AMC, 8:00 p.m. ET
Hard to believe that TV networks already are throwing Christmas movies and specials onto their schedules, while Thanksgiving was just around the corner. It’s even harder to believe that Elf, the Will Ferrell comedy that’s one of the funnier films in the holiday genre, is now 17 years old – and soon to turn 18. But he’s great in these, and so are all the supporting players, including James Caan, Ed Asner, Peter Dinklage, Mary Steenburgen, and especially Zooey Deschanel and Bob Newhart. Jon Favreau directs, very lovingly and humorously.
TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET
Tonight, TCM is presenting 1951’s movie musical An American in Paris as one of “The Essentials,” and of course it is. Gene Kelly managed to make an even more perfect movie musical the following year with 1952’s Singin’ in the Rain – but the extended ballet that ends An American in Paris, taking Kelly and the audience on a panoramic tour through a piece of art history, is breathtakingly imaginative. Leslie Caron co-stars. And co-dances.