Attending the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival

Ever since the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival began I’ve wanted to attend. As an unabashed classic film fan (and avid TCM watcher) it sounded like something right up my alley. This year, I finally made it. I attended the 5th annual festival and it was everything I’d hoped it would be.

The festival is headquartered in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Smack dab in the heart of Hollywood and home of the very first Academy Awards it’s the perfect setting for the festival.

The on air personalities, Robert Osbourne and Ben Mankiewicz, shot promos and interviews from the lobby and I was able to witness them both in action.

Both of them were quite friendly and talked to the crowd between takes.

Then there are the films. Screenings galore at were at The Chinese, Egyptian, and El Capital theatres. I, unfortunately, had limited time so I was only able to attend one film – Stormy Weather starring Lena Horne.

One place I did spend a lot of time was at Club TCM. Located in the room the original Oscar ceremony was held it held many, many treasures. There was the piano from Casablanca.

Thematic artwork created by celebrities such as Tony Bennett and Kim Novak.

And fantastic screenings and conversation. I was able to watch rare Hollywood home movies featuring (among others) Alfred Hitchcock, Jean Harlow, and Walt Disney and see Richard Sherman in conversation with Leonard Maltin.

This interview was the highlight of my festival. Not only did Mr. Sherman speak about his long and storied career but he serenaded us with some of his biggest hits. The evening ended with his rendition of “Feed the Birds” – a song I truly love. I was choked up and experienced one of the highlights of my life. It was a truly special moment that I will never forget.

I’m so happy to have attended my very first Turner Class Movies Film Festival. I have a feeling it will be the first of many.