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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Warm Up Once Again To The Waltons

Faye Zuckerman New York Times Syndicate

The last time the Walton clan congregated on Walton Mountain was for John-Boy’s (Richard Thomas) wedding in a 1995 TV movie. Two years later, the beloved family is back to celebrate Easter 1970 and the 40th wedding anniversary of parents John (Ralph Waite) and Olivia (Michael Learned).

John-Boy’s wife Janet (Kate McNeil) is eight months pregnant, but that doesn’t detour John-Boy from returning home with her in tow. (Yes, expect a lengthy birthing scene when Janet goes into labor prematurely.)

Who cares how predictable “A Walton Easter” (CBS Sunday at 9) is? It feels great to return to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and check in with the loving Waltons.

Old friends Jason, Mary Ellen, Erin, Ben, Jim-Bob and even Elizabeth may look older, but they still face universal coming-of-age issues, sibling rivalry and identity crises. It’s a treat to be invited to their Easter festivities.

“Walton Easter” is as sentimental as ever, especially when the Baldwin sisters (they are true relics played by Mary Jackson and Helen Kleeb) get into the act. The two old spinsters have decided to retire and ceremoniously give their father’s precious recipe for moonshine to John-Boy and his father.

It’s hard to resist the nostalgia factor.

Highlights

“The Cotton Incorporated Ultimate Four,” NBC tonight at 8: - Competing are the usual skating suspects - Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, Paul Wylie, Michelle Kwan, Yuka Sato, Chen Lu, Todd Eldredge, Kurt Browning, and Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd Eisler The winner will receive nearly $1 million

“A Gala For the President at Ford’s Theatre,” ABC tonight at 10: Musicians, a ventriloquist, illusionists, comedians, actors and dancers perform for the President Clinton and the first lady. Bill Maher acts politically incorrect, the Pendragons deliver magic, and Natalie Cole hosts. Kevin Spacey pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln.

“A Few Good Men” (1992), NBC Sunday at 8: Rob Reiner directed this tightly wound military whodunit that made a mark for itself on Broadway. Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson and Kiefer Sutherland retell the tale of two young Marines accused of murdering a member of their platoon on a naval base. The courtroom scenes are heady and talky but engaging nonetheless. Repeat.

Cable Calls

“Diabolique (1996), HBO tonight at 8: This remake of the 1955 hit is a true miss. It’s boring and slow moving with no payoff at the end.

Sharon Stone, Isabelle Adjani and Chazz Palminteri co-star.

“National Lampoon’s Dad’s Week Off” (1997), TMC tonight at 9: The raunchy comedy stars Henry Winkler as an overworked salesman whose doctor has ordered bed rest. He sends his wife and kids off on a camping trip hoping for a week of peace and quiet.

It never happens. His week off turns into a slew of mishaps involving gangs, a female stalker (Olivia d’Abo), an inquiring boss and cops.

“Scams, Schemes & Scoundrels,” A&E Sunday at 5 and 9: Master con men have always existed, and this hour profiles some of the most notorious ones.

“Intimate Portrait: Bette Midler,” LIFE Sunday at 10: The rags-to-riches tale of entertainer Bette Midler is chronicled in this hourlong documentary. The singer-actress (named after Bette Davis) had early beginnings in singles bars, steam baths and nightclubs. You’ll find rare and unusual visuals here.

Parents’ Pick

“About Us: The Dignity of Children,” ABC tonight at 8: For a powerful two hours, tune in this show in which children from all walks of life reflect on childhood. These young people offer insights, wisdom, innocence and raw honesty that should be enjoyed by the whole family.

Some of it is whimsical. Some of it serious as kids wonder about child abuse and why their parents hit them.

Oprah Winfrey hosts this documentary in which she recalls her own troubled childhood and admits her fear of being alone. Several adults look back on their own experiences, giving the program a teary remember-when feel.

You’ll think about this show long after it ends.

Movie Marquee

“The Ten Commandments” (1956), ABC Sunday at 8; Monday at 9: Cecil B. DeMille’s biblical masterpiece, which has been airing on the small screen since 1973, returns with a slightly new look. The sound and visuals have been digitally enhanced.

“Commandments”’ Oscar-winning special effects (the parting of the Dead Sea, the burning bush and the creation of the tablets) will seem even more spectacular than in past years. This tale of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, starring Charlton Heston as Moses, seems to only get better with age.

Savor it like a good wine.

xxxx SPOKANE MOVIE “Ronnie and Julie” (1997), SHOW Sunday at 8: Welcome to “Romeo and Juliet” set in 1997 Spokane. The son, Ronnie, (Joshua Jackson) and daughter, Julie (Margot Finley), of opposing mayoral candidates have fallen in love. Their secret tryst is made public (via a videotape taken on the fly), and you can guess the rest, except this is a comedy, so there’s no double suicide. Calling this one lightweight is a compliment. The production values are so poor, you may mistake it for a cheap daytime soap opera. Why mess with Shakespeare? Wasn’t his version good enough?