A Request From a Movie Lover to Turner Classic Movies…
by Jimmy AroneMaybe it’s the boomer in me. Or perhaps, it has something to do with the fact that I’m the product of a dad who once was an usher at the local movie house I literally grew up in. The celluloid son-of-a-lovin’ father who used to let my mom sneak in the side door of the theatre during the Saturday afternoon matinee just so they could be together. Even when I was born, he asked his best friend and fellow usher at the Coolidge Theatre, Mikey Citino, to be my godfather when I was baptized. Who knows? Whatever it is or was, I don’t care. I love movies.
As a kid, for me, goin’ to the movies was like goin’ to church. It was something special. I remember my older cousin, Eddie Cassassa, taking me to the show, when I was about 4 or 5. I’ll never forget him sitting me in the front row, to watch Boris Karloff in “Frankenstein,” one fine Saturday afternoon. I was scared stiff and loved every minute.
A few years later, it was the same cousin Eddie who got us thrown out of the theatre during a matinee of “The Devil at 4 O ‘Clock” starring Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy. He laughed his ass off as the usher escorted us to the exit door, while I was just humiliated. Like gettin’ thrown outta church!
Another time, when I was 8 years old, I spent the entire week of the Christmas vacation from school going to see “The Guns of Navarone” during the matinee shows. How I would beg my mother for the seventy five cents so I could go again and again. Sitting there in the dark, sometimes with a friend or other days alone, when I couldn’t get anyone to come along. Looking up at that beautiful silver screen, watching Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn and the other members of that magnificent cast in that great, classic adventure. I do believe Irene Papas may have been my first movie crush. Man, those days were the absolute best.
The seeds of me wanting to be an actor were planted way back when. I thank God for that.
Movies. Movies. Movies.
So many terrific movie memories at The Coolidge. Sean Connery “Dr. No,” Kirk Douglas “Spartacus,” Burt Lancaster “The Young Savages,” Jerry Lewis “The Delicate Delinquent” — which, by the way, also starred a young Dick Bakalyan who went to high school with my mom and dad. When I moved to LA in ‘75 to seek my fame and fortune, I looked up Dick, who gave me some sage acting advice telling me, “Kid, this business is like tryin’ to climb up a hill of coal in white pants and keep ‘em clean”. Dickie B. Stand up guy. Cool actor. Good friend.
Yeah, I grew up loving movies. The kind of movies they show on TCM.
For movie lovers of all ages, there’s no place on earth quite like Turner Classic Movies. A virtual film oasis in the desert for millions of Americans somewhere over the rainbow. A place where we can sit back, forget our troubles for a few hours, and enjoy the show.
The beauty of TCM, is how the films are presented uncut and commercial-free. On many occasions letterboxing is the format of choice allowing the audience to experience the film in it’s original splendor. There’s a short featurette which runs on TCM from time to time narrated by Martin Scorsese which explains the importance of letterboxing films.
We, the adoring fans, get to see these films as they were presented in the theatres where we first fell in love with them. Sweet.
Then there’s TCM host, Robert Osborne…movie lover and gentleman extraordinaire. Mr. Osbourne keeps it simple, keeps it classy. Always providing tidbits to share with his audience about “our next feature.” For my money, Robert Osborne is Mr. TCM.
As I said, I love movies and believe it or not there once was a time when I used to go to the show a couple of times a week. Not any more. The pickins’ are very slim these days. I’d rather watch my oldies but goodies on TCM. As the saying goes: They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.
And despite my kicking and screaming going into the 21st century with new technology, I’m extremely grateful for DVR. TiVo, if you will. Love the fact that I can just press the record button and one of my TCM favorites, or something I haven’t seen yet, is right there for me to enjoy in the comfort of my own home any time of the day or night.
Right now in my TCM queue, I have all set to go “A Man for All Seasons,” “Mean Streets” (the movie I went to see some 50+ times when it came out in ’73, pretty much sealing my fate as an actor and convincing my mother I was absolutely nuts), “The Party,” “Harold and Maude,” “The Last Detail,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” ”The Delinquents,” (Robert Altman’s first film starring none other than Dick Bakalyan) and my all time favorite, “On the Waterfront.”
