Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies to Release “TCM Greatest Classic Legends – Joan Crawford,” “TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Humphrey Bogart” and “TCM Greatest Gangster Films: Humphrey Bogart on June 26”
(February 28, 2012 – Burbank, CA) – Building on the success of the “TCM Greatest Classic Films” branded line, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies are adding two new four-title sets to the “TCM Greatest Classic Legends” line spotlighting Hollywood’s most legendary actors and actresses in classic cinema. The newest additions, available June 26, are “TCM Greatest Classic Legends – Joan Crawford,” starring Hollywood’s ultimate screen legend in “Mildred Pierce,” “Humoresque,” “Possessed,” and “The Damned Don’t Cry.” Crawford received her first and only Academy Award for her starring role in “Mildred Pierce” (1946). Additionally, WHV and TCM will release “TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Humphrey Bogart,” featuring the inimitable icon in “They Drive by Night,” “Across the Pacific,” “Action in the North Atlantic,” and “Passage to Marseille.” Each value-packed collection features four classic films and is affordably priced at $27.92 SRP. Orders are due May 1, 2012.
Also on June 26, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies will release a new four-title set for the popular “TCM Greatest Gangster Films” line. The latest installment, “TCM Greatest Gangster Films: Humphrey Bogart,” features “High Sierra,” “The Petrified Forest,” “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse,” and “All Through the Night.” This collection will be available for $27.92 SRP and the order due date is May 1, 2012.
To build further momentum for these titles, Warner Home Video has set the street dates for the collections to coincide with the release of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” Season Two on Blu-ray and DVD. Additional promotional support for these titles will include TV programming with on-air promotional spots on Turner Networks and print advertising in the Now Playing guide.
About The Films:
“TCM Greatest Classic Legends – Joan Crawford”:
By the 1930s, Joan Crawford had become one of the biggest stars at MGM, appearing in such films as “The Women” and “Grand Hotel.” But it wasn’t until she signed with Warner Bros. in the 1940s that she earned her one and only Oscar for her starring role in “Mildred Pierce.” Following her win, Crawford starred in the critically lauded “Humoresque” and “Possessed,” the latter of which earned her a second Oscar nomination.
In 1997, Entertainment Weekly magazine named Humphrey Bogart the number one movie legend of all time. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him the Greatest Male Star of All Time. Today, more than half a century after his death, Humphrey Bogart remains an international icon, the epitome of class - tough, cool and sophisticated - more celebrated and more respected today than even during the height of his stardom.
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. About TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection:
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection stands as the largest-ever partnership between Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies. The initiative combines the strengths of the companies in serving both serious film buffs and a new generation of movie lovers. The TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection builds on the success of previous joint initiatives between Turner Classic Movies and Warner Home Video, including the TCM Archives series and the TCM Spotlight series. Warner Home Video, which owns the world’s largest film library, has more Best Picture Oscar wins than any other studio and its films have garnered more than 300 Academy Awards. Turner Classic Movies is currently seen in more than 85 million homes and will support Warner Home Video and the new collection with extensive marketing. TCM’s marketing plan includes print ads in TCM’s popular Now Playing guide, banners on tcm.com, and on-air mentions by the network’s renowned primetime host, Robert Osborne. About Turner Classic Movies:
Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in 85 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials at its website, www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.# # #
By the 1930s, Joan Crawford had become one of the biggest stars at MGM, appearing in such films as “The Women” and “Grand Hotel.” But it wasn’t until she signed with Warner Bros. in the 1940s that she earned her one and only Oscar for her starring role in “Mildred Pierce.” Following her win, Crawford starred in the critically lauded “Humoresque” and “Possessed,” the latter of which earned her a second Oscar nomination.
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“Mildred Pierce” (1945) - What Veda wants, her mother (Joan Crawford) provides. But does that include murder? When you think you have it figured out, along comes a shocking twist ending! This stylish noir film had five Oscar® nominations, plus a Best Actress win for Crawford.
