Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984), 6:30 p.m. and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), 9 p.m.; both USA Network. While Steven Spielberg's "A.I." dominates movie theaters, cable reminds us that he is also the world's best director of pure action films. Here are prime examples, back-to-back.

"Temple of Doom" is, by Spielberg standards, flawed. Kate Capshaw's screechy character is excessive; so is the gore. Still, this remains a fast, fun jaunt. By comparison, "Last Crusade" is close to flawless. Propelled by two great supporting roles — River Phoenix as young Indy in a prologue and Sean Connery as Indy's dad — this becomes a wonderful example of adventure moviemaking as an artform.

"Big Brother," 8 p.m., CBS. Since the show is now down to three times a week, it might actually hold our attention. Here's the second episode with a dozen strangers confined to a house and grounds filled with cameras.

"Silver Streak" (1976), 2 p.m., AMC. Here's a near-perfect blend of adventure, comedy and drama. Gene Wilder stars as an ordinary guy on an extraordinary train ride. There's great support from Richard Pryor and Jill Clayburgh, plus a dandy finale.

"Chain Reaction" (1996), 8 p.m., ABC. Not many movies offer the scientist as an action hero. That's what we get here with Keanu Reeves as a brilliant inventor who's suddenly being chased by bad guys. There's some great work here by director Andrew Davis ("The Fugitive") and by a vastly underemployed Rachel Weisz.

"Walker, Texas Ranger," 8 p.m., CBS. Walker helps a supper club that's being shaken down by mobsters.

"The District," 9 p.m., CBS. Manion learns who's behind some nasty phone threats.

"Save Our History: America's Most Endangered," 7 p.m., History Channel. This special looks at the 11 spots that the National Trust for Historic Preservation lists as the most endangered.