Life is good.
And yeah, while the days of sitting in the darkness of those wonderful movie palaces watching the greats are ever so quickly fading away, I’m so glad we have TCM.
To which I would close with a simple request to the powers that be at Turner Classic Movies, to please…please keep it simple. Keep it classy. For movie lovers all across this land, let’s try to keep politics out of it. Up to now, you’ve been doing fine. Robert Osborne is the standard bearer for what a good host should be. Let’s not blow it with this Ben Mankiewicz character, who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to find a way to keep his politics to himself, as he recently demonstrated with his promo for ”A Face in the Crowd.”
Movie lovers and those who love them will thank you for it. Watch. You’ll see.
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59 Comments
Thank you for your ode to TCM. During an extended illness, TCM and AMC kept my spirits up. Let's face it, TCM isn't just better than ckicken soup; it can be a life-saver.
I have been on a long term work assignment and my hotel does not have TCM
But i was that fat kid in the front row of the theatre (similar to the photo above)
I seek out political commentary, I enjoy it, but there are some things that is my choice.
Why can't some things remain untainted?
There are times when I, like anyone else, just want to sit back and be entertained without spin and advertising. Please America, let us choose whether we get political messages. I promise I'll listen tomorrow, but for now, just met me have a quiet evening with my famly.
Agree with you all the way. Robert Osborne loves movies. Ben Mankiewicz loves Ben Mankiewicz.
One complaint about TCM: they don't show the end credits.
I like when Big Hollywood runs the Pick O' The Day for TCM. I never would have caught The Runaway with Cesar Romero without that gem of a write-up.
Same here with the Pick O' The Day. If not for that I would have continually missed '1, 2, 3' with James Cagney, a movie I had never heard of before, but has now become one of my favorite comedies.
Scott!
Sorry Brother, But TCM shows the ENTIRE move! From Opening Credits to Tail Credits. They don't compress the frames and speed through the end credits. TCM shows every frame of the film.
You aint kidding – all I need is a little Jimmy Stewart in "Strategic Air Command" or "Vertigo" – and I'm feeling better already.
The first movie I saw in a theater was Snow White. When the dwarfs knelt around her bier, I thought my little heart would break. The happy ending did NOT make up for the sorrow I felt. I've never cared much for movies since then.
"Vertigo" might make you dizzy…. : )
What Oscarfoxtango said – TCM cuts nothing. The thing is, a lot of older films didn't really have end credits – they literally end with "The End" with the cast listing having been shown in the beginning.
great column…
we share many of the same memories; 'The Guns of Navarone' played at the State Lake in downtown Chicago and was one of the first stereophonic films, if one recalls correctly. A dear departed relative took us as wee tots
and we still remember the Nazi recon plane roaring over our heads…
TCM is Ted Turner's greatest gift to the US. (Certainly not CNN), and now it needs to have an HD feed.
You listening, Comcast?
AMC used to be a good classic movie station, but it went to hell in a hand basket years ago, and now it is one of the worst stations on T.V. Turner Classic movies is the main reason I have satellite. It is the one bright spot in the den of iniquity called television. Robert Osborne is a class act who I feel is a good friend of mine. God forbid that he ever decide to retire because he would be sorely missed.
Robert Osborne is to TCM what Vin Skully is to the Dodgers
I remember your mom and dad packing all of us into the blue car and the truck and taking us to the Dennis Drive-In to see films like The Great Escape (1963), and, a few years later, a bunch of us going the Harwichport movie theater to see Wait Until Dark (1967).
Classics, all! Thank you for reminding me of those days.
I remember your mom and dad packing all of us into the blue car and the truck and taking us to the Dennis Drive-In to see films like The Great Escape (1963), and, a few years later, a bunch of us going the Harwichport movie theater to see Wait Until Dark (1967).
Classics, all! Thank you for reminding me of those days.
Then at least spell the man's name right!! Vin SCULLY! ;-D
So then you seen my TCM piece have you? Maybe not but you can watch it on youtube and TCM.com. Here is the link!
http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/index.jsp?cid=186977
Ben is actually hella cool and belongs on TCM. Do you know who is grandfather and great uncle are? He was instrumental in bringing my little short story too TCM. Dont be to hard on Ben, he is really an awesome, awesome dude. I felt the same way about him until I met him and realized how truly awesome he really is.
