TCM schedule Saturday 11-30-24: Monty Python marathon, The Thief of Bagdad, Deathtrap, High Society

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NOV. 30 AT A GLANCE

MONTY PYTHON
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) (TCM Premiere)
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014) (TCM Premiere)
Meaning of Monty Python, The (2013) (TCM Premiere)
Monty Python's Flying Circus: Live at Aspen
(1998) (TCM Premiere)
- TCM DAYTIME
WEEKEND FEATURES
Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)
Studio Visit (1946) (short)
(P) MGM Cartoons: Home on the Range (1940)
Opening Night (1931) (short)
Believe It or Not #4 (1932) (short)
Hold That Hypnotist (1957)
The Wolf Dog Ch. 9:
Wizard of the Wireless (1933) (TCM Premiere)
Popeye: Bull Dozing the Bull (1933)
Dr. Kildare's Crisis (1940)
Rufus Jones for President (1933) (short)
High Society (1956) (Musical Matinee)
Thief of Bagdad, The (1940)
- POWELL AND PRESSBURGER
Peeping Tom (1960)
Made in England: The Films of
Powell and Pressburger (2024) (doc.)
- TCM PRIMETIME
TCM SERIES: TWO FOR ONE
- DAVID BYRNE
Matter of Life and Death, A (1947)
Wings of Desire (1987)
- NOIR ALLEY
Naked Alibi (1954)
- TCM LATE NIGHT: MYSTERY, SUSPENSE
Last of Sheila, The (1973)
Deathtrap (1982)


NOV. 30 - FULL SCHEDULE

11:15 PM Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) (TCM Premiere)

Monty Python's Life of Brian (also known as Life of Brian) is a 1979 British black comedy film starring and written by the comedy group Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin). It was directed by Jones. The film tells the story of Brian Cohen (played by Chapman), a young Judaean man who is born on the same day as—and next door to—Jesus, and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah.

Following the withdrawal of funding by EMI Films just days before production was scheduled to begin, musician and former Beatle George Harrison and his business partner Denis O'Brien arranged financing for Life of Brian through the formation of their HandMade Films company.

The film's themes of religious satire were controversial at the time of its release, drawing accusations of blasphemy and protests from some religious groups. Thirty-nine local authorities in the United Kingdom imposed either an outright ban or an X (18 years) certificate.[5] Some countries, including Ireland and Norway, banned its showing, and in a few of these, such as Italy, bans lasted over a decade. The filmmakers used the notoriety to promote the film, with posters in Sweden reading, "So funny it was banned in Norway!"

The film was a box office success, the fourth highest-grossing film in the United Kingdom in 1979, and highest-grossing of any British film in the United States that year. It has remained popular and has been named as the greatest comedy film of all time by several magazines and television networks, and it later received a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading, "One of the more cutting-edge films of the 1970s, this religious farce from the classic comedy troupe is as poignant as it is funny and satirical."[9] In a 2006 Channel 4 poll, Life of Brian was ranked first on their list of the 50 Greatest Comedy Films.
Dir: Terry Jones Cast: Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin
Runtime: 93 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-MA CC:

Trivia: Originally financed by EMI, which backed out because it considered the script blasphemous. The Pythons sued EMI and settled out of court. George Harrison, a huge Monty Python fan, thought it was the last chance to have another Python movie. He created Handmade Films, and "pawned" (his words) his home in London and his office building to raise the £4 million needed. When asked why, he said "Because I want to go see it." Eric Idle joked that it was the highest price ever paid for a cinema ticket.

Trivia: When Michael Palin as Pontius Pilate addressed the soldiers daring them to laugh, he was truly daring them. The soldier extras were ordered to stand there and not laugh, but not told what Palin was going to do. Palin, in fact, can barely stifle his own laughter when saying "Biggus Dickus" in front of the soldier asked if he finds the name "risible."


1:00 AM Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014) (TCM Premiere)

Monty Python: The Meaning of Live is a 2014 British documentary telefilm, directed by Roger Graef and James Rogan, about a 10-day series of live performances at London's O2 arena. The film features interviews with Monty Python members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin as they perform on stage together for the first time in 34 years. Also appearing are Carol Cleveland, Prof. Brian Cox, Stephen Hawking and Mike Myers. The documentary is dedicated to Graham Chapman.

