Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 42

mm mm DETROIT FREE PRESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1981 ED a ail ABC takes a flying leap at fun heroics FN1 MERITS MARLBORO WINSTON VANTAGE BENSON KEN' DON'T DON'T HAVE LIGHTS LIGHTS DOESN'T HEDGES LIGHTS DON'T DCN'T HAVE- DON'T HAVE IT! HAVE IT! HAVE IT! IAVE IT! There is some of the campy feel of "Batman" in its early, zingy days. THki IWf0 There are several good reasons to take a fantasy break at 8 p.m. Wednesday and watch the two-hour debut of "The Greatest American Hero" on ABC (WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, in Detroit): It is a lot of fun in a frothy, wacky, unpretentious sort of way. It has William Katt, a blond, blue-eyed vulnerable For a taste too good to be 5. "Tenspeed and Brownshoe" quickly lost its unique kick and charm and was soon off the air.

It's a lot of fun to watch a bemused Katt stare in the mirror at his nutty, caped self and say, "It's a bird, it's a plane it's But will it be fun next Wednesday and the Wednesdays ahead if the same jokes reappear? The premise might just be too hokey to sustain. But Cannell and a fine cast have delivered some polished, hellzapoppin, pulp entertainment this first time out. "The Greatest American Hero" sure looks like a winner. NEWS IN THE AFTERNOON: Looking to establish a newscast breakthrough of its own, CBS announced plans Monday for a half-hour, mid-afternoon news program that will premiere this fall in the p.m. weekday time slot.

CBS said the show would be "feature oriented (and) of relevance to the daytime audience." The program would represent the first major expansion of network news operations since ABC introduced its "Nightline" late-night news show a year WO; hunk who is both sexy and self-deprecating in a most appealing manner. Of course, I've been a big Katt fan ever since he took Sissy Spacek to that poetically demented homecoming in "Carrie." It has a marvelously preposterous comic book plot filled with 5 i TAREYTON Tareyton's unique charcoal filter is why. jb forced to become a reluctant superhero after extraterrestrial visitors present him with a mysterious and embarrassingly flamboyant suit endowed with unearthly powers." So now Ralph Hinkley has other things to worry about besides his rowdy students and a custody battle for his young son. He has to learn how to fly in that silly red suit. He has to cope with that glory-hungry government agent, Bill Maxwell (Culp).

And he has to figure out how to stifle the forces of evil, represented by a band of Jesus-freaked extremists, Gabriel's Army, that is led by a monstrous Sun Belt Svengali named Nelson Corey (G.D. Spradlin). There is some of the campy feel of "Batman" in its early, zingy days. Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health. FTIIfD outrageous coincidence and a i punchy little rhythm all its own.

Duffy Infectious is the word. III! It has Robert Culp, returning to IBIBVISIPII I television with a rakish sense of seedy style as an amiably cantan 5 mg. 0.4 mg. nicotine av. per cigarette by FTC top shows 'Dallas' Here are the top 10 television shows and their ratings for the week March 9-15, according to the A.C.

Nielsen Co. A rating is the percentage of all U.S. TV households tuned to the program. Each rating point represents 778,000 households. The networks' average ratings for the week are: CBS, 19.7; ABC, 16.6; NBC, 15.7.

(R) indicates rerun. Celebration of Spring Send a Balloon BOUQUET to Someone you Love Balloon-o-Gram sent anywhere in U. S.A. HELIUM BALLOONS-A DELIGHTFUL GIFTI kerous FBI agent who spouts lines like: "I got some scenario Couple a weeks, dem Reds (as in Commies) won't know what hit 'em." TO BE SURE, "The Greatest American Hero" is light entertainment. But under the sure creative hand of Stephen J.

Cannell, creator of "The Rockford Files," among other shows, "Hero" is light entertainment that works. It possesses genuine wit and real charm. "The Greatest American Hero" carries us back to superhero territory. Katt plays Ralph Hinkley, your basic, earnest high school teacher trying to deal with your basic, surly punks with hearts of gold. But quicker than you can say "Bam! Pop! Wow!" Hinkley's life, as they say in the press releases, is "outrageously complicated when he is Make your BUT "THE GREATEST American Hero" is campy in a most congenial way.

