Well, I figured this was going to happen at one point—due to TCM’s exceptional “31 Days of Oscar” scheduling, we arrive at this month with only one musical that isn’t widely available on DVD. So, I’m also putting together a list of my favorites that they’re airing this month, which are worth another watch even if you already own the blu-ray/DVD/digital copy combo set.
The one DVR-bait movie we get is:
Thursday, February 20
11:30pm / One Night of Love (1934)
Part of the 1934 Best Actress nominee series—Grace Moore was nominated for her role as the aspiring opera singer Mary Barrett.
Otherwise, basically every musical they’re playing this month is a classic in and of itself, but here are a few of my favorites or ones I’m particularly interested in watching this month:
Sunday, February 2
4:15am / Anchors Aweigh (1945)
The first of three Gene Kelly/Frank Sinatra pictures, with some great song-and-dance numbers—including Gene’s famous partner dance with Jerry the mouse.
Wednesday, February 12
9:30am / Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
One of those perfect movies where I find myself looking forward to each upcoming scene more than the last. Still as funny, charming, and relevant as ever.
Sunday, February 16
6:00am / Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
I was a bit cold on this one initially mostly because the plot creeped me out so much, but the spectacular Michael Kidd choreography is too great to resist.
Tuesday, February 18
8:00am / The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Sad, dreamy, modern French opera that’s haunting and beautiful.
Friday, February 21
8:00pm / Going My Way (1944)
I haven’t seen this Oscar powerhouse yet, but it won the Oscar for Bing Crosby (as well as Picture, Director, Supporting Actor, Song…), so it’s on my list.
Tuesday, February 25
2:15pm / Guys and Dolls (1955)
One of the first movie musicals I remember loving, it is a colorful and vibrant picture, with an endlessly imitable conjunction-free speech pattern.