TCM Classic Film Festival 2012 in Hollywood – Day 1

Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey at TCM Classic Film Festival. Photo by Linda Wiegman

Yesterday marked the opening of the 2012  TCM Classic Film Festival.  The opening night event was a screening of a digitally restored print of director Bob Fosse’s 1972 multiple Oscar winner ”Cabaret” starring Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey and Michael York.  All three were on hand for a pre-screening interview with TCM host Robert Osborne.    The event took place at famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.  Grey, who took the night off from starring in Broadway’s current hit “Anything Goes” and flew to Hollywood for the event said he couldn’t imagine not being there. Minelli said that being at the screening with all of us was better than winning an Oscar.  Minnelli recalled that she had auditioned for the original Broadway production of “Cabaret” but was turned down.   Michael York recalled hearing about the “Cabaret” filmmakers looking for a “Michael York” type.  He remembered asking his manager if he fit the bill, to much laughter.  Attendies for the red carpet screening included Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, Larry Hagman, Robert Wagner, Richard Anderson and many others.  The restored print was flawless.