BEST BETS FOR FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009

WIMBLEDON TENNIS

ESPN2, 7 a.m. ET; NBC, noon ET

Roger Federer is the favorite coming into today’s men’s semis, but there’s another match that affords, or deserves, just as much interest. It’s the Battle of the Network Andys, with Andy Murray, the hometown boy from Scotland, facing American Andy Roddick.

TWILIGHT ZONE MARATHON

Sci Fi Channel, 8 a.m. ET

Today’s leg of this network’s usual holiday Zone marathon is a bit different. It starts with shows from the mid-’80s CBS revival series, which means viewers get a chance to catch two episodes written by the incomparable Harlan Ellison. His “Shatterday,” with Bruce Willis as a man divided, is shown at 11 a.m. ET, while his moody “Paladin of the Lost Hour” is televised at 7:30 p.m. ET. Hi, Harlan! Happy holiday weekend!

THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH

Fox Movie Channel, 8 p.m. ET

The fantasy sequences in this 1955 comedy, starring Marilyn Monroe as the object of Tom Ewell’s neighborly desire, are delightful, and eye-popping. But so are the reality sequences.

DIRTY DANCING

WE TV, 8 p.m. ET

Normally, nobody puts Baby in a corner. But here she is, in the corner of the cable universe, playing as a Friday night movie on WE TV. Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze star – and on a slow night, it’s a fun film.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...THE FABULOUS STAINS

TCM, 2 a.m. ET

Here’s a movie to record tonight and watch at your leisure: a little-seen 1982 drama about a young woman launching an all-female rock band. What makes it really watchable is that the star is Diane Lane, an actress now at the top of her game. Even here, as a young actress, she shines. Even as a Stain.