‘Sybil’ remains fascinating story
Tonight’s might see
“Sybil,” 8-10 p.m., CBS. When the book “Sybil” came out in 1973, it sparked instant controversy. There had been stories of people with two or three personalities, but here was a Columbia University art student who reportedly had 16. Two were male, many were timid, some were brash and bold.
That story was turned into a suburban 1976 TV movie starring Sally Field, with Joanne Woodward as her psychiatrist. No major improvement could be made here, except for an interesting update at the end.
Still, the story remains fascinating. Tammy Blanchard (who was the young Judy in a Judy Garland miniseries) and Jessica Lange revive an intriguing glimpse of a troubled psyche.
Tonight’s might see II
“Finding Nemo” (2003), 8 p.m., ABC. Here’s the popular Pixar film about a clownfish’s search for his son. Our only misgivings involve the plan to give a tiny film (81 minutes in theaters) a three-hour slot.
Other choices include
“National Treasure” (2004), 8-11 p.m., NBC. Once it became definite that there won’t be a seventh Stanley Cup game – the Detroit Red Wings won in six – NBC needed an alternative. It has switched its back-up plan twice, but now apparently will rerun this Nicolas Cage adventure. (TV grid was prepared before scheduling change.)
“Million Dollar Baby” (2004), 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., AMC. Clint Eastwood beautifully directed this tale of a woman (Hilary Swank) making a late move into boxing. The film won well-deserved Oscars for best picture, director and script, plus ones for Swank and, in support, Morgan Freeman.
“The Valley of Light” (2007), 9 p.m., Hallmark Channel. This casually engaging film has an ex-soldier (Chris Klein) meet a young widow (Gretchen Mol) in a gorgeous little town.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002), 9 and 11 p.m., TNT. Nia Vardalos’ one-woman show told her real-life story, exaggerated for laughs. That became this likable comedy about a romance that goes outside her Greek-American world.
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. LeBron James, the basketball star, hosts this rerun, with Kanye West as musical guest. There are some funny moments early, with producer Lorne Michaels fretting about West’s previous, live-TV blast against President Bush.
TV ratings
TV-Y: Specifically for children of all ages.
TV-Y7: For children 7 and older.
TV-G: For all audiences.
TV-PG: Parental guidance suggested.
TV-14: Parents strongly cautioned.
TV-M: Mature audiences only.