In an exclusive announcement, Ron Howard, the beloved former child star from “The Andy Griffith Show,” revealed his picks for TCM this November, starting with a tribute to his TV father, the late Andy Griffith. Howard chose Elia Kazan’s 1957 satire, “A Face in the Crowd,” highlighting Griffith’s rare dramatic performance.
“It has gained significant relevance over the years, both as a cinematic work and a social commentary,” Howard noted in his video announcement. He emphasized Griffith’s role as Lonesome Rhodes, a folk singer who evolves into a political figure, showcasing Griffith’s depth as an actor. Despite being the second choice after Marlon Brando, Kazan brought out an intensity in Griffith that he found challenging, leading him to shy away from dramatic roles thereafter.
Howard also spotlighted the 1949 film “Champion,” starring Kirk Douglas, which influenced his own 2005 film, “Cinderella Man.” Douglas portrays a determined boxer striving to support his disabled brother, showcasing his commitment to the role by training extensively, even after cosmetic surgery.
Other selections included Goldie Hawn’s comedy “Private Benjamin” and Diana Ross’s performance in “Lady Sings the Blues.” Howard wrapped up his picks with the classic film noir “The Maltese Falcon,” directed by John Huston. He praised Huston for pioneering the film noir genre with this adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s detective novel, noting it was Huston’s directorial debut.
Through these selections, Howard not only honors cinematic history but also reflects on the enduring impact of these films.
