Posted on: Saturday, December 21, 2002
Tube Notes
Tonight's Must-See
"Saturday Night Fever" (1977), 7 p.m., ABC; or "Dirty Dancing" (1987), 8 p.m., USA Network. There's something about dancing, dirty or not, that stirs audiences. These films, a decade apart, offer prime examples. Both have great moves and hit songs but they also make sure the dancers are people to care about. In "Fever," John Travolta's daytime world is gritty, messy and sometimes violent. At night is the lure of the disco and of a strong-minded woman (Karen Lynn Gorney) with Manhattan ambitions. In "Dancing," Jennifer Grey is a rich teen whose life has been simple and easy. Then comes a summer in the Catskills with Patrick Swayze and hot dance moves. Of Note
"Touched By an Angel," 7 p.m., CBS. Set on Christmas Eve, this hour has the angels trying to help workers who are losing their jobs. "Fat Albert Christmas," 7 p.m., NBC. Bill Cosby's gang tries to help a youngster during the holidays. "A Freezerburnt Christmas," 7:30 p.m., NBC. Here's a new special using clay animation and the voices of "Saturday Night Live" actors Darrell Hammond, Horatio Sanz and Chris Parnell. The plot has a quiet chap trying to stop a toy magnate's evil scheme to nudge out Santa Claus. "Faith Hill: When the Lights Go Down," 8 p.m., NBC. Here's a second chance to see Hill's special. Unlike her husband, Tim McGraw (who had a rowdy concert hour), Hill has quiet moments. This hour catches her working on her album and singing with an orchestra. "A Christmas Visitor," 7 & 9 p.m., Hallmark Channel. William Devane stars in this new movie about a couple that hasn't celebrated Christmas since their son died in the Persian Gulf War. Now a mysterious visitor, the son's age, arrives. Is it a hoax or a miracle? "The Agency," 9 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, a team heads to France to catch Matt Callan's killer.
— Mike Hughes, Gannett News Service
