TCM Hosts help celebrate the Network’s 30th Anniversary

This weekend, on April 14, 2024 to be exact, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) celebrates its 30th anniversary. Today I join all the famous people who have offered congratulations to the home of classic movies. 

Unless I am traveling or working, not a day goes by when I do not have TCM on in my house. It is personal, a part of my family, and the topic of conversation more often than I should admit. And that has been the case for thirty years. During that time, I have learned, I have laughed, I have cried, and most astonishingly have made life-long friends – thanks to this network. It is a part of my life, a constant and a dependable friend. I hope it goes on forever – uncut and commercial free, showing movies as they were intended.

Helping me in this celebration today are the hosts of TCM. I took a chance and sent Taryn Jacobs, Public Relations Manager at Turner Classic Movies, three simple questions for the hosts to celebrate not only the thirtieth anniversary of the network, but also the fifteenth anniversary of the festival, which begins in a few days. I never imagined they would respond (or I would have asked many more questions) during such a busy time. Aside from the festival the hosts are promoting books, doing interviews, closing other festivals, and what have you. But they came through and I could not be more grateful to them for contributing a few words to this celebration. All the hosts are here except Professor Stewart who may still be able to send me something soon. Here’s to them, their enthusiasm for the work they do, and their love of movies. As Eddie Muller states in a TCM interstitial, they are the guardians of classic cinema now.

THE HOSTS

Dave Karger

Why is TCM important? 

I think TCM is a special network because we work hard to preserve the history of film at a time when it would otherwise be in danger of disappearing. There’s so much to love and appreciate about the cinema of the past. 

What does TCM mean to you?

Working for TCM is simply the highlight of my 30-year career as a journalist, interviewer, and host. It means so much to me to be a part of a network that is so loved and respected by our viewers and the film community itself. 

Favorite festival memory?

One of my favorite movies of all time is Children of a Lesser God. So to have the opportunity to interview the Oscar-nominated actress Piper Laurie for an hour in front of a live audience at our film festival was very special for me. Her recall of events from 70 years earlier was astonishing. It was an experience I will always cherish, especially since she has since passed. 

Alicia Malone

Why is TCM important?

I see TCM as being the keeper of classic films, and of film history in general. Through our library of films and archive of rare interviews, we ensure the movies and the stars of the past are never forgotten. And with our hosted intros, we give context to the films and share stories that will hopefully get viewers interested to watch, and encourage new fans of classic cinema. TCM is more than just a TV channel – it is preserving and making available an important part of American cultural history.

What does TCM mean to you?

TCM is a dream. When I moved to America 14 years ago, I discovered the channel and couldn’t believe that it existed – 24 hours of classic films, 7 days a week with no edits or commercials? It’s a channel that I personally have on in my house all the time, and I feel so lucky that I get to work with a group of passionate, talented film lovers who are determined to keep TCM alive and thriving. It’s also a real gift to be able to connect with our passionate viewers, and hear their stories about why they love the channel.

Favorite interview or festival memories?

One of the most amazing parts of the TCM Classic Film Festival is how it gives older actors a chance to feel like a star again. I remember interviewing the cast of the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet” at the festival, and just before we went on stage they asked me if anyone in the audience would know who they are. I said, “just wait…” and as I introduced them, they were given a standing ovation and were visibly moved by the response. It can also be one of the last public appearance for older stars – as I saw the recent news of Barbara Rush’s passing, I was reminded of interviewing her at the 2019 film festival, and I feel so lucky I got to meet her.

Eddie Muller

Why is TCM important?

TCM is the guardian of America’s cinematic legacy. It’s a job we take very seriously—but try to have fun with.

What does TCM mean to you?

During the mid-20th century movies had more influence on our culture than anything else—and it’s essential to provide this generation (and future ones) with sufficient context as they’ll continue appreciating these films even our cultural mores changes.

Favorite interview or festival memories?

Impossible to choose. When I started hosting shows at the festival I wasn’t yet a regular on-air host, so it’s gratifying to now host the festival and meet performers I grew up loving—like Ann-Margret and Jacqueline Bisset—who know who I am. Thanks for that, TCM.

Ben Mankiewicz

Why is TCM important?

I think you know the answer to this. We took on this job 30 years ago because we thought there was a market and a need for a channel that showed classic movies. Little did we know it would evolve into becoming the guardians of this cultural legacy. 

