The hits just keep coming in this week’s movies on TV, whether Gershwin songs or mob killings.
Today
“Henry V,” 10 p.m., Channel 9. A son succeeds his father as the leader of his country, and wages a much-argued war with religious overtones. This is Shakespeare – what else were you thinking? Kenneth Branagh stars. 1989.
Saturday
“Wild Boys of the Road,” 7:30 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. A clear-eyed view of difficult times in this fascinating look at the Depression, as teenage kids wander the country looking for work. Directed by William Wellman. 1933.
“Hoosiers,” 9 p.m., Channel 5. Based on a true story, this beloved sports movie traces the success of a high-school basketball team in hoops-crazy Indiana. Great roles for Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper as the coaches. 1986.
Sunday
“GoodFellas,” 6 p.m., Lifetime. Martin Scorsese directed this propulsive, violent saga about a mob wiseguy (Ray Liotta) and his tumultuous rise and fall. Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. 1990.
“About Schmidt,” 8 p.m., Encore. A magnificent performance by Jack Nicholson anchors this melancholy comedy about a man cut loose after a lifetime of orderly existence. Shot around Omaha. Director Alexander Payne’s new film is “Sideways,” opening soon. 2002.
Monday
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” 8 p.m., Family. The capper on a lively era of teen films, as Matthew Broderick skips school, savors life and sings “Danke Schoen.” 1986.
Tuesday
“An American in Paris,” 7 p.m., Turner Classic Movies. Painful to admit, but this isn’t really a very good movie. What is good is Gene Kelly, the dance numbers, and the great final ballet sequence, which makes it good enough. 1951.
“Muriel’s Wedding,” 9:30 p.m., Sundance. A funny-sad Australian comedy about a misfit (Toni Collette) who leaves her small town and teams up with a lively friend (electrifying Rachel Griffiths). Splendid use of ABBA songs. 1994.
Wednesday
“U-571,” 11:30 p.m., USA. An enjoyable submarine movie, a little flimsy on the facts but strong on the usual conventions of the World War II picture. Matthew McConaughey stars. 2000.
Thursday
“Lonely Are the Brave,” 10:45 a.m., American Movie Classics. Kirk Douglas considered this his favorite film, an offbeat number about a throwback cowboy who doesn’t fit in the modern world. Interesting concept, very much of its era. 1962.
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