Pete Hammond Hosts KCET Must See Movies

Now, you all know I love classic film. Next to Los Angeles it’s my favorite subject. That’s why I attend so many film screenings, sign up for various blogathons and think the TCM Film Fest is one of the best things ever. So, I was super excited to find out that KCET has a classic film series called Must See Movies. Every Friday night a “new” classic airs on the station and, starting tonight, each one is introduced by Pete Hammond.

Who’s Pete Hammond? He’s an Emmy nominated television writer and film critic who’s worked for Movieline, Backstage Magazine and, currently, Deadline. He also hosts the KCET Cinema Series at the Aero. Recently I attended a screening of Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round and was lucky to hear Mr. Hammond introduce the film and interview its producer, Carter DeHaven. He’s a great host who’s passion for film is clearly evident when he speaks and I know he’ll be perfect to introduce the classics on KCET.

The initial lineup will feature a trio of war pictures – Patton, From Here to Eternity and The Bridge on the River Kwai.

I’ve actually never seen Patton (though I did just recently visit his museum – more on that later) but I’m familiar with From Here to Eternity and The Bridge on the River Kwai. All three films are highly regarded but my top pick is The Bridge on the River Kwai. The film stars Alec Guiness and William Holden as prisoners of war in Burma tasked with constructing a railroad bridge over the River Kwai. It’s an excellent movie featuring a memorable performance by Alec Guinness who deservedly won an Oscar for the role. Plus you see a lot of shirtless William Holden which is…pretty nice.

Screenings start tonight and and run every Friday at 9pm (which an encore presentation Saturday afternoon). Enjoy the show!