Don’t overlook these lesser-known and classic films airing March 21-27. All times ET.
The Godfather (1972), The Godfather, Part II (1974)
They’re called what they are for a reason. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic about New York crime family the Corleones remains the standard for films about the mob, challenged possibly only by Martin Scorcese’s 1990 effort Goodfellas. Leave the gun. Take the canolli. And make sure you don’t miss these if you haven’t seen them. AMC, March 21, 4pm
Never Cry Wolf (1983)
When it was revealed that Sarah Palin hunted wolves, my thoughts immediately turned to this film based on the true story of Canadian naturalist Farley Mowat. It details Mowat’s months living among wolves in the wilds of Alaska, studying their behavior as they study his. Starring Charles Martin Smith. TCM, March 21, 6pm
Training Day (2001)
Denzel Washington took home the Oscar for Best Actor in 2002 for his role in this film directed by Antoine Fuqua, playing an experienced cop who knows how to manipulate justice to his own advantage. As he shows a rookie (played by Ethan Hawke) the ropes, the flaws in the system become painfully apparent. Spike, March 23, 9pm
Flawless (1999)
A drag queen (Philip Seymour Hoffman) gives singing lessons to a homophobic over-the-hill cop (Robert De Niro) recovering from a stroke in this drama/comedy written and directed by Joel Schumacher. Chances are, you never heard of this brilliantly acted little film. Now you have. TMC, March 25, 8pm
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks’ take on the classic horror story went so far as to use sets and props from the original film version of Frankenstein from 1931, but there’s really nothing like an 8-ft tall monster singing and dancing to the song “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, and one very large Peter Boyle. FMC, March 26, 8pm
