Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), 3 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. The best way to see this film is to let it sprawl across a giant movie screen. Because that isn't likely to happen, however, settle back for a night of small-screen splendor. On one level, this is a richly personal story. Peter O'Toole, in his first leading role, was superb as T.E. Lawrence, an introspective Englishman who led Arab rebels in their guerrilla war with the Turks. On another level it's a true epic. Director David Lean uses the sprawling desert beautifully while keeping the human story. The result won the Academy Award for best picture. It also won Oscars for Lean's direction and for its score, sets, sound, editing and cinematography.

Of Note

"Touched By an Angel," 7 p.m., CBS. The angels must race to prevent a suicide.

"Law & Order," 7 p.m., NBC. In this rerun, a limousine driver's body is found on the side of the road. Complications develop when it's learned that he was an addict and that he worked for a baseball star.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 8 p.m., NBC. This reruns the hour that linked three talented actresses. Martha Plimpton plays a heroin addict who was raped. Oscar-winners Mary Steenburgen and Estelle Parsons play her mother and grandmother, respectively.

"The District," 8 p.m., CBS. A man with a serious virus is brought into headquarters and must soon be quarantined.