Face it dude, your jealous of Ben because so was I and it made me feel the same way about him. Anyway I hope you like my little TCM opus.
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kimpunkrock
AMC's downfall started when they lost Robert Osborne to TCM, and they compounded it (owning to parent company Cablevision's natural greed) when they decided to start putting commercials into their movies, and opted to stop bidding on most of the classic film libraries not owned by Time-Warner to air on the channel. But I'm sure the Dolans are happy about the buzz about "Mad Men".
What a sweet memory! I salute your mother!
A very young Cesar Romero playing The Gigilo(sp?) in the original Thin Man! Caught the Thin Man marathon on TCM NYE…William Powell, Myrna Loy…half drunk crazy sexy in love with each other! A real favorite of mine.
kim,
Thanks for the link. Yeah, I'd seen this before. Enjoyed watching it. Clearly we share a love of these great films and wonderful actors. That's what it's all about, which is the point John Nolte was making in his initial piece on this subject:
"TCM is first, last and always a place for movie lovers of all political stripes. Under the soft plasma glow of TCM we are united members of one political party: Cinema Enthusiasts."
Jealous of Ben? Hardly. As a TCM host, the guy just needs to be cool and find a way to keep his politics to himself.
Take care.
Mea culpa.
Head's up, Guys and Dolls. I just read an article in Screen Actors Guild magazine that on Friday night, Jan.22, TCM will be showing four films honoring five past SAG Life Achievement recipients:
8 "Tit for Tat" (1935) Stan Laurel honored (1963)
8:30 "The Out-of-Towners" (1969) Jack Lemmon honored (1989)
10:15 "A Raisin in the Sun" (1961) Sidney Poitier honored (1999) and Ruby Dee honored (2000)
12:30 "Last Train from Gun Hill" (1959) Kirk Douglas honored (1998)
All times Eastern. Mark your calendars. A great night of films with some of Hollywood's best.
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I find both Osborn and Maniewciz to be a fine addition to TCM. Molly Haskell isn't bad either. It is a plus to see a different perspective on film. All of them are sincere and objective in their comments. They are far superior to their prerdessors.
Now if only that "Night Must Fall" could be released on DVD!
What did Ben say about his politics that has everyone in a uproar, I would really like to know what he said. I hope its anti-Obama and I hope its offensive, good for him! This country was made on offensive political comments or didnt you know that? Just wait if I ever get a chance to be on TCM, I am a going to slip in my anti-New World Order politics also! This country is in the shitter and everyone is just going down laughing. I am glad Ben pissed people off. Bloody well done Ben.
I saw the trailer mentioned above. The one that is considered a political comment about conservatives. All I can say is, get a life. Politics has been part of drama since the days of the ancient Greeks. Pointing out that a film is political and that it still has currency in today's culture is so benign, only someone who is totally twisted and sees boogeymen under the bed would find it wrong.
While introducing A Face in the Crowd, he made a snide indirect comment towards Glenn Beck, and while I would be the first to say that Beck often goes over the top in his theatrics (too often for me to bare to watch him), it served as an early warning that the politics-free zone we had come to expect of TCM had just been violated.
btw, love your taste in movies and their stars, Kim.
History and background are all the viewer may not know about a classic film. Anything else is an unwanted intrusion and not Entertainment.
I totally agree that Mr. Osborne IS TCM. His informative way of introducing the films, the gentlemanly way he interacts with his guest co-hosts without overpowering their remarks (was a especially good combination with Rose McGowan) and the interesting tidbits that he adds, all make it a special treat to watch. I am an addict to TCM and the classic films we would otherwise not be able to see. Thank you, Mr. Robert Osborne and TCM!
Jimmy – I sure hope that happens. I know as conservatives, we sometimes appear a bit paranoid about the subject, but I do think we have come by such paranoia honestly (maybe not so paranoid after all.) As an aside, the other night, I popped in a super bit DVD of Guns of Navarrone and thoroughly enjoyed it, just as I did as a kid. Happy new year!
