Hbo Looks Back At Women’s Figure Skating
If you love women’s figure skating - I mean love the artistry and the grace and not just the triple jumps - then you absolutely must see HBO’s “Reflections on Ice: A Diary of Ladies Figure Skating” at 8.
This elegant documentary, narrated by Susan St. James, traces women on ice from the turn of the century to the modern era. It is a film with a quietly stated point: Skating, though more popular than ever, isn’t quite what it used to be.
Interviewed are Fritzi Burger of Austria, who competed against the legendary Sonja Henie in the 1920s and ‘30s; feisty Cecilia Colledge of Britain, who competed in the 1932 Olympics at the age of 11; Barbara Ann Scott of Canada, who won a gold medal in 1948; Tenley Albright of the United States, who struck gold in 1956; and American Carol Heiss, who won gold in 1960.
Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill and JoJo Starbuck are also interviewed.
These skating pioneers had it rough.
In the early days they practiced and competed outdoors. All are from the era of tedious and demanding “school figures,” the precise exercises that accounted for a large part of their score.
This is skating in its purist form, a refreshing return to the sport’s golden age.
Highlights
“State of the Union Address,” ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CNN at 6: Besieged President Clinton addresses a joint session of Congress and the nation. Analysis and a Republican response follow.
Cable Calls
“Divorce: Caught in the Middle,” NIK at 8: Linda Ellerbee is always on target with her “Nick News Special Edition” reports on serious issues kids face.
She taps psychologist Brenda Wade for this discussion about the challenge a divorce presents. This half-hour will make a lot of kids breathe a little easier about inescapable changes they encounter when their parents split.
“The Harryhausen Chronicles,” AMC at 6: Oscarwinning special effects master Ray Harryhausen is profiled. This hour includes footage from his films, from 1933’s “King Kong” to such classics as 1963’s “Jason & the Argonauts.”
Harryhausen’s “The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms” (1953) follows at 7.
“Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites: The Last Dance,” TNN at 6 and 10: The band has its “Last Waltz” farewell performance; Mandrell goes out with a memorable concert that is a must-see for all fans.
The talented star - she dances and plays saxophone, guitar and steel guitar in the special - says she’s leaving country music to pursue an acting career.
“Baby Monitor: Sound of Fear” (1998), USA at 9: Josie Bissett (“Melrose Place”) and Jason Beghe star in yet another thriller about a husband (Beghe) who has an affair with the family nanny (Bissett).
The twist here is that when the nanny overhears a conversation over the baby monitor, she learns that her lover’s wife (Barbara Tyson) is planning to have her murdered.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Kevin Spacey and actress Angelina Jolie.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Robert Duvall (joined by Emmylou Harris for a duet) and MTV personality Kennedy.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: To be announced.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Jay Thomas.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Patton Oswalt.