TV film fare -- week of Dec. 23

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The following are capsule reviews of theatrical movies on network and cable television the week of Dec 23. Please note that televised versions may or may not be edited for language, nudity, violence and sexual situations.

Sunday, Dec. 23, 8-10 p.m. EST (TCM) "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945). Breezy romantic comedy in which the unmarried writer (Barbara Stanwyck) of a popular homemaker column has to invent a husband, baby and country home after her unsuspecting publisher (Sydney Greenstreet) invites a war hero (Dennis Morgan) to celebrate Christmas with her "family." Directed by Peter Godfrey, the slickly contrived proceedings benefit from a capable cast but the slapdash humor is uneven and the romance less than convincing. Romantic situations, sexual innuendo and much comic duplicity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Sunday, Dec. 23, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (TCM) "Holiday Affair" (1949). Undemanding sentimental romance in which a war widow (Janet Leigh) with a young son is torn between a steady but dull lawyer (Wendell Corey) and a hardworking but dreamy salesman (Robert Mitchum). Directed by Don Hartman, the warmth of the Christmas-season setting and likable performances by the principals make the sentimental proceedings hard to resist. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Monday, Dec. 24, 8-10 p.m. EST (AMC) "Santa Claus: The Movie" (1985). The story of Santa Claus (David Huddleston) gets off to a good start but slows down to a crawl when a subplot about a disillusioned elf (Dudley Moore) and a wicked 20th-century toymaker (John Lithgow) is introduced. The beautiful cinematography of the North Pole and Santa's workshop is wasted on an ultimately silly and forgettable story. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Tuesday, Dec. 25, 8-11 p.m. EST (TCM) "King of Kings" (1961). Stolid screen spectacular presents the life of Christ within the historical context of Jewish resistance to Roman rule. Uncomfortably cast in the title role is Jeffrey Hunter, though more effective are Siobhan McKenna as his mother, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Hurd Hatfield as Pilate, Rip Torn as Judas and Harry Guardino as Barabbas. Directed by Nicholas Ray, the script is preoccupied with the period's political unrest but treats the Gospel account reverentially, if with more dramatic license than some might find acceptable. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Tuesday, Dec. 25, 11 p.m.-2:30 a.m. EST (TCM) "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965). While not the greatest movie ever made, director George Stevens' vision of the Gospel story presents a consistent, traditional view of Christ as God incarnate. The movie, despite its epic Hollywood scale, is well-acted, tastefully and realistically written, beautifully photographed and Max von Sydow's believable portrayal of the Christ is the most essential element in its success. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2:30-6 a.m. EST (TCM) "Ben-Hur" (1959). Director William Wyler's classic Hollywood epic follows the Jewish prince of the title (Charlton Heston) after he's betrayed by his boyhood Roman friend (Stephen Boyd) and subjected to much misery until finally achieving retribution for all his suffering. The narrative's conventional melodrama is transformed by the grand scale of its spectacle, especially the chariot race, and by the stirring performances of its principals who manage to overcome the story's cliches and stereotypes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.

Friday, Dec. 28, 10 p.m.-midnight EST (A&E) "The Whole Nine Yards" (2000). A dark comedy set in Montreal about a mob hit man (Bruce Willis) hiding from a dangerous Chicago crime family who moves next door to a likable but dopey dentist (Matthew Perry) who is unaware that his conniving wife (Rosanna Arquette) wants him dead to collect on his life insurance. Director Jonathan Lynn's often funny, cleverly plotted comedy shows off Perry's talent for physical comedy but is somewhat off-putting in its light take on killers and killing. Brief nudity, some stylized violence, a few sexual encounters and some rough language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting 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, Dec. 29, 8-9:45 p.m. EST (HBO) "Music and Lyrics" (2007). Likable, if featherweight, romantic comedy about a has-been 1980s pop star (Hugh Grant) commissioned to write a song for a reigning pop diva (Haley Bennett) and discovers that his plant lady (Drew Barrymore) has a talent for lyrics, so he enlists her help, and they fall in love in the process. The two leads are effortlessly charming; there's a refreshing absence of romantic conflict and nice message about real values and believing in oneself, but for all that and despite some funny barbs about the music business, the film could have used a bit more wit. Apart from a single implied premarital encounter, writer-director Marc Lawrence's film is mostly devoid of objectionable elements making this acceptable for older adolescents. Aforementioned tryst, some skimpy costuming and gyrating moves from the pop star, brief physical scuffle, mild sexual banter and innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Light Your Free Candle for Pope Francis. May He Rest in Peace.

Saturday, Dec. 29, 8-11 p.m. EST (Animal Planet) "Grizzly Man" (2005). Fascinating profile of grizzly bear preservationist Timothy Treadwell, who filmed himself alone in the wilderness over a five-year period as he tried to "make friends" with wild bears and protect them, fully aware of the dangers, until he was killed by a bear in 2003. German director Werner Herzog explores the life and death of a man by turns passionate, eccentric and childlike -- using much of Treadwell's own footage -- to which he added the recollections of Treadwell's parents, colleagues and girlfriends. The result is a compulsively absorbing psychological study of an obsessed man, alternately admired and disparaged by those who knew him, as much as a nature documentary. Profanity, much rough language including repeated use of the f-word, some sexual musings, irreligious grumblings, animal violence, and gruesome description of his death (not shown). The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification of the theatrical version was L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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