Like all other large events, coronavirus forced the cancellation of the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood this weekend. But the good people at TCM responded with a film festival you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch.
This special home edition will feature both films from past festivals and movies that were slated to screen for this year’s event. The film fest begins at 8pm ET tonight, so we’re highlighting five films we’re particularly excited to see. And since the festival is running 24/7 all weekend long, it's the perfect chance to use your 10 free hours of DVR.
A Star is Born (1954)
Airing Thursday, April 16th at 8pm EST
Since we all swooned over Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s 2018 remake, this is your golden opportunity to watch the classic 1954 version. Does Gaga and Cooper’s chemistry hold up against Judy Garland and James Mason? You’ll have to see for yourself. And even if you weren’t a fan of the new version, rest assured the 1954 version holds a whopping 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you want to take it even a step further, you can watch the original A Star is Born (1937) for free on Sling on the Film Detective.
Some Like it Hot (1959)
Airing Friday, April 17th at 5:45pm EST
It doesn’t get more classic than Hollywood’s ultimate star, Marilyn Monroe, in what’s considered one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. Monroe stars in this 1959 film alongside Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Joe E. Brown. Jazz musicians Joe (Curtis) and Jerry (Lemmon) escape trouble in Chicago and catch a train out of town, and they soon meet and befriend Sugar (Monroe) because, oh yeah, they’re disguised as women. So things get weird when another man (Brown) starts pursuing one of them. The film was presented at the 2010 Inaugural TCM Classic Film Festival, with star Tony Curtis in attendance.
Casablanca (1942)
Airing Saturday, April 18th at 8pm EST
This classic has been presented three times at the TCM Classic Film Festival, and it’s no wonder why. Consistently near the top of most "Best Films" lists, this war romance remains timeless. Peter Bogdanovich presented it at the 2010 inaugural festival, and he will return to present the on-air screening. It holds an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but you don’t need the critics to tell you it’s a masterpiece. Now’s your chance to finally watch this classic if you haven’t already. “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
Baby Face (1933)
Airing Monday, April 20th at 12:15am EST
Baby Face, a film that was subject to major censorship upon its release, was slated to be presented this year with a focus on the controversy. The original version was rejected by the New York State Censorship Board, which forced producers to make some changes, mostly surrounding the overly sexual content. However, TCM will air the original uncensored version, so you can decide for yourself if it deserved this seemingly harsh treatment. Was it a product of its time, or does it hold up against some of today’s most promiscuous films? We're guessing the former but we're excited to find out.
Victor/Victoria (1982)
Airing Monday, April 20th at 3:30am EST
The final film screening at this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival, this 1982 British-American comedy stars the always charming Julie Andrews, alongside James Garner and Robert Preston. Struggling to find work, Victoria (Andrews) heeds Toddy’s (Preston) advice to become a female impersonator. Except she is a female, which makes her a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. Obviously, this makes for some laugh-out-loud feel-good humor. Andrews herself was scheduled to attend this year’s festival for the screening, but now she won't have to get (cross) dressed up.
Watch all of this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival this weekend (April 16th through April 19th) on TCM. Learn more about how to watch TCM on Sling by clicking here.
