Posted on: Saturday, June 19, 2004
Tube Notes
Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service
Tonight's Must-See
"Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem," 7 p.m., NBC. For generations, the Apollo Theatre has been a beacon for great singers and wide-eyed newcomers. Lots of stars are slated to appear in this two-hour celebration, including Ashanti, Brian McKnight, Patti Austin, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole and Bob Dylan. The lineup includes jazz (Branford Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Herbie Hancock), hip-hop (Doug E. Fresh, Ice-T), country (Willie Nelson) and gospel (Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar and Donnie McClurkin). This should be good. "The World's Biggest and Baddest Bugs," 6 and 9 p.m., Animal Planet. Ruud Kleinpaste is a truly odd world citizen. Born in Indonesia, he grew up in Holland, became an entomologist and moved to New Zealand. With the TV show "Ruud's Awakening," he built his "bugman" persona. That's vivid here. The photography and information about bugs is spectacular; Kleinpaste's shouting and stunts will be welcomed only by those who really wish TV had more hours of "Crocodile Hunter." Of Note
"Thirteen Days" (2000), 7 p.m., CBS. In 1962, the world teetered toward nuclear war as America demanded that Russian missile bases be removed from Cuba. That story is skillfully told here through the eyes of a presidential aide (Kevin Costner). "Patch Adams" (1998), 7 p.m., ABC. The real-life Patch Adams is a doctor who wants more humanity in medicine. He is portrayed here in a film that too often goes to melodramatic extremes. Robin Williams is fine as Adams and Monica Potter is wonderful as his colleague. "Tarzan" (1999), 8 p.m., Disney Channel, and "The Rugrats Movie" (1998), 5 p.m. Nickelodeon. Kids can't miss here with two cartoons. "Rug Rats" is pleasant but "Tarzan" has the kind of rich animation their parents will enjoy, too. "Sleep: How to Get the Rest of Your Life," 9 p.m., ABC. Many people might not realize how deeply their sleeping problems can affect their lives. Dr. Nancy Snyderman heads this documentary.. "Crime & Punishment," 9 p.m., NBC. A 17-year-old was charged with abducting and raping an 8-year-old girl and with attempting the same with a 4-year-old. This reality hour follows the trial.
"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. A rerun of the show hosted by Donald Trump.
