See Debbie Reynolds and Jane Powell in Person at the TCM Classic Film Festival Coming Soon!

TCM (Turner Classic Movies), the TV network that has kept classic Hollywood at the forefront of all who adore classic films, took a bold step last year by launching its first TCM Classic Film Festival. The streets near Egyptian, Grauman’s Chinese, and Mann’s Chinese Theatres were packed with stars and fans. The festival was such a hit, TCM is back this year for a second festival with another huge lineup of films, stars and special surprises taking place April 28 through Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Opening night premieres the 60th anniversary restoration of the Oscar-winning musical classic An American in Paris (1951). Star of the film, Leslie Caron, is scheduled for an appearance at the festival. Other world premieres during the festival include the 60th anniversary digital restoration of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951); the West Coast premiere of the newly restored La Dolce Vita (1960), and a screening of Shall We Dance (1937), which is part of the festival’s Gershwin tribute.

TCM – devoted to preserving classic movies – is also dedicated to showcasing the best possible projection, including digital, 35mm and 70mm prints. The festival will present more than 50 screenings including special introductions, guest appearances and panel discussions. Some of the films to be shown include: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and Royal Wedding (1951) – presented by Jane Powell; The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) – presented by Debbie Reynolds ; Carousel (1956) – presented by Shirley Jones; and The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) – presented by Roger Corman.

Special focus this year is on silent films such as Erich von Stroheim’s The Merry Widow (1925) and Buster Keaton’s The Cameraman (1928), as well as a spotlight on cinema music. TCM will celebrate the work of George and Ira Gershwin with a collection of films featuring their most memorable songs. Disney’s Musical Legacy addresses the multi-faceted collection of screenings that celebrates Disney’s history of bringing music and film together.

Article Author: Diana Saenger

Diana Saenger is an Award-winning syndicated entertainment journalist operating two of her own websites, Review Express and Classic Movie Guide, in addition to contributing to several others and writing for six San Diego newspapers. …

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