How Christ the King arrived in Hollywood right on cue

In Los Angeles for the TCM Film Festival, Mary Claire Kendall reflects on how sin and redemption have long played a part in the history of Tinseltown.

After seven years away from Hollywood, the sense of drama is as palpable as ever.

I came to soak in the TCM Classic Film Festivalwhich shines a bright light on some of America’s greatest cinema. There is also lots of oohing and aahing over such ephemera as Gary Cooper’s tuxedo displayed in a nearby Hollywood museum. But amid the glamor, something rings hollow.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Gary Cooper was gorgeous in a tuxedo.


And John Travolta, who rejoined the cast of Pulp Fiction opening night of the fest for its 30th anniversary has a still-pulsating electric presence. Clearly the old magic is still there. He showed up with his daughter Ella, who radiated loveliness. Definitely her father’s daughter, Ella gave his dance floor twists a big thumb’s up.

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