Scratch Your Head Over ‘Greatest Magic’
You won’t believe your eyes.
That’s all I can say about “The World’s Greatest Magic IV” (NBC at 8), perhaps the most astounding two hours of magic ever to hit prime time.
Top magicians, illusionists and card manipulators from around the world perform in the special, taped in Las Vegas.
It’s capped by a bewildering stunt by Lance Burton. The only way that I can figure out how he did it involves a twin brother and a junkyard with a trap door you can drive a squad car through.
I do have a complaint, however. Host John Ritter only slows things down with his cutesy bits between the acts.
As much can be said about some of the parlor tricks that are demonstrated along the way.
I know they’re there for variety and to give the show a certain rhythm. But if they’re crowding out just one more of these international stars, it’s a shame.
Among the more baffling illusions: A helicopter appears from what seems to be thin air; a steel blade passes through a man’s neck; and a woman produces card after card from her fingertips in ways you can’t imagine.
Tomorrow, feast on turkey. Tonight, gather the family and feast on magic.
Highlights
“Spin City,” ABC at 8: Three cheers for the clever decision to cast Meredith Baxter as Mike’s (Michael J. Fox) mother. In the conclusion of a two-part episode Mike has to chose between giving the mayor an alibi or protecting Mom’s honor.
“Rookie of the Year” (1993), FOX at 8: The kids love the idea behind this baseball fantasy about a 12-year old (Thomas Ian Nicholas) who suddenly acquires the ability to fire a 100-mile-an-hour fastball. Will he be the Chicago Cubs’ salvation?
Daniel Stern (who directed) also stars.
“Dharma and Greg,” ABC at 8:30: It’s Thanksgiving for the newlyweds with Dharma and Jane (Jenna Elfman, Shae D’lyn) in charge of the meal. They’re almost as funny in the kitchen as Lucy and Ethel.
“Vaudeville: An American Masters Special,” KSPS at 8: This two-hour-long documentary traces the history of vaudeville and its role in the history of American mass entertainment. It’s a priceless collection of archived film material, though it meanders at times. Ben Vereen narrates.
“Ellen,” ABC at 9:30: Laurie (Lisa Darr) prepares for a romantic evening, but Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) is, not surprisingly, a little uneasy about taking their relationship to “the next level.”
Parents’ Picks
“The Princess Stallion” (1996), SHOW at 7: Ariana Richards (“Jurassic Park”) stars in this captivating story of a California teenager who, after the death of her mother, is sent to live in Scotland with her estranged father (David Robb). She makes friends with a delightful mountain hermit (wonderfully played by Andrew Keir, “Rob Roy”) and helps save a magnificent white stallion targeted by poachers.
Following at 8:30, “The Ruby Ring,” (1996) takes off in quite another direction. It’s a fantasy about a teenager (Emily Hamilton) who is granted a wish and gets less than she bargained for.
These are two fine tales that young girls surely will like.
Cable Calls
“A Friend’s Betrayal” (1996), LIFE at 9: 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.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Lea Thompson (“Caroline in the City”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Stupid pet tricks, Anthony Edwards (“ER”) and food artist Joost Elffers.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Steve Lawrence and Rep. Jim Rogan (R-Calif.).
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Malcolm McDowell and writer Calvin Trillin.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Nathan Lane, the Rev. Al Sharpton and musical guest Todd Rundgren.