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FRIDAY 20
[TV1/7:00pm] House: Behind the Scenes
[Ovation/7:30pm] Inside the Actor’s Studio. The Simpsons.
[Bio/8:30pm] Movie: The Matthew Shephard Story

[Ten/7:00pm] The Biggest Loser.
[Ten/11:20pm] Veronica Mars. Final. "Charlie Don't Surf"

[ABC/8:30pm] Murphy’s Law. Three murderers are murdered. All three have been named in a campaign run by a support group for relatives of murder victims. Is it a coincidence or is this a killer-killer taking revenge? With a carefully constructed cover story, Murphy (James Nesbitt) joins the group, but he's forced to face his demons when the true story of his own daughter's death surfaces. After all these years the identity of the man who murdered her has come to light. The genie is out of the bottle - Murphy has a job to do. He has to catch the killer-killer, but he is also faced with the possibility of being able to exact revenge on the man who slit his daughter's throat.Guest Artists: Patterson Joseph as Dr Mark Maddison, Simon McCallum as Jack McIntosh, Aislinn Sands as Andrea Williams, Paul Brennan as Lawrence Williams.
[ABC/8:30pm] Spooks. A terror attack is planned on the UK transport system, orchestrated by an Algerian terrorist, Malek, whilst locked in a high security prison cell. The team choose the unorthodox and risky strategy of freeing Malek so that he will lead them to the cell before the attack occurs. As they mount surveillance on Malek and his civil liberties lawyer, they discover that Malek is not the terrorist they thought he was but simply an innocent man and his arrest the result of a Special Branch admin error. However since Malek's release he has been meeting known terrorists - has Malek been turned whilst in prison? Adam (Rupert Penry-Jones) interrogates Malek and discovers Malek's family are being held hostage until he commits the required act of terror. The team fight to save Malek's innocence but risk his family's lives in the process.
[ABC/11:00pm] The Chaser's War On Everything. Rpt.
[ABC/11:30pm] jtv
[ABC/12:00am Sat] Rage

[Nine/8:30pm] Movie: Bride and Prejudice. (India 2004)

[SBS/10:00pm] A Perfect Fake - The fantasy of creating life is as old as civilisation. This film takes us into the world of men who have chosen to reject the reality of human sexual companionship in order to pursue a variety of 'hyper-realistic' erotic surrogates and simulations, computer-generated virtual pornography and erotica. To the men who own life size female 'love-dolls', each 'girl' is as unique as a snowflake. (From Canada, in English and Japanese, with English subtitles) (Documentary) (Rpt) MA (A,S) CC

[Comedy/11:00pm] Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Guest: Sanjaya Malakar

SATURDAY 21
[Nine/1:30pm] Movie: Mogambo (US 1953) Clark Gable, Ava Gardiner, Grace Kelly. Actually filmed by MGM on safari in Africa.
[Nine/7:30pm] Movie: Bring It On (US 2000) Rpt.

