Jul 26

TCM Big Screen Classics Screening Meet Me in St. Louis in December

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Recently announced, TCM has added a new Big Screen Classic title to its 2019 lineup. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) is returning to select theaters for a special 75th anniversary event. Showings on Sunday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 11. Meet you there! “Meet me in St. Louis, Louis, Meet me at the fair, […]

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Jul 21

Backlot Chapter Outing: Glory

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The Raleigh/Cary TCM Backlot Chapter gathered today to see the TCM Big Screen Classics 30th Anniversary screening of Glory. For some it was their first time seeing the film. For all it was impactful to see such a remarkable movie on the big screen. Before leaving the theater, the Chapter saluted TCM for providing the […]

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Jul 20

Bad Blonde: Seductress You Love to Hate

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Bad Blonde (1953), released as The Flanagan Boy in the UK, lives up to the promise of its US title. Bad Blonde delivers the key elements of a classic film noir—a seedy underworld, a blonde seductress, a gullible lover, a scorned husband, and two ruthless murders. Note before reading on—contains plot spoilers. The film opens […]

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Jul 18

Tidbits: Glory

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In preparation for the TCM Big Screen Classics 30th Anniversary screening of Glory, here are some historical tidbits about the film, courtesy of IMDB. Several of the extracts from Colonel Shaw’s supposed letters to his mother, as heard in voice-over narration throughout the film, were actually taken from “Army Life in a Black Regiment,” an […]

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Jul 14

Marty (1955) in Two Phone Calls

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Ernest Borgnine deservedly won the 1956 Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar for his portrayal of lovelorn butcher Marty Piletti. The film focuses on Marty’s struggles as his customers, family and friends all question when the 34-year-old will marry as the last unmarried son in his family. Two scenes showcase Borgnine’s brilliant performance and […]

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Jul 01

Indelible Impressions: A Bronx Tale

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There is a scene in the 1993 movie, A Bronx Tale, where Calogero, a.k.a. C, is on the street chasing down a guy who owes him money. Sonny, the local crime boss, witnesses the scene and calls C over to speak with him. C explains to Sonny that the guy he was chasing, Louie Dumps, […]

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Jun 23

Backlot Chapter Pre-Code Party

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The Raleigh-Cary TCM Backlot Chapter gathered today for a Pre-Code Party hosted by Chapter member Kim, her husband Steve and dog Boo. Our Pre-Code double feature started with the uncensored version of Baby Face (1933) starring Barbara Stanwyck followed by Red Headed Woman (1933) starring Jean Harlow. Part of the TCM Forbidden Hollywood Volume 1 […]

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Jun 17

The “Unseen” Three Stooges

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Generations of Americans know the comedy of The Three Stooges from the regular airing of their escapades on television since 1958. A slapstick team, they were beloved for their physicality and the distinct characters of the three active stooges appearing in the skit. A  working comedy team from 1922 until 1970, six stooges performed over […]

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Jun 16

Backlot Chapter Outing: Field of Dreams

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The Raleigh/Cary TCM Backlot Chapter “team” enjoyed playing together at our Father’s Day outing to see the 30th Anniversary TCM Big Screen Classics presentation of Field of Dreams. After the film and our team picture, we went for snacks and movie chat. There was group consensus around the film being about dreams and wish fulfillment […]

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May 21

Locked-Room Murder: The Mandarin Mystery (1936)

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A blonde beauty arrives from China to the port in New York City having arranged to sell a one-of-a-king Chinese postage stamp to a well-known collector. Before disembarking she encounters mystery writer Ellery Queen who, smitten with her, makes her business his business. As Queen woos Miss Josephine Temple, he digs into her plans to […]

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