As much as I always love the TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Red Carpet, the presentations in Club TCM in the Blossom Room (the site of the first Academy Awards) at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel are always a favorite of mine, and this year was no exception.
Although I was unable to attend as many Club TCM presentations as I had hoped (Carol Burnett was beyond standing room only on Friday, May 1st), I did make it to It All Looks So Easy: TCM Intros With Alicia Malone, the Ben Mankiewicz sit-down conversation with the legendary Paul Williams, as well as what was easily my favorite event at this year’s festival, From Song to Scene: The Art of Music Supervision moderated by the Czar of Noir himself, Eddie Muller, and featuring music supervisors Maureen Crowe, Julianne Jordan, and Mary Ramos. Over my decades of speaking with filmmakers, I always try to address music with directors, both original score and needle drops, which is where the talents of a music supervisor come into play. This trio was fascinating and provided so much insight into their craft. I was disappointed when the presentation ended after an hour!
But it’s not just the presentations in Club TCM that are entertaining, enjoyable, and educational; the displays around the room celebrate Hollywood history. This year, thanks to Warner Brothers Archives and Julien’s Auctions, Club TCM was adorned with costumes and artifacts celebrating Marilyn Monroe and the upcoming Monroe auction at Julien’s, as well as the Jerry Weintraub auction with some of Weintraub’s personal collection. And not to be missed were some dazzling costumes worn by Ann-Margret courtesy of Julien’s, along with some incredible pieces of cinema history from Warners showcasing and celebrating 100 years of sound and Vitaphone, the original sound-on-disc system used by Warners in the first “talkies”. Warners also provided multiple costumes, original costume sketches, and some priceless one-sheets and handwritten sheet music, not to mention a little golden boy for display.
Take a look at just a smattering of images I captured along the way from the red carpet to Club TCM!
