Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which is in the midst of its 20th year as an authority in classic film, is giving fans a new way to connect with the movies they love. The network has partnered with On Location Tours, one of the world's largest TV and movie tour companies, to create the "TCM Classic Film Tour" in New York City. Featuring stops at some of the most famous movie locations throughout the city, this sightseeing bus tour is one of several initiatives TCM is launching as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in April 2014.
"Over the past two decades, TCM has evolved into a highly respected brand that goes beyond the television screen to provide fans with such real-life experiences," said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of digital, affiliate, lifestyle and enterprise commerce, TCM, TBS and TNT. "The 'TCM Classic Film Tour' in New York is a terrific opportunity for movie lovers to connect with the TCM brand and share their passion for great films in a unique way."
The "TCM Classic Film Tour" features an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, extensive trivia about each location and a special video introduction by TCM host Robert Osborne, a longtime resident of New York. "As a kid growing up in a small town in Washington State," Osborne says in his introduction, "my only exposure to New York City was through the movies. The town with its towering skyscrapers, fascinating people and teeming energy absolutely captivated me. Seeing New York in the movies is what made me want to live in Manhattan one day. I eventually got my wish, and the city has never disappointed me.”
Set to launch on Thursday, Aug. 22, the "TCM Classic Film Tour" will run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The three-hour sightseeing bus tour will take movie fans to some of the city's greatest filming locations, including the Empire State Building (King Kong); Zabar's market (Manhattan, You've Got Mail); Holly Golightly's brownstone (Breakfast at Tiffany's); the famed subway grate that blew Marilyn Monroe's skirt (The Seven-Year Itch); Grand Central Terminal (North by Northwest, Superman); and, of course, Central Park.
In addition to seeing the real locations, visitors will get to see clips of the sites from the movies. "It's a great way to see how much – and how little – the city has changed over the years," Osborne says, "and how the history of New York and the history of the movies are so intertwined."
Fans can book reservations for the "TCM Classic Film Tour" online at http://www.tcm.com/tours, or by calling 212-913-9780.
