Notable movies and other programs on TV for Monday July 30 to Sunday August 5:The Independent Film Channel heats things up in August with the documentary series Indie Sex, presenting the various ways that sex, both straight and gay, has been portrayed in American and international cinema.
The four-part series (starting Wednesday) will focus on such themes as "Censored", "Taboos", "Teens" and "Extremes" and features the typical round-up of filmmakers on the subject, such as Shortbus' John Cameron Mitchell, The Living End's Gregg Araki and John Waters (who seems to enjoy this second career as a talking head).
Films covered range from the classic (Blue Velvet, Last Tango in Paris, Midnight Cowboy) to the reviled (9 ½ Weeks, Porky's, Showgirls), with a few gay-themed works (But I'm a Cheerleader, Chuck and Buck, Edge of Seventeen) to liven things up.
MUST-SEE OF THE WEEK: Once again, Fox Movie Channel comes through for us with Cavalcade, the 1933 Best Picture Oscar-winner that is not available on DVD. The film, based on Noel Coward's play, stars one of my favorite character actresses, Una O'Connor (pictured above, with Herbert Mundin). It will air next Sunday.
Over on LOGO, the "gay Christian teen" documentary Camp Out airs Saturday, followed by another doc on Sunday, Farm Family: In Search of Gay Life in Rural America. Both films are not yet on DVD.
And finally, TCM starts their annual "Summer Under the Stars" programming (each day is dedicated to a different star's films) this week, but before that, be sure to check out Test Pilot on Tuesday. Not only does it star faves Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Myrna Loy, but see if you can detect the hidden gay subtext that I'll cover in an upcoming "Out of the Celluloid Closet".
To go along with the month long theme, I'll not only list the "star of the day", but attempt to pick my personal favorite film set to air that day, as well as any rarities (not on DVD) that need mentioning.
- Wednesday - Elizabeth Taylor: A Place in the Sun.
- Thursday - Peter O'Toole: Lawrence of Arabia. Also showing: The musical version of Goodbye, Mr. Chips and Otto Preminger's Rosebud, which Robert Osborne dubs "bizarre".
- Friday - Joan Crawford: Mildred Pierce. Also showing: The doc Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (narrated by Anjelica Huston and featuring gay icon Charles Busch), Flamingo Road, Autumn Leaves and Berserk!
- Saturday - William Holden: Stalag 17. Also showing: Executive Suite (with Barbra Stanwyck).
- Sunday - James Stewart: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
UPDATE: All this week is "Movie Week" (with movie-themed questions) on the syndicated Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, plus the celebrity edition of Jeopardy! Check local listings for showtimes in your area.
Click on the network links to find the show times in your area. All programming is subject to change.Links via IFC.com, FoxMovieChannel.com, LOGOOnline.com and TCM.com.
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