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THE FOX MOVIE CHANNEL
Availability:
Direct TV - channels 258 & 1258 (VOD)
Dish Network - channel 133
Verizon FiOS - channel 232
Time Warner Cable - channel 208
Comcast and other systems - check local listings
(*note* in most Comcast markets not available with basic cable but as part of their Digital Sports Package)
Launched October 1994 as “fxM: Movies From Fox” (officially becoming the “Fox Movie Channel” in March, 2000) the network is in some respects Fox’s version of Turner Classic Movies with a contemporary slant. Broadcasting 24hrs., it runs it’s films - the best widescreen prints when available - unedited and without commercial interruption. To date it has yet to make the jump to HD and still broadcasts in 4801 SDTV.
The network's films are primarily from the Fox catalog - produced in whole or in part and/or distributed by the studio. This is one of the channel's greatest attributes for buffs and students as many older films were originally released with no royalty, copyright or other agreements in place concerning their future on yet-to-be-created formats other than broadcast television. As such Fox cannot distribute them on home video but can air them exclusively. Four such never-released-on-video gems which air regularly on the Fox Movie Channel include:
Espionage thriller (with sci fi overtones) directed by THE GUNS OF NAVARONE’s J. Lee Thompson stars Gregory Peck as an American scientist traveling to China on a peace mission, unaware the communications device in his skull packs an explosive which can be detonated in the presence of Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao.
* THE NICKEL RIDE (1975)
Dark, brooding utterly fascinating examination of the American “dream” directed by Robert Mulligan (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD). Oscar nominated / Pulitzer prize winning actor / writer Jason Miller stars as an aging mob warehouse overseer who refuses to give up his position when the bosses want to replace him with a younger protégé’.
* SKYRIDERS (1976)
High flying action-adventure with James Coburn as a mercenary who joins with an acrobatic hang-glider troupe to rescue his estranged wife and children from terrorists holding them hostage in a mountain-top European prison.
* ORDEAL (1973)
TV movie remake of the classic 1953 suspenser INFERNO outdoes the original. Arthur Hill (THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN) is crippled by his scheming wife and her paramour then left to die in the middle of a brutal desert. Using his wits and crudely fashioned tools he fights his way back to civilization.
THE NETWORK ALSO RUNS A SERIES OF REGULAR PROGRAMS DEDICATED TO THE CRAFT OF FILM MAKING:
* FOX LEGACY Before and after selected Fox films studio Chairman Tom Roth discusses the creation, back stories and end result of the movie's trip from concept to screen. Viewed from the perspective of the production office, some of these insightful “intros” run up to a half hour. Highlights include a recounting of the tumultuous production of 1963’s CLEOPATRA and a two-part sit down discussion with former studio head Richard Zanuck on BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.
* LIFE AFTER FILM SCHOOL:
Designed to coincide with an upcoming theatrical release this refreshingly candid show features three different film school students each episode interviewing a writer, director, producer, animator, etc. on the real world obstacles and triumphs of life in the industry.
* WRITER’S DRAFT:
Mini docs (running approx. 10 mins.) features screenwriters discussing the ins, outs, conflicts and deadlines (oh yeah, and creativity too) involved in writing craft.
Visit the Fox Movie Channel at http://www.foxmoviechannel.com/
