Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 15, 1993 TAG: 9309150030
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ken Parish Perkins Dallas Morning News
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
On the eve of the so-called 500-channel universe "niche" that cable channels are expected to debut later this year and next it's important to note that major players like HBO, Showtime, Disney, A&E, Turner and ESPN will continue to dominate cable programming.
So instead of a 500-channel universe, at least for now, we're looking at a solar system of, oh, 150 to 175 channels, at best.
What's certain is this: Program for program, cable will continue to clobber the networks in providing innovative, interesting television.
That said, it's hardly surprising that one of the most controversial and anticipated programs this fall, cable, network or otherwise, comes from HBO.
"And the Band Played On" is the television movie no one wanted to make. It's about AIDS. NBC had the rights to the film but dropped it shortly after ABC's movie on Rock Hudson (who died of AIDS) suffered a ratings crash.
Based on Randy Shilts' 1987 bestseller, "Band" chronicles the beginnings of the AIDS epidemic and its progression from minor scare to worldwide catastrophe.
The cast is impressive. Richard Gere, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Anjelica Huston, Alan Alda, Sir Ian McKellen, Phil Collins and Swoosie Kurtz make appearances.
Here's a look at other cable programming worth checking out this fall:
"Civil War Journal," A&E (Sept. 8): Actor Danny Glover hosts this weekly documentary series about the great battles and epic themes of the Civil War. Each week the series tackles a different theme.
"Great Books," The Learning Channel (Sept. 8): A three-program event narrated by actor Donald Sutherland takes a look at how some of literature's masterpieces had profound effects on our view of the world. First installments: Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Sir Thomas Malory's "Mort D'Arthur."
"The Wrong Man," Showtime (Sept. 5): This Showtime original movie has gotten more attention for its eroticism than its superb cast and promising premise. John Lithgow ("Cliffhanger"), Kevin Anderson ("Sleeping With the Enemy") and Rosanna Arquette ("Nowhere to Run") star in this story of three travel companions who get mixed up in mystery, danger and, of course, sex.
"Leonard Bernstein's 75th," A&E (Sept. 9): Star-studded musical conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, in celebration of the late composer's birthday.
"The Operation," The Learning Channel (Sept. 29): The squeamish need not watch. This series will take viewers into the operating room, showing medical cases from exploration to actual surgery.
"Tracey Ullman: Takes on New York," HBO (October) and "A Class Act" (November): A double dose of Tracey Ullman in specials. "Takes on New York" consists of three vignettes depicting outsiders' experiences in the city. Guests: Blythe Danner ("Prince of Tides"), Jill Eikenberry ("L.A. Law"), Michael Tucker ("L.A. Law"), Michael York ("Cabaret").
In "A Class Act" are segments set in a powder room, an elite girls' school and a trans-Atlantic flight, along with a parody of the documentary feature film "35 Up."
"A Life in the Theatre," TNT (Oct. 9): Jack Lemmon and Matthew Broderick star in this David Mamet production about performers - backstage one's career is going up, the other's down. Still, during one season of repertory plays, their struggles are the same.
"Edward R. Murrow Special," The Discovery Channel (Oct. 18): A three-hour, in-depth profile of the pioneering newsman. Hosted by Charles Kuralt, it features archival footage, radio broadcasts and commentary from colleagues, relatives and friends.
"Making Babies ... Later," The Learning Channel (Nov. 30): Explores a future where women can control the major biological milestones in their lives, including the possibility of extending their childbearing years beyond menopause.
"Spirits of the Rainforest," Discovery (Oct. 26): Considered the network's most ambitious project to date, it includes nine programs that enter the world of the Manu Reserve in Peru and the wild animals and natives who call it home.
"Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman," Showtime (December): Daryl Hannah stars in this remake of the 1958 B-movie updated with '90s sensibilities. Hannah calls it "a feminist version." Her Nancy Archer is out searching for her cheating husband (Daniel Baldwin) when confronted by an alien spaceship on a deserted road. Her increasing heights bolster her confidence and control over her life. Wait till you hear her roar.
"The Story Of Dogs," A&E (Dec. 5): Talk about comprehensive. This six-parter plans to leave few questions in its quest to explain man's best friend.
"The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker," Showtime (December): Original trial transcripts from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., are being used to re-create this little-known trial of a young black cadet who claimed he was beaten by white cadets in 1881. He was forced to defend himself to the U.S. Military Academy, which accused him of inflicting injuries to himself to discredit the academy. Samuel Jackson and Sam Waterston star.
by CNB