Choose a blog

Independent Lens documentary examines the legacy of Daisy Bates

An Independent Lens documentary on Civil Rights leader Daisy Bates begins airing on UNC-TV this week.

In "Daisy Bates: First Lady of Arkansas," filmmaker Sharon La Cruise presents an unflinching look at the strong but complicated woman who led the integration of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

La Cruise uses archival news footage and old interviews with the charismatic Bates to tell the story, along with candid interviews with Bates' friends and Little Rock historians.  Some of the most striking interviews are with members of the Little Rock Nine who famously integrated the Little Rock Public School System.

What to Watch on Saturday: HBO's 'Namath' looks at life and career of Broadway Joe

 The Pregnancy Project (8pm, Lifetime) - A high school student pretends to be pregnant in order to conduct a research project about stereotyping teens who are pregnant.

Goodnight for Justice: The Measure of a Man (8pm, Hallmark Movie) - Judge John Goodnight (Luke Perry) reunites with a former flame while traveling and witnesses a robbery by a gang of bandits. The case turns personal when one of the outlaws turns out to be his friend's teen son, who faces a possible death sentence. Adrienne reviews.

Namath (9pm, HBO) - A documentary collaboration between HBO Sports and NFL Films looking at the fascinating life and career of New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, who led the upstart AFL team to an upset win over the Colts in Super Bowl III. One of the first real sports celebrities, "Broadway Joe" was selected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985. Narrated by Liev Schreiber.

Pit Boss (9pm, Animal Planet) - Sebastian tries to reconcile with Shorty by going on a rescue mission at a stable, but their rift takes a backseat when a pit bull encounters an agitated horse.

Swamp Volcano (9pm, Syfy) - A vulcanologist tries to prevent a catastrophic eruption that would destroy civilization after an oil-drilling operation strikes magma flow in the Gulf of Mexico and inadvertently creates a volcano in Miami.

John Mulaney: New in Town (10pm, Comedy Central) - A great new comedy special from "Saturday Night Live" writer John Mulaney. Taped in New York City in 2011.

HBO's sneak peek of new documentary on the West Memphis Three

"Lost in Paradise 3: Purgatory," the third documentary in the series chronicling the conviction of a group of men who have come to be known as The West Memphis Three, makes its debut tonight on HBO.

The West Memphis Three -- Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelly Jr. and Jason Baldwin -- were convicted of murdering three elementary schoolboys in 1993 in West Memphis, Arkansas. The men were teenagers at the time of their conviction.

The first two "Paradise Lost" documentaries drew national attention to the men and the flimsy evidence used in their convictions. People from all over the country, including rock star Eddie Vedder and actor Johnny Depp, took up their cause and worked to earn them new trials.

Facing mounting evidence of their likely innocence (including recantations of testimony and new DNA evidence), the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered hearings for a new trial, but before that could happen, the men were offered the chance to admit guilt without confession and be sentenced to time already served. The Alford Plea, a rarely-used legal maneuver stemming from a 1970 North Carolina case (North Carolina v. Alford), meant the men -- who vehemently profess their innocence -- walked free.

HBO documentary shows students' refuge in Tel Aviv

Tonight, HBO is debuting "Strangers No More," a documentary about a public school in the middle of Tel Aviv that welcomes Jewish, Christian and Muslim students from 48 countries. For the students who attend Bialik-Rogozin, the school is like home, a refuge from the volatile lives they've led and from the dangers in the city around them. The film follows three students over the course of a school year.

"Strangers No More" airs tonight at 6:45 p.m.

What to Watch on Monday: Conclusion of Woody Allen documentary

Dancing with the Stars (8pm, ABC) - The final week of performances for the season includes a freestyle number.

How I Met Your Mother (8pm, CBS) - Ted and Barney make a life-altering decision, and Robin tries to talk Lily and Marshall out of moving to Long Island.

Enlightened (9:30pm, HBO) - A bad dream helps Amy face her feelings for Levi, but she also bonds with Tyler over loneliness issues after Dougie gets a promotion and Amy tries to set him up on a date with Krista's coworker.