“Humoresque” (1946) - Glamorous socialite Helen Wright (Crawford) takes what she wants and tosses it aside. Then she meets brilliant young violinist Paul Boray (John Garfield) and becomes torn between selfless love and selfish impulses in this acclaimed exploration of desire.
“Possessed” (1947) - When callow David Sutton chooses to marry someone else, Louise Howell's love for him takes a dark turn. Crawford re-teams with producer Jerry Wald and claims a 1947 Best Actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal of tempestuous, mentally unstable Louis.
“The Damned Don't Cry” (1950) - In the first of three collaborations with director Vincent Sherman, Crawford brings hard-boiled glamour and simmering passion as Ethel Whitehead, who moves from the wrong side of the tracks to a mobster's mansion to high society one man at a time.
In 1997, Entertainment Weekly magazine named Humphrey Bogart the number one movie legend of all time. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him the Greatest Male Star of All Time. Today, more than half a century after his death, Humphrey Bogart remains an international icon, the epitome of class - tough, cool and sophisticated - more celebrated and more respected today than even during the height of his stardom.
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“They Drive By Night” (1940) - George Raft and Humphrey Bogart share a driving ambition in a feisty tale of brothers trying to make it as independent truckers in this fine example of Warner Bros. social-conscience filmmaking. Ann Sheridan and Ida Lupino also star.
“Across The Pacific” (1942) - In this wartime thriller, Bogart plays U.S. counterspy Rick, who trades barbs with Mary Astor, matches wits with Sydney Greenstreet and swaps bullets with saboteurs of the Panama Canal. John Huston directs this reunion of the three stars of “The Maltese Falcon.”
“Action In The North Atlantic” (1943) - This World War II salute to Allied forces stars Bogart as First Officer Joe Rossi, who, along with his captain (Raymond Massey), matches tactics with U-boats and the Luftwaffe. The tactics are so on target that this became a Merchant Marine training film.
“Passage To Marseille” (1944) - Bogart reunites with director Michael Curtiz and other key “Casablanca” personnel for a tension- and controversy-swept story of a French patriot who escapes Devil's Island, survives a dangerous freighter voyage and becomes a gunner in the Free French Air Corps.
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“The Petrified Forest” (1936) - Bogart’s breakout role! A rundown diner baking in the Arizona desert heat marks the spot where a fugitive killer (Bogart) sweats out a manhunt, holding a disillusioned writer (Leslie Howard), a dreamy waitress (Bette Davis) and others hostage.
“The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse” (1938) - What makes a criminal tick, ponders Dr. Clitterhouse (Edward G. Robinson). Eager to study the physical and mental states of lawbreakers, he joins a gang of jewel thieves headed by ice-blooded tough guy Rocks Valentine (Bogart).
“High Sierra” (1941) - This heist-gone-wrong movie stars Bogart as Prohibition-era gangster Roy Earle, who’s walked out of prison into an unfamiliar world: the jitterbugging ‘40s. Directed with gritty intensity by Raoul Walsh, High Sierra marked a transition from gangster films to film noir.
“All Through The Night” (1942) - Get off his turf! Broadway smoothie Bogart becomes a hero in spite of himself when his hunt for the killer of his favorite cheesecake vendor leads to Nazi spies. Damon Runyon-style fun!
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. About TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection:
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection stands as the largest-ever partnership between Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies. The initiative combines the strengths of the companies in serving both serious film buffs and a new generation of movie lovers. The TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection builds on the success of previous joint initiatives between Turner Classic Movies and Warner Home Video, including the TCM Archives series and the TCM Spotlight series. Warner Home Video, which owns the world’s largest film library, has more Best Picture Oscar wins than any other studio and its films have garnered more than 300 Academy Awards. Turner Classic Movies is currently seen in more than 85 million homes and will support Warner Home Video and the new collection with extensive marketing. TCM’s marketing plan includes print ads in TCM’s popular Now Playing guide, banners on tcm.com, and on-air mentions by the network’s renowned primetime host, Robert Osborne. About Turner Classic Movies:
Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in 85 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials at its website, www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.