As well as covering the reunion shows, the documentary recaps the Pythons' live history; from their first stage performance in 1971, to tours of the UK and Canada in 1973, the 1974 Drury Lane shows in London, the 1976 City Center shows in New York and, finally, their 1980 performances at the Hollywood Bowl.

The film features behind-the-scenes footage of the reunion, ranging from the first script reading to dress rehearsals plagued by technical difficulties. Much backstage footage from across the ten nights is shown, as well as film of one of the after-show Q&As. Michael Palin is seen filming a sketch for inclusion in the heavily censored pre-watershed first half of UKTV Gold's live screening of the tenth and final show. The channel aired the documentary on 13 November 2014.
Dir: Roger Graef, James Rogan Cast: Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Michael Palin
Runtime: 90 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-14 CC:


2:45 AM The Meaning of Monty Python (2013) (TCM Premiere)



Five Pythons reflect on their creative process, politics, television and the making of their award-winning final film, "The Meaning of Life
Dir: Albert Sharpe Cast: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
Runtime: 60 mins Genre: Documentary Rating: TV-14 CC:


4:30 AM Monty Python's Flying Circus: Live at Aspen (1998) (TCM Premiere)

This reunion show features the five surviving members of Monty Python, with Graham Chapman's ashes in attendance. The Pythons look back at their work and receive an American Film Industry award. It also features some memorable moments, including when Gilliam "accidently" kicked over the urn. Hosted by Robert Klein and featuring ...
Dir: Paul Miller Cast: Robert Klein, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
Runtime: 58 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-14 CC:

Trivia: This documentary is featured on the 2-disc DVD entitled "Monty Python Live!"

6:00 AM Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)

Broadway Melody of 1940 is a 1940 MGM film musical starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy (Astaire's first male dancing partner on film[1]). It was directed by Norman Taurog and features music by Cole Porter, including "Begin the Beguine".

The film was the fourth and final entry in MGM's "Broadway Melody" series of films, and is notable for being the only on-screen pairing of Astaire and Powell, who were considered the finest film musical dancers of their time.

Dir: Norman Taurog Cast: Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy
Runtime: 102 mins Genre: Musical Rating: TV-G CC: Y

Trivia: It had been reported that Fred Astaire was intimidated by Eleanor Powell because she was one of the few female tap dancers capable of out-performing him.

7:45 AM Short: Studio Visit (1946)
This comedic short film offers a behind-the-scenes look at studio lots. One of the "Pete Smith Specialty" series of shorts.
Dir: null Cast: Pete Smith (narrator), Lena Horne, William Bailey, Dave O'Brien
Runtime: 9 mins Genre: Short Rating: TV-G CC: N


8:00 AM Cartoon: Home on the Range (1940)
A calf ventures out into the dark forest at night and needs to be rescued from a hungry wolf by the other animals.
Dir: Rudolf Ising Cast: Billy Bletcher, Melvin J. Gibby, Rudolf Ising
Runtime: 8 mins Genre: Animation Rating: TV-PG CC:


8:09 AM Short: Opening Night (1931)
This short film satirizes theatrical opening nights. Vitaphone Release 1138.
Dir: Roy Mack Cast: Leo Hoyt, Thomas E Jackson, Helyn Eby-Rock
Runtime: 7 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-G CC: N


8:17 AM Short: Believe It or Not #4 (1932)
In this short film, Robert L. Ripley takes a dreaming boy on a tour of Believe-It-or-Not land to see many oddities. Vitaphone Release 1320.
Dir: Arthur Hurley Cast: Sigmund Shuster, Billy Hayes, Tom Green, Robert L Ripley
Runtime: 8 mins Genre: Short Rating: TV-G CC: Y


8:30 AM Hold That Hypnotist (1957)

