Plan One From New York

Turner Classic Movies is the greatest television network ever. Bar none. Forget HBO or ESPN or BBC or any of the news networks. Bah! For consistent fabulous entertainment and information, TCM runs rings around all of 'em.

TCM programming wizards know that, say, on an October Friday (the 13th, no less) folks are going to want to watch thriller classics - The Uninvited, The Haunting, Poltergeist - well into the night. Ba-da-bing! Done! And if you haven't OD'd on weird after indulging in those goodies, stick around (at 2am) for TCM Underground, which is showcasing the likes of Plan 9 From Outer Space and Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! this month. Who could pass up the opportunity to have another go at Plan 9 or Faster Pussycat?

Daily star-themed film-fests and interesting category groupings - like this month's "Architecture in Film" series - are brilliantly conceived and executed. And if the films are lucky enough to have intros by Robert Osborne or one of the other hosts, even better. Great for background and "be sure to notice" reminders. Well. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that you can always count on Turner Classic Movies to deliver the goods.

And they ain't payin' me a dime to promote 'em, folks.

I'm stocking up on popcorn and cider for the thrill-fest. Here's hoping I can stay awake for Plan 9 From Outer Space. That's Plan 1 From New York for tonight.