Mario Lanza fans… this month TCM is really looking out for you. Although it’s a relatively light month otherwise, in terms of Not-on-Netflix musicals, September 18th brings a bounty of five rare Lanza musicals to TCM throughout the day. They’ve played a few of these in the past couple months, though I haven’t watched them yet–but I now have a second chance!
- Invitation to the Dance (1956)- September 9, 4:45pm
- Seven Hills of Rome (1958) – September 18, 8pm
- For the First Time (1959) – September 18, 10pm
- The Great Caruso (1951) – September 18, 12am
- The Student Prince (1954) – September 18, 2am
- Because You’re Mine (1952) – September 18, 4am
- Lady Be Good (1941) – September 20, 2:30pm
- Cairo (1942) – September 23, 6am
- A Damsel in Distress (1937) – September 26, 10am
- Rhapsody in Blue (1945) – September 26, 1:45pm
Fun (not really fun) fact: This month’s programming choice of A Damsel in Distress marks the second time in as many months that I’ve bought a DVD, sight unseen, from Warner Archive, only to have it pop up for free on TCM shortly afterwards. Actually, I will take this as a sign of my impeccable, instinctive taste, and inform TCM directly as to the contents of my shopping basket next time.
Also, is there any greater “happy dance” than the out-of-print DVD Eleanor Powell movie airing on TCM dance? That’s pretty much my peak performance, at least. Very excited for Lady Be Good.