Take Time To See Intriguing ‘Stranger’

Back for another run is one of the top-10 1995 TV films.

CBS’ “A Stranger in Town” (Sunday at 9), about a woman held hostage by a mysterious man named Barnes, may sound like typical movie-of-the-week fodder, but don’t be misled by such a contrived-sounding plot.

“Stranger” is based on R.T. Marcus’ play “Higher Laws.” It’s a white-knuckle suspense yarn that unfolds with one engrossing revelation after another.

Jean Smart stars as Kay Tarses, single mother of a delicate infant boy born prematurely six months ago. Tarses opens her door to a traveling photographer (Gregory Hines) who’s down to his last dime.

Once inside, he refuses to leave, beginning a terrifying cat-and-mouse game. Is he a robber? A rapist?

Or is there more to the woman than meets the eye?

The story plays out much the way it would on stage. It’s a refreshing, even-paced departure from typical slam-bam TV-movie fare.

Hines renders a lofty performance, and Smart is a convincing bundle of raw-nerved fear.

Make a date to see this clever drama.

Highlights

“Seduced and Betrayed” (1995), NBC tonight at 9: Viewer beware. This repeat is a Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) tale.

She plays an evil and ultimately psychotic seductress who hires a hunky contractor (David Charvet) to do some work at her mansion.

This is yet another movie that portrays women as predatory, devious and manipulative. Don’t be seduced into watching this; you’ll feel betrayed early on.

“Legend of the Ruby Silver” (1996), ABC tonight at 9: This modern-day gold rush tale (actually it’s more like silver rush) has a group of folks with dollar signs in their eyes searching for silver in a once-legendary mine.

John Schneider plays the mine’s owner who enlists a single mom (Rebecca Jenkins), her son (Jonathan Jackson, “General Hospital”) and a has-been miner (Bruce Weitz). You can guess the rest as the group faces hardships on its way to glory. Repeat.

“Saturday Night Live,” NBC tonight at 11:30: This repeat features Madeline Kahn as host and Bush as the musical guest.

“Why Planes Go Down,” FOX Sunday at 7: Are you curious about air crashes? This repeat hour covers airplane crashes and includes an update on the ValuJet DC-9 mishap in the Everglades.

In addition, the show, hosted by Gillian Anderson (“X-Files”), offers a guide to travelers on how to reduce the chances of being in an accident.

“Mad About You,” NBC Sunday at 8: You can see conclusive evidence that this show is a comedic joy. This rerun is full of flashbacks of some of the series’ funnier spoofs on New York City, marriage and relationships. Repeat.

“The Simpsons,” FOX Sunday at 8: Glenn Close lends her voice to the animated sitcom as Homer Simpson’s mother.

Mom, much to Homer’s surprise, is alive. She turns up on the Simpson doorstep with not only clever rejoinders but an unusual tale about her disappearance. Repeat.

“Betrayed by Love” (1994), ABC Sunday at 9: The purpose of this movie is to chronicle the alleged first time an FBI agent murdered an informant. Since the agent (Steven Weber) confesses to the murder, there isn’t much of a story, except to show steamy love scenes between the agent and the informant (Patricia Arquette).

Cable Calls

“Investigative Reports,” A&E tonight at 6 and 10: “Cops … or Criminals” travels to Cajun country to trace corruption in the New Orleans Police Department. It’s an eye-opener.

“Weird Science,” USA tonight at 10: This unique sitcom turns into a musical menagerie when Lisa creates a chorus and crooning pirates. The jokes are on Gilbert and Sullivan in this fun-loving half-hour. Another episode follows.

“The Indian in the Cupboard” (1995), HBO Sunday at 6: The writer of magical “E.T.,” Melissa Mathison, also scripted this film, which lacks much of the charm of her earlier movies. Some of the themes, however, are similar.

“Indian” is about a young boy (Hal Scardino) who tries to hide from his mother in a magical cabinet that turns plastic toys into life forms.

Soon the secret is out, and the 3-inch miniatures are having all sorts of problems, such as how to deal with an older brother’s pet rat. (This fantasy tale, which at times borders on horror, may be frightening for young children.)

“The Concert for the Prince’s Trust,” HBO Sunday at 8: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and Alanis Morissette participate in this benefit at London’s Hyde Park. The highlight is a light show to “Quadrophenia,” the Who’s 1973 rock opera.

“Outer Limits: Out of Body,” SHO Sunday at 10: This eerie tale stars Peri Gilpin as a scientist studying out-of-body experiences. When her funding is pulled, she uses herself as a test subject, setting off unexplained occurrences.

Movie Marquee

“Tequila Sunrise” (1988), NBC Sunday at 8:30: Robert Towne’s tale of a romantic triangle among a restaurant owner (Michelle Pfeiffer), a cop (Kurt Russell) and a retired drug kingpin (Mel Gibson) runs out of steam early on.

The stars have lots of chemistry, but the predictable script never sizzles. Look for the late Raul Julia and Arye Gross in pivotal roles.