‘Five Desperate Hours’ Moves At Fast Pace
Abductor and abductee become friends in NBC’s taut “Five Desperate Hours” (Sunday at 9), one of many standout movies this weekend on cable and the networks.
The hostage is well-played by Sharon Lawrence (“Fired Up”). The abductor is portrayed - jittery and nervous - by Giancarlo Esposito.
They develop an unusual bond during a fast-paced, five-hour-long hostage situation.
Both hostage and abductor are plagued by emotional troubles. His are domestic issues, and hers stem from a past life as a victim.
Through a tentative friendship, they actually end up helping each other.
Lawrence gives her character an inner strength that comes from years of determination to no longer be a victim. Esposito delivers grit, grime and pure anxiety as a man confused and full of anger over an obsession with his girlfriend.
Highlights
“Jenny,” NBC Sunday at 8:30: Jenny McCarthy’s fish-out-of-water series returns with Jenny and her buddy Maggie still trying to fit into life in Hollywood. This week they try to be “so L.A.” by participating in body piercing.
“Heart Full of Rain” (1997), CBS Sunday at 9: Rick Schroder’s performance as a son returning home to the family farm after a long absence is buoyed by Richard Crenna and Carroll Baker. They play Schroder’s long-suffering parents.
Set in a small rural community, this tale starts out slowly, but when the threat of flood waters nears, this movie becomes saturated with intense family crises and high drama.
“The Advocate’s Devil” (1997), ABC Sunday at 9: Ken Olin finally has a role as decent as the one he had in “thirtysomething.” He shines as a savvy lawyer who gets a man guilty of rape off, and soon he’s chasing all over San Francisco trying to redeem himself.
Parents’ Pick
“Wonderful World of Disney: Toothless” (1997), ABC Sunday at 7: This tale is full of bite, sass and camp as Kirstie Alley flies around the world delivering coins in exchange for teeth. She’s a smart-mouthed klutz of a tooth fairy who meddles with mortals.
The under-6 crowd may have trouble with the concept of heaven, limbo and death. Preteens, however, will love this one.
Cable Calls
“Farm Aid ‘97,” TNN today at 3: Enjoy six hours of the fund-raising concert, which benefits farmers and will feature top artists such as Ricky Skaggs, John Fogerty and the Allman Brothers Band. Live from Tinley Park, Ill.
“Richard Jeni: A Good Catholic Boy,” HBO tonight at 10: Laugh along with Jeni, who shares one-liners about religion, men and pornography.
At least, you’ll remember his entrance. He rides on stage in a subway train.
“Mother Teresa: In the Name of God’s Poor” (1997), FAM Sunday at 7: This inspiring movie was made before Mother Teresa’s death.
Geraldine Chaplin re-enacts Teresa’s tireless devotion to helping the destitute in the poorest neighborhoods. You’ll see what rewards determination and strength of character can reap.
This movie spares little when showing poverty, sickness and starvation.
“Say It, Fight It, Cure It,” LIFE Sunday at 8 and 11:30: Lee Grant directed this heartfelt 90-minute-long special on breast cancer. She interweaves an interview with Rosie O’Donnell, whose mother died of breast cancer when O’Donnell was 10, with stories of women dealing with the disease.
Grant gets a standing ovation for portraying these women with dignity, never allowing anyone to sink into self-pity. Followed at 9:30 by 1994’s “My Breast.”
“Rescuers: Stories of Courage - Two Women,” SHO Sunday at 8: Barbra Streisand produced and Peter Bogdanovich directed these touching tales about two non-Jewish heroines during World War II.
In the first of two stories, Elizabeth Perkins plays a Polish-Catholic nanny who protects her charge long after the Nazis have forbidden any contact with Jews.
In the second story, Sela Ward gives a strong performance as a secretary to a monseigneur (Fritz Weaver). She bikes all over France delivering false papers and helping to hide Jews.
“Classic Whitney,” HBO Sunday at 9: The singer is full of fine moments as she croons such favorites as “I Will Always Love You” and “Ain’t No Way.”
“La Femme Nikita,” USA Sunday at 10: This series about a group of ruthless government assassins signs off until January with an explosive season finale equipped with a cliffhanger and a hint at romance between Nikita (Peta Wilson) and Michael. When Nikita is unable to kill, her colleagues see her as a risk and send her on a suicide mission with no “exit strategy.”
Movie Marquee
“The First Wives Club” (1996), HBO tonight at 8: Scorned spouses get even in this comedic romp in which Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton are a hoot. Anyone who’s ever wanted to get back at an ex will get vicarious pleasure from this movie.
“Vertigo” (1958), AMC tonight at 5: AMC’s fifth “Film Preservation Festival” includes the cable premiere of five restored Alfred Hitchcock classics. Check listings for the films showcased throughout the weekend.
xxxx KSKN LISTINGS INCORRECT The KSKN programming listed in the above grid is not correct. Current programming for KSKN (Channel 22) was unavailable at the time tonight’s TV grid was compiled.