[ABC/4:00pm] The Last Great Amateurs. Follows the Melbourne Phoenix Netball Club through the pain and passion of a year in elite-level amateur sport. Narrated by Magda Szubanski as Sharon Strzelecki. Rpt.
[ABC/7:30pm] The Sideshow. Paul McDermott returns to television, whether or not television wants him to, as the Ring Master of a new one-hour comedy/variety show, THE SIDESHOW, which premieres Saturday April 21 at 7.30pm on ABC TV. Each week, as he gives his own unique spin on the world, Paul will present a dazzling mix of local and international artists, from the worlds of comedy, music, cabaret, burlesque and good, old-fashioned freak shows. The big question is, will he sing? Well, what do you think? Paul will be joined by a troupe of regular stars, including The Umbilical Brothers, Tripod, and comedian Claire Hooper. And some of Australia’s finest fingers will make sure singalongs around the piano are never the same again. Produced by Ted Robinson (The Glass House, Good News Week), THE SIDESHOW will entertain, delight and surprise viewers of all ages. (It’ll do other things to the viewers too, but we’re not legally responsible for that). “There’s a whole new generation of brilliant performers out there, and it’s time for them to have a home on television. And if you’re going to put them in a home, there’s nowhere better than ABC TV,” says Ted Robinson, GNWTV Executive Producer. “It's great to have Paul McDermott back centre-stage on ABC TV, fronting a show which dishes up topical comedy and cutting-edge musical satire. Australia needs a prime time performance program that's not hostage to a tiresome, tricksy reality/game format, with no judges and no voting-off, just top shelf acts that will captivate and confound,” says Courtney Gibson, ABC TV Head of Arts, Entertainment and Comedy.
[ABC/9:20pm] The West Wing. Final. After seven years and 154 episodes the final episode of this highly-acclaimed, multi-award-winning US drama series screens tonight on ABC TV. In the series finale, the Bartlet administration prepares to leave the West Wing. While Santos and his winning camp nervously gear up for the inauguration, outgoing President Bartlet, C.J. and the others fondly look back on their time in the White House. C.J. must confront the many choices affecting her. Meanwhile, Will also finds himself in a position of uncertainty about what is to come - professionally and personally. Cast: Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, Lily Tomlin, Joshua Malina, Mary McCormack, Teri Polo, Jimmy Smits, Alan Alda, Rob Lowe, Timothy Busfield, Kristin Chenoweth, Janeane Garofalo and the late John Spencer.
[ABC/11:45pm] rage: 20 Years Of rage rage celebrates 20 years with a series of special programs presented by Aussie rock legend Tex Perkins. Over four weeks rage will take a look back at some of the best Guest Programmer moments, bloopers, classic rage videos, behind-the-scenes footage, rage facts and more. This week we look back at the years 1997-2001.

[SBS/8:30pm] Iron Chef - Join Takeshi Kagi, founder of the Gourmet Academy, and his Iron Chefs in the cook-off cult classic series Iron Chef. Each week one of the Iron Chefs is challenged by a guest chef. Their skills are put to the test and judged by a panel of gourmets. The ingredients are unconventional, the preparations sheer genius. (From Japan, English narration) (Entertainment Series) G CC
[SBS/9:20pm] RocKwiz - Australian television's original rock trivia quiz show, hosted by Julia Zemiro. Tonight's episode features Leanne Kingwell and Matt Taylor. (Commissioned by SBSi, in English) (Entertainment Series) PG CC
[SBS/10:10pm] VIP Pass: Classic Albums - Frank Zappa - This episode of the acclaimed Classic Albums series focuses on Frank Zappa's early 70’s albums 'Over-nite Sensation' (1973) and 'Apostrophe' (1974). Together they encapsulate Zappa's extraordinary musical diversity and were also the two most commercially successful albums that he released in his prolific career. As ever the program uses interviews, musical demonstrations, rare archive and home movie footage plus live performances to tell the story behind the conception and recording of these groundbreaking albums. (From the US, in English) CC
[SBS/11:10pm] SOS - Shorts On Screen - My Dad Is 100 Years Old - A stylised, witty meditation on Roberto Rossellini’s cinematic aesthetic and his belief in cinema as a moral art form. (From Canada, in English) PG; Sissy Boy Slap Party - Musical mantra derived from machine-gun micro-montage, in which a group of camp gay men slap each other! (From Canada, in English) (Rpt) PG; Sombra Dolorosa - A grieving widow wrestles an angel of death and faces both a donkey and an impending eclipse in the struggle to save her loved ones from certain doom. (From Canada, in English) (Rpt) PG; A Trip To The Orphanage - An opera singer sings an aria full of loss and despair. (From Canada, in English) (Rpt) G; Rush - Uses experimental animation to explore different meanings of the word “rush”. (From Switzerland); The Cloakroom - A theatre cloakroom attendant, alone in an empty hall, abandons his post and enters a fantastic maze. (From France, in French) (Rpt) M; Boy Meets Girl Stories: Alone - A man want his girlfriend to consider living apart so they will have more space. (From the Netherlands, in Dutch) M

[Ovation/7:00pm] Movie: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
[Bio/7:30pm] Inside the Actor’s Studio. Barbra Streisand.
[Arena/11:30pm] Erotic Star