Unlike "Batman," Cannell's creation is almost never dumb, condescending or merely cardboard cute. It does not defuse its energy by smirking at itself or its audience. Plus, Katt and Culp are a superb pairing. They are far better actors than Adam West and Burt Ward, who raised one-dimensionality to new heights as Batman ana Robin. There is the danger that, as happened with Cannell's "Tenspeed and Brownshoe," the energy and delight of "The Greatest American Hero" are all wrapped up in this opening episode.

reservations Inr nirtiae 9:. e-e- is The ultimate In wedding party decorations FREE Home Estimates, IUI pOI Mld weddings, etc. 32.3 Boat" 24.5 ABC 29.5 23.3 CBS 26.1 23.2 NBC 26.0 P.I." 23.0 CBS 25.5 10 "Llttlt House" (R) 21.6 NBC 1- "Dallaa" CBS 2- "DukM ol Hazzard" CBS 3- "60 Minute" CBS 4- "Th JehVioru" CBS 5- "Allc" CBS DIAL-A-BALLOON 373-7324 PONTIAC, MICH. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Bettelou Peterson's Expect The Gambler Channel 2, 9 p.m.

Kenny Rogers' million-seller record advised you've got to know when to hold, when to fold, when to walk away and when to run. Kenny also knew when to make a movie using the song's story line. First seen last April, it was the highest-rated TV movie of the season. Bruce Boxleitner is the young gambler; Harold Gould and Clu Gulager are villains. American Hero Channel 7, 8 p.m.

Ralph Hinkley (played by William Katt) is a nice chap, a high school teacher. He'd really rather not be a superman, but out in the desert one night, he's given this special suit. Zap, he's "The Greatest American Hero." Robert Culp co-stars as a government aide in this new series. Connie Selleca's the lawyer Hinkley loves. The Lion In Winter Channel 56, 8 p.m.

Peter O'Toole as Henry II and Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aq-' uitaine joust brilliantly over who'll ascend to England's throne in James Goldman's acidic and witty adaptation of his stage play. Anthony Hopkins is his mother's darling, Richard the Lionhearted. Hepburn's performance merited the 1968 Oscar for best actress (tying Barbra Streisand). the Unexpected! Mr William Katt on 56 The Lion in Winter Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn star as Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. When he keeps her imprisoned, she keeps him confused.

One Life to Live Movie ries victory parade for the Philadelphia Phillies; tennis tips; attorney Marvin Mit- "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Kelly A Company Dr. Marvin Schissel and Dr. Charles Amenta debate whether dentists are more Interested In making money than saving your teeth; Red Wings star Reed Larson vis Here, 69, Robert Redtord, Katharine Ross, Robert 6:00 Classroom Blake. An American Indi an's desperate search for where she makes a rowdy new friend, the girl who will grow up to be her mother. Mary Beth Manning, Rachel Longaker, Jane Lowry, Holland Taylor.

Just Ask Science series with Dr. David Suzuki. 63 Batman 20 Fllntstones GB House of Frlghtensteln cneison. SB 700 Club Religious variety. BD Casper 23 America "The Huddled Masses." G3 Jim Bakker Patterns of Rebirth: "The its; rasnion designer bobby an identity the white man's Aztec Rebirth Story." TV College 10.

BO I Love Lucv world refuses to grant. 83 Twilight Zone 8:00 PM Wednesday Work Society: "New An airplane arrives at its the key to gaining new wealth and success. 20 Detroit Today 23 Sesame Street GQ Morning News 10:30 0 Newlywed Game Blockbusters Edge of Night Mr. Dressup 20 Health Field "Over-the-Counter Drugs: The Government's Role." GQ Deliverance for CaptlvesTlme of Sharing 11:00 Price Is Right Wheel of Fortune Love Boat Sesame Street News: HarlanMayk Family Feud King of Kensington 83 Rhoda 20 $50,000 Pyramid 23 Mister Rogers GQ Spirit of Detroit 12:30 Search for Tomorrow The Doctors Ryan's Hope Bob McLean 83 Mike Douglas Co-host: Liberace. Guests: Jon "Bowser" Bauman, cast of Harry Anderson, Mr.

Edward. 20 To Tell the Truth 23 Mundo Real GQ Faith for Miracles 7:30 Technologies in the Work "Lucy's Schedule." After she shows up late for a dinner enaaaement with his Channel 56 destination minus crew, passengers and baggage. Harold J. Stone, Robert Place. 6:15 S3 EnergySociety boss, Ricky puts Lucy on a ffi Great Space Coaster 83 Llllas, Yoga :00 fi Mornlnn Manarlna 4:30 i "Mass Energy Flows in very strict time table.

