“The Power of Film” An Original TCM Documentary Series Premieres Jan 4

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has announced a new documentary series called The Power of Film. The series will explore some of the greatest American classic films from the past century. Hosted by renowned UCLA professor emeritus Howard Suber, each episode will dive deep into the art of storytelling by examining the defining principles and inner workings of beloved films.

The six-part series will premiere on January 4 at 8pm ET, with new episodes airing every Thursday. The series is executive produced by Doug Pray and Laura Gabbert, and is based on Suber’s book of the same title. The Power of Film aims to go beyond a traditional masterclass by using Suber’s structured framework, teachings, and insights, along with nearly 50 dramatic movie scenes, to create an engaging narrative.

Suber, who is a founding chair of UCLA’s Film and Television Producers Program and one of the founders of the UCLA Film Archive, is honored to have the series shown on TCM. He praises TCM’s commitment to the history of American films, and discusses in depth nearly all of the 17 memorable American films that will be featured alongside the series.

Suber’s impact on the entertainment industry and his deep understanding of cinema have inspired countless careers throughout his 53 years of teaching. He has received the highest honor bestowed upon a retired faculty member, the Dickson Emeritus Professorship Award. With his extensive history of analyzing films and television, Suber has uncovered the mysteries surrounding what makes a film popular and memorable across generations.

The Power of Film is directed by Laura Gabbert, written by Howard Suber, and written by Doug Pray who also serves as supervising editor. Pray and Gabbert previously studied under and worked closely with Suber at the UCLA School of Film, Theater, and Television where they received their MFA.

The following is a complete schedule for The Power of Film:  

Thursday, January 4 at 8pm ET | Part 1 – Popular and Memorable  

Many of Hollywood’s most financially successful films tend to fade from memory rather rapidly. But only a small percentage leave an indelible mark that continues to be passed down through the years. In this series, we look at classic films that made an impression by re-creating famous scenes from them. Howard Suber wonders in this episode why this tiny minority maintains its power.

Thursday, January 11 at 8pm ET | Part 2 – Trapped  

Traps appear in almost every great story, whether it’s a film or a true story. The most moving ones often center on the protagonist’s or heroine’s struggle to break free of their ensnarement and the sacrifices they must make along the way.

Thursday, January 18 at 8pm ET | Part 3 – Character Relationships 

Only the relationships between characters are interesting; interesting characters themselves do not exist. The most iconic dramatic plots, like the most enduring myths and religions, revolve on a central figure who the other characters and the plot’s most crucial events all center on.

Thursday, January 25 at 8pm ET | Part 4 – Heroes and Villains  

Justice, dedication, and selflessness are often absent in real life, but they make up for it in great cinema. Many times, the protagonists and antagonists in a film drama are essentially interchangeable.

Thursday, February 1 at 8pm ET | Part 5 – The Power of Paradox  

Things aren’t always what they seem in great films, and the suspense is usually built around discovering the truth about characters and situations. The film’s truth is frequently contradictory, but that’s part of what draws us in.

Thursday, February 8 at 8pm ET | Part 6 – Love and Meaning  

Even though it’s commonly said that a Hollywood film needs a happy ending to be successful, it’s surprising how many iconic love stories conclude with the lovers’ separation or death. The underlying paradox of the film is often the key to understanding why it stays with us.