TCM’s Summer Under the Stars

Dr. Strangelove on TCM August 22
My main regret about not having cable television or satellite is that I’m denied TCM. Sure, most of their programming is available on DVD, but sometimes it’s nice to have your classic movies curated by people who know a thing or two about what they’re doing. It opens you up to things you might not otherwise have considered.
This August, TCM’s Summer Under the Stars program, where each day is dedicated to a different movie star, returns. You can download the whole schedule here.
Meanwhile, over at Rope of Silicon, Brad Brevet has posted a dozen posters specially designed for some of the films that will be running during the month. I’m partial to the one above (For Sterling Hayden day), The Magnificent Seven and The Grapes of Wrath.
Filed under: Marketing
Tags: Dr. Strangelove, Summer Under the Stars, TCM

Yes the one above bares your stamp, so to speak! But yes, THE GRAPES OF WRATH would rank high, as would some classic stuff here from Judy Garland, Harold Lloyd, Bette Davis, and so many other iconic figures. I always hear from so many friends that they watch TCM, but with DVDs at hand, I rarely take advantage unless there’s a rarity. But there is something to be said for following a rigid schedule, which gets things watched.
Got this page bookmarked. :D
I will get TCM eventually. It’s finally available in my area and it wasn’t for years. It’s one of the few channels worth watching on TV.
My passion for the glorious golden era of Hollywood and the classics it produced will always burn brightly.
I liked that they didn’t go for the obvious perforners this go round. Merle Oberon, Claire Bloom and Peter Sellers each have their own day.
Awesome…
Reminds me of the film noir fest that I’m going to attend in August.
Nothing better than old movies – especially in B&W.
Thanks for posting this, Craig…
If only teh Latin American TCM rocked this much. It’s not bad, but still shows everything in 4:3, and 3/4 of the day are shitty TV shows.
You’re right Miranda, there are some biggies sprinkled in here and there of course, but there are lots of others deserving of respect that aren’t the first names to roll off the tongue.
Just to give you an idea of how long it’s been since I’ve been be-cabled, AMC was the channel to have and they still didn’t have commercials. Now it’s TCM all the way.
Those posters are sick!
I get TCM but don’t watch it nearly enough. I should rectify that in August, but, well, I kinda wish it wasn’t during the summer when I’m usually enjoying the non-winter time here. Oh well.
I have to admit, Gene Hackman’s name jumped out at me a bit from that list. Certainly he’s had a stellar career, but it just caught me by surprise, especially when people like Newman and Redford aren’t on there.
Daniel, I think that goes back to what Miranda was applauding. Everybody understands and respects Newman/Redford’s place. Hackman, a powerful, charismatic actor, deserves a shout-out.
Exactly.
Gene Hackman is one of those actors that is supremely underappreciated and taken for granted. He is so superb and memorable in everything and just disappears into his parts.
Jesus, he was the best thing about the first two Superman movies (I’ve put the 3rd one out of my head and never saw the 4th).
And Terrence Stamp.
Kneel before Zod.
ROFL.
Indeed, Miranda’s point stands.
About Hackman’s day, though, it’s interesting that TCM is essentially ending his career with Mississippi Burning in 1988. I’ll concede that he was on his way down around that time, but he still had some great performances in the 90′s (two of my favorites – The Firm and Enemy of the State – are fluff, but I still love him in them.
What about The Royal Tenebaums, Get Shorty, The Birdcage, Crimson Tide, The Quick and the Dead, or for God sakes UNFORGIVEN!?!?!? Hackman has had plenty of great work since his Oscar win for Mississippi Burning.
Mississippi Burning is one of the most shrill and exploitive movies on race I’ve ever seen. Lots of great acting in there and some great cinematography, but it’s an embarrassing film to choose to remember.
This is a great month of movies, but shame on TCM for not giving Hackman a better due. Screw Oscar.
In all fairness, Hackman did also win an Oscar for best lead actor in The French Connection. Definitely a worthy Oscar. And film.
As for Mississippi Burning, I agree with Joel that it is absolutely an exploitive movie on race. Which is why the Academy ate it up. Really, is anyone surprised?
Nice discussion and I agree re: Hackman. I’ve never seen Mississippi Burning but have heard tell it’s pretty over the top
Kneel before Zod, lol, Alison..
Can I also say I rather love that Return from Witch Mountain gets a slot on Bette Davis day? Move over, All About Eve! There’s a younger, dazzlier picture in town.
I’m enjoying TCM more since we got the DVR. Now just finding time to watch everything I record…
I heart the original Witch Mountain movies, but methinks we’ve already had this discussion.
Tenenbaums!!!!
Zod!!!!!!!
Speaking of Terence Stamp, don’t forget Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
I LOVED Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Fantastic movie.
Yes, we have had the Witch Mountain discussions, Craig. You revealed to us your old crush on the little girl who played Tia. :D
Kim Richards!
Hahaha..man, I gotta ease off some of the personal info around here. Ya’ll know a little too much about me. :)
Nah, it’s just that I remember EVERYTHING.
Well I hope you’re never called as a witness against me in a court of law.
See, it’s at that time that one says “I can’t recall” in answer to every question. :D