Dudes rule Memorial Day TV
Memorial Day is almost always an occasion for the networks to trot out those World War II chestnuts. Programmers got a little frisky this year, digging deep into film history for some unusual movies. For those who can’t get through this day without seeing Tom Hanks embody American values, there’s always “Saving Private Ryan.” Here are some notable shows and movies to watch during the holiday.
The Young Lions
11 a.m., TCM
Three men experience combat in WWII. One is a German who becomes disillusioned with Nazism, one is an American entertainer who ends up being drafted and the third is a sensitive Jewish-American who discovers anti-Semitism from his own comrades. Starring Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Dean Martin.
Kelly’s Heroes
1 p.m., Sundance
Clint Eastwood sneaks a motley trio of US soldiers behind enemy lines during World War II to retrieve a fortune in Nazi gold bullion. Don Rickles, playing a character named Clambake, and Donald Sutherland, playing one called Oddball, provide comic relief. And then there’s Telly Savalas.
Indianapolis 500
1:30 p.m.., NBCSN
The 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drivers Simon Pagenaud (eighth start) and Ed Carpenter (16th) start in Row 1 and are seeking their first win.
Friendly Persuasion
3:15 p.m., TCM
The teenage son (Tony Perkins) in a Quaker family struggles to adhere to pacifism and risks being called a coward for not signing up for military service in Civil War Indiana. Five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Glory
5:45 p.m., TCM
Denzel Washington won his first Oscar for his portrayal of a defiant soldier in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered up during the Civil War under the command of a white New Englander (Matthew Broderick).
Memphis Belle
6:45 p.m., Sundance
This World War II drama is the fact-based story of a B-17 bomber used for a final mission before its crew can be sent back to the States. They expect their last assignment to be a cakewalk, but instead they are ordered to bomb Bremen, a heavily defended German city that will mean loss of life. With Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz and John Lithgow.
Saving Private Ryan
8 p.m., AMC
A US Army captain (Tom Hanks) leads a mission to rescue a GI trapped behind enemy lines in France on D-Day after all three of the soldier’s brothers are killed in action. With Matt Damon and Barry Pepper.
Stanley Cup
St. Louis at Boston
8 p.m., NBC
For the first time since 1970, the St. Louis Blues advance to the Stanley Cup Finals to take on the six-time Stanley Cup champ Bruins at TD Garden.
The Hot Zone
9 and 10 p.m., National Geographic
In this dramatization of the Richard Preston bestseller, Julianna Margulies plays a US Army veterinarian who discovers that the Ebola virus may be on American soil. Co-starring Liam Cunningham and Noah Emmerich.
Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh
9 p.m., A & E
The late comic Chris Farley moved his way through the Chicago improv and sketch-comedy scene at Second City. He broke through as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and later starred in big-screen comedies. This new documentary takes a look at the over-the-top stage presence whose insecurities were deeply tied to his addictive personality — ultimately resulting in his death in 1997 at the age of 33.
Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal
9 p.m., Lifetime
The marriage of Prince Harry (Charlie Field) and Meghan Markle (Tiffany Smith) is a balancing act of royal British traditions and American values as they try to keep everyone happy while preparing for their future on the world stage.
