NBC just mounted a live TV version of this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Now compare and contrast with the 1965 movie version, presented tonight by ABC in prime time. The scenery in this one is incomparably better. So is the acting, at least of the two leads. Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer star.

2013

Dec

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER By David Bianculli

This 1940 movie is the first part of a rather odd TCM double feature. This Ernst Lubitsch film, starring Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart, is about rival shop owners who fall in love with each other, unknowingly, through anonymous correspondence. The second part of the double bill, at 10 p.m. ET, is 1949’s In the Good Old Summertime, a musical remake of the same story, starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson. And both of these movies are direct precursors to another successful remake, 199

2013

Dec

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL By David Bianculli

The Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears come to tonight’s game with identical 8-6 records, and with unexpectedly hot quarterbacks. The Bears’ Jay Cutler, after his comeback rally against Cleveland, is coming to the Eagles’ home turf with lots of confidence – and the Eagles’ QB, Nick Foles, currently leads the NFL with his passer rating of 117.

2013

Dec

JAMES GANDOLFINI: TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND By David Bianculli

HBO presents a new, tender tribute to the most famous actor in the history of its network: the late, great James Gandolfini. Intimate behind-the-scenes footage is used, and stories are shared, including some by Sopranos co-star Edie Falco.

2013

Dec

MASTERPIECE CLASSIC: "DOWNTON ABBEY" By David Bianculli

The third season repeats continue – and, next week, conclude, to make room for new Season 4 episodes the first week of 2014. So if you need a refresher, or to catch up, here’s another well-timed two-hour repeat installment. Check local listings.

2013

Dec

THE WIZARD OF OZ By David Bianculli

Once it was one of the big deals of the TV holiday season – the then-annual special showing of The Wizard of Oz. Now it’s being shown tonight as a cable double header (repeating at 9:15 p.m. ET). But if you’re trying to replicate the feel of “family viewing” traditions over the holidays, the land of Oz is a wonderful place to start.

2013

Dec

AUNTIE MAME By David Bianculli

Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote the screenplay for this Rosalind Russell vehicle, based on the book by Patrick Dennis. This movie was released in 1958. Less than a decade later, Broadway unveiled a musical version, starring Angela Lansbury as Mame and Bea Arthur as bosom buddy Vera.

2013

Dec

THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW By David Bianculli

A new episode of this freewheeling British talk show has Ben Stiller visiting to publicize his Secret Life of Walter Mitty movie – alongside Martin Freeman, who’s publicizing the latest Hobbit film. But don’t expect either of them, in this context, to do the standard talk-show spiel. Norton never supports it – or allows it.

2013

Dec

ARGO By David Bianculli

On such a slow night, it’s nice to have an exciting movie to turn to – and here’s one, from 2012, retelling the long-suppressed story about the rescue of U.S. embassy workers after the start of the hostage crisis in Iran. Alan Arkin and John Goodman are a delight, and Ben Affleck, as both star and director, gained a new level of respect in Hollywood. And look! Bryan Cranston, too!

2013

Dec

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE By David Bianculli

For the last new show of 2013, SNL presents an all-star tag-team of guest host and musical guest: Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake. This is one to watch – and, most probably, to record and save.

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