SUNDAY 22
[Seven/6:30pm] Australia’s Got Talent.
[Seven/7:30pm] Ugly Betty. FOUR THANKSGIVINGS AND A FUNERAL
It's Thanksgiving Day, and everyone at Mode celebrates in their own special way. Betty is torn between work and home, Daniel attends his parent's brunch in the hope of seeing Sofia, Marc and Amanda camp out at the Mode offices, and Wilhelmina attempts something she's never done before - cooking a turkey. Guest starring MARTHA STEWART, DEBI MAZAR and SALMA HAYEK. Also starring AMERICA FERRERA, ERIC MABIUS, VANESSA WILLIAMS, ALAN DALE, TONY PLANA, ANA ORTIZ, ASHLEY JENSEN, BECKI NEWTON, MARK INDELICATO, MICHAEL URIE, KEVIN SUSSMAN, DEBI MAZAR, CHARLIE DAVID, STELIO SAVANTE, KEVIN ALEJANDRO and JUDITH LIGHT.
[Seven/8:30pm] Grey’s Anatomy. STARING AT THE SUN. The O'Malley family visit George at the hospital. Meredith is determined to have a more positive outlook on life. Derek and Addison strive for a civil relationship. Richard endeavours to reunite with his wife, Adele. Guest starring GEORGE DZUNDZA.
[Seven/9:30pm] What About Brian. WHAT ABOUT THE FISH...In an effort to get back into the dating game, the boys make a bet to see who can get a girl first. Brian adjusts to having Dave as his new roommate after Deena kicks him out. Nicole prepares for her baby shower, as well as a surprise guest. 'Zap Monkey' gets into financial trouble and Brian must figure out how to save it. Guest starring AMY JO JOHNSON and WILLIAM DEVANE.

[Ten/6:30pm] Countdown To The Biggest Loser
[Ten/7:00pm] Big Brother. Premiere. This year Big Brother promises... opening night will be talked about for days. The rules will change and no crime will go unpunished. Tune in tonight to meet the new housemates for the first time. It's your show, it's your voice, you will be heard. Hosted by Gretel Killeen.
[Ten/9:00pm] Rove.

[ABC/5:00pm] Sunday Arts. This week on Sunday Arts Michael Veitch chats to Adam Hills - arguably the “nicest” comedian at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. We look at the increasing trend of artists from non-traditional backgrounds who are thriving in the elite world of fine art. We hear from FourPlay, who are blurring boundaries of their own, combining rock and classical genres with their electric string quartet. And Virginia Trioli speaks to world renowned ballet dancer Ethan Stiefel. Adam Hills While most stand-up comedians tend to tear others apart to get laughs, Adam Hills’ success is remarkable because he is just so polite. This week on Sunday Arts, Adam Hills chats with Michael about his new show Joy Monger. His solo shows have become must-see events at the Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe and the Melbourne Comedy Festivals. His 2001, 2002 and 2003 shows were all nominated for the prestigious Perrier Award in Edinburgh.

[ABC/8:30pm] Curtin. In the life of all Prime Ministers, comes the moment that tests the mettle of the man. In the life of every nation, comes the moment that tests the mettle of its people. For John Curtin and Australia those two moments meet in 1941. This is where our story begins… As Leader of the Opposition, Curtin (William McInnes) seems poised to reach out and claim his rightful destiny - the Prime Ministership of Australia. But he refuses to make a desperate grab for power. He waits for the government to self destruct. With the war against Hitler intensifying, the last thing the public wants is a weak and bickering government. Curtin is the only man deemed fit for the job. Power becomes his. Curtin no sooner moves offices when the Pacific erupts. Pearl Harbour is bombed. For the first time, Australia lives in fear of invasion. The Japanese are working their way down through Asia with alarming ferocity. Australia is completely unprepared. Blow by blow, we follow Curtin - our guide, our confidante, through a chilling and tumultuous ride over six months behind the walls of power. We pick up and run to get our footage, pry through half open doors, eavesdrop in the corridors - whatever it takes to keep our subject in focus. Curtin lives and breathes his work and is forced to endure the deluge alone, while his wife Elsie, (Noni Hazlehurst) attends to her ailing mother back home. Then, Darwin is bombed. Australian defences are crushed. Curtin battles via cables with the Empire's heavyweight, Churchill, to reroute Australian troops to defend home soil. It quickly becomes a monumental battle of wills with Curtin fighting both Churchill and members of his own government. Curtin's health deteriorates rapidly as he desperately seeks support. This is a raw and intimate story of a driven and inspirational leader - a man who struggles to battle his own personal demons while serving and protecting a country at war.

