History is on our minds this weekend. We’re excited to honor Clarence Brown with his very own film festival. Ironically, this Festival kicks off 50 years after the first local Clarence Brown Film Festival was held in Knoxville in 1973. As they say, history has a way of repeating itself. So here we are!
The Festival starts today (8/16/23) in Happy Holler with a walking tour of Clarence Brown’s childhood neighborhood, and runs through Sunday, August 20, ending with a screening of Rudolf Valentino in The Eagle at the Tennessee Theatre.
Whether you’re a film buff or love learning about local legends and history, you’re in for a treat. This week is packed with tours, talks, and of course, screenings. Make your plans as there’s a lot going on. It’s all free and open to the public. See the schedule of events below.
Clarence Brown with the MGM lion
History Hootenanny
Film in general is lending to the theme of the History Hootenanny being held at the East Tennessee History Center on Saturday. Everyone is invited to join us for a “hoot of a good time” at a showcase of the best of the East Tennessee History Center and partners at this open house. Guests can enjoy live music, children’s activities, a used local history book sale, Knoxville walking tours, shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville, genealogy workshops and more!
History Hootenanny is a free, public history event organized in partnership by the East Tennessee Historical Society and Knox County Public Library
When streetcars were new
In more history news, the latest addition to the McClung Collection’s online digital collection is a 183-page photograph album of images by local photographer Jim Thompson, chronicling the 1904-1907 installation of streetcar tracks throughout Knoxville and Knox County. On the back of each photograph is written an identification of the job number, date and location for each photo.
The images provide a fascinating look at neighborhoods such as Lonsdale, Fort Sanders, Parkridge, South Knoxville and Downtown, offering views not often seen in early 20th century photographs. The pages are numbered based on the original order of the album when it was donated to the McClung Collection. Each page has been scanned and the individual photograph identifications added to each page record.
The album can be viewed online. It nicely complements the Joe Carroll Bell Streetcar Collection at McClung.
Schedule for the Clarence Brown Film Festival
The Clarence Brown Film Festival has finally arrived, and we are giddy. Whether you’re a film buff or love learning about local legends and history, you’re in for a treat. This week is packed with tours, talks, and of course, screenings.
TALKS:
- Farran Smith Nehme on Classic and Pre-Code Hollywood, Aug 17 | Noon | East Tennessee History Center (lunch provided)
- Jack Neely | Clarence Brown’s Hometown (new research), Aug 17 | 6 p.m. | In person or on Zoom
- Panel Discussion on Clarence Brown’s Films | Smith, Maland & Young | Aug 18 | Noon | East Tennessee History Center (lunch provided)
KEYNOTE:
Clarence Brown: Hollywood Great | Gwenda Young, Aug 18 | 4 | UT Hodges Auditorium | Parking at White Ave Garage
Q& A and Book Signing with Claude Jarman Jr. and Gwenda Young following The Yearling | Aug 19 | 2 | Tennessee Theatre
Panel Discussion on Intruder in the Dust with Bob Booker and Claude Jarman Jr., moderated by Chuck Maland | Aug 20 | 1:30 | Tennessee Theatre
TOURS:
- Happy Holler Happy Hour & Walking Tour | Laura Still, Aug 16 | Central Flats and Taps | 5:30 Note: The walking tour is full, but join us at Central Flats and Taps to celebrate the Festival opening
- Aug 17 & 18 | Guided Tour of Lights! Camera! East Tennessee! Exhibition | 1:15 – 2:15 | East Tennessee History Center
- Aug 18 | Behind the Scenes Tour and Reception | 6:30 | Clarence Brown Theatre | Parking at McClung Garage
SCREENINGS:
- Aug 17 | 7:15 | Smouldering Fires | Central Cinema
- Aug 18 | 8:15 | National Velvet (outdoor) | CBT Plaza
- Aug 19 | Noon| The Yearling | The Tennessee Theatre
- Aug 19 | 4 | Anna Karenina | Tennessee Theatre
- Aug 19 | 8 | The Signal Tower | Tennessee Theatre
- Aug 20 | 2 | Intruder in the Dust | Tennessee Theatre
- Aug 20 | 5 | The Eagle | Tennessee Theatre
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library