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Hypnotism sends the Bowery Boys to battle pirates in the 17th century.
Dir: Austen Jewell Cast: Huntz Hall, Stanley Clements, Jane Nigh
Runtime: 61 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-PG CC: Y


9:35 AM Serial: The Wolf Dog: Chapter 9, Wizard of the Wireless (1933) (TCM Premiere)
When a boy's guardian secretly plots to steal his inheritance, only his radio operator friend and wolf-dog companion stand between him and disaster.
Dir: Colbert Clark, Harry L. Fraser Cast: Rin Tin Tin Jr., Frankie Darro, Boots Mallory
Runtime: 20 mins Genre: Adventure Rating: TV-G CC:


10:00 AM Cartoon: Bull Dozing the Bull (1933)
Popeye dislikes bullfighting but when Olive makes eyes at him he forgets all and finds himself in the arena with the bull. His efforts to convince the bull that he won't hurt him are useless and after much punishment he calls on his trusty spinach to subdue the bull.
Dir: Dave Fleischer, Willard Bowsky Cast: Margie Hines, Jack Mercer
Runtime: 5 mins Genre: Animation Rating: TV-PG CC: Y


10:10 AM Dr. Kildare's Crisis (1940)

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A young doctor's marriage could be called off when the bride's brother is diagnosed with epilepsy.
Dir: Harold S. Bucquet Cast: Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Laraine Day
Runtime: 75 mins Genre: Drama Rating: TV-G CC: Y

Trivia: The Medical Society of New York wrote a letter to the PCA protesting the way epilepsy was presented in the movie. They objected to the claims that epilepsy is inherited, that it is curable and that it leads to insanity.

11:30 AM Short: Rufus Jones for President (1933)
Rufus Jones, a black child, is elected president of the USA.
Dir: Roy Mack Cast: Dusty Fletcher, Ethel Waters, Hamtree Harrington
Runtime: 21 mins Genre: Short Rating: TV-G CC: N


12:00 PM High Society (1956)

With socialite Tracy Lord about to remarry, her ex-husband - with the help of a sympathetic reporter - has 48 hours to convince her that she really still loves him.
Dir: Charles Walters Cast: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra
Runtime: 107 mins Genre: Musical Rating: TV-PG CC: Y

Oscar nominations:
MUSIC (Scoring of a Musical Picture) -- Johnny Green, Saul Chaplin
MUSIC (Song) -- "True Love," Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

Trivia: Grace Kelly's last feature film before retiring from acting.

2:00 PM The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

A young thief faces amazing monsters to return Bagdad's deposed king to the throne.
Dir: Ludwig Berger Cast: Conrad Veidt, Sabu, June Duprez
Runtime: 106 mins Genre: Adventure Rating: TV-G CC: Y

Oscar nominations: (*WINNER*) ART DIRECTION (Color) -- Vincent Korda
(*WINNER*) CINEMATOGRAPHY (Color) -- Georges Périnal
MUSIC (Original Score) -- Miklos Rozsa
(*WINNER*) SPECIAL EFFECTS -- Photographic Effects by Lawrence Butler; Sound Effects by Jack Whitney

Trivia: Filming began in Britain, but because of the Blitz - the German air raids on London - the production relocated to Hollywood. There was such a long break in production that Sabu's early scenes had to be reshot because he had grown several inches.

4:00 PM Peeping Tom (1960)

Raised by a sadist, a cinematographer kills young women while filming their fear.
Dir: Michael Powell Cast: Karl Boehm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey
Runtime: 109 mins Genre: Horror/Science-Fiction Rating: TV-14 CC: Y

Trivia: The critical mauling and public outcry about the film resulted in it being pulled from British cinemas after just five days.

Trivia: Many critics of the time were offended by Michael Powell's use of himself and his real-life son as Mark Lewis' father and the young Mark Lewis, respectively. They thought Powell overly identified with the movie and that the use of his son bordered on abuse. In interviews as an adult, Powell's son has stated he finds these criticisms laughable.

5:45 PM Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger (2024)

Martin Scorsese reflects on the influence of directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Dir: David Hinton Cast: Martin Scorsese, Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
Runtime: 131 mins Genre: Documentary Rating: TV-G CC:


8:00 PM A Matter of Life and Death (1947)

A Matter of Life and Death is a 1946 British fantasy-romance film set in England during World War II.

