What's On Cable Tonight?
Here's a take on what is available on cable television tonight:
In tonight's battle of biotainment TV, the "E! True Hollywood Story" takes a two-hour look at the life and career of Dean Martin, a major star in his day who seemed to play the drunk straight-man in the "Rat Pack" crowd. That begins at 8 p.m. CDT. Meanwhile, an hour earlier over on A&E, "Biography" takes an hour-long look at the career of Ed McMahon.
If you are a buff of detection, or fascinated by police work, The Discovery Channel has a couple of shows right up your alley. At 8 p.m. CDT, the cable channel shows up with an hour-long show called "The New Detectives: A Case Study in Forensic Science" which tracks how police go about trying to find a girl who disappeared without a seeming trace. That's followed up at 9 p.m. CDT by "The FBI Files" which track the case of two brothers who abduct a banker.
Over on the USA Network, the channel plays a critically-acclaimed slice-of-life flick set in Louisiana in the early 1960s. "Eve's Bayou" follows the life of a prosperous black family through the eyes of a young daughter who accidentally discovers her father with another woman. There's a surprise ending here, and the movie sports a very strong cast and an excellent story. It runs from 8 to 10:30 p.m. CDT.
VH1 is offering up a replay of the recent Arista Records 25th Anniversary celebration party that took place earlier this year and was shown on NBC. It's the show with the appearance by Whitney Houston that made headlines. Other acts include Sarah McLachlan, Carly Simon, Santana, Alan Jackson, Annie Lennox, Kenny G. That starts at 8 p.m. CDT.
Starting later in the evening, over on Bravo, is an early '80s flick called "Star 80 about the tragic murder of Playboy centerfold Dorothy Stratten, the victim of a murder/suicide at the hands of husband and manager who is jealous at her success and unable to accept his role in her life. The husband is played by Eric Roberts as only he can play an evil, mean man. The flick starts at 9:30 p.m. CDT.
The Comedy Channel shows up with an inane, juvenile comedy if you're looking for something goofy to watch tonight. The title of the flick is "Booty Call" which just about says it all, doesn't it?
In sports on cable, ESPN offers up a Women's World Cup qualifying match involving the reigning world champion U.S. team versus the soccer-rich country of Brazil in a game played in Foxboro, Mass. That starts at 7 p.m. CDT. Over on ESPN2, NASCAR is in control from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CDT.
Overnight on A&E is what can only be described as among the most classic of juvenile comedies, in fact I'm wondering if "Caddyshack" didn't create a whole new genre of movies. The flick is the second major movie for Bill Murray and his slovenly and worrisome groundskeeper character is certainly the role he is most closely linked to in the mind of movie goers. The movie is also the directorial debut of Harold Ramis, who since has a string of solid comedies to his directing credit. The classic comedy from 1980 runs from 3 to 5 a.m. CDT on A&E.
VCR Watch: Here's a heads up on overnight programs you may consider taping.
Compiled by Staff Writer Parker Hodges.