Amen Jimmy! Here's to makin' entertainment that kicks assy yet stays classy! ; )
It's hard to accept your evaluation of 'awesom'–learn and use proper grammar and usage and then maybe you'll have more credibility.
hey heres some language for you–go FUCK YOURSELF DICKHEAD!
Like you, I love TCM and for the very same reasons. And like you, I say keep the politics out. It scares me a bit when I see Alec Baldwin along side Osborne. I hold my breath, just waiting for him to pop out with some stupid political remark. And yes, please TCM keep it simple, it is your movies that keep us grounded, rooted, and gives us a sense of order in a crazy world. Love your post.
Wow, that brought back memories of past times when I used to go to the movies. I remember myself and two high school buddies being shown the door at the movie theatre on Fairfax and Beverly (I went to Fairfax High-for you Hollywood types) for having too good a timeone Friday evening. It was probably 1970 and the movie was MASH-you'd think it appropriate to have fun during that? We were a little ahead of our time and all of 15/16, which was the real problem because we were to young to be in there-HA! Thanks to my seven and three year olds, I do get to see some good stuff these days. Hey Jimmy, good to here from you and thanks for bringing back some good times.
Dude, I am so coming to your house. I'll even bring the popcorn and Wild Turkey.
Funny thing, but just last night while watching an original trailer (the ones they show between features) for "The Good Earth", I was struck with just how much I love this channel.
As long as TCM remains, I can look forward to my last days, stuck in a ObamaCare nursing home, watching Bogie & Bacall, sucking down applesauce, happy as a clam.
You have good taste, I must say. Yeah, I saw the trailer last night for "The Good Earth" right before "Reds" came on. I've never seen this film, read the book in high school, so I need to check it out.
Just visited your blog. Love the 'NO MOOKS' sign…as you must know one of the great scenes in "Mean Streets" is when DeNiro, Keitel, Proval and Lenny Scarletta go to the pool hall to collect on the bet from George Memmoli and he tells them, " We ain't payin because this guy (pointing at Lenny) this guy's a f_ckin' mook. And we don't pay mooks". Then the brawl begins…
Love it.
Here's to happy clams!
Thanks for the memories of Sat.matinees ! Remember the Serials ?
Thanks for Mr.Osbourne and it was indeed sad what happened to AMC a while back;
Last night- Marlena as Catherine the Great- unbelievable sets, music and SEXY! Von Sternberg- off the hook!
Followed by THREE Barrymores together in Rasputin- Lionel could still walk – Rasputin, Ethel – the Czarina and The Great Profile himself as a fictional but noble Chevalier of the Guard.
Movies today tend to be so childish in comparison. I sometimes make my kids watch, and once theyget past black and white phobia, they do appreciate that these are supposed to be adults talking to each other.
I've seen some so often- Gunga Din, King Kong, The Informer, Ford's Cavalry trilogy, GWTW, etc, etc, that I can, with pleasure, tune in for a momnet, just a one can enjoy a movement of fine music or a riff from a favorite song.
TCM- thanks a million. ( Besides my memories of the Lowe's and Melba on Gun Hill road in the Bronx, there were also those magical forays to Lowe's Paradise- Ben Hur, Stalag 17 and Godzilla!- nightmares for 5 year old!).
I got my film education at NYU, but my love from the Late Show, the Late, Late Show and the LAte, Late Show part 2!
If you're tuning in to TCM for a movie you've never seen before, and Robert Osbourne introduces it, you will learn something interesting about that film or some of the actors, or something else that will make you appreciate the movie more than you might have otherwise. Osbourne clearly loves film, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
In contrast, whenever I see Mankeiwicz and listen to him introduce a film, I always wonder why he's doing it. I always wonder why TCM gave him a job. He's no film buff. He's not an actor, director or writer. Not even a grip. Alec Baldwin not only acts, but can manage to keep his politics separate from his love of movies and acting. TCM needs to exert a little creative control over their product and do something aboutthe annoying distraction named Mankeiwicz.
Totally well said!
Aw Karen, those were great times on Cape Cod. My mother was amazing. I remember her a few times actually parking the car sideways at the drive-in when it started to rain, so we didn't leave and watched the movie out of the window! I kid you not…one of those movies was "Soldier in the Rain" starring Jackie Gleason and Steve McQueen at the Hyannis Drive-In. I'll never forget it.
