Show Up For A Refreshing ‘Wedding’
One of American literature’s most endearing coming-of-age novels gets fine treatment in USA’s adaptation of “The Member of the Wedding” at 9.
Academy Award-winner Anna Paquin (“The Piano”) stars as feisty 12-year-old Frankie Addams, and Emmy-winner Alfre Woodard (“Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law”) plays her family cook, Berenice Sadie Brown.
Frankie’s poetic journey into adulthood, set in the 1940s, involves her grown-up excitement over her brother Jarvis’ (Matt McGrath) upcoming wedding, as well as her first illicit encounter with a “red-haired soldier” (Jack Landry). Her ambivalence is expressed in conversations with Berenice and her younger cousin, John Henry (Corey Dunn).
One memorable exchange comes when Frankie models the dress she’s picked out for the wedding - an inappropriately adult, off-the-shoulder and bright orange gown. Berenice is stunned.
“I think you’re just not accustomed to seeing anybody dressed up,” complains Frankie. “I am not accustomed to seeing a human Christmas tree in August,” Berenice replies freshly.
Paquin is captivating in an evocative, keenly paced performance. Woodard, as always, is rock solid, etched in intensity and compassion.
They do justice to McCullers’ carefully crafted characters. Every second they’re on the screen together is magical.
Those familiar with the book (and faithful 1952 film adaptation) may be disappointed in USA’s gentler ending. It diminishes the tale’s impact but maintains Frankie’s bittersweet resolve.
“The Member of the Wedding” is a small triumph. a warm and welcome break from made-for-TV fare.
Highlights
“Grace Under Fire,” ABC at 8: There’s more trouble for Grace (Brett Butler) when her son Quentin (Jon Paul Steuer) is arrested for trespassing and theft. Making things worse, it’s Wade’s (Casey Sander) new partner who insists on making the arrest.
“Pearl,” CBS at 8:30: In a clever half-hour Pearl (Rhea Perlman) and two of her classmates attempt to break into Pynchon’s (Malcolm McDowell) house and replace a paper sabotaged by another student, “Weird Guy Bob” (Seth Green). To do so, they employ tactics that are a play on “Mission Impossible.”
“Coast to Coast,” CBS at 9: Scheduled is a profile of a wildlife advocate fighting to save mustangs on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 9: You’re in for a good time when Drew and his pals close down their Buzz Beer brewery business by throwing a free beer party. When word spreads (Mimi’s work), all of Cleveland turns out, including Little Richard, Joe Walsh, NFL Superstar Bernie Kosar and Cleveland Mayor Michael White.
“Great Performances,” KSPS at 10: “Robert Altman’s Jazz ‘34” features musical footage cut from his recent film “Kansas City” and incorporated into a companion film. Fans of Count Basie, Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins will love the sounds recreated by contemporary artists.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 10: The hour includes the story of a survivor of a 1996 hostage-taking in which a disgruntled former employee held one-time co-workers for six tense hours.
Cable Calls
“Indictment: The McMartin Trial” (1995), LIFE at 9: Every story has two sides, and this excellent HBO docudrama pleads the case of the defense in the highly volatile 1980s McMartin child-abuse trial.
The movie, which stars Mercedes Ruehl, James Woods, Sada Thompson and Shirley Knight, takes shots at overzealous prosecutors, inept social workers and especially the media, shown here as sharks in a feeding frenzy. One reporter is having an affair with the prosecution’s star witness, played by Lolita Davidovich.
Woods sparkles in this compelling film.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Kevin Spacey.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: CBS News anchor Dan Rather, Jane Leeves (“Frasier”) and singer Tori Amos.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Albert Brooks, Stefanie Powers, Jimmie Walker and syndicated columnist Maggie Gallagher.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Suzanne Somers and musical guest Luscious Jackson.