Turner Classic Movies has announced the first group of films that will be screened at the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. It’s A Wonderful Life is the most beloved film in the group, although there are plenty of other classics as well.
The Frank Capra classic It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), which stars James Stewart, celebrates its 70th anniversary next year. Considering that the festival’s theme is “moving movies,” having this film on the schedule was a must.
Elia Kazan’s acclaimed film A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (1945) and The Song of Bernadette (1943), which features Jennifer Jones’ Oscar-winning performance, are the other ‘40s films announced.
At least two movies from the pre-code era of the early 1930s will be screened: Josef von Sternberg’s Shanghai Express (1932) with Marlene Dietrich and the Marx Bros. comedy Horse Feathers (1932). Both of these will be world premieres of new restorations.
Lastly, The King And I (1956) will be shown for its 60th anniversary. It’s the third consecutive year that a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical will be screened. The 2015 TCMFF opened with The Sound of Music and 2014 opened with Oklahoma!.
The 2016 TCMFF runs from April 28 to May 1, 2016. Tickets go on sale on Nov. 19 (Nov. 17 for Citi cardholders).