As a result, we’re we’re not merely a television channel, we have a responsibility – and I know the eye rolls that I generate whenever I say this – to preserve protect and defend these movies from all forces, foreign and domestic, that may threaten them.

I’m kidding, sort of. But I’ll tell you this: It’s sure nice to have a job in television, this silly business, that matters, that carries with it some meaningful responsibility. 

We all know this cultural legacy that we’re responsible for needs to be protected and preserved. We need to nurture it, so that we can hand this off to my kids and your kids and their kids. And guarantee they’ll all still get the reference when someone says “Here’s looking at you kid”

What does TCM mean to you?

When I was hired in 2003, this was a job. Now, it defines my entire career. Everything good professionally that I have experienced is a product of my association with TCM. Where I get some credit is being smart enough to take it seriously. I have one of the greatest jobs on television – and make no mistake, I’m keenly aware of that fact.

I met my future wife at the first festival, we got married on the TCM cruise in 2013. We have a child because of TCM. TCM created a person. I’d say it’s pretty important to me. Sometimes I feel like we missed a golden opportunity by not naming our daughter Thelma Claudette Mankiewicz. On second thought, perhaps we made the right decision. 

Favorite interview or festival memories?

First and foremost, and I know how hokey and pandering this sounds, seeing how much the channel means to people never fails to move me. At one of the first festivals, I remember a woman telling me that she, her son, and husband flew in a couple of days early to check out Disneyland. While they were there, her husband had a heart attack. A day later he was in the hospital recovering, but it was opening night of the festival. He insisted that she and her son go. They went. 

As far as interviews, Sophia Loren took my breath away. She wrote the word “dramedy” in Sharpie on her hand so she wouldn’t forget it when we introduced Marriage Italian Style. She had on this elegant white pants suit. It was gorgeous. And then she wrote DRAMEDY on her hand. 

Mel Brooks was prowling the stage delighting the audience before we introduced The Producers together.  I asked him one question and he talked for maybe 14 straight minutes. ’d get in like a couple of words that might have turned into questions before he’d just pick right back up. I was behind him and eventually I reached into my breast pocket, pulled out my questions, and tore them up, throwing them into the air, which made the audience laugh – and it made Mel Brooks laugh – which is a feeling like none other. That moment kicked off our friendship, which of course means a great deal to me. 

I connected in meaningful ways to some actors that became my friends, among them Norman Lloyd, who I miss terribly, and Ernest Borgnine, who wrote me the nicest thank you note I’ve ever received. It was just an appreciation of how I conducted an interview with him. 

I took off my jeans one year at the start of an interview with Eva Marie Saint in front of a big crowd at the Chinese Theater. Eva Marie didn’t like it when I wore jeans – she thought I looked better dressed up. I just remember her saying “Oh, Ben, no. t’s OK, it’s OK” as I started to take them off, before she saw that I had suit pants on under my jeans. 

Oh, I just remembered. No matter how funny Mel was, when I asked him about Anne Bancroft, he got very quiet for a few seconds. I feared I’d crossed some line of intimacy. But he was merely gathering his thoughts. As he talked authentically about “Annie,” I remember how completely silent the crowd was. That was the sound of a captive audience, afraid their breath might break the moment. 

I enjoyed that. Needless to say, however, Robert Osborne is on my mind and he is on everyone’s during this anniversary. I hope you’ve been able to watch the fantastic ways in which TCM has been celebrating its legacy all month long with original staffers sharing stories of how TCM came to be. Wonderful stuff that includes memories of that day, a Thursday afternoon at New York’s Times Square when Arthur Hiller, Arlene Dahl, Jane Powell, Celeste Holm, and Van Johnson joined Ted Turner and Robert Osborne to launch the magical movie journey. No one could have imagined what TCM would come to mean to so many people. As TCM’s original host, Robert Osborne became the face of the network, fostered the art and legacy of film, and in some ways became ours. We miss him.

I must get ready for Hollywood and celebrating TCM in person. Until then here’s to many more classic years, TCM. A sincere thank you to all the behind-the scenes talents whose names most do not know, but without whom those movies would not be shown. We can’t do without you. Once again, thank you to Ben, Eddie, Alicia, and Dave for their time, and to Taryn Jacobs for making this happen.

I leave with pearls for TCM, the traditional gift for a 30th anniversary.