Television Channels for Classic Movies
CLASSIC FILMS AND TELEVISION
Although TV is not the ideal format, it’s simply impossible to view all the films you’d like to watch in a movie theater. However, with today’s advanced technology it is possible to have a decent replica of that experience in your own home.
Turner Classic Movies is without a doubt the best friend classic cinema has on television. There are many channels for old movies (links to the right), but most mix in a fair amount of modern programming, and some even have commercials. TCM, is dedicated to the classics, offering diverse and innovative programming that meets the desires of the die-hard enthusiast while staying accessible to new audiences commercial free.
“The Essentials” is an example of the network’s exceptional programming. The weekly show that airs Saturdays (8:00P EST/5:00P PST) is particularly designed to introduce a highly regarded classic to the unacquainted (film geek or otherwise). Venerable film authority Robert Osborne shares anecdotes and inside information with co-host and fellow enthusiast, Alec Baldwin. The chemistry these two share jumps off the screen, making it as much fun to listen to them talk about the movie as it is to watch it. I don’t know if TCM holds on to the out takes of this show, but I would love to get a look at everything Osborne and Baldwin have to say about “The Essentials”. I simply can’t get enough.
With the arrival of the studio-specific Fox Movie Channel and MGM Channel, maybe other old studios will follow suit (hey, RKO, Sony, Universal - are you listening?). Perhaps it’s just a matter of licensing and time. Here’s hoping!
Their focus is on modern classics
Exclusively Fox Studio productions
Exclusively MGM Studio productions
Eclectic and varied programming
Specializes in the Golden Age of cinema, but offers extensive programming in all genres, for all tastes including Silents, Imports, and Underground
FEATURED THIS MONTH: TCM’S ESSENTIALS JR.
John Lithgow returns to Turner Classic Movies for a second year as host of the summer movie showcase beginning Sunday, June 6, with the 1958 Disney classic, “Old Yeller”.
FEATURED THIS MONTH: TCM’S ESSENTIALS JR.
John Lithgow returns to Turner Classic Movies for a second year as host of the summer movie showcase beginning Sunday, June 6, with the 1958 Disney classic, “Old Yeller”.
As a champion of children’s education, the Oscar nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe winner is the perfect guide for parents and kids as they experience wonderful classics together. Besides earning many accolades for his acting abilities Lithgow has penned seven New York Times best-selling children’s books, created two activities books for parents and children, and compiled 50 classic poems aimed at young people. He has also earned two Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Awards and four Grammy® nominations, and has performed concerts for children with symphonies and orchestras all over the country. On top of all that Lithgow is an avid movie fan who knows his film history. Over the course of the summer he will present 13 classic films ideal for parents and kids to watch together.
“Essentials Jr.” will air Sundays at 5pm (PST) and include such classics as “Duck Soup”, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, and the Dr. Suess fantasy “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T”. My personal favorite this year is “Bye Bye Birdie” which will air July 4th. The cast features a young Ann-Margaret and the ever-likable Dick Van Dyke. The musical numbers are extremely catchy and the plot is innocent enough for the kids without sacrificing charm for the adults. For a complete schedule to this year’s lineup go to TCM.com.
“Old Yeller”
