Commentary
The Turner Classic Movie Film Festival (TCMFF) in April 2022 was my first experience covering a large event as a member of the media. I saw fourteen films during the four-day event, out of which I was hard-pressed to choose my favorite. Nevertheless, I can now confidently say that my favorite experience of the festival was “The Flame and the Arrow” from 1950.
Select films screened at the festival were categorized as Special Presentations, and I tried to see them all. This movie was considered special because the print they screened was in the original Technicolor. Although all old color movies are described as Technicolor in their credits, most modern prints’ color schemes have changed over the years after numerous transfers. It’s rare to see the original Technicolor palette. This was the first time I’ve seen a film in true Technicolor. I noticed the tones, although still very vibrant, were slightly more delicate and dreamier, giving a magical glow to the story’s medieval locales….