still exists? Right now, since we added 2 days of Disney last minute, I'm in the middle of the cutthroat last minute dining reservations. So far I've scored a Lamplight lounge brunch, cafe orleans dinner, and a World of Color Dessert Party. I'm hoping for an Oga's reservation, so I can get the Fuzzy Tauntaun, with that crazy buzz button foam that makes your mouth numb.

Desilu Studios had several locations: the old RKO property on Gower, which was merged with Paramount (they were adjacent) when Ball sold Desilu to Paramount in 1967, the old deMille/RKO property on West Washington Street (now known as Culver Studios), Desilu Cahuenga (now Red Studios),
and the "40 Acres backlot" (now a business park). Desilu started out by renting studio space at 6633 Romaine Street, and this is where the first few seasons of I Love Lucy were filmed.

Last I checked, the RKO globe was still there, at Gower and Melrose (minus the radio tower).

Speaking of radio towers, the Hollywood Pacific theatre on Hollywood Blvd. is the old Warner Bros. Theatre. WB owned a radio station, and their transmitter supposedly was on the towers on the corners of the theatre building. You can still see the old WARNERS lettering behind the current PACIFIC lettering on the towers. This was converted into a Cinerama venue in the 1950s. Carol Burnett's walk of fame star is right in front, as she was an usher at the theater in the 50s, and was fired from the job for cautioning patrons not to enter the movie near the end, for fear of spoiling the ending. The movie was Strangers on a Train.

[Sue Sue Applegate]

Sad news:
Pola Chagnon stepping down, and other TCM staffers may be lost in the shakeup… https://deadline.com/2023/06/tcm-chief- ... 235421074/

[Sue Sue Applegate]

It is unhappy news, Kingrat. It saddens me, too.

[ziggy6708a]

TCM Chief Pola Changnon Exiting Warner Bros. Discovery;
Michael Ouweleen To Take Over Again

"Under her stewardship, TCM cemented its position as the dominant classic movie brand and a favorite among classic film aficionados. We are enormously grateful for her leadership and innovation over the years and wish her well.

Michael Ouweleen, the President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, who previously oversaw TCM, will again lead the network. His vast experience with the brand and its mission will help to ensure a seamless transition. Michael shares our passion for classic films and believes strongly in TCM’s essential role in preserving and spotlighting iconic movies for the next generation of cinephiles. He has full support across WBD, and we look forward to welcoming Michael back to the TCM team.,....."

https://deadline.com/2023/06/tcm-chief- ... 235421074/

[Sue Sue Applegate]

The hashtag #SaveTCM is trending on Twitter. The latest articles about the dumpster fire at TCM:

https://www.thewrap.com/david-zaslav-mi ... ry-future/

https://fcjournal.net/2023/06/21/dear-david-zaslav/

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-a ... s-anderson

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/busi ... yoffs.html

Email Zaslav here:
Email David Zaslav if you have concerns about layoffs, cost-cutting and the future of @tcm #TCMparty #TCMFF : [email protected]

Send a letter to the Board of Directors here:
c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
230 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003


I’m so upset about what has happened and all our friends at TCM.

I keep thinking about Howard Beale in the boardroom. But it’s real.

[jimimac71]

This is so good, I'm pushing it to the top. Enjoy and Thank You Sue Sue.

This native Houstonian and oil-field brat has decided to attend the first Turner Classic Movies Fan Convention in Los Angeles, California, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Yes, I am a Baby Boomer.

Baby Boomer IQ Test:How can you be sure if someone is a Baby Boomer?

They must know at least seven dubious monikers that Endora,(on the television series Bewitched starring Elizabeth Montgomery) bestowed upon Darrin right before she turned him into a frog, or put a spell on him that made him tell the absolute truth. Get Ready...YaggazzoozieYaggazzoozieYaggazzooziezam...1..2...3...Derwood, David, Delbert, Donald, Dustbin, Darwin, and my all-time fave--Dobbin! Tinkletinkletink!

You can also spot a traveling Baby Boomer because we often read a hard copy of something called a "folding map," the precursor of the British lady that talks to you when you are lost and driving around in your car. We BB's were given secrets to the sacred directions of North, South, East, and West at birth, or shortly thereafter when we were able to read at the ages of 3 and 4.

So why did I develop a fondness for classic film? I was a very shy child, and my mother enrolled me in a progressive kindergarten to teach me to socialize (i.e., "Quit being so quiet!") where I was put on a television show in Houston called Romper Room. There I became the biggest canned ham in red cowgirl boots, and was often enlisted to help with the commercials. I was a good "Do-Bee." I also met Dan Rather there before his Hurricane Carla broadcast from the Flagship hotel sent him packing to bigger and better broadcast television opportunities. He was nice. He smiled at us.

My mother then made a huge fuss about this, and baked a chocolate pie.
So it had to be cool, right?

When my Dad often had to work shift work late at night, sometimes I was allowed to stay up late and watch t.v. with my Mom. The first film I can remember seeing on television with her was Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison with Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr. I felt so icky when I had to think about what I would do if I only had raw fish to eat in a cave. EEyuck. But those people were pretty neat.

But my Mom saw how upset I was and baked a coconut pie.
So it had to be cool, right?

So I had to come to the TCM Fan Fest. I flew to CA last week, and I have been in the high desert for a few days visiting friends and enjoying nonstop sunshine and no refinery pollution.

While planning my wardrobe , checking and rechecking travel details,and squirreling away Diet Cokes and healthy snacks to keep me at a peak energy level for all the fun, I thought I might chronicle my experiences, especially if I go to Grauman's and steal John Wayne's footprints.

