‘Mr. Miami Beach’ Traces Life Of Carl Fisher
Highlights
“The American Experience,” KSPS at 9: “Mr. Miami Beach” traces the colorful life of Carl G. Fisher, the Indianapolis businessman who created the Indy 500, literally invented Miami Beach and finally ran out of luck in an ill-timed attempt to develop Long Island’s Montauk Point into a playground for the rich.
“Suddenly Susan,” NBC at 8: I’m not sure we see where the comedic possibilities lie in this episode. When Susan and Vicki (Brooke Shields, Kathy Griffin) are robbed, Maddy (Andrea Bendewald) talks them into buying a gun for protection. Singer Shawn Colvin guest stars. A “Susan” repeat follows at 8:30.
“Melrose Place,” FOX at 8: Valerie Harper guest stars as Michael and Jennifer’s (Thomas Calabro, Alyssa Milano) mother. And she does not arrive quietly when she hears that Jennifer intends to marry Craig (David Charvet).
“The Practice,” ABC at 10: Criminal lawyers meet the nicest people. Ellenor and Lindsay (Camryn Manheim, Kelli Williams) represent a porno queen (Lori New) accused of murdering her husband while filming a bondage scene.
Cable Calls
“Carmen Jones” (1954), MAX at 8: Otto Preminger directed this spectacular black adaptation of Bizet’s “Carmen.” Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte and Pearl Bailey star; Diahann Carroll makes her film debut. MAX has black films at 8 all this week to celebrate Black History Month.
“Biography,” A&E at 5 and 9: “Nat King Cole: Loved in Return” profiles the classy singer, a Chicago minister’s son who skipped choir practice in favor of jazz jam sessions. Daughter Natalie is among those interviewed.
“When Husbands Cheat” (1998), LIF at 9: Patricia Kalember (“Sisters”) plays a housewife-turned-private detective who specializes in catching cheating husbands. But does her own hubby (Tom Irwin) have something going on the side? It’s just a bit too silly, despite being acted out with a straight face. Don’t waste your time.
“Beyond T-Rex,” DSC at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.: Two recent dinosaur discoveries raise the question of whether T-Rex was the mightiest of all dinos.
“Desmond Morris’ The Human Sexes,” TLC at 6 and 9, and Tuesday and Wednesday at 6 and 9: As always, Morris paints an entertaining portrait of the human condition. Great viewing for devoted people watchers.
“Waiting For Guffman” (1997), SHO at 10: Thin but funny pseudodocumentary portrays fictional 150th anniversary of a small Missouri town. Christopher Guest (“This Is Spinal Tap”) directs and stars with Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Catherine O’Hara, Larry Miller and Brian DoyleMurray.