Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been on its third annual Road to Hollywood tour since March 1. This year’s trek across the country started off in New York City with the world theatrical premiere of the newly restored classic To Kill a Mockingbird. The beloved drama, which recently debuted on Blu-ray in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, was introduced by TCM host Robert Osborne and acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee (I know!). This sounds like it was an incredibly awesome way to kick of the national series of FREE screenings, so if you’re sorry you missed it, you should be. After all, just like the TCM Classic Film Festival it only happens once a year.
However, if you happen to live in or near Toronto, Denver or Portland there’s still hope for you. The New York theatrical premiere of Mockingbird's 50th anniversary restoration was only the kick off to this year's 10-city Road to Hollywood tour, and the three remaining stops are scheduled for the previously mentioned cities. Don’t wait. According to the website tickets are still available, but you don’t want to take a chance on missing out, so get yours now!
TCM’s Road to Hollywood will be in Toronto March 31 with The Last Picture Show, hosted by Ben Mankiewicz and the film’s directer Peter Bogdanovich. The tour then heads south to Denver on April 3 for a screening of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers hosted by Leonard Maltin who will have as a special guest the film’s star, Jane Powell by his side. Finally, the tour ends in Portland, Oregon on April 5 with the presentation of Marty hosted by Ben Mankiewicz who will have Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine as his guest.
As previously mentioned all screenings are free and open to the public. However, tickets are required for entrance and can be obtained through http://www.tcm.com/roadtohollywood. I wish you luck and hope you don’t miss out on this very rare opportunity to not only see a great classic on the big screen, but to be able to see someone responsible for its greatness in person as they discuss the movie you love so much.
For information about the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival itself go to http://tcm.com/festival