Quick Preview of TCM in December

The online preview of TCM's December schedule came out relatively late this year, but it's now available!

Myrna Loy is the December Star of the Month, voted in by the members of TCM's Backlot fan club, who chose between Myrna and Bette Davis.

This is the popular Loy's third time as Star of the Month. She was previously the Star of the Month in 1995 and 2004.

Loy's films will be shown every Friday, leading up to a 24-hour Myrna Loy-William Powell marathon on December 23rd.

As always, there are many wonderful Christmas movies showing in December!

"Robert Osborne's Picks" on Christmas Eve frequently include a film from 20th Century-Fox amidst the Christmas titles -- a treat as Fox films cost more for TCM to license. This year his Fox pick is THE DOLLY SISTERS (1945), starring Betty Grable, June Haver, and John Payne.

The only sad note in that regard is Mr. Osborne's continuing absence from the network. It would be a lovely surprise if he turned up to host the Christmas Eve films.

Earlier in the month the wonderful Fox film I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN (1951) is on the schedule. It's warm Americana well suited for December.

Also on tap for December is the latest edition of Treasures From the Disney Vault, including PERRI (1957), OLD YELLER (1957), THE LITTLEST OUTLAW (1955), and THE UGLY DACHSHUND (1966).

There's a 'round-the-clock marathon of shorts on December 5th, and the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day will be marked with a selection of WWII films.

Also of note is a screening of PLEASURE CRUISE (1933), a pre-Code which was popular in "Theater 4" at the TCM Classic Film Festival. I didn't get a chance to see it then so I'm looking forward to checking it out.

December tributes include Alice White, Dick Purcell, George Brent, Irene Dunne, Ruth Roman, Elvis Presley, Roland Young, and Sydney Greenstreet.

New Year's Eve will be spent with the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! (1974) series.

I'll have more detailed information on the December schedule, including my annual post on Christmas movies airing in December, sometime after Thanksgiving.

In the meantime, Christopher Lee continues as the October Star of the Month, with Natalie Wood on deck for November.

Update: For more on TCM in December 2016, please visit TCM in December: Highlights, TCM Star of the Month: Myrna Loy, and TCM in December: Christmas Movies.