Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Today's Must-See

"Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic," 2 p.m., Turner Classic Movies; concludes Wednesday. Cecil B. DeMille was as epic and as eccentric as his movies. At home, this documentary says, he was peaceful. At work, he was a tyrant who barked orders and humiliated people. He had silent lackeys trail him, carrying a chair and two megaphones. Like most Hollywood people, DeMille believed in freedom and the common man. Unlike most, he wanted the industry to require a loyalty oath.

DeMille's films frequently turned to the Bible and to sex — sometimes simultaneously. From the 1927 "King of Kings" to the 1956 "The Ten Commandments," he molded the movie epic. This superb film is rich in clips, plus comments by colleagues, relatives and directors Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Of Note

"Peter Jennings Reporting: Jesus and Paul: The Word and the Witness," 7 p.m., ABC. There has been fresh interest lately in the history surrounding Jesus' life. Jennings studies both Jesus and the apostle who spread the story.

"Everybody Loves Raymond," 7 p.m., CBS. In a terrific rerun, Ray fumes when he learns that his wife and kids are making bets about his misbehavior.

"Cracking Up," 7:30 p.m., Fox. John C. Reilly — who plays Everyman types in "Chicago" and "Gangs of New York" and such — guest stars. He plays the guy who took Lesley (Molly Shannon) to the high school prom. Her husband (Christopher McDonald) still holds a grudge.

"Average Joe: Adam Returns" finale, 8 p.m., NBC. After dumping three women, Adam Mesh gets down to the final two.