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KCET Launches New Classic Film Series 'Must See Movies'

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KCET is excited to announce a new classic movie series, "KCET Must See Movies," that will provide a weekly destination for viewers of all ages to watch legendary stars in timeless movies from Hollywood’s most iconic filmmakers. The eclectic lineup of films celebrates some of the greatest classics created over the last century that are considered essential and timeless by film experts worldwide.

"KCET Must See Movies" features deftly selected works that will inspire audiences and put them on the edge of their seats. The wide variety of cinematic milestones included in the series are “Bridge on the River Kwai,” “Patton,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Rain Man,” “Speed,” “Some Like It Hot,” “West Side Story,” “The Great Escape” and many more. 

The 1968 Academy Award® winning film “Funny Girl” starring Barbra Streisand as famed comedienne and entertainer Fanny Brice will kickoff the new movie block. Directed by William Wyler, the film chronicles the now legendary Ziegfeld girl’s rise to fame in the early 1900s and her subsequent career and personal life. 

"KCET Must See Movies" premieres Friday, July 8 at 9:00 p.m. on KCET and encores on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

July 8 – “Funny Girl”  Friday, July 8 at 9:00 p.m.    

In this bittersweet, classic musical drama, the vibrant and beautiful young Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) starts out as a bit player on the New York City vaudeville stage, but works her way up to stardom on Broadway. Valued for her vocal and comedic talents by the renowned theater impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Pidgeon), Fanny thrives, but her relationship with her suave, imprisoned businessman husband, Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif), is another story.  (1968)

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In this bittersweet, classic musical drama, the vibrant and beautiful young Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) starts out as a bit player on the New York City vaudeville stage, but works her way up to stardom on Broadway. Valued for her vocal and comedic talents by the renowned theater impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Pidgeon), Fanny thrives, but her relationship with her suave, imprisoned businessman husband, Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif), is another story. (1968)
KCET MUST SEE MOVIES: Funny Girl

July 15 – “Gilda” Friday, July 15 at 9:00 p.m.  

An American black-and-white film noir directed by Charles Vidor and starring Rita Hayworth in her signature role as the ultimate femme fatale and Glenn Ford as a gambling cheat who turns straight in order to work for an unsettling casino owner. But things take a turn as his alluring ex-lover appears… and turns out to be his new boss’ wife. In 2013, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” (1946)

brightcove-4998769291001.jpg
An American black-and-white film noir directed by Charles Vidor and starring Rita Hayworth in her signature role as the ultimate femme fatale and Glenn Ford as a gambling cheat who turns straight in order to work for an unsettling casino owner. But things take a turn as his alluring ex-lover appears… and turns out to be his new boss’ wife. In 2013, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” (1946)
KCET MUST SEE MOVIES: Gilda

July 22 – “Queen Christina” Friday, July 22 at 9:00 p.m.  

Queen Christina of Sweden is a popular monarch who is loyal to her country. However, when she falls in love with a Spanish envoy, she must choose between the throne and the man she loves. This is one of Greta Garbo's quintessential, most-remembered screen portrayals with glowing scenes that reflect the mystique of the lovely, enigmatic actress. (1933)

brightcove-4998768777001.jpg
Queen Christina of Sweden is a popular monarch who is loyal to her country. However, when she falls in love with a Spanish envoy, she must choose between the throne and the man she loves. This is one of Greta Garbo's quintessential, most-remembered screen portrayals with glowing scenes that reflect the mystique of the lovely, enigmatic actress. (1933)
KCET MUST SEE MOVIES: Queen Christina

And make sure to follow KCET’s Facebook and Twitter pages to participate in more exciting trivia questions around each of these films.

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