The Comet goes to Hollywood

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In roughly a week, I will be leaving my familiar North Carolina, small town surroundings for a solo adventure.
I’ll be attending my first Turner Classic Film Festival (TCMFF) in Los Angeles, CA, which will involve flying alone for the first time.
Attending this festival has been something I’ve wanted to do since the festival started. But in 2010 and 2011, I was still in college and the event hit around exams.
In 2012, I was working at my first reporter job out of college-a three day a week newspaper in a small town. I was making an equally small sum of money, prohibiting me from saving enough to ever think of going to the festival.
At this same time last year I was going through a difficult personal time but not being at the festival hurt more.
As I cried real tears, watching photos of fans with Robert Osborne being posted, I vowed I would be in California in 2013. And now I’m going.
But that may be where the road to TCMFF begins but not my classic film passion.
As a small child, I thought every kid watched “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” with their parents.
In middle school, I only listened to bands like the Monkees and Herman’s Hermits. I couldn’t understand why only one of my classmates had seen “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
In high school, I accepted I was different, if not weird. As I attempted to learn steps to the mambo in “West Side Story,” or chose to stay home and watch “The Lost Weekend” or “A Date with Judy” than go party with friends, I realized I was a classic film fan.
My teenage classmates considered it uncool-not that I cared-but once I got to college, it was embraced. I would hesitantly tell people, “I love old movies” and they would exclaim how cool it was.
By sophomore year of college, I started Comet Over Hollywood and was amazed to find how many other fans there were out there who were like me. They also loved the shots during the canteen dance in “Since You; Went Away” or appreciated the child acting of Virginia Weidler-most importantly they knew what I was talking about.
They were like me, a classic movie fan.
Now, working at a daily newspaper, I have the opportunity to spread even more film love with a weekly column. Since, I’ve receieved e-mails from readers telling me how they met spouses due to film love or thank me for helping them relive memories of seeing “A Summer Place.”
And next week from April 25 to April 29, I can connect with even more fans in person.
As for the movies I’m going to see? I honestly I haven’t made a rough game plan of what movies I’ll be attending-not only does newspaper reporting keep me busy, but I hope for my trip to be rather spontaneous.
However, I do know I’m interested in the screenings of “Libeled Lady,” “South Pacific” (Mitzi Gaynor is a favorite of mine), “It” and either of the Ann Blyth films (she’s also a favorite of mine)- but honestly those are the only films I remember seeing after a first glance at the film schedule. I know there are more.
And of course, I hope to see my hero and favorite person on the planet-Robert Osborne-even if it’s from 100 feet away.
So film fans and dear readers, I look forward to seeing you soon if you are attending. And if you are, please say hello.
I’ll be the blond who will still be saying y’all, even in Hollywood.
Love,
Jessica P.
The Hollywood Comet
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25 thoughts on “The Comet goes to Hollywood”

  1. One film being shown at the festival that you really need to try and see is Powell and Pressburger’s I know Where I’m Going!=Scorsese has even said it’s one of his favorite films. Lovely romance film, set on the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland. Have fun!!

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  2. Jessica–I am so proud of you. I’ve been amazed with how far you have taken Comet Over Hollywood, and I know you’ll go even farther. Your dedication to your blog and movie love inspires me, and I wish I had that dedication. I can’t wait to hear about your trip! Hope I can travel with you next time. –Nicole

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  4. I love your blog. Hollywood and its stars were a big part of my life growing up in Los Angeles. Best wishes on your trip to tinsel town.

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    • Thank you for dropping by, Jose. Thank you so much for the compliment on the blog 🙂
      Being from the south, I sure can’t imagine growing up in LA! 🙂 Thank you!

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  8. I’m so excited for you going to TCM FF this year! (and I’m just a little jealous! 😉 I’ve been keeping up with you on facebook and I love your posts on there of different classic actors! I too, grew up like you did- watching TCM and classic films with my dad, and it’s still one of my favorite things to do. Maybe next year I’ll make it to TCM FF too!

    readtravelbecome.com

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  12. Congratulations to you and making your dream come true – and when/if you have spare time be sure to do some additional sightseeing in Hollywood and Los Angeles.
    What a great adventure you will have – and sooo much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

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