‘Inventors’ Specials’ Intelligent Viewing
One of the best beginnings for a story can be, “What if?”
HBO has been using that question as a point of departure for a series of family films in which historic figures connect with kids. One of the early efforts was the entertaining Emmy-winner, “Beethoven Lives Upstairs.”
The same producers have come up with another inspired drama in “Einstein: Light to the Power of 2,” the first offering in HBO’s new series, “The Inventors’ Specials,” premiering at 7.
Canadian actor Paul Soles (who also starred in “Beethoven”) portrays physics genius Albert Einstein in this tale set on the campus of Princeton University in 1954.
So … what if Einstein befriended a young black girl?
Fate introduces Einstein, 74, to Lannie Willis (Lataye Studwood), an inquisitive 9-year-old who lives with her cafeteria-worker mother (Sybill Walker) and janitor father (Chris McKinney).
Einstein and Lannie find they have more in common than they might think. He is troubled by attacks on intellectuals by the House Un-American Activities Committee; Lannie faces racism - especially in the form of her teacher (Shelley Peterson).
Adding sparkle to this beautifully written story is McKinney’s performance as the girl’s father, a part-time church choir leader who aspires to be a full-time jazz singer. The music, both gospel and jazz, is divine.
Thanks, HBO, for giving kids and families an enriching, intelligent alternative to network fare.
Highlights
“Baseball,” FOX at 5: From Jacobs Field in Cleveland, it’s the best of the best in the Major League’s annual All-Star game. The National League, looking for its fourth straight win, leads the series 40-26. Last year, the Senior Circuit won 6-0.
Tim McCarver and Bob Brenly call the action; Chip Caray and Steve Lyons anchor pre-game and post-game coverage.
“Mad About You,” NBC at 8: Bruno Kirby (“City Slickers”) guest stars as a homeless person Jamie (Helen Hunt) feels sorry for, but it’s Paul (Paul Reiser) whose pain she feels. Repeat.
“The Naked Truth,” NBC at 8:30: Tom Arnold guest stars as himself, turning the tables on Nora (Tea Leoni) when she takes an unauthorized photo. He shows up with a camera while she’s on a date with a guy she thinks she’ll lose if he finds out she works for a tabloid. Repeat.
“A Stranger in Love” (1993), CBS at 9: Beau Bridges (with sons Dylan and Jordan) stars in this soap-operish story of an amnesia victim whose plans to marry are interrupted by the arrival of his wife and sons.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Talk about turning the tables! Jill (Patricia Richardson) buys a sports car that she won’t let Tim (Tim Allen) drive. Repeat.
“Cadillac Desert,” KSPS at 9: Actress Alfre Woodard narrates this documentary on the environmental and political impact of the transformation of California’s Central Valley from a semiarid region into a highly productive agricultural area.
Cable Calls
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Weddings,” VH-1 at 8: Jerry Hall hosts this lightweight special that looks into the nuptials of such celebs as Celine Dion, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Gloria Estefan and Jon Secada.
“Abducted!” MTV at 10: When it comes to glossy treatment of any subject, it’s hard to beat MTV. Kurt Loder hosts this thin but fast-paced look into the alien-abduction phenomenon. Sorry, MTV. Been there, done that.
“Unplugged,” MTV at 10:30: Erykah Badu performs songs from her CD, “Baduizm.”
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Ten-year-old actress Mara Wilson.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Bruce Willis, New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and singer Jimmy Buffett. Repeat.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Pauly Shore and Erica Jong.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Kim Coles (“Living Single”), actress Gina Gershon and musical guest Alison Kraus & Union Station.