Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 281

1 4 1 Ken Burns offers up yet another promising documentary this fall with "Lewis Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery" to be aired on WTTW Nov. 4 and 5. The documentary will feature actual letters, newspaper accounts and journals detailing their journey. Julia Child. "Mobil Masterpiece Theatre" (8 p.m.

Sundays, beginning Oct. 12) opens its new season with an adaptation of "The Mill on the Floss," George Eliot's 1860 novel about an intelligent and imaginative woman's vain efforts to fit into her provincial world. Anne Bronte's "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" follows with Tara Fitzgerald starring as an enigmatic young woman who moves into the isolated Wildfell Hall. The season continues with "The Moonstone," an adaptation of Wilkie Collins' classic detective story about a priceless and mysterious diamond. "Mystery!" (8 p.m.

Thursdays, season premiere Oct. 2) takes an interesting twist in its 18th season by putting some of its regular performers in new roles. For example, John Thaw, who normally stars as Inspector Morse, plays a down-on-his luck Englishman who gets caught in a crime web in "Into the Blue." Patricia Routledge, known as Hyacinth Bucket in "Keeping Up Appearances," stars as a housewife-turned-detective in "Hetty Wainthropp Investigates." "Great Performances" kicks off its 25th anniversary season with Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in the show's traditional opening night concert from Carnegie Hall (Oct. 15, 8 p.m.). A series of six hourlong programs over three days, "Liberty! The American Revolution" (Nov.

23 through 25, 8 p.m.) traces the birth of the American republic through scholarly commentaries and dramatic readings. WYCC-Ch. 20 WYCC's telecourses enable students to watch and learn from their televisions instead of attending live lectures. More than 8,400 students per year, according to WYCC, register for the station's telecourses through Harold Washington College's Center for Open Learning (312-553-5970). In recent years, however, the station's "mission has been to increase our connection to the local community," Cartwright says.

Thus, in addition to its telecourses, Channel 20 broadcasts locally produced specials and series. The following is a sample. "Food for the Ancestors" (Oct. 30, 9 p.m. and rebroadcasting on Nov.

1, 7:30 p.m.) takes viewers on a culinary journey of the Mexican state of Puebla, as people there prepare to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Food plays a major role in Day of the Dead, a fall holiday for honoring departed loved ones. Tour stops in this one-hour documentary include a historic market, a convent where the famous dish mole poblano purportedly was created, and a graveyard fiesta. A showcase for Chicago arts and entertainment happenings, "Absolute Artistry" (7 p.m. Wednesdays and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays) tours the Clown Hall of Fame, interviews the author of the latest James Bond novel and follows a top Chicago Elvis impersonator in upcoming episodes. Now in its third season, "Educate!" (7 p.m. Fridays and 8 p.m. Sundays, season premiere Oct. 3) will feature reports on school newspapers, early childhood education and teacher tenure, among others.

"First from Chicago" (7:30 p.m. Fridays and 7 p.m. Sundays) spotlights blue chip Chicagoans and Chicago institutions. Guests this season include: Leslie Hindman, who 90-minute documentary and discussion program, explores the question, Why don't more Americans vote? Hosted by John Callaway, the WTTW-produced special features an unscripted conversation among former U.S. Sen.

Paul Simon, former U.S. Rep. Michael Flanagan and several non-voting citizens from across the country. Home improvement junkies won't want to miss "About Your House with Bob Yapp" (noon Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, beginning Oct.

4-5), a new how-to series produced by WTTW for both the "do-it-yourselfer" and the "Honey, we-better-hire-a-pro-fessional." Host Bob Yapp offers all kinds of great household tips. Now in its 10th year, 'The American Experience" focuses this season on American presidents of the 20th Century. Harry Truman takes the spotlight in a two-parter (Oct. 5-6, 8 p.m.) that highlights his unconventional path to the presidency and the challenges awaiting him. Using historical footage, firsthand accounts and dramatic re-enactments, "The Adventurers" (9 p.m.

Fridays, beginning Oct. 31) profiles seven daring men, each of whom accomplished a historic first. Those featured include Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Nor-gay, the first to reach Mt. Everest's summit. The 90-minute special "Divided Highways: The Interstates and the Transformation of American Life" (Oct.

22 at 9 p.m.) traces the history of our national highway system from conception to completion and explores the impact of these roads on the United States. The program visits several cities along the interstates and features personalities such as children's television host Fred Rogers, humorist Dave Barry and culinary legend Chicago Tribune TV Week 42.