Woody Allen: A Documentary (10pm, UNC-TV) - The conclusion of Robert Weide's profile of Woody Allen, which chronicles Allen's career from his days writing for Sid Caesar in the 1950s to present. The film features footage of him at home and on movie sets and includes a tour of his childhood haunts in Brooklyn. Also, remarks Diane Keaton, Martin Landau, Sean Penn, Chris Rock, John Cuzack, Larry David, Scarlett Johansson, Mariel Hemingway and others.

Hawaii Five-0 (10pm, CBS) - McGarrett goes to North Korea with Jenna Kaye to deliverf a ransom to rebels who are holding her fiance hostage. Meanwhile, Five-0 investigates the murder of an investigative reporter with ties to Jenna. Jimmy Buffett guest stars.

Castle (10pm, ABC) - A sniper goes on a murder rampage in the city and police struggle to find a motive before time runs out and another victim is killed. Also, Beckett's PTSD symptoms escalate, but she attempts to hide them from the team.

'Marathon Boy' on HBO shows poverty and exploitation in India

HBO is debuting a documentary tonight about an orphan in India who ran 48 marathons by the time he was four years old.

The story of Budhia Singh circulated across the globe six years ago, but this documentary, filmed between 2005 and 2010, concentrates on the exploitation that took place after the initial publicity. What started as a heartwarming rags-to-riches story unfortunately became a tale greed, corruption, and broken dreams.

This documentary is the first of four about contemporary India debuting on HBO and HBO2 this month. The others are "The Bengali Detective" (Nov. 16, HBO2); "The Sound of Mumbai" (Nov. 23, HBO2); and "Pink Saris" (Nov. 30 on HBO2).

"Marathon Boy" airs on HBO tonight at 8 p.m.

Click below for other playdates and times, and to watch a trailer of the film.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Prayer for a Perfect Season' on HBO

NCIS (8pm, CBS) - A Navy lieutenant is murdered by forced overhydration, and Gibbs meets Ducky's new love, played by Cheryl Ladd.

Prayer for a Perfect Season (9pm, HBO) - A look at the 2010-11 boys' basketball season at St. Patrick's High School in Elizabeth, N.J. The documentary follows Kevin Boyle and his players on t heir trek towards a climactic, winner-take-all showdown against archrival St. Anthony's of Jersey City. The film includes comments from players and coaches.

Frontline: Death by Fire (9pm, UNC-TV) - Frontline examines the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed in 2004 in Texas for the arson deaths of his three children. Included here is new science that indicates the fire may not have been an arson.

Body of Proof (10pm, ABC) - A famous equestrienne who ran a vocational program for prison inmates is murdered, and the prime suspect is a convicted felon and former drug addict (Crystal Bowersox). Meanwhile, Megan's ex-husband is upset to learn that she took Lacey to a crime scene, but Megan becomes equally peeved when she finds out that Lacey is being dragged along on her father's vacation with his new girlfriend.

Sons of Anarchy (10pm, FX) - SAMCRO must put off an important vote to deal with an external threat.

Cancer survival documentary airs tonight, free dvds available

UNC-MX will air a documentary tonight on the inspiring story of cancer survival by Pulitzer-Prize winning photojournalist John Kaplan.

In "Not As I Pictured," Kaplan documents his own story of fighting a deadly form of lymphoma.

You can also request a free copy of the movie (for personal use only) at the NotAsIPictured.org website. The filmmaker is giving away 10,000 free dvds to anyone affected by cancer. Shipping is free.

Music for the film's soundtrack was donated by Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Chris Martin (Coldplay), will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), Justin Timberlake, David Bowie, Cowboy Junkies, and Pantera.

"Not As I Pictured" will air on UNC-MX at 7 p.m. tonight (October 2).

