Movies on TV

Monday, Jan. 27

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

Returning to sketch comedy after a couple of hit narrative films, the Monty Python troupe made vulgar fun of the path from cradle to grave. (1983) 9 p.m., Sundance

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Tuesday, Jan. 28

To Be or Not to Be

A group of Polish actors infiltrate the local Nazi command in a comedy from Ernst Lubitsch that was very daring for its time.(1942) 5:30 p.m., TCM

Wednesday, Jan. 29

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Patrick O’Brian’s classic Jack Aubrey maritime novels get a well-made adaptation, with a commanding Russell Crowe playing the Royal Navy captain. (2003) 2:45 p.m., IFC

Thursday, Jan. 30

Elizabeth

Cate Blanchett delivers a tour de force performance as Queen Elizabeth I in this exceptional period drama. (1998) 10:10 p.m., The Movie Channel

Friday, Jan. 31

The Aviator

Leonardo DiCaprio plays reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes in a biopic that won Martin Scorsese his fifth Best Director nomination. (2004) 10:15 p.m., IFC

Saturday, Feb. 1

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

You’ll conquer your urge to play with your mashed potatoes after viewing Steven Spielberg’s classic about a visit from extra-terrestrials. (1977) 2:30 p.m., IFC

Sunday, Feb. 2

The Lost Weekend

Ray Milland captures the torment of alcoholism in Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning drama about the self-destruction of a New York writer. (1945) 8 p.m., TCM