Stars Point To Scorsese’s Glowing Career
One of America’s most gritty and passionate filmmakers is honored in the star-studded “American Film Institute Life Achievement Award: A Salute to Martin Scorsese” (CBS at 10).
Gregory Peck, Jack Lemmon, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Jodie Foster, Winona Ryder, Don Rickles, Kris Kristofferson, James Woods and Kevin Pollack line up to speak of Scorsese’s accomplishments and affable personality. Sharon Stone is the host.
The hour includes clips from films spanning the director’s 28-year career, including “Mean Streets,” “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas” and “Casino.” Just as interesting are highlights of movies he made as a student filmmaker.
Just about everybody who’s anybody is at the AFI gala, which makes this a first-class event for star gazing. Former honoree Lemmon presents an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award to AFI founder George Stevens Jr.
James Woods (“Casino”) tells a sidesplitting story about getting a call from Scorsese at his brother’s video-rental store in Warwick, R.I. The audience collapses in laughter at Woods’ punchline, as the anecdote reveals the quirky perfectionism (assuming it wasn’t a prank) that has made Scorsese a living legend.
Scorsese’s humble acceptance speech is a memorable event, not to be missed by anyone who loves the movie business.
Highlights
“Mark Russell,” KSPS at 7: Russell, who’ll do anything for a laugh, is promoting this as his “coming out” special.
“The Nanny,” CBS at 8: In a pair of repeats, Fran (Fran Drescher) is shunned by Maxwell (Charles Shaughnessy) in Paris and in the second episode decides to date a man who can look beyond her good looks. Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) gueststars as her blind (literally) date.
“Tyson” (1995), FOX at 8: Michael Jai White stars in this undistinguished made-for-cable bio of boxer Mike Tyson. George C. Scott plays Cus D’Amato, the fatherly boxing guru who helped save the young fighter from the streets and guided him into the pro ranks.
Paul Winfield makes for a convincingly cartoonish Don King.
“Where Are They Now?” CBS at 9: The hour catches up with Imelda Marcos, the Von Trapp family (they inspired “The Sound of Music”), former Olympic gymnast Mitch Gaylord, and Kim Phuc (the Vietnamese napalm victim in the 1972 photo symbolizing the atrocities of war). Repeat.
“Basketball,” NBC at 6: The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat meet in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
“American Visions,” KSPS at 8: Time magazine art critic Robert Hughes (“The Shock of the New”) begins an enlightening and erudite eight-part journey through American art and history.
In parts 1 and 2 he addresses colonial painters, early architecture and the formative role of religion in American art.
“Ellen,” ABC at 9:30: Paige (Joely Fisher) takes a home-pregnancy test that puts everyone in a panic. Spence (Jeremy Piven) rethinks his medical career. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Flashdance” (1983), TNT at 5: Though a bit sappy, this dance-filled Cinderella story has its moments, thanks to a spunky (and sexy) performance by Jennifer Beals.
“The Three Lives of Karen” (1997), USA at 9: Gail O’Grady (“NYPD Blue”) stars as an amnesia victim with multiple-personality disorder whose wedding plans are upset by the arrival of a man (Dennis Boutsikaris) who says he is her husband. Unavailable for review.
“Pulp Comics,” COM at 10: Laura Kightlinger performs “unplugged” in a casual half-hour of storytelling that goes about as far as you can go on basic cable.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Vince Vaughn and singer Erykah Badu.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Ellen DeGeneres (“Ellen”), actress Demi Moore and music group Green Day. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Little Richard, Kevin Nealon and clergyman-sociologist Tony Campolo.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Anthony Clark (“Boston Common”) and actor William H. Macy. Repeat.