Web site TV for July 11 - July 17, 2010

TV film fare -- week of July 11

The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of July 11. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, July 11, 8-10 a.m. EDT (TCM) "Boys Town" (1938). Sentimental but emotionally honest story of how Father Edward Flanagan (Spencer Tracy) built his school for homeless and delinquent youths during the Depression. Directed by Norman Taurog, the Hollywood version centers on the conflict between the priest's charismatic powers of persuasion and a street-tough kid (Mickey Rooney) who only thinks he's hard-boiled. Tracy's Oscar-winning performance as a role model for those in need of one was a credible blend of the idealistic and the pragmatic. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Monday, July 12, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) "Roman Holiday" (1953). Charming romantic comedy in which a young princess (Audrey Hepburn) on an official visit to Rome slips away from her stuffy entourage to see the sights in the company of two American reporters (Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert), one of whom inevitably falls for her. Directed by William Wyler, the plot begins as lighthearted fluff, proceeds with warm camaraderie along the avenues and byways of the Eternal City, then turns serious as romance blossoms until the bittersweet ending. Romantic situations. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Tuesday, July 13, 8-10 p.m. EDT (TCM) "To Be or Not to Be" (1942). Classic World War II comedy about a Polish actor (Jack Benny) whose impersonation of a murdered Nazi spy hoodwinks Warsaw's bumbling Gestapo chief (Sig Ruman) and saves his wife (Carole Lombard), his theater company and the Polish underground. Director Ernst Lubitsch, a master of sophisticated comedy, finds much humor and some wit in what is essentially a darkly menacing wartime subject and Benny, teamed with Lombard, was never better or funnier. Restrained violence and a sexual innuendo or two. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Tuesday, July 13, 8-11 p.m. EDT (AMC) "Tin Cup" (1996). An underachieving golf pro (Kevin Costner) enters the U.S. Open to win the love of a psychologist (Rene Russo) who is the girlfriend of his longtime golf rival (Don Johnson). Director Ron Shelton's low-key romantic comedy offers a genial cast of characters in a drawn-out story which fails to generate sufficient romantic or comedic momentum. A discreet sexual encounter, fleeting nudity and frequent rough language as well as profanity. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Saturday, July 17, 2:30-5:30 p.m. EDT (AMC) "The Cowboys" (1972). When the local cowpokes join the gold rush to California, a tough old rancher (John Wayne) resorts to hiring some schoolboys (ages 9 to 15) to drive his cattle to the railhead, teaching them the dangerous craft of cowpunching along the trail. Well directed by Mark Rydell but definitely not for youngsters or the squeamish, as the finale is particularly violent. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

TV program notes -- week of July 11

 Here are some television program notes for the week of July 11 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by Catholic News Service.

Sunday, July 11, 9-10:30 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Poirot X: Murder on the Orient Express." In this episode of the "Masterpiece Mystery!" series, Agatha Christie's famed detective Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) solves one of the most celebrated cases of his fictional career aboard the world's most glamorous train, The Orient Express. Suchet is joined by, among others, Dame Eileen Atkins, Barbara Hershey and Hugh Bonneville. Alan Cumming hosts (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Sunday, July 11, 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "Beloved: The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia." This overview of the life and work of the Nashville, Tenn.-based community of Dominican Sisters includes a look at their postulancy, novitiate and apostolic work.

Monday, July 12, 10-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Turmoil and Triumph: The George Shultz Years." This first episode of a three-part biography of former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, "A Call to Service," introduces Shultz through the details of his early life.
The narrative continues as he becomes President Ronald Reagan's secretary of state, confronting crises ranging from the protracted war in Lebanon to the Iran-contra scandal.
Through it all, Shultz clings to one goal: to bring Reagan and the leaders of the Soviet Union together for the first time. The series continues Monday, July 19, 10-11 p.m. EDT and concludes Monday, July 26, 10-11 p.m. EDT (TV-PG - parental guidance suggested).

Wednesday, July 14, 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World." This special highlights the work of the Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World, a community made up of both religious and laypeople that helps impoverished children.