‘Dateline’ Documents Hope For Stutterers
NBC adds a fourth night of “Dateline NBC” at 10 with an absorbing report by John Hockenberry on a remarkable four-day course that gives new hope to lifelong stutterers.
The course, run by former stutterer David McGuire, promises a transformation. But McGuire also presents a tough challenge.
He conducts the course a bit like a Marine boot camp. He and his assistants are combative, frequently pushing their students to the emotional brink.
He also trains stutterers to develop a new breathing technique. At the end of four days, the students must make a public speech before complete strangers.
Critics point out that McGuire’s success rate has not been clinically documented. But the “Dateline” story shows amazing results.
You won’t quickly forget these individuals who unleash a will to succeed, some of them speaking out - and speaking out about the way society mistreats stutterers - in ways they’ve never been capable of before.
Highlights
“A Friend’s Betrayal” (1996), NBC at 8: This banal melodrama stars Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) as a woman who becomes sexually involved with her best friend’s (Harley Jane Kozak) 18-year-old son (Brian Austin Green, “Beverly Hills, 90210”).
It’s pure trash, redeemed somewhat by Lawrence’s fetching performance as a free-spirited artist who’s just wild enough to do something this dumb. Green, on the other hand, is dull as dirt.
“Tombstone” (1993), FOX at 8: Kurt Russell is Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer is Doc Holliday in this violent, action-filled but otherwise forgettable Western. Repeat.
“World Music Awards,” ABC at 9: The world’s top-selling artists are honored in Monte Carlo. Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi and Princess Stephanie of Monaco host the taped special.
Performers include Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, The Fugees, the Bee Gees, Lionel Richie, Kenny G., Ace of Base, violinist Vanessa-Mae and Los Del Rio (“Macarena”).
Cable Calls
“Make Me Laugh,” COM at 6:30: Ken Ober (“Remote Control”) hosts this new comedy based on a series dating back to 1958. Contestants try to face down top comics and resist the urge to laugh.
In the opener, Jonathan Katz, Wendy Liebman and Greg Behrendt guest-star.
“The Odd Couple on Ice,” NIK at 8:30: Jack Klugman and Tony Randall are reunited for a five-night, 40-episode marathon featuring their favorite “Odd Couple” episodes. The actors are seated before a skating rink as costumed skaters glide by acting out key moments in the episode at hand. Odd, eh?
“Drug Run,” MAX at 9:30: Filmmaker Marc De Beaufort goes deep inside a Colombian cartel for an up-close look at how heroin gets from Colombia to England. Included is an intimate portrait of a so-called mule who smuggles swallowed heroin.
“Karaoke” BRV at 8 and Tuesday at 8: Written by Dennis Potter (“The Singing Detective”), this British drama stars Albert Finney as a screenwriter haunted by the characters in his film “Karaoke,” who begin showing up all around him. The story continues Wednesday and Thursday at 8 in Potter’s sequel “Cold Lazarus.”
Finney is a marvel, portraying an eccentric, boozing genius plunging into the depths of a mental breakdown. Potter’s knack for twisting a plot always keeps you guessing.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Rene Russo.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Model Elle Macpherson, actor Vince Vaughn and singer Jewel.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Dennis Miller, Ann Richards, Mike Farrell and commentator Ann Coulter. Repeat.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Alec Baldwin, actress Penelope Ann Miller and animal expert Clyde Peeling. Repeat.