TCM Remembers

Turner Classic Movies puts together one of their very best features each December in honor of those filmmakers in front of and behind the camera who have passed away in the previous twelve months. 2012 includes many visually eloquent moments in tribute to all those who have died, leaving a legacy for us on screen and off. This year, when so many people died who created 20th Century cinema left us, from the quietly good Phyllis Thaxter to the supremely imaginative Ray Bradbury to the solid, seemingly eternal Ernest Borgnine and many more, it seems more than ever as though "a friend of the family" has gone away.

Since many readers have asked me how they can see certain years, I thought it might be helpful to compile those that are currently available online via the TCM website, Youtube and other sources. I have tried to put these videos in one posting here on this blog for those who enjoy them. Below are the video tributes from 2000 and from 2003-2012 with the identification of what is, optimistically, the correct music and performer for the music used in each year, whenever available. I have not been able to find any other years for posting here.

Many of the beautifully done separate TCM Remembers spots broadcast just after the death of an individual film notable are available for viewing on youtube  here. 

Of interest to those connoisseurs of these gems:
Many, though not all, of the spots seen on TCM over the years have been created by Raygun, a media marketing firm whose work for Turner Classic Movies (and others) can be seen here. There are, of course, other ad firms which have contributed to the collection of exceptionally interesting, touching and entertaining interstitials seen on TCM over the years. Some examples of their work can be seen here. If TCM ever decides to market a DVD collection of these TCM Remembers memorials or any of their best spots, I think they might be pleasantly surprised to realize how many people would welcome such an idea. 

  Requiescat in Pace to all of those included and especially those who may have been overlooked.

TCM Remembers 2012:
(Please note: The music is "Wait" by M83)


TCM Remembers 2011:

The song that plays throughout this video is "Before You Go" by OK Sweetheart, with the lilting voice of Erin Austin evoking so much yearning and affection for those who have gone before us. 


Earlier TCM Remembers Tributes Below...