Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood
As fascinating as it is authoritative, this seven-week series traces Hollywood’s history, with emphasis on the personalities on both sides of the camera. Part 1 covers 1899–1907, briskly explaining the technical breakthroughs that gave birth to cinema and paved the way for such pioneers as the Warner brothers, Louis B. Mayer, and D.W. Griffith. Monday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m., Turner Classic Movies
30 for 30—Marion Jones: Press Pause
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Track and field athlete Marion Jones won five medals at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and became one of sports’ first female millionaires. But after admitting that she had taken steroids and lied to two grand juries about it, she forfeited her prizes and served six months in prison. Filmmaker John Singleton (Boyz ’N the Hood) looks at how Jones’ downfall has changed her. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m., ESPN
Independent Lens—Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian
Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond takes a good-natured look at how Hollywood has spread misconceptions about Native Americans from the silent era through today. Nominated for four Gemini Awards (Canada’s Emmys), the documentary includes a trove of movie clips as well as interviews with historians, Native American actors, and filmmakers such as Jim Jarmusch and Clint Eastwood. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings.
Circus
There’s as much drama behind the scenes as there is under the big top in this probing three-part look at New York’s acclaimed Big Apple Circus. While showcasing the show’s most colorful acts, the series zooms in on the personal stories of various performers, including departing founder Paul Binder and twin brothers who are deciding whether to end their lifelong juggling act. Wednesdays, Nov. 3–17, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Metropolis
A newly restored version of Fritz Lang’s silent science-fiction masterpiece makes its world television debut, giving most viewers their first chance to see 25 minutes of footage rarely screened since the movie’s 1927 Berlin premiere. Immediately following the film’s airing, the documentary Metropolis Refound will detail how the 2008 discovery of a lost print in Buenos Aires, Argentina, prompted the reconstruction. Sunday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m., TCM
Other highlights
NOVA: Trapped in an Elevator
This in-depth look at elevators includes a ride on the world’s fastest, located in Dubai inside the world’s tallest building. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
The Will: Family Secrets Revealed
Controversies over inheritances are the topic of this new docu-series. The debut episode looks at the estate of Joan Crawford, who disinherited two of her four children. Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 9 p.m., Investigation Discovery
Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel
Gumbel heads to Miami, where the $642 million Florida Marlins stadium project has stirred controversy over the public financing of major sports venues. Thursday, Nov. 4, at 8:30 p.m., HBO
Just 31% of Americans have a positive view of the healthcare industry, according to Gallup
Labour's plans to redefine the green belt
Saudi Arabia World Cup: have lessons been learned from Qatar?