A.M. Weather GD Consumer's World 9:15 Feeling Good 23 Educational till 10 How to put your child on schedule; facing up to the All In the Family Take 30 69 Ultraman 20 Scooby Doo 23 3-2-1 Contact 9 GB Funny Fables uties. 6:30 Ed Allen Show Bewitched Action News B3 Viewpoint 9:30 8onva 5:00 Host: Debra Hussong. "In Discussion of the single flation Recession." Dr. rax man.

Today from (8:15) CO Qllllgan 23 Over Easy (R) "After 65, Living Together." Lawyer Harriet Pil-pel and marriage counselor Dr, James Peterson. GQ Vegetable Soup most obstructive issue in an Karnes. 23 Turnabout "Single-Handed." 2:30 83 Leave It to Beaver 23 Dennis Wholey 2:55 20 News: Makupson 3:00 Guiding Light Texas General Hospital 83 Mighty Mouse 20 Popeye 23 Over Easy 9 GQ Jim Bakker 3:30 20 Woody Woodpecker 23 Sesame Street 9 intimate relationship, jealousy. 20 Family Affair "Member of the 8:30 Mr. French Is hurt because One Day at a Time Barney Miller This Was America Ismiml A Family Album." Historical look at family life in turn-of-the-century America.

Carol Burnett Roddy McDowall. 69 Superman 20 Tom and Jerry 23 Work Society "New Technologies in the Work Place." GQ The Scene he is made to believe that Cissy has left his caricature omotnerscnooiart exhibit GD Something Special Tim an matte uossiole Ov Channel 5b me Corporation tor PuDiic Bi o.hiosi mg 9:45 25 Beverly Hillbillies "The Race for Queen." Elly May is a prime contender for the Miss Beverly Hills beauty contest. 23 3-2-1 Contact 9 GQ Jim Bakker 11:30 Charlie Rose Guest: Rita Jenrette, estranged wife of former congressman. 83 NewsViewpoint "What Will I Be When I Grow Up?" Sheryl Feld-man. 20 Andy Griffith "Mind Over Matter." Easily 1 influenced by his friends, i Goober is convinced that he is suffering from a severe whiplash and becomes an invalid.

12:00 News: Payne And Gallagher 1:00 Young and Restless Days of Our Lives All My Children 20 Movle-BIII Kennedy "Once Before I Die," '66, John Derek, Ursula An-dress, Ron Ely. A young U.S. soldier and his girlfriend are caught in a surprise attack by the Japanese on the Philippines during WW II. 23 Educational till 2 GQ Movie "Doctor of (B) Armando Silvestre, Lorena Velazquez, Roberto Can-edo. Doctor's brain experiments cause havoc.

1:30 Wok with Yan 8) Let's Make a Deal 2:00 As the World Turns Another World Friendly Giant 4:00 SD Movie "Kiss and Kill," '69, Christopher Lee, Richard Greene, Shirley Eaton. Diabolical Dr. Fu Manchu plots conquering the world by placing the kiss of death on heads of state. Fllntstone Friends 23 Mundo Real "Double Generation Gap." (B Wlthlt Wildlife program. Robert Bushnell.

GD Sign OnNews 6:45 23 A.M. Weather 6:50 GO News: Local 7:00 Captain Kangaroo Today Show Past and present medical quackery, Good Morning, America Proposed cutbacks in the federal food stamp program; solar energy in Texas; "Should religious groups force the banning of books?" is debated by Moral Majority leader Rev. Jerry Falwell and author Sidney Sheldon; World Se Some 23 programs may begin slightly before or after the hour due to pledge breaks. 5:30 Rockford Files (Pt. 1) Rockford becomes romantically Involved with a client, a blind psychologist.

Good Times ABC Afterschool SPECI "My Mother Was Never a Kid." A bump on the head sends a rebellious 13-year-old girl swooshing back through time to the 1940s, 10:00 9:00 News: Glover And Tlmmons i News: FrazlerMayk News: BondsLewis 1 Mary Tyler Moore 69 Get Smart 20 Brady Bunch 23 EnergySociety Imagine meeting your own mother when she was your age. Victoria and gets the surprisegf her lifel The Jeffersons Ontario Schools EO 700 Club The dramatic account of how a lost fortune becomes Phil Donahue "Computer Technology." Richard Simmons Exercise and cooking hints. 10:00 10:30 9:00 9:30 7:30 8:00 8:30 Enos CBS Movie: "Kenny Rogers as the Gambler" Tic-Tac-Dough channels Oiff. Strokes Facts of Life Quincy Real People Bullseye Greatest American Hero (Debut) Family Feud 10:30 29 Hollywood Squares Vincent Price, Pia Zadora, Fred Willard, Phyllis Davis, Paul Lynde, Wayland Madame, George Go-bel, Phyllis Diller, Buddy Hackett. 11:00 News: Glover And Tlmmons News: CrlmFrazler News: BondsLewis News: National 29 Prisoner: Cell Block Led by Bea and Judy, the women WJBK-TV WDIV-TV a WXYZ-TV CBET-TV 69 WXON-TV 20 WKBD-TV 23 WTVS-TV GQ WGPR-TV Doctor Hockey: St.

Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs Bry, Arlene Dahl, Leslie Nielsen, Philip Charles MacKenzie, Michael Tucci ride the wild surf. (R) "Police Story." Joe Forrester not only helps quell a terrifying gang war, but also helps the perpetrators to a new way of life: Richard Yniquez, Hector Elias. 20 Night Gallery Scheming husband, married to a cold-hearted millionairess, hires an old woman with a heart of gold and plans a soul transferring experiment. Larry Hagman, Jean-ette Nolan, Suzy Parker. 23 The Road Back I Story of James J.

Beattie." Documentary profile of boxer Jim Beattie. Green Acres Pay TV: "Lord of the Rings," "Last Married Couple in America" "Players" 9 20. 31 News Movie: "No Man Is an Island" M'A'S'H Hollywood Sqs Movie: "A Lion in Winter" MacNeil 56 Compiled by Christine Schmuckal 9 Symbol for programs closed captioned for the hearing Impaired. Faith for Miracles He Lives Jim Bakker New Day 62 Huntley (6:30) 12:30 dercover attempt to land a bur-i glary ring that terrorizes a San Pedro marina. Real People Policemen In demolition derby, car and appliances powered by lemons, 70-year-old disco dancer, school for bagpipers in Chicago, 1 1-year-old stockbroker.

of Wentworth prepare for a full scale riot. Meanwhile, Vera receives some information from an unlikely source. 23 Ten O'Clock News National local news. GB Spirit of Detroit 11:25 News: Local 11:30 Maude "The Will." Tonight Show Host: Johnny Carson. Guest: Rich A -w.

ginia; weekend getaway at Wheels Inn in Chatham, Ontario. Joker's Wild Game show. ABC News "MIA's; Are Any Still Alive?" (Pt. Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrln Q3 Candid Camera Host: Alan Funt. 23 Welcome Back, Kotter Carvelli has a "close encounter" with the planet Yorxyl and Mr.

Woodman is chosen to make a return trip with him. ADV. Super New Comedy! Greatest American Hero! Premiere! Tomorrow Show Guests: singer Tammy Wynette, cosmetics tycoon Oleda Baker, stuntman Dar Robinson. 20 Movie "Destination Gobi," '53, Richard Widmark, Don Taylor. U.S.

Navy men assigned to establish a weather post in the Gobi Desert help to form the first Mongolian Cavalry and a friendship with later, pays off. (To 2:17) GB Spirit of Detroit ard Benhjamin, golfer Jan Ste "My Mother Was Never A Kid" Brought to you by and Don't miss the next Afterschool Special "Heartbreak Winner" on April 1 9:00 CBS Movie (R) "Kenny Rogers as the Gambler," '80, Kenny Rogers, Christine Belford, Bruce Boxleitner, Harold Gould, Clu Gulager, Lance Le-Gault, Lee Purcell, Ronnie Scrlbner. Western adventure set in' the Southwest during the 1800s. Diff'rent Strokes Mr. Drummond seeks Arnold's advice after being turned down for a date by an executive who is against mixing business with pleasure.

GQ Jim Bakker Religious. 9:30 Facts of Life Mrs. Garrett's ne'er-do-well son upsets things when he visits Eastland School and persuades Natalie that she Is a talented songwriter and urges her to quit school. 10:00 Quincy A state governor Is slain while attending a governor's confer phenson. ABC Nightline 29 Benny Hill (R) Benny has another unsuc 7:30 1:00 cessful marriage that leaves him chasing microfilms and spies in a 23 News Repeat 1:30 girls boarding school.

