Kids Still Saying The ‘Darndest Things’
If ever there was a natural to step into Art Linkletter’s role and re-create “Kids Say the Darndest Things” (CBS at 8), it would have to be Bill Cosby.
The Cos is in vintage form in this second special revisiting the kids-interview segments of Linkletter’s “House Party” talk-variety show that aired on CBS from 1952 to 1969.
I like the way this hour is divided.
Cosby opens with a few whimsical recollections of his own boyhood that set the mood nicely. And the hour is punctuated by appearances of grown-ups who recall their appearances - we see them then and now - on Linkletter’s show.
Also, Cosby chats with Linkletter himself, who looks so good you wonder if he’s discovered the fountain of youth. He looks the same as he appears in clips from his original shows.
Kids do still say the darndest things, as you’ll see when Cosby interviews several rather precocious youngsters. And others are really cute when they’re caught in a “Candid Camera”-like setup in which they think they’re co-starring with Cosby in a television spot promoting the appeal of vegetables.
Kids, I’m afraid, will find a lot of this stuff pretty boring. But plenty of adults will watch with fond memories.
Highlights
“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” ABC at 8: When Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) is visited by her hillbilly witch kin, a fight breaks out over a precious family magic book. Loni Anderson (“WKRP in Cincinnati”) and Alice Ghostley (“Bewitched”) guest-star.
“The Visitor,” FOX at 8: The team makes a return trip to Baltimore to question suspects in the death of a 14-year-old model. Evidence begins to point to the dead girl’s father. You’ll be shocked by the outcome.
“20/20,” ABC at 10: Barbara Walters sits down with Barbra Striesand, another reclusive superstar who suddenly welcomes interviews to launch a new project. In this case, it’s Streisand’s new album, “Higher Ground.”
Cable Calls
“William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet”’ (1996), MAX at 8: Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes are the islands of talent floating in this sea of incoherence and heavy-handed moviemaking.
The urban adaptation of the great play is an abomination to anyone who understands the original and a waste of time to younger viewers who might be lured by the young stars of “The Basketball Diaries” and “My So-Called Life.”
If you think I doth protest too much, try sitting through it yourself.
“Amazon Women on the Moon” (1987), TNT at 8: This collection of skits in the style of “The Groove Tube” and “Kentucky Fried Movie” sports many big stars, but most of their efforts go for naught. Michelle Pfeiffer, Rosanna Arquette, Carrie Fisher, Griffin Dunne, Arsenio Hall, Phil Hartman, Andrew Dice Clay and Steve Guttenberg star.
You’d have to be pretty wacked out to laugh your way through this one. The producers sure must have been.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, actress Dina Meyer and singer k.d. lang.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Comedian Don Rickles, actress Heather Graham and singer Lou Reed.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: To be announced.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Director Quentin Tarantino and actress Margot Kidder.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Bill Murray and musical guest Patti Smith.