Written, produced and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the film stars David Niven, Roger Livesey, Raymond Massey, Kim Hunter and Marius Goring. The film was originally released in the United States under the title Stairway to Heaven, which derived from the film's most prominent special effect: a broad escalator linking Earth to the afterlife.

In 1999, A Matter of Life and Death placed 20th on the British Film Institute's list of Best 100 British films.[6] It ranked 90th in The Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time 2012[7] poll, regarded by some as the most authoritative in the world, and 78th in 2022.

Dir: Michael Powell Cast: David Niven, Kim Hunter, Robert Coote
Runtime: 104 mins Genre: Romance Rating: TV-PG CC: Y

Trivia; According to Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies, this movie's production was delayed nine months due to the scarcity of Technicolor film and equipment at the time. That makes Conductor 71's remark upon leaving black-and-white heaven somewhat of an inside joke.


10:00 PM Wings of Desire (1987)
The people of Berlin are visited by angels who can hear their thoughts.
Dir: Wim Wenders Cast: Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander
Runtime: 128 mins Genre: Drama Rating: TV-MA CC: N


12:30 AM Naked Alibi (1954)

A chief of police detectives who is fired for brutality tries to get evidence on a man suspected of killing 3 of his officers.
Dir: Jerry Hopper Cast: Sterling Hayden, Gloria Grahame, Gene Barry
Runtime: 86 mins Genre: Crime Rating: TV-PG CC: Y

Trivia: According to Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies, this movie's production was delayed nine months due to the scarcity of Technicolor film and equipment at the time. That makes Conductor 71's remark upon leaving black-and-white heaven somewhat of an inside joke.

2:15 AM The Last of Sheila (1973)

A game of murder among wealthy vacationers turns into the real thing.
Dir: Herbert Ross Cast: James Coburn, Raquel Welch, Dyan Cannon
Runtime: 120 mins Genre: Suspense/Mystery Rating: TV-14 CC: Y

Trivia: Christine (Dyan Cannon) was based on Hollywood mega-agent Sue Mengers, who was Cannon's agent at the time. It has long been part of the behind-the-scenes lore that Mengers was originally offered the part, but she declined (claiming she couldn't act) and recommended Cannon for the part (Richard Benjamin had also been a previous client of Mengers). However, during a January 26, 2020, American Cinematheque Q&A session with Benjamin and Cannon, Cannon debunked this rumor, saying that while Mengers was the inspiration for the role, she had never been considered to play it.


4:30 AM Deathtrap (1982)

Sidney Bruhl is a formerly successful writer of Broadway thrillers who is trying to recover from the failure of his latest play. When Sidney returns to his wife Myra, a rich woman with a heart problem who is prone to hysterics, he tells her of his jealousy and humiliation upon the receipt of the first play of a former student. ...
Dir: Sidney Lumet Cast: Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, Dyan Cannon
Runtime: 115 mins Genre: Comedy Rating: TV-14 CC: Y

Trivia: The exteriors of the beautiful house of Sidney (Sir Michael Caine) and Myra Bruhl (Dyan Cannon) in this movie were portrayed by a home on Long Island, complete with its own windmill. It has since been bought by Robert Downey Jr.. Interiors of the house were filmed at the "Pathé" Studios in New York City's East Harlem. The stage scenes that bookend this movie were filmed at Music Box Theatre on 239 West 45th Street, New York City, where the original "Deathtrap" stage play that the movie was based upon was still running. The play's set was used for the two theatrical stage sequences in this movie.

Trivia: When this movie was made and released, Christopher Reeve was at the peak of his fame as a result of playing the title character in "Superman (1978)" and "Superman II (1980)," and was about to appear in "Superman III (1983)." Reeve accepted the role of Clifford Anderson because it had nothing to do with either Clark Kent or Superman, and he wished to avoid being typecast by his superhero persona. "I've had a lot of training as an actor, and I want to use it," Reeve said.