TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977), 3 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. Steven Spielberg was near the peak of his stunning abilities when he made this film. In technical skills, he was already unmatched. And at age 30, he had retained a sense of wonder and awe. This is a story about the possibility of seeing aliens, one of Spielberg's favorite subjects. It opens with scenes around the world, each visually impressive, then finds the personal stories involving Richard Dreyfuss and Teri Garr and others.

"1 vs. 100," 7 p.m., NBC. This kinda-simple show keeps coming up with fun gimmicks. Tonight, it makes sure we'll root for the contestants. The "mob" of 100 people they face will be filled with folks whose jobs we love to hate. That includes telemarketers, meter maids, IRS auditors and Department of Motor Vehicles workers.

OF NOTE

"Apollo 13" (1995), 6 p.m., Bravo; and "When Harry Met Sally" (1989), 7 p.m., Hallmark Channel. Here are two more pieces of a great movie night. Both happen to be crafted by guys who jumped from being young TV stars to being terrific movie directors. Ron Howard made "Apollo 13," a true space-program story, starring Tom Hanks. Rob Reiner made "Harry," a witty romantic comedy with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Who would have guessed that Opie and Meathead would become gifted filmmakers?

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. This ghost isn't just whispering back. Melinda's life is threatened if she doesn't follow orders.

"Las Vegas," 8 p.m., NBC. Delinda must take over the tricky duty of accompanying a big spender and his three wives.

"Close to Home," 8 p.m., CBS. A woman has killed the surrogate mother of her baby but the reason is unclear. She says the woman was extorting her and threatening the child; Annabeth has doubts.

"Numb3rs," 9 p.m., CBS. David's childhood friend has killed someone in the ring during an ultimate-fighting match. Meanwhile, Charlie's math skills will be put to a new test: He's entering a poker tournament, with no experience.

"Law & Order," 9 p.m., NBC. An actress has been found dead in her apartment. It looks like a suicide, but police have doubts. Her career was thriving and her life seemed to be in fine shape.