Some interesting stuff this month, partly owing to a “Bob’s Picks” day with some great selections, and partly owing to the fact that I actually read the synopses and cast lists this month. Picking through my DVR I’ve been surprised a few times by something I’d start watching, only to discover that one of my favorite actors or actresses had a bit part in it that I never expected. And I’d let out a grateful sigh, extremely lucky that I hadn’t just deleted it into the ether. Knowledge is power!
Tuesday, October 8
- The Sky’s the Limit (1943) – 10:15am
Wartime Fred Astaire flick, opposite Joan Leslie. Not on Netflix, but plays again in December if you miss it this time.
Thursday, October 10
- Dangerous Mission (1954) – 1:30am
TCM’s metric is categorizing this as a musical, though I can’t find any information elsewhere that describes it as anything more than an enjoyable action/thriller with innovative 3D. It’s not on DVD though, so I’m erring on the side of caution. Plus, Vincent Price, a young Piper Laurie, and what is sure to be some thrilling glacier action.
Sunday, October 13
- Glass Slipper (1955) – 6:00am
Musical adaption of the Cinderella story, starring Leslie Caron. - Hit the Deck (1955) – 8:00am
Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds and Ann Miller? Plus Vic Damone, Russ Tamblyn and Tony Martin as sailors on leave? Yeah, this is happening.
Thursday, October 17
- A Damsel in Distress (1937) – 6:00pm
Gershwin musical starring Fred Astaire, that is airing for the SECOND time since I bought it from Warner Archive and haven’t watched yet…
Sunday, October 20
- The Singing Nun (1966) – 8:00am
Real-life story of the real-life nun who made the Hit Parade in 1963. Fans of American Horror Story made find something slightly sinister about the experience.
Wednesday, October 23
- Broadway Rhythm (1944) – 8:30am
1944 behind-the-stage musical featuring George Murphy and Ginny Simms. Leonard Maltin called it “tedious” and “overlong” but seemed to enjoy the music. - Two Weeks with Love (1950) – 2:15pm
I am extremely interested in the pairing of Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban in MGM’s big, Technicolor musical romance. - Lovely to Look At (1952) – 4:00pm
Remake of the early Astaire/Rogers film Roberta, this edition features the knock-out cast of Red Skelton, Howard Keel, Ann Miller, Kathryn Grayson, and Marge and Gower Champion. Includes many classic tunes from the original musical play, such as “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “I Won’t Dance.” - Sombrero (1953) – 6:00pm
Classic-period Latin exoticism in musical form! Starring Ricardo Montalban, as well as the lovely but decidedly not-Mexican Pier Angeli, Yvonne De Carlo and Cyd Charisse. - Two Girls and a Sailor (1944) – 8:00pm
June Allyson and Gloria DeHaven are two singing sisters, but they both have eyes for sailor Van Johnson. TCM is really fueling my love of the “shore leave” musical sub genre this month, by the way.
Saturday, October 26
- Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964) – 3:30pm
A weird little picture (Robin Hood in a Rat Pack world), which I covered in more depth here.
Wednesday, October 30
- You’ll Find Out (1940) – 10:15am
Described as a “completely entertaining musical mystery,” I am so completely intrigued by a film that stars Kay Kyser alongside Bela Lugosi, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. Seems perfect for Halloween!