Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Cinderella" (1999), 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Bravo. Few people saw this movie in theaters. On our TVs, however, it's a true pleasure filmed with visual style and verbal wit. Kathleen Turner (as the wicked stepmother) and David Warner (as Cinderella's dad) are surrounded by talented unknowns. The script changes everything, yet keeps it the same. This is set in modern times, when a red convertible takes the wicked stepfolk to the ball. Still, the settings are castles and mansions and the spirit remains. Sly and sweet, this "Cinderella" is a story of goodness and romance, suited for kids or grownups.

Of note

"Santa, Baby," 7 p.m., FOX. In a season of cartoon reruns, here's a new hour. The title comes from a 1953 song by Eartha Kitt. In this version, Kitt sings two remakes — one with Vanessa Williams and Patti LaBelle. The story involves a songwriter (Gregory Hines) whose muse is a partridge (LaBelle).

"The Ellen Show," 7:30 p.m. CBS. This above-average show keeps grasping for an audience. Tonight it has a sort of "Mary Tyler Moore Show" reunion. Cloris Leachman (Phyllis on the Moore show) is a regular as star Ellen DeGeneres' mom. Now Moore plays her sister and Ed Asner appears briefly.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 8 p.m., CBS. Here's a different sort of Christmas episode, exploring the perverse tradition of sending out holiday newsletters.

"Absolutely Fabulous," 7 p.m., Comedy Central. Patsy (Joanna Lumley) remains in youthful party mode, ignoring the arrival of age. Tonight, she gets a setback as Edina's daughter organizes a meeting of Menopausals Anonymous for her.

"Titanic" (1997), 8 p.m., NBC, and "Masterpiece Theater: David Copperfield," 9 p.m., PBS. Here are the conclusions of two epic stories, only one of which ends up at the bottom of the sea. "Titanic" has our heroes (Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet) dealing with disaster. "Copperfield" has David finding some success, plus a flawed romance with dumb-but-sweet Dora.