Good times. Great memories.
Interesting that it affected you that way. I remember seeing Bambi for the first time and crying my eyes out when his mother was killed – but the story line with the Old Master taking Bambi under his wing totally captivated my little mind and I yearned for the full range of emotions that movies can bring – I guess that's why I don't care much for a lot of movies being made today. They're "too intellectual" to have happy endings!
Oh, TCM. When I was a kid and my family *finally* got cable, all we were allowed to watch was Mr. Roger's and TCM. It wasn't until I was 13 that I even went to the movies (yes, I am a geek, but I enjoyed it). I never liked Mankiewicz, since it seemed pretty obvious he got the job because of his name. Robert Osbourne is irreplaceable.
Andrew and Jimmy: I think Osborne does indeed represent the epitome of movie class. What really amazes me is when they have the chats with Alec Baldwin, he is a completely different person from the snarling, slightly obscene lefty that he demonstrates everywhere else. He's almost likable.
Thanks…she was a good woman. I think she would have enjoyed my article today. Take care.
Jimmy, I couldn't agree more! TMC is a great channel because of the great movies they show and the fact that they've been entirely free of politics until now. And I completely agree that Robert Osborne defines TMC and classiness. I second your request! Nice article!
Ben had to get a little dig in of Roger Ailes of Fox News.
What………..you didn't watch MOVIES ON THE MILLION DOLLAR MOVIE?
Thanks Jimmy. I don't have the wealth of experience you describe, but I have fond memories just the same. I remember vividly a trip to the movies with my mom in the early 80's, when I was under 5 and going to the theater was like stepping into another world. The facilities were classy and romantic – and clean – and it was a pleasant experience. (I grew up in a small town and we still had the vintage theater with the curtain and the red velvet seats). It was so quiet it was much like walking into the Library, which has also gone down hill in quality and clientele.
At the end of the day, the movies are for entertainment, not indoctrination. I'm sad that my son will not have that experience, because as you say, they just don't make 'em like they used to.
I, too, love TCM, but AMC lost me some time ago. AMC interrupts the movies much too often, mostly with commercials about itself and its programming. A two-hour movie runs three and a half hours with the constant interruptions. It was a great movie channel at one time, but not any longer.
No doubt TCM hired Ben Mankiewicz because he is the great-nephew of Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Herman J. Mankiewicz — Hollywood luminaries of epic stature.
I mean great-nephew of Joseph L. Mankiewicz and grandson of Herman J. Mankiewicz.
Skany Manky did it again with intro to Breakfast at Tiffany's…I resent that he always has his info wrong wrong….and it is always snarky…..go away Skanky Manky…..love movies or get lost…….Also you absolutley need to be enlightened, you have no intellect, no charm, and you dress like a thug….respect for TCM is part of the deal, if you can't even groom yourself who cares what you have to say……
TCM is my primary TV staion. Dont even watch the networks anymore. Dont go to the movies either. Too noisy too uncomfortable, and too many rotten movies.
Yup. TCM is one of the few great things on television these days. With a heavy emphasis on 'great'.
I love Bob; can't get enough of him and would prefer even more introductory and closing remarks on the films screened. The in-between stuff is what makes the channel great and sets it apart from simply renting the very same films. Once again, the shared experience is key.
The interviews, The Essentials, the trailers and goodies and of course at this time of year, the sad remembrances of those we lost all help to create an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation for America's greatest invention.
I have one complaint, though, if you can call it that: Sometimes Bob focuses on an extremely small element of a film, such as Harry Morgan and his several career name changes before screening All My Sons recently. There's so much to mention about that production that the mere seconds of Morgan on screen can't possibly justify Bob's entire introduction being devoted to that actor's name changes while disregarding everything else. Like I said, it's a solitary complaint and if that is all that goes astray with TCM, I'll never fail to sing its praises loudly.
Jimmy is a good friend of mine and as a human encyclopedia of movie knowledge. You can really hear his compassion voice here. Go Jimmy!
Dad you hit it on the head. Keep up the good writing.
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