What to Watch on Wednesday: Keno brothers from 'Roadshow' get new gig

Buried Treasure (8pm, Fox) - The premiere of a new unscripted series in which "Antiques Roadshow" alums (and identical twin brothers) Leigh and Leslie Keno evaluate items they find in peoples' homes around the country and then help the owners sell them -- if they want to sell. The world-renowned antique experts and appraisers use cutting-edge technology to determine authenticity, condition and, ultimately, worth.

Madonna of the Mills (8pm, HBO2) - A documentary examining the puppy mill industry focuses on a New York City woman's tireless work to free hundreds of puppies from breeding facilities in Pennsylvania, and follows four rescued dogs after they are placed with caring owners. Directed by Andy Nibley.

Happy Endings (9:30pm, ABC) - What!? Where did this come from? An un-aired episode from last season? Just who is running ABC?!?  Okay, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth. In this "lost" episode, Jane and Alex have a difference of opinion regarding Jane's literacy group, and Dave scores a date with the coach of a women's lacrosse team, but finds out she has a peculiar quirk. Also, Penny gets a long-overdue assistant and tries to be the "cool boss," but with lukewarm results.

Top Chef: Just Desserts (10pm, Bravo) - Season 1 ended up being a huge disappointment, but that doesn't mean Bravo can't turn things around. Season 2 premieres tonight with 14 new pastry chefs battling it out in a challenge based on a popular fairy tale.

Confessions: Animal Hoarding (10pm, Animal Planet) - Season 3 of one of the most depressing shows on television returns tonight, with an episode called "Deadly Snakes in my Bedroom."

Rescue Me (10pm, FX) - Lou delivers Tommy's letters to Sheila and Janet behind Tommy's back. Also, "Francostein" runs a tight firehouse as Lou's interim replacement, then gets an opportunity to test his leadership skills on a call.

Hot in Cleveland (10pm, TV Land) - Elka and Fred (Buck Henry) plan a low-key wedding ceremony with a reverend (Cedric the Entertainer), but the bride-to-be turns bridezilla after the women urge her to go all out.

NOTE: HBO will make two "Paradise Lost" documentaries available On Demand starting today.

What to Watch on Thursday: 'Project Runway' and HBO's 'Derek Jeter 3K'

Project Runway (9pm, Lifetime) - Season 9 of the fashion-themed reality competition series returns. Here's a list of the new cast and where they're from. There's a special at 8 p.m. that follows the casting process.

Derek Jeter 3K (9pm, HBO) - A documentary going behind the scenes with the Yankee shortstop during the 2011 season as he approached 3000 career hits. Includes interviews with family, friends, teammates, and Yankees executives. Also, highlights from his career and footage from on and off the field.

Serving Life (9pm, OWN) - A documentary following inmate hospice volunteers at Louisiana's maximum security Angola prison as they care for dying fellow inmates. Narrated by Forest Whitaker. It beings as four volunteers are screened and trained for the daunting job.

Black Tide: Voices from the Gulf (9pm, Animal Planet) - A documentary examining how the 2010 BP oil spill affected the lives, businesses and animals of Louisiana's Gulf region, and how they are trying to rebuild. We have more about it here.

Rookie Blue (10pm, ABC) - An informant's murder is investigated, and Gail's mother, Superintendant Peck (Lauren Holly), arrives to ratchet up the pressure to solve the case. Gail is assigned to protect the only known witness to the crime.

Suits (10pm, USA) - The guys defend a woman falsely accused of insider trading. Elsewhere, Mike helps Rachel study for the LSAT and realizes she's close to discovering his secret.

Green Room with Paul Provenza (11pm, Showtime) - In this season's third episode, Richard Belzer competes in an impromptu "Jagger-off" and a kinda hostile Doug Stanhope goes after Jeneane Garofalo. Things get tense. It's totally uncensored and often pretty vulgar, but really interesting and funny as uh, heck. 

Cars View All
Find a Car
Go
Jobs View All
Find a Job
Go
Homes View All
Find a Home
Go

Want to post a comment?

In order to join the conversation, you must be a member of newsobserver.com. Click here to register or to log in.
Advertisements