23 Dennis Wholey Greatest American Hero iPEBUTj Comedy-adventure series about a normal American schoolteacher who becomes endowed with superhuman powers, William Katt stars as Hinkley, Robert Culp as Maxwell and Connie Sellecca as Hinkley's girlfriend. (To 10) Hockey St. Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs. (To approx. 11 p.m.) 83 Pay TV Programs S3 Movie Dr.

Marvin Schissel, author of 6:00 News: Payne And Gallagher News: CrlmMoore News: LeGoffBlscoe QNewsday fD Gomer Pyle gt. Carter accepts a temporary desk job and when he discovers that his platoon seems to be getting along without him, he decides to resign. 29 Happy Days Again Thanks to Fonzie, Arnold's place is about to reopen with a new look. 29 Patterns of Rebirth "The Aztec Rebirth Story." GD News: Local 6:30 CBS News: Rather NBC News: ChancellorMudd 63 Twilight Zone A birthday party is interrupted by reports of a probable enemy missile attack. S3 Sanford Son Fred, Lamont and Bubba have worked out a song and dance routine for the "Gong Show." 23 Speaking of Love ISPtCI At The Sacramento Community Center provides a forum for Dr.

Bus-caglia's most recent observations on that nebulous commodity, love. GB 100 Huntley St. Telethon runs to 8 p.m. 7:00 PM Magazine Interview with Dr. Lyle Michell, "Dentistry and Its Victims," dis cusses what you need to know to protect your teeth and your pock- Tic Tac Dough Game show, Bullseye Dally Lottery at 7:42 p.m.

Family Feud Host: Richard Dawson. Doc Down Under Some patients out-smart their doctors. 83 Green Acres In an effort to Improve Lisa's understanding of the role of a farm wife, Oliver tells her the story of a pioneer couple set forth in a book titled, "Forty Years a Farmer." 2DMASH ence and Quincy is called in to "No Man Is an Island," '62, Jeffrey Hunter, Marshall Thompson, Barbara Perez. A U.S. radioman is etbook.

GB Faith for Miracles Religious. 11:45 Six Million Dollar Man 12:00 Late Features determine the method ot the murder and the next probable victim. Fritz Weaver, Raler Johnson. stranded on the Japanese con trolled Island of Guam for 34 months, but manages to survive VEGASDAN BLINDED BY HIRED GUNMAN! 23 Dennis Wholey GB Big City News 1:45 GB All Night Movies "The Black Whip," '56 (B) Hugh Marlowe, Coleen Gray, Angie Dickinson. Snappy western.

"Blue Angel," '30 (B) Emil Jan- nings, Marlene Dietrich. Cheap chanteuse morally destroys a professor who loves her. "By the Blood of Others," '73, Mariangela Melato, Yves Beney-ton. A deranged young man holds two women hostage in a farm- house. 2:00 Classroom (R) "Cycles and Sacrifice." 2:20 Movie I he Desperados," '69, Vince Ed-, wards, Jack Palance, George Ma-J haris, Neville Brand, Sylvia Sims.

Father and his three sons lead ai band of Civil War era deserters in! ravaging the West. i ADV. "Ironside." A highly respected Mexican-American detective is accused of murder and Ironside with the aid ot patriotic natives, 23 Movie April Fools' Day pranksterism lands the 4077th in hot water with "A Lion in Winter," '68. Katharine refuses to believe the circum- Hepburn. Peter O'Toole, Anthony stanctial evidence which would a no-nonsense visiting colonel.

MacNellLehrer Hopkins, John Castle, Jane Men VegaS Require good sports coverage. Get the best in the Free Press. row. The intense struggle tor succession and the explosive com-l plexities within the royal family in medieval England during the 12th Some 23 programs may begin slightly before or after the hour due to pledge breaks. convict him.

"Mr. InsideMr. Outside," 73, Hal Linden, Tony LoBianco, Paul Benjamin. Two unorthodox and determined cops set out to stop a gang of ruthless, International diamond smugglers, Wed. Features (R) "Love Boat." Paul Burke, Patrick Laborteaux, Mark Serra, Ellen Blinded by a bungled gangland-style shooting, Dan desperately undertakes a frustrating struggle to overcome his handicap arid find his assailants.

Ed Nelson, Bill Lucking, Lynne Marta, Harry Guardino, 20 News: Local And National GQ Faith for Miracles 8:00 QEnos century, (loll) GQ Because He Lives Religious. 8:30 GB DawnNew Day team doctor for the Boston Ballet droit 4frcc Enos and Turk don fishing garb Company: America's top herb doctor, Catfish-Man of West Vir- and gear in a wild, sea-going un-.