TCM taps Lithgow for film series for kids

NEW YORK, April 24 (UPI) -- Turner Classic Movies says it has named U.S. actor John Lithgow as host of the second edition of its TCM Essentials Jr. film series.

Abigail Breslin and Chris O'Donnell, stars of the family-friendly movie "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," presented last year's TCM Essentials Jr. programming.

Lithgow has won Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe awards for acting and is also a popular children's book author.

TCM said he will present 13 films "ideal for parents to introduce to their kids," beginning June 7 with the 1942 musical classic "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

"We're proud to celebrate the second summer of TCM Essentials Jr. with John Lithgow, who is not only an acclaimed actor, but also a champion of educating children, which he does through his beloved books and his numerous activities designed to introduce kids to poetry and classical music," TCM's Charles Tabesh said in a statement. "We look forward to working with John as we provide a perfect opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the movies they loved when they were young."

The showcase is set to run each Sunday throughout the summer and will feature such films as "To Have and Have Not," "Father of the Bride," "The Philadelphia Story," "Mr. Hulot's Holiday," "The African Queen," "An American in Paris," "High Noon," "Heaven Can Wait," "Notorious," "It Happened at the World's Fair," "Gaslight" and "You Can't Take It With You."