TCM Spotlights Hollywood Greats

Written by: Samuel K. Sloan (SoSF Producer & Managing News Editor)

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has given the thumbs up for four new documentaries showcasing the greats of show business and the near and not so great moments in the history of the industry. These new programs are slated for sometime in 2007, says John Dempsey of Variety.

One of these docus will focus on the life and career of the man whom I believe to be the greatest actor in the history of this business called show, Mr. Marlon Brando. Look for Al Pacino, Jane Fonda, James Caan, John Travolta and Robert Duvall to pay their respects to Brando. Another will be a 90-minute profile of another great, Steven Spielberg, and will be called “Spielberg on Spielberg.” This special will include various interviews with Steven and clips from his successful movie career. The third will look at the ups and downs, highs and lows of the history of the Cannes Film festival as it celebrates its 60th birthday and will be titled “Bienvenue au Cannes.” Finally, another great director, Martin Scorsese, will helm “American Horror,” which pays tribute to his favorite low-budget horror king Val Lewton. Scorsese’s homage and respect for Lewton will be talked about in a 90-minute documentary called, “Val Lewton’s American Horror,” which looks at the producer’s work in the 1940’s heyday of classic horror flicks.

One new series that I am anticipating will be something TCM is tentatively calling “Idols.” It will feature famous celebrities conducting interviews with another celebrity, be it entertainment or otherwise, who had a major impact in their lives and set them on their career path. In the first of the series, one of my favorites, Alec Baldwin, will interview his idol, Gene Wilder.