TCM Schedule for Thu, Apr 17, 2025: William Holden / Merchant Ivory Productions Part 2
Last edited Mon Apr 14, 2025, 07:59 AM - Edit history (1)
After a continuation of Wednesday's theme TCM highlights some lesser-known efforts by William Holden
Merchant Ivory Productions is a film company founded in 1961 by producer Ismail Merchant (1936–2005) and director James Ivory (b. 1928).
Merchant and Ivory were life and business partners from 1961 until Merchant's death in 2005. During their time together, they made 44 films. The films were for the most part produced by Merchant and directed by Ivory, and 23 of them were scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (1927–2013) in some capacity. The films were often based upon novels or short stories, particularly the work of Henry James, E. M. Forster, and Jhabvala herself.
The initial goal of the company was "to make English-language films in India aimed at the international market". The style of Merchant Ivory films set and photographed in India became iconic. The company also went on to make films in the United Kingdom and America.
The expression "Merchant–Ivory film" has made its way into common parlance, to denote a particular genre of film rather than the actual production company. While 1965's Shakespeare Wallah put this genre on the international map, its heyday was the 1980s and 1990s with such films as A Room with a View (1985) and Howards End (1992). A typical "Merchant–Ivory film" would be a period piece, based on a classic novel, set in the early 20th century, usually in Edwardian England, featuring lavish sets and top British actors portraying genteel characters who suffer from disillusionment and tragic entanglements. The main theme often surrounded a house, which took on a particular importance in many Merchant Ivory films.
More at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Ivory_Productions
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DAYTIME: (EST)
7:00 AM | The Life and Passion of Christ (1907) TCM PREMIER
French silent film "Vie et passion du Christ" depicting incidents in the life of Jesus Christ.
Dir: Ferdinand Zecca | Cast: Madame Moreau, Monsieur Moreau
8:00 AM | The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Story (1950)
A collection of MGM previews with an introduction by Lionel Barrymore.
Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Dore Schary, Ira Heymann
9:00 AM | Invisible Stripes (1940)
On his release from prison, a crook tries to stop his brother from following in his footsteps.
Dir: Lloyd Bacon | Cast: George Raft, Jane Bryan, William Holden
10:30 AM | Toward the Unknown (1956)
A dishonored pilot who is no longer allowed to fly attempts to clear his name.
Dir: Mervyn LeRoy | Cast: William Holden, Lloyd Nolan, Virginia Leith
12:45 PM | Escape from Fort Bravo (1953)
The Civil War complicates the Cavalry's battle against Indians.
Dir: John Sturges | Cast: William Holden, Eleanor Parker, John Forsythe
2:30 PM | Force of Arms (1951)
An Army sergeant romances a Women's Army Corps lieutenant in World War II Italy.
Dir: Michael Curtiz | Cast: William Holden, Nancy Olson, Frank Lovejoy
4:15 PM | Our Town (1940)
Small town lovers search for happiness.
Dir: Sam Wood | Cast: Frank Craven, William Holden, Martha Scott
6:00 PM | Executive Suite (1954)
When a business magnate dies, his board of directors fights over who should run the company.
Dir: Robert Wise | Cast: William Holden, June Allyson, Barbara Stanwyck
PRIME TIME, LATE NIGHT, EARLY MORNING
8:00 PM | Merchant Ivory (2024)
Documentary that follows the history of the Merchant Ivory partnership
Dir: Stephen Soucy | Cast: John David Allen, Helena Bonham Carter, John Bright
10:00 PM | A Room with a View (1985)
An Englishwoman visiting Florence is torn between her straitlaced fiance and a young Bohemian.
Dir: James Ivory | Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith
12:15 AM | Roseland (1977)
Three stories set in the famed dance hall center on the search for a perfect partner in dancing and life.
Dir: James Ivory | Cast: Teresa Wright, Lou Jacobi, Don Denatale
2:15 AM | Slaves of New York (1989) TCM PREMIERE
A trendy hat designer and her chic graffiti artist boyfriend live and love in Manhattan's East Village.
Dir: James Ivory | Cast: Bernadette Peters, Adam Coleman Howard, Chris Sarandon
4:30 AM | The Wild Party (1975)
A fading silent-era comic sinks his money into a comeback vehicle.
Dir: James Ivory | Cast: James Coco, Raquel Welch, Perry King