TUESDAY
OCTOBER 29
2013

BIANCULLI’S BEST BETS

 

TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET

If you park your TV dial (or its modern equivalent) on TCM tonight, you’ll be treated to a quadruple feature of some of the best films of the Seventies. The action begins with 1973’s Badlands, the first movie effort by director Terrence Malick. It’s as visually evocative and moodily poetic as his later films, but it also boasts especially dynamic performances from its two young, then unknown leads: Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, playing young hedonists on a murder spree.

 
  
 
 

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

This is a warning, not a recommendation. Though the subject of this documentary – Orson Welles’ iconic 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds – is more than worthy of study and celebration, it’s already been treated very well by previous efforts, both nonfiction and dramatized. What does this new entry bring to the party? Nothing, except for lame fake black-and-white “interviews” with “witnesses,” in which actors (one is pictured here) quote lines from letters written at the time by those who experienced the original radio broadcast. These segments are tacky, and unconvincing, and entirely unnecessary and uninformative, making this entire Halloween special much more trick than treat. The original Welles broadcast? Always worth experiencing. This 75th-anniversary tribute? Not even close. Check local listings.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 9:45 p.m. ET

Another great entry in TCM’s salute the Seventies. This 1972 movie version of the Broadway musical, directed by Bob Fosse, is completely opened up and re-imagined for the movies, while staying true to the original story and music. And Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli, as the prewar Berlin master of ceremonies and his star attraction, are astoundingly good, with both of them winning Oscars for their efforts. John Kander and Fred Ebb provide the songs, which include lyrics that, at times, are as catchy as they are depressing: “Start by admitting from cradle to tomb / Isn’t that long a stay / Life is a cabaret, old chum…”

 
  
 
 

TCM, 12:00 a.m. ET

Another Seventies movie presented by TCM tonight, and yet another masterpiece by another innovative director. This time it’s Robert Altman, whose style of black-comedy filmmaking influenced not only some of the best films to come in the wake of this 1970 movie, but some of the best television, too. Not only the TV spinoff M*A*S*H comes from this, quite directly, but so does the camera and sound work on Hill Street Blues, from which most modern TV dramas germinated. Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould star.

 
  
 
 

TCM, 2:00 a.m. ET

Roman Polanski’s 1974 modern film noir masterpiece is the perfect capper to tonight’s TCM salute to Seventies cinema. Jack Nicholson’s performance may be his career best – and given his career, there is no higher praise. Faye Dunaway, as the femme fatale, is unforgettable, as is Polanski’s brief turn as a switchblade-wielding thug, John Huston’s longer turn as a powerful patriarch, and a twist ending that you’ll never forget. Great script by Robert Towne. It’s Chinatown, Jake.

 
  
 
 
 
 
Read and add comments HERE for today's Best Bets!
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
QCWWH
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 136  | Go to page: 
2706 Comments
 
 
https://volleyxpert.com/
Confused about the term “Pin Hitter”? This article explains everything – from their court position to their attacking role.
Jul 26, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Your means of describing the whole thing in this paragraph is actually good, all be able to without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot
 
 
Your means of describing the whole thing in this paragraph is actually good, all be able to without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot ??????? ???????
Jul 26, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Come in first, play first, get rich first. Traveling players can try playing slots for free, receive pg slot promotions, and get a chance to win free credit.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Direct web slots, online slots website that can be verified There is no history of cheating at all. Plus there are promotions for members.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Choose to play slots with a direct website. Play online slots, fun and fun, easy to make profits with the rhythm of winning. Get the big prize.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
New system slots Choose to play every slot game camp Choose to bet for fun with a direct website.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Easy to crack slot website 2025, big promotion for all members. Ready to provide service via website 24 hours a day.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Discover the special features of playing slot games. Ready for you to experience the ultimate fun. Direct web slots are open to interested players.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
If you want to play slots that are easy to break and make a profit quickly, we recommend you to get to know the slots website that is easy to break. Direct entrance to play on the website.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Invite players to experience the fun of playing online slot games, direct website slots, with all pg slot games to choose from. Including famous camps leading worldwide
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Including the most popular slots, new game slots, easy-to-break slots, and many slot games. PG Slot, pg slots, full of broken slots. Let every gambler choose from many forms of fun
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Enter to play online slots directly, online slots, easy to break slots, many players have achieved their goals in gambling.
Jul 24, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I'm extremely inspired along with your writing skills as neatly as with the format in your blog. Is that a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look at a great blog like this one today.
Jul 20, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Well golly gee Miss Login! YOu make an old man feel proud and frisky!! ROTFLMBFAO!!!!!

All I can say is: "I TRY"!!

Love,

Dave
Jul 20, 2025
 
 
 
?????
Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks
Jul 18, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon.
Jul 13, 2025   |  Reply
 
Dave Bianculli
Thank you Mr. HTTPS sir!

please continue to subscribe to my RSS feed - it's the ONLY place where you can hear my words of wisdom. Well, except for my spectacular Fresh Air appearances, with the inscrutable Terry Gross! And of course if you're a student in my classes in College!!

ROTFLMBFFAO!!!

Sincerely,

Dave
Jul 14, 2025
 
 
 
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work
Jul 12, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I sincerely appreciate you giving this fantastic blog. incredibly motivating and beneficial as well. I hope you keep sharing your thoughts. Without a doubt, I will like reading.
Jul 12, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Awesome site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
Jul 10, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I'm extremely inspired along with your writing skills as neatly as with the format in your blog. Is that a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look at a great blog like this one today.
Jul 10, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 136  | Go to page: 
 
 

David Bianculli

Founder / Editor

David Bianculli has been a TV critic since 1975, including a 14-year stint at the New York Daily News, and sees no reason to stop now. Currently, he's TV critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and is an occasional substitute host for that show. He's also an author and teaches TV and film history at New Jersey's Rowan University. His 2009 Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', has been purchased for film rights. His latest, The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, is an effusive guidebook that plots the path from the 1950s’ Golden Age to today’s era of quality TV.