Love old or unusual movies but never know when they're on? Here are four to watch this week:
Since You Went Away (1944): This is my favorite among the fine "keep the home fires burning" films of World War II. Claudette Colbert, whose husband is off at war, portrays the mother of two nearly grown daughters (Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple).
Colbert is a model wartime wife dealing with rationing and taking in a boarder to save money. The boarder (Monty Woolley) has a son (Robert Walker) who adds romance for the daughters. There's also romantic tension between Mom and old friend Joseph Cotten.
This beautifully observed film, sensitively directed by John Cromwell and strikingly photographed by Stanley Cortez, is full of cameos by stars-to-be: Ruth Roman, Dorothy Dandridge, Guy Madison, Keenan Wynn, John Derek and Rhonda Fleming.
A three-hour dose of nostalgia, Since You Went Away is a perfect movie to curl up with. -- 11:30 a.m. Monday, Turner Classic Movies
Murderball (2005): This riveting documentary tells of wheelchair-rugby players. Paraplegics all, these athletes have become elite in their sport.
The movie follows players preparing for the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. The most vivid figure is Mark Zupan, who was thrown from the back of a pickup as a young man. He's a star in the sport and speaks frankly about many aspects of his life.
This movie takes us deep into the world of an exciting and little-known sport. -- 8 p.m. Monday, Sundance Channel
The Four Seasons (1981): This gentle, charming, intelligent film about middle age was Alan Alda's debut as a feature film director. It follows the lives of couples Alda and Carol Burnett, Jack Weston and Rita Moreno, and Len Cariou and Sandy Dennis. They're old friends who spend holidays together.
After their spring outing, changes crack the plaster of their comfortable lives. Through summer, fall and winter, the characters deal with infidelity, divorce, parenting and aging.
Weston is a standout as a hilariously petty gossip, and Burnett is her usual warm, funny self. Also excellent are Dennis, who struggles after her marriage crumbles, and Bess Armstrong as the young woman who replaces her. -- 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Cinemax
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965): This brawny western marked John Wayne's return to film after his first bout with cancer.
After he and his brothers (Dean Martin, Michael Anderson and Earl Holliman) gather for their mother's funeral, they decide to avenge their parents' abuse by local outlaws.
Solidly directed by Henry Hathaway (who would later direct Wayne in True Grit), the movie features terrific supporting work by George Kennedy and Dennis Hopper. -- 4:30 a.m. Friday, Cinemax
Trivia Question 229: Carol Burnett won her first Emmy for what TV show?
Answer to Trivia Question 227: Burt Lancaster played a Nazi general in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961).
• Bryan native Ray Ivey is a writer and movie fan in Hollywood, Calif. He would love to hear from you at rayivey@ca.rr.com. His blog is at www.rayivey.com/wordpress.
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