Six Essential Films Never Shown on TCM's The Essentials

Tonight The Essentials returns to Turner Classic Movies with a new co-host, director Brad Bird. Some TCM fans have grumbled about this season's schedule, as a large number of the movies are already frequently shown on Turner Classic Movies. In fact, several of the movies airing this season on The Essentials have already aired on the show: Singin' in the Rain (three times on the show), Casablanca (twice on the show), The Red Shoes (once on the show), Lawrence of Arabia (twice on the show), Gunga Din (twice on the show), Dr. Strangelove (twice on the show), The Maltese Falcon (twice on the show), 2001: A Space Odyssey (twice on the show), Ball of Fire (twice on the show), City Lights (once on the show), An American in Paris (twice on the show), The Searchers (twice on the show), North by Northwest (twice on the show), Guys and Dolls (once on the show), and Out of the Past (twice on the show).

While there have been some movies that have been shown multiple times on The Essentials, there are other movies that I believe many, if most, classic film buffs would consider essential that have never aired on the show. What is more, some of these movies are owned by Warner Bros, so that they could be aired on Turner Classic Movies free of charge. Here are six movies that I consider essential that have never aired on The Essentials.

Island of Lost Souls (1932):  Island of Lost Souls is important as a pre-code horror movie that was met with censorship across the United States and elsewhere. Along with Scarface (1932), Red Headed Woman (1932), and Baby Face (1933), it was one of those movies that led to stricter enforcement of the Code. The film also features some of the best performances by Charles Laughton and Bela Lugosi. Produced by Paramount, Island of Lost Souls is currently owned by Universal, so TCM would have to make a deal to show it, but it would be worth it.

The Wizard of Oz (1939): As shocking as it might seem, The Wizard of Oz has never aired on The Essentials, even though I doubt there are very many, if any, classic film buffs who would say that it is not an essential. Of course, TCM shows The Wizard of Oz regularly and, well before TCM even existed, it was shown yearly on the broadcast networks. There are some who believe that it is the most viewed movie of all time. Regardless, as one of the most essential classic movies, it really should air on The Essentials at least once. 

The Black Swan (1942): As far as I am concerned, The Black Swan is the greatest pirate movie of all time. It features some of the best scenes of ship to ship battles, as well as some great sword fights. As such I think it is the best of the swashbucklers of the Forties, making it essential viewing for fans of the genre and, to a lesser degree, classic film buffs at large.

The Naked City (1948): Several film noirs have aired on The Essentials over the years, but never The Naked City. That is a shame as it is one of the most influential noirs ever made. First, it is one of the earliest police procedurals ever made. Its influence can be seen on everything from the radio show and TV show Dragnet to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Second, it was a shot in a documentary style that would influence both the French New Wave and the British kitchen sink dramas. While other police procedurals were released in the late Forties, arguably it was the one that had the most influence. It even inspired the critically acclaimed TV show Naked City.

Shane (1953): There can be no doubt that Shane is influential. It has been imitated numerous times. What is more, it was one of the earliest "adult Westerns." Its influence can then be seen not only on movies, but TV shows as well. Despite this, the film has never aired on The Essentials. I have suspect it may be because it was produced by Paramount, who I believe still owns the rights.

Forbidden Planet (1956): Aside from The Wizard of Oz, this is the movie that I am most shocked has not aired on The Essentials. It was produced by MGM. Since Warner Bros. owns the pre-1986 MGM library, TCM can then show it without being out a lot of money. Indeed, it is already shown regularly on Turner Classic Movies. Despite this, it has never aired on The Essentials. I find this surprising as it is one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time. It was one of the earliest sci-fi movies made for adults ever made, and it also broke new ground for special effects. What is more, it has had a lasting influence on everything from the TV series Star Trek to the movie Alien (1979). Indeed, I think one could argue that Forbidden Planet is more influential than either 2001: A Space Odyssey or Close Encounters of the Third Kind.