The world-premiere screening of a restored version of The Producers, Mel Brooks' comedy that became a beloved classic following its release in 1968, will open the 9th TCM Classic Film Festival on April 26, the fest announced Thursday. Brooks, who won the best original screenplay Oscar for the film and later adapted it into a Tony-winning Broadway musical, will be in attendance for a Q&A as part of the pic's 50th anniversary celebration.
The 9th TCM Classic Film Festival will take place — day and night — from April 26-29. TCM on-air host Ben Mankiewicz will host the event, which will be based out of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, as it has been every year since its founding.
The fest also will welcome Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Robert Benton, who will introduce screenings of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984). The lineup also will include special screenings of The Black Stallion (1979), The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), Bullitt (1968), Throne of Blood (1957), The Set-Up (1949), Hamlet (1948), To Have and Have Not (1944), Woman of the Year (1942), The Sea Wolf (1941) and His Girl Friday (1940).
Additional programming announcements are expected over the coming months.
