TCM's "Private Screenings" series- any DVD release yet?

Charles Ellis · 10-03-2006, 09:22 AM

OK, some might argue this belongs in the TV on DVD section, but I feel it belongs in the Film section. Last night I watched the latest installment of Turner Classic Movies' Private Screenings series, in which host Robert Osborne interviewed Golden Age child stars Dickie Moore, Jane Withers, Margaret O'Brien, and Darryl Hickman. It was a fascinating 90-minute look at Hollywood in the 30s, 405, and 50s through the eyes of child performers. This is only the lastest in the channel's long interview series with such stars as Jane Russell, Robert Mitchum, Angela Lansbury, Shirley MacLaine, Lauren Bacall, Jack Lemmon & Wlter Matthau, Charlton Heston, June Allyson, Anthony Quinn, Patricia Neal and other legends. Why isn't therte a DVD release for these historically important interviews? They should be released as a set- something every serious fan of classic Hollywood will enjoy!

Dave B Ferris · 10-03-2006, 11:24 AM

I'd buy DVDs of the 'Private Screenings' series, too. However, in the
meantime, the Dick Cavett interviews also look interesting. TCM
is broadcasting these interviews on Thursday's, while a DVD set
(Hollywood Legends) of the interviews was released a few
weeks ago. So far, I have been unable to find the new
Cavett DVD set in any store. Does anybody know for
sure which interviews are included in the new Cavett
DVD set?

Corey · 10-03-2006, 01:31 PM

or they should at least include them as bonuses on other dvds featuring the stars. jane russell's on dvd of macao, robert mitchum in next year's set, june allyson on any of her future dvds.

Eric Peterson · 10-03-2006, 02:00 PM

Count me in if they release these. I would like to buy DVDs of all the original proramming that TCM does including the short compilations and actor/director tributes that they frequently air between movies.

Ironically, I met Ms. O'Brien two weeks ago in Indiana and she was incredibly pleasant and signed my DVD of "Meet Me in St. Louis" for free. We need more of her films on DVD. I asked her if any were in process, but she was unaware of any. Bring on "Canterville Ghost" & "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes"!!

Does anybody know for sure which interviews are included in the new Cavett DVD set?

Here is the complete details.
http://www.shoutfactory.com/selectio...od_greats.html

I believe that the only episode on TCM that is not on the set is the new interview with Mel Brooks. Personally, I didn't find that one very compelling anyway. Brooks babbled on and on and on and very little about his actual films. I have the other two episodes aired thus far on my Tivo, and if they strike me then I will probably order this boxset.

Haggai · 10-03-2006, 02:12 PM

The TCM Private Screenings with Sidney Lumet is on the 2-disc SE of Network.

**HTF Ads**

Adrian_B · 10-03-2006, 02:25 PM

amen. TCM provides the finest television viewing available to date.

MattH. · 10-03-2006, 05:34 PM

I have recorded all the Private Screenings interviews and burned my own DVD-Rs. I assumed they would eventually make their way to DVDs of specific films or in a set of films for a certain star, Esther Williams, for example.

That discussion between the four child actors last night was one of the most compelling of all the sessions. I was riveted to their stories and Darryl Hickman in particular.

MattH. · 10-03-2006, 05:38 PM

I have the latest Cavett set. It contains interviews with Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcock, Kirk Douglas, Fred Astaire, Robert Altman, Peter Bogdanovich, Marlon Brando, Mel Brooks, Frank Capra, John Huston, Groucho Marx, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Mitchum, and Orson Welles.

Some are better than others. I'm sorry he didn't include his two interviews with George Cukor which were incredible. Fortunately, I taped them when they were broadcast (shows how old *I* am).

seanOhara · 10-03-2006, 08:46 PM

In addition to the classic Dick Cavett episodes, TCM had a new one with Mel Brooks. It doesn't appear to be on any of the DVDs, but I'd snap it up in an instant.

ScottR · 10-03-2006, 10:34 PM

The one last night was cool...especially since I had just met Margaret O' Brien two weeks ago! She is the sweetest, lovliest lady I have ever met!

Roger Rollins · 10-04-2006, 12:30 AM

The Angela Lansbury show of a month or two ago was one of the best they ever did! My only disappointment was that they didn't show any of her stage successes, which is odd, since TCM's sister company WB owns SWEENEY TODD (the priceless record of the 1981 LA national tour prod with Lansbury and the sensational George Hearn)