Do I wear my Vera Wang Dangly Earrings with my Chinese silk dress with the Mandarin collar to the Red Carpet Festivities or should I wear the pink pearl studs? Shall I don my new cowgirl boots and Wranglers for the screening of The Big Trail? Will I need my water wings and flip-flops at the Neptune's Daughter poolside bash with Esther Williams and Betty Garrett? Deep down, like Ava Gardner once said, I guess I'm pretty shallow.

I have definitely made a big fashion decision. I will carry a pink balloon so that everyone from here recognizes me from my avatar.

It's exciting. I will actually be able to view classic films in theaters where they were meant to be shown. No letterbox. No scrunched down credits at the end of a film where an ad for Viagra or a reminder to watch reruns of The Ghost Whisperer make it impossible to see who played the second lead.

According the the TCM website and schedule of events for the festival, which begins on Thursday, April 22, and runs through the evening pf April 25, Anjelica and Danny Huston will discuss the Huston dynasty as they introduce The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, John Huston's classic film starring Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt, and Walter Huston. Popular TCM hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz will be on hand for the festivities, as well as The Essentials co-host, that laid back "wizard of cool," Alec Baldwin.

Tony Curtis will have some of his art for sale, as well as a book signing, and a couple of introductions to do. Remember him? Bernie Schwartz? "Come wit me to the castle of my fadduh?" Some Like It Hot will be one of the films he will introduce, and it is one of my favorites. He will also introduce Sweet Smell of Success.

Jerry Lewis was scheduled to attend and introduce The King of Comedy but he has canceled his appearance completely due to personal (health?) issues.

Luise Rainer, who is 100 years old, will attend a screening of Pearl Buck's masterpiece, The Good Earth. Rainer has won two oscars, one for The Good Earth, and another for The Great Ziegfeld. Rainer played Anna Held in The Great Ziegfeld and displayed her talents for singing, acting, and dancing in that film. A triple threat, just like Ginger Rogers. She was wonderful in both films.

What am I doing right this very minute? Being verrrrrry nervous. I can't wait to see some of my favorite classic films in a movie theater. Also, I especially want to attend a screening of Imitation of Life because Juanita Moore, a fantastic actress who began her film career in 1949 and has had a career spanning more than fifty years, will be at the festival, as well as Susan Kohner, who also had spectacular celluloid moments until she decided to relinquish her career so that she might be more devoted to her family. Both played moving roles in Imitation of Life, with Lana Turner.

Whom do I hope to meet? Robert Osborne, the host of Turner Classic Movies, and the main reason it's called "Classic" because he truly is. Good taste, informed comments, and the scuttlebutt is that is really is a nice guy!

More later!
Sincerely,
Christy
Christy's TCM Travel Blog

Some information from the festival website:
Special guests of the Festival

* Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo
* Editor and author Peter Biskind
* Film director and historian Peter Bogdanovich
* Film historian and author Donald Bogle
* Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine
* Actor, producer, director and writer Mel Brooks
* Producer and director Frank Capra III
* Noted filmmaker John Carpenter
* Author Cheryl Crane
* Actor Tony Curtis
* Producer and Director Stanley Donen
* Emmy-nominated actress Illeana Douglas
* Photographer, writer and editor Curtis Hanson
* Screenwriter and actor Buck Henry
* Actor, writer, director and producer Darryl Hickman
* Award-winning actress and director Anjelica Huston
* Award-winning actor Danny Huston
* Writer and editor David Kamp
* Editor and writer Sam Kashner
* Actor Martin Landau
* Actor, director and producer, Jerry Lewis
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regretfully announce Jerry Lewis has cancelled his appearance.
* Actor, producer and director Norman Lloyd
* Film historian and author Leonard Maltin
* Actress Nancy Olson
* Actress Luise Rainer
* Director, producer and writer Richard Rush
* Academy Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint
* Academy-Award winning visual effects artist Douglas Trumbull
* Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight
* Actor Eli Wallach

[TikiSoo]

I’m so upset about what has happened and all our friends at TCM.
I keep thinking about Howard Beale in the boardroom. But it’s real.

Just as callous as the way writers are treated....still suffering from the strike.

C'mon, just let these people do their jobs & PAY them a decent, living wage.

Do all the heads of these corporations deserve their salary? I say cut their pay 25% and divvy it up to those who bring the real talent & experience to the "brand".

[Sue Sue Applegate]

I completely agree, TikiSoo!

Here is the link to the change.org petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-turner-cl ... le-chagnon

[Sue Sue Applegate]

Here are my comments from the other TCM News page: “ I have been in contact with several TCM Staff who have been let go. They are all devastated, and sad, but poised to move on. Talented people will always have options, and TCM staff are creative, talented people. The remaining staff who must soldier on must be concerned about their futures, too. I know they are also disturbed after reading some their social media comments, personal texts and emails.

I have received many emails, phone calls, and texts from so many of the Classic Film community, so I haven’t had much time to visit here as well as attend to my day job.

The reports stated the Pola Changnon resigned, but I don’t feel she was given any choice in the matter. As for Charlie Tabesh, he is a treasure and will definitely have other options as well as Genevieve McGillicuddy.”

[Sue Sue Applegate]

Genevieve McGillicuddy has been rehired by TCM to direct the 2024 #TCMFF!

[TikiSoo]

Genevieve McGillicuddy has been rehired by TCM to direct the 2024 #TCMFF!

Any relation to - ???


(just kidding) That's GREAT news!

[txfilmfan]

Genevieve McGillicuddy has been rehired by TCM to direct the 2024 #TCMFF!

Glad to hear this.