[ABC/1:35am Mon] Movie: Silver Dream Racer. (CC, Rpt, M*Medium Level Violence, Some Coarse Language, 1980)A hot-headed motorbike enthusiast inherits a prototype designed by his brother for an incredibly fast bike, which he uses to challenge for the world championship. CAST: David Essex, Beau Bridges

[Nine/4:30pm] Gilmore Girls. 100th Episode. “Wedding Bell Blues.”
[Nine/5:30pm] Postcards. 300th Episode.
[Nine/6:30pm] 20 to 1. Rebels and Risk Takers.
[Nine/7:30pm] 60 Minutes.

[SBS/7:30pm] 2057 - The World In 50 Years - The City - A mobile phone today contains more memory than the huge computers of yesteryear. What will the city of the future look like? Autonomous and driverless automobiles will reduce the huge road fatalities every year. Fridges will replenish themselves. Children's games will be virtual. Social hacking will be one of the greatest dangers threatening a city's infrastructure. And newly sophisticated surveillance will bring with it issues regarding privacy. Police will be employed to make sure that the technology doesn't crash. And last, but not least, robotics will play an ever greater and more advanced role in our lives. (From Germany, in German and English, English subtitles) (Documentary Series) G CC WS
[SBS/10:05pm] Movie: The Zookeeper - In a village somewhere in the Balkans, soldiers of the irregular army arrive. They round up all the inhabitants and separate the men and boys from the women and girls. The males are driven to the edge of a minefield and made to line up and hold hands while walking through it. A zoo worker, Ludovic decides to remain behind and continue caring for the animals, playing cat and mouse with the troops until the fighting stops. Directed by Ralph Ziman and stars Sam Neill and Gina McKee. (From the UK, in English) (2000) (Drama) M (L,V,A) WS
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West Wing finale

Must make mention of the conclusion to a fine series, The West Wing, which draws to a close this weekend on the ABC.

After seven years and 154 episodes the final episode of this highly-acclaimed, multi-award-winning US drama series finally vacates office.

In the series finale, the Bartlet administration prepares to leave the West Wing. While Santos and his winning camp nervously gear up for the inauguration, outgoing President Bartlet, C.J. and the others fondly look back on their time in the White House.
C.J. must confront the many choices affecting her. Meanwhile, Will also finds himself in a position of uncertainty about what is to come - professionally and personally.

Cast: Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, Lily Tomlin, Joshua Malina, Mary McCormack, Teri Polo, Jimmy Smits, Alan Alda, Rob Lowe, Timothy Busfield, Kristin Chenoweth, Janeane Garofalo and the late John Spencer.

Writer Aaron Sorkin has since turned his attention to the world of network TV for
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip featuring Matthew Perry in a dramatic role. No word yet when Nine will screen this.

The West Wing airs 9:20pm Saturday on ABC.
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Sanjaya exits from Idol

Say it isn't so.

Sanjaya Malakar, the 17yo crooner from American Idol has been voted off the show.

Sanjaya has generated more publicity, debate and division on Idol than any other contestant since, well, since William Hung.

The cute kid with the crazy hair and the so-so voice has survived weeks of widespread calls for him to booted from the show, which turned into a concerted anti-campaign to "let the worst singer win."

Everyone from Hilary Clinton to Howard Stern to media commentators the land over had weighed into the Sanjaya debate. The internet has run amok with news items and blogs on him. Yet every week this shy singer with an eye for reinvention would return to defy his critics, notably judge Simon Cowell.

What is most interesting about the Sanjaya campaign is that this is a major turning point in reality TV.

This is a clear case of the audience turning against a reality juggernaut with a momentum to use its own rules against it. "Let the worst win" is a signal that the audience is prepared to neutralise the manipulation of reality shows, and take some control.

