What makes Turner Classic Movies uniquely special? In order of importance, here are the three main reasons: 1. TCM is a politics-free zone; 2. The presentation; 3. The films.
You would think the films would rank number one, but that’s simply not the case. Now and again, TCM might screen something not available on Netflix or elsewhere, but for the most part what makes the fifteen year-old network so addictive and such a unique pleasure for movie lovers is the infectious enthusiasm for great (and sometimes not-so-great) cinema, legendary movie stars and Hollywood lore that envelopes every aspect of my #2 — the presentation.
The Mighty Robert Osborne simply is TCM. His class, deep well of knowledge, and abiding passion for all things classic Hollywood is contagious. Even if you happen to own the DVD of that particular film, Osborne makes you want to watch whatever it is on TCM just to enjoy his informative and affectionate bookends.
But nothing is more important to the success of the network than the fact that up till now it has remained a rare refuge from the partisan politics that today seem to have infested everything from our White House Christmas tree to “Sesame Street.” TCM is first, last and always a place for movie lovers of all political stripes. Under the soft plasma glow of TCM we are united members of one political party: Cinema Enthusiasts.
That’s not to say that TCM awkwardly whitewashes political realities to sidestep any kind of controversy. Film and politics have been tied at the hip since the beginning and during interviews with legendary actors, politics frequently come up — and just as frequently Osborne frames the historical political realities surrounding any given film, be it what was going on in the world at the time — the Cold War, WWII, the blacklist — or the agenda of the film and filmmakers.
All appropriate, all welcome, all appreciated…
Which brings me to weekend host Ben Mankiewicz. Commenter Other Stories saw what I did this weekend and put it best:
Love TMC! But did anyone catch the weekend host Ben Mankiewicz (had to Google to find his name) snide comments regarding “A Face in the Crowd”?
If you’re not familiar with the film, it starred Andy Griffith and he portrayed an evil media personality who fools the public by coming across as a likable down to earth kind a fella. Host Mankiewicz openly wondered if the producers had been able to see 50 years into the future and witnessed how people in this country were being manipulated and duped by angry media personalities, some who could cry on cue. He clearly was referring to conservative talk radio.
I caught this as well and for the first time in my fifteen years of dedication to this irreplaceable reservoir of the medium I love, I felt sucker-punched.
Not only was Mankiewicz clearly referring to right-wing talk radio, it was just as obvious with his snide “cry on cue” comment that he was specifically targeting Glenn Beck.
Why is this one comment worth complaining about? Because we all know that this is how it always starts. Those of us who just want to sit back and relax and enjoy something without having to be on guard concerning a cheap sucker shot aimed at who we are and what we believe in have seen it start just like this a thousand times. Once the dam springs a leak … the dam always ends up bursting. Always. And then, once again, we lose something we love.
For the record, had Mankiewicz abused this opportunity to trash Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann it would have been just as gratuitous and unwelcome.
The Goatee’d One can interpret the meaning of Elia Kazan’s masterpiece in today’s world all he wants, but he needs to keep that interpretation to himself and show his viewers the respect of allowing us to interpret it for our own selves.
If Mankiewicz isn’t mature enough to understand how important this is to the success of a network that enjoys the affection of a whole swath of Americans who have otherwise given up on Hollywood, he needs to be fired. And if Mankiweicz is too thick to understand that “A Face In the Crowd” remains as effective a piece of filmmaking today as it was fifty years ago specifically due to the fact that it transcends petty partisan politics, he needs to take a leave of absence and read a book.
It says everything that of all people Alec Baldwin has shown more class than Mankiewicz. The hardcore leftist actor has impressively risen to the occasion of co-hosting “The Essentials” with Osborne. Not once has he sent the show into a screeching halt with any kind of obnoxious political injection. Osbourne’s 77 years-old and I hope he outlives me and works until he’s 150, but should he retire, Baldwin’s energetic, informative, enthusiastic and yes, apolitical, approach would make me very comfortable with the idea of his someday stepping in as weekday host.
In summation: My complaint has nothing to do with the politics of the host, but everything to do with that individual’s class and respect for their audience.
I don’t know if the dam’s burst on TCM or not, but now — just like everything else Hollywood — we have to worry about it, don’t we? And I’m not above admitting that I’m more than little heartbroken over this … just like anyone who’s heartbroken when something or someone they love disappoints.
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