‘20/20’ Breast Cancer Story A Family Saga
Television - network, cable and local stations - has done an admirable job of pitching in during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with news specials, documentaries and, at CBS, the touching “Murphy Brown” breast-cancer story line.
ABC’s “20/20” at 10 is another fine example of conscientious reporting. Lynn Sherr profiles two sisters who face the likelihood of having the disease.
Lori Edell and her sister Julie knew that four women in their family had died from breast cancer. What they did not anticipate was that medical science would isolate the mutant gene that runs through their family.
“I sort of feel like it’s being told you’re HIV-positive,” Lori tells Sherr. Lori, 38, has opted for a pre-emptive strike - to have her healthy breasts and her ovaries removed. Doctors say that will decrease her chance of having cancer by 90 percent. Prophylactic mastectomy is not uncommon, but it remains controversial.
Julie, 33, has refused to take the gene test. She’s against surgery of any kind, turning instead to spiritual healing.
Sherr’s report is a dramatically told family saga. Beyond the particulars, it illustrates how all women are haunted by the specter of breast cancer and the agonizing choices they face.
Highlights
“Baseball,” NBC at 5: The Indians and Marlins meet in Cleveland for Game 5 of the World Series.
“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: An old family feud is reopened when Russell (Gerald McRaney) sells a piano belonging to Claire’s (Wendy Phillips) Great Aunt Mooster (guest star Cloris Leachman).
“Nothing Sacred,” ABC at 8: There’s more angst for Father Ray (Kevin Anderson) when he discovers that his former flame (Wendy Gazelle) is organizing the parish’s Halloween activities. It’s bad timing. With Father Leo (Brad Sullivan) away, Father Ray finds it difficult to stay in the priestly spirit.
“Between Brothers,” FOX at 8:30: Charles (Kadeem Hardison) makes his pals feel rejected when he hooks up with an old buddy who is connected to the sports world and books him into a string of high-profile social functions.
“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: For the second time this week, a prime-time magazine takes up the topic of adultery. Tuesday it was a John Stossel special on ABC. Tonight, “48 Hours” asks if anyone is playing it straight or if everyone is lying. A CBS poll shows 67 percent of those asked know someone who is cheating. Included: Cheating on the Internet.
Cable Calls
“The Silver Chalice” (1954), AMC at 4 and 10:30 p.m.: It’s hard to find a worse case of a talented cast being wasted than this clunky adaptation of Thomas B. Costain’s novel about a Greek sculptor who crafted the chalice used at the Last Supper.
Paul Newman made his debut in this film, which also stars Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall and Lorne Greene. The story may inspire some viewers, but the movie is so bad Newman once apologized in a trade ad.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Robin Williams, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Olympians Karch Kiraly and Kent Steffes. Repeat.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: From previous broadcasts: Actors Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy and Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”).
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Laura San Giacomo, Michael McKean, Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and radio talk-show host and author Jim Hightower.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Pierce Brosnan and novelist Dean Koontz. Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Sylvester Stallone, musician Loretta Lynn and musical guest Cool for August. Repeat.