Sanjaya became its mascot. Now that he is free from the clutches of Idol we will undoubtedly hear his views on how he has been treated. (UPDATE: Sanjaya appears on Leno airing tonight on Comedy Channel - Fri 20 April)

In America you don't have to do much to be made a star. Anyone who has survived that rollercoaster probably deserves more than 15 minutes of fame.
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World Cup for Nine.

No not that World Cup, the other one.

Nine has announced broadcast rights to The 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
The matches will take place from late October to late November in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Robina and Townsville.

Countries competing include Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji.

Press Release:

The Nine Network Australia has won the exclusive Australian Free to Air rights to Rugby League’s biggest international prize - the 2008 World Cup.

Nine will televise games including the ‘Super Pool’ matches, Semi-finals and Final of the 10-team tournament commencing in Sydney on October 25.

The World Cup Final at Suncorp Stadium on November 22 will be the final showpiece of the game’s centenary celebrations in Australia.

“Nine is the home of Rugby League for Australian viewers and this exciting partnership with the Rugby League International Federation demonstrates our continued commitment to the sport,” said Eddie McGuire, Chief Executive Officer, Nine Network Australia.

Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji are confirmed qualifiers for the tournament. Qualifying matches for the remaining three berths will conclude in November.

Since the Rugby League World Cup was first staged in France in 1954, the tournament has been played in eight nations, with games held in over 50 cities and towns.

This will be the fourth time Australia has hosted the tournament with matches to be played across the country, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Robina and Townsville, with negotiations continuing to host matches in other locations.

Nine looks forward to reporting on all the action as the world’s best teams compete to become the 2008 Rugby League World Cup champions.


Kindly credit this website when posting in messageboards, thanks!
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Sea Patrol's international sail

Nine's upcoming Sea Patrol has won a big vote of confidence after the Hallmark network has picked up the show at the MIP TV conference in Cannes.

Hallmark will screen all 13 x 60 episodes in about 100 countries.

The series, which has reportedly exceeded the expectations of Nine executives, is likely to air here in July. It stars Lisa McCune and Ian Stenlake, and as an obvious dramatic response to the success of Border Security should find a big audience.

The purchase by Hallmark is said to be the first time an Australian series has been pre-sold internationally before it has been screened locally.

It will even screen in Switzerland, which has no coastal shore!

Hallmark's acquisition of the McElroy production was made from the screening of just two episodes.

Press Release:

The Nine Network are delighted to announce that Sparrowhawk Media has signed a significant acquisitions deal with its international distribution representative, Portman Film and Television, for Nine’s new drama series SEA PATROL.

The global deal secures the series for the Sparrowhawk-owned Hallmark Channels and will air across more than 100 territories including the UK.

Eddie McGuire, CEO, Nine Network Australia said: “What a sensational result. Nine’s new drama SEA PATROL is a testament to Nine’s commitment to investing in and producing outstanding local programming. For SEA PATROL to have been snapped up globally so quickly further demonstrates its quality and international audience appeal.”

Mark Lawrence, Director of Global Acquisitions, Sparrowhawk Media said: “This is a great deal for us. Our previous Portman acquisitions – Doc Martin and Kingdom – have proved extremely popular on our international platforms. We know the calibre of these titles is extremely high so we believe Sea Patrol will be another success.”

Sea Patrol is a multi-episode series set in the coastal waters of Australia and featuring a crew of men and women on board a Navy Patrol Boat. They provide security, surveillance and protection for the world’s largest island and longest coastline. They face two of the largest and most dangerous oceans on the face of the earth.

The series was created and executive produced by Hal and Di McElroy of McElroy All Media for the Nine Network Australia.

Hal McElroy said: “This was one of the toughest productions we’ve ever made but we are thrilled with the result. In this day and age, border security is the number one priority for every country in the world. With Hallmark’s worldwide network, we are sure the series will appeal to an international audience.”

Jo Horsburgh, Head of Drama, Nine Network Australia said: “Working with producers who are passionate about their project is always a pleasure. We have huge respect for Hal and Di McElroy and we are sure this will be a big hit both here is Australia and overseas.”

