‘Circle’ A Charming Coming-Of-Age Story
With little to lose with the Olympics going full tilt on CBS, NBC schedules what some people might call “a good little film” that at any other time wouldn’t be a strong enough candidate for prime time.
Chris O’Donnell and Minnie Driver star in 1995’s “Circle of Friends” at 9, a poignant and romantic tale set in Ireland in the 1950s. O’Donnell plays a young Dublin University rugby player named Jack who finds a soul mate in a student named Benny, played with disarming and unglamorous charm by Minnie Driver.
She is drawn to his sincerity and ability to talk endlessly with her about things she thinks are important. He loves her because of her intelligence, wisdom and her winning smile.
There are complications: Benny’s father expects her to marry the young man (Alan Cummings) who manages his store; Jack disappoints Benny by being untrue.
Pat O’Connor, who directed 1984’s “Cal,” once again has created an enticing coming-of-age story featuring smartly drawn characters.
Highlights
“Olympics,” CBS at 8: Among the events available for coverage: alpine skiing (live coverage of the women’s downhill); figure skating (ice dancing compulsories); speedskating (women’s 500m, first run); luge (doubles); and ice hockey (men’s report). Late-night coverage begins at 12:35 a.m. with live coverage of U.S. men’s hockey.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 8: An update of a report from last year concerns a deadly fire in Seattle that might have been averted had authorities responded to an informant’s warning. Now a legal loophole may allow the arsonist to go free.
“Titanic: Breaking New Ground,” FOX at 9: This hour includes interviews with director James Cameron and stars of the blockbuster movie. Also featured are unreleased footage from the film as well as interviews with Titanic survivors.
“Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” ABC at 9: After Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) rejects his declarations of love, Roland the troll (Phil Fondacaro, reprising a role from last season) steals her heart - literally. Hilda and Zelda (Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick) enlist the help of Cupid (Patrick T. O’Brien) to save the day.
“20/20,” ABC at 10: A scheduled report by Arnold Diaz reveals new dangers caused by the use of oxygen in hospital operating rooms.
Cable Calls
“Footnotes,” BRV at 4: “Male Dancer” looks at the men of dance from Nijinsky to Nureyev. Followed at 4:30 by “Cinderella,” which examines the ballet that became the cornerstone of the Royal Ballet of London. Two more episodes of the four-part dance miniseries air a week from tonight.
“How a Gentleman Should Treat a Lady,” LIF at 8: Country star Billy Dean hosts this hour exploring courtship, love, respect and marriage. You’ll hear from men and women on the street as well as experts who lead relationship seminars.
“Scattered Dreams: The Kathryn Messenger Story” (1993), LIF at 9: Tyne Daly portrays an illiterate, destitute and naive woman who must fight for custody of her children after she and her husband (Gerald McRaney) are wrongly accused of fraud and sent to jail.
She fights back (and learns how to read) to get her kids back in time for a Christmas celebration.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Sharon Stone, 7-year-old actress Emily Young and musical group Sounds of Blackness.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Singers LeAnn Rimes and Bryan White.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: French Stewart and Merv Griffin.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Adam Sandler, actor Marlon Wayans and musical guest Kenny Wayne Shepherd.