It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another installment of “TMP Recommends,” the weekly series in which I share five films you should be watching on TCM over the next seven days. As always, the schedule is subject to change. These dates/times come from the US version of the TCM schedule and are listed in EST. Happy viewing!
Twelve O’Clock High (1949)
Airing on TCM: February 11, 10:00 PM
Gregory Peck stars in this wartime drama about American pilots in carrying out daytime bombings against Germany during World War II. He earned an Oscar nomination for his performance, and it is well-deserved. The film explores the human side of the war — the stress of it all, the toll that it takes, and the bonds that are formed between those who experience it together.
Also available on DVD, on Blu-ray, for rental/purchase on Amazon Instant Video, and for streaming/DVD rental on Netflix.
The Gunfighter (1950)
Airing on TCM: February 12, 8:00 PM
I usually try to inject some variety into these posts, but I can’t help recommending another Gregory Peck film. Peck’s performances always impress, and The Gunfighter was one of my favorite discoveries from the “Lindsey Tries to Appreciate Westerns” project. Peck stars as Jimmy Ringo, an ex-gunfighter who has turned his life around and is trying his best to stay on a more positive path. Unfortunately for Jimmy, no one has forgotten about his legacy, and his own desire to stay out of trouble may not be enough to keep him out of it.
Also available on DVD, and for rental/purchase on Amazon Instant Video.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Airing on TCM: February 13, 1:15 PM
What better way to celebrate Friday the 13th than by spending it with Bette, Joan, and a plate full of rat? Every bit as campy as it could be with two famously-feuding stars at the helm, Baby Jane is also an effective black comedy and psychological thriller. Certainly a spectacle not to be missed if you’ve never seen it! I’ve been on a Bette Davis kick of late (reading Whitney Stine’s books, doing some re-watching), so I’ll be tuning in for a re-watch.
Also available on DVD, on Blu-ray, for rental/purchase on Amazon Instant Video, and for DVD rental on Netflix.
Libeled Lady (1936)
Airing on TCM: February 14, 8:15 AM
This is not the first time that the fantastic screen pair of Loy and Powell have appeared in the “TMP Recommends” series. Toss ’em together with two more greats, Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy, and you’ve got Libeled Lady — one heck of a film with one heck of a cast. The story involves a wealthy woman (Loy) who decides to sue a newspaper (of which Tracy and Powell are employees) for libel after the paper accuses her of breaking up a marriage. The newsmen cook up a complicated scheme involveing an international cruise in order to get the lawsuit dropped. Screwball comedy is always a fun genre to watch, and this is one of the most-fun films you’ll find within the genre.
Also available on DVD (as part of the TCM Greatest Classic Film Collection: Jean Harlow, or on its own), and for DVD rental on Netflix.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Airing on TCM: February 15, 4:15 PM
The superior version of a tale told multiple times, The Maltese Falcon stars Humphrey Bogart in one of his most iconic roles: detective Sam Spade. Based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett, the film tells the story of Spade and his client “Miss Wonderly” (Mary Astor), who claims to be searching for her missing sister. In reality, she’s mixed up with some shady people and may end up taking Spade down with her. The film is a stellar example of the noir genre, undoubtedly one of the best ever made.
Also available on DVD, on Blu-ray, for rental/purchase on Amazon Instant Video, and for DVD rental on Netflix.
The Motion Pictures 