Chris Bartless, Head of Sales, Portman Films, said: “We have an extremely good working relationship with Hallmark who acquired two of our most successful UK series, Doc Martin and Kingdom. We are sure Sea Patrol will be another hit throughout the world.”

The series was co-produced by Film Finance Corporation Australia and in association with the Pacific Film and Television Corporation.

SEA PATROL will premiere on the Nine Network in the coming months.
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Thu Apr 19

[Max/8:00pm] Beyonce Live from Japan.

[Ten/7:00pm] The Biggest Loser. With the final weigh in looming, who will push themselves to new limits at last chance training and avoid falling under the yellow line. The fight is on as, for one contestant; the Biggest Loser title slips from reach. Hosted by AJ Rochester.
[Ten/8:00pm] Jamie at Home. Final
[Ten/8:30pm] Law and Order: SVU. "Scheherezade" Guest Starring: Brian Dennehy. Stabler's parish priest asks him to visit a terminally ill cancer patient. Stabler looks into the man's past and learns that he was once involved in a series of unsolved bank robberies.
[Ten/8:30pm] Law & Order: Criminal Intent. "Weeping Willow." After popular on-line vlogger Willow is kidnapped during a live broadcast, Logan and Wheeler investigate the crime that they doubt may have ever occurred.

[Seven/8:00pm] My Name is Earl. SOUTH OF THE BORDER, PART UNO. Earl and Randy face problems in their quest to take Catalina off Earl's list and bring her home after she was deported because of Earl. Joy's friendly attitude causes the neighbours to get closer and Darnell doesn't like it at all. Guest starring JOHN LEGUIZAMO.
[Seven/8:30pm] Lost. FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES
A suspicious and determined Hurley enlists Charlie to help him wrangle the truth out of Desmond, who has been acting strangely ever since the implosion of the hatch. Desmond recalls exactly what took place in the moments after he turns the key. Guest starring Australia's ALAN DALE.
[Seven/9:30pm] The Amazing Race. BEAUTY IS SOMETIMES SKIN DEEP. Racing to avoid elimination, four teams conduct a mad dash across the desert where frustration and anger boil over and alliances are shattered. One team's daring attempts to outsmart the competition fails drastically when a flight is delayed. Hosted by PHIL KEOGHAN.
[Seven/10:30pm] Family Guy. ROAD TO RUPERT
Brian sells Rupert at a garage sale. Stewie, who is upset with Brian, takes him cross country to Colorado to find his beloved teddy, and ends up having a ski-off to win back Rupert. With the voices of SETH MACFARLANE, ALEX BORSTEIN, SETH GREEN and MILA KUNIS.
[Seven/12:30am Fri] On The Beach - Part 1. A dramatic Australian film, featuring an all-star cast, about the aftermath of a nuclear devastation. In 2006, a Chinese blockade of Taiwan escalates into a nuclear missile exchange with the United States. The destruction is catastrophic. Months later, only small pockets of civilisation remain alive on the planet, mostly in Australia. Starring ARMAND ASSANTE, BRYAN BROWN, RACHEL WARD, JACQUELINE MACKENZIE, ROD MULLINAR, GRANT BOWLER and STEVE BASTONI.

[Nine/7:30pm] Getaway.
[Nine/8:30pm] Missing Persons Unit

[ABC/9:25pm] Small Fortunes: Microcredit And The Future Of Poverty. A look at how microcredit - a revolutionary system of small, short-term loans- is helping to break the cycle of Third World poverty.

[SBS/10:05pm] VH1 Illustrated - An animated sketch-comedy show sending up celebrities and politicians. (From the US, in English) M CC
[SBS/10:35pm] Movie: The Saddest Music In The World - In the depths of the Great Depression, a Canadian beer baroness holds a competition to find the world's saddest music, which brings about a bitter reunion of the people from her past. This an experimental, mostly black & white silent-film-style homage to musical melodrama and screwball comedy. Directed by Guy Maddin, and stars Isabella Rossellini and Mark McKinney (From Canada, in English) (2002) (Drama) M (S,A,V) WS

[31/10:30pm] Studio Q.
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