Films on TV

Press, 19 December 1989, Page 10

Films on TV

By

DAVE WILSON

TODAY

I-Man (Three; noon; colour; 1986): TV3’s access to the Disney studios’ product means there will be many more movies like this one, a made-for-television film, intended to be the pilot for a family adventure series. Scott Bakula plays the father exposed to a strange chemical who afterwards becomes indestructible. Of course, being Disney, there are kids and dogs along for the action too.

Oliver Twist (One; 12.15 p.m.; colour; 1982): Back in the late 19705, early 1980 s, there was a vogue to re-make, for television, some of the English classics. George C. Scott starred in at least two of them, “Jane Eyre” and this offering. His portrayal of Fagin is as full blooded as you’d expect from the man who won his Oscar for “Patton.” But somehow Clive Donner’s version is always a pale comparison to the 1948 David Lean classic, and there’s never been a screen Fagin to match Alec Guinness. Nevertheless a stalwart supporting cast including Tim Curry (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”) and Michael Hordern lend class to the production.

The Golden Rendezvous (Two; 11.30 p.m.; colour; 1977): A typical Alistair Maclean action film popular in the late 19705, with lashings of shooting and punch ’em ups, but little attempt at character development. Richard Harris auditions for his later role in “The Wild Geese,” this time playing the first officer of a freighter hijacked by mercenaries. Our Richard sets out to sort them out single handed. Gordon Jackson and David Janssen, along with Ann Turkel providing the token love interest, are among the co-stars. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Goldie and the Boxer go to Hollywood (Three; noon; colour; 1981): Once there was an American pro football player named O. J. Simpson who became quite famous because of the game. Later he tried his hand as an actor and even got minor roles in the occasional “A” movie, such as “Capricorn One.” In between he paid the rent making B grade films, like this one. Actually this made-for-television movie is a sequel to 1979’s “Goldie and the Boxer,” but both films have basically the same story — a washed-up boxer is befriended by a cute orphan kid who becomes his manager. They have adventures together on life’s highway.

It Happened One Christmas (One; 12.15 p.m.; colour; 1977): In 1946 Frank Capra made a marvellous fantasy drama, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which starred James Stewart as a suicidal young man saved by an elderly angel, who gives our Jimmy a guided tour back through the high points of his life. The film is available on video and is a bona fide classic. This is the same story, remade for television in 1977 and starring Mario Thomas and Wayne Rogers. Thomas plays the angel. The original is still the best. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Three; 8.30 p.m.; colour; 1988): Yet another made - for - television

movie, and this time cashing in on the Christmas season, but with a real tear-jerker. Hal Holbrook stars as the head of a family dealing with tragedy at Christmas 1944. Their son’s due home on leave from the armed forces but ... Eve Marie Saint co-stars. Up the Chastity Belt (Two; 11.25 p.m.; colour; 1971): Let there be no illusions about this film being great art. It’s a Frankie Howerd comedy from the “Up Pompeii” era, loads of filthy innuendo, the occasional topless starlet and corny music hall jokes. In other words if you are totally undemanding, you might find a giggle here. Howerd plays Lurkalot, a serf in medieval times who becomes involved with Robin Hood and, well, the story doesn’t matter. Frankie’s ogling of passing women and carefully scripted oneliners had British audiences falling about laughing in their day. A third film, “Up the Front,” followed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 My Town and Ask Max (Three; noon; colour; 1986): A bit sneaky, TV3 labelling these two 50minute Disney featurettes as “movies.” Glenn Ford and Meredith Salenger star in “My Town” as city folk adjusting to life in a small town. In “Ask Max” Jeff B. Cohen plays a 12-year-old inventor who develops a jumping bicycle and eventually helps prevent a factory closing down. In Disney movies even redundancies can be prevented by smart kids. Little Lord Fauntleroy (One; 12.15 p.m.; colour; 1980): You can just imagine all the schoolchildren settling down on holiday to watch this film. It’s yet another remake, and yet another made-for-television film, but with a good cast. Ricky Schroder (“Silver Spoons”) plays the title role as an American poor boy who suddenly discovers he is heir to his grandfather’s estate in Britain. Alec Guinness and Connie Booth (“Fawlty Towers”) costar. This is the third version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story, following a silent movie in 1921 and the definitive movie version, made in 1936, starring Freddie Bartholomew.

The Absent-Minded Professor (Three; 7.30 p.m.; black and white; 1960): One of the Disney studios’ big hits, and deservedly so. This is the delightful tale of Professor Ned Brainard, wonderfully played by Fred Mac Murry, who invents flying rubber (Flubber) and drives through the sky in his model T Ford. Tommy Kirk and Keenan Wynn co-star, and this may be a colourised version of the film, which should not diminish its family appeal. The box office appeal of Flubber was recognised with a sequel, “Son of Flubber,” in 1964.

Serial (Two; 11.35 p.m.; colour; 1980): Noticed the fall-off in over-all film quality as we approach Christmas? This is yet another B-grade movie getting its first screening in New Zealand. “Serial” is a satire on small-town America and thus is likely to lose a lot of impact way down here. Everybody, from Tuesday Weld to Christopher Lee, gets a look in.