WHYY Late Night

TV12's late night highlights

By Anna Christopher

Can't sleep? WHYY TV12 will keep you enlightened, informed and entertained into the early morning hours with this programming lineup.

Movie: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Viewer discretion advised.

Hollywood's golden boys Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this classic Western based on the exploits of two historical outlaws and their "Hole-in-the Wall Gang." Chased throughout the newly civilized West after an endless string of train and bank robberies, the film follows Cassidy (Newman) and the Kid (Redford) as they flee authorities and escape to Bolivia. William Goldman's screenplay, which won an Oscar, employs slapstick comedy and conventional Western action to highlight the endearing misadventures of the bandits and poke fun at typical Western film cliches. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was directed by George Roy Hill and won four out of the seven Oscars for which it was nominated.

Sunday, May 2 at 4 a.m.

Saigon USA Documenting Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

In honor of Asian Pacific American Month, TV12 is pleased to present three new documentaries profiling Asian traditions, identity and the ever-expanding influence of the diverse group on America,s cultural landscape beginning at 1 a.m. on Saturday, May 8. Brief descriptions are below. For more details on these and other Asian-American programs in May's lineup, visit Applause Online's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month feature.

Searching for Asian America: Washington State Governor Gary Locke -- the first Asian American to hold that position in the country -- and other Asian Americans across the country share their distinctly different stories of immigration, overcoming stereotypes and making a home in America. 1 a.m.
Saigon, U.S.A.: Orange County, California's "Little Saigon" made national headlines when residents held weeks of protests (pictured at left) after a storeowner displayed a poster of former leader Ho Chi Min. Using this moment in history, this film draws a compelling portrait of the growing American minority as it struggles to reconcile its past with its evolving identity in a foreign land. 2:30 a.m.
Perlman in Shanghai: Violinist Itzak Perlman proves that his teaching is as remarkable as his playing, inspiring students of the Shanghai Conservatory in China to express their individualism through music. 4:30 a.m.

Helen Mirren Masterpiece Theatre "Prime Suspect"

Viewer discretion advised. Part 1 of 2

In the two-part series that started the highly successful franchise, D.C.I. Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) is a top-notch detective struggling to prove herself in a male-dominated profession. While investigating the brutal murder of a young female prostitute, Tennison's strength of character and detective skills are put to the test as she exposes a cover-up within the force. And, when a second murder victim is discovered, the inquiry turns into a grisly investigation stretching back over ten years.

Saturday, May 8 at 11:35 p.m.

Movie: The Miracle Worker

Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft both won Oscars for their respective portrayals of young Helen Keller -- deaf, blind and mute since infancy -- and the extraordinary teacher who helps her communicate. In the beginning of the film, Helen's parents are considering sending their increasingly violent and frustrated daughter to an institution. In desperation, the Kellers seek help from the Perkins Institute, which sends them a "half-blind Yankee schoolgirl" named Annie Sullivan to tutor their daughter. Through persistence, love and sheer stubbornness, Annie breaks through Helen's walls of silence and darkness and teaches her to communicate.

Monday, May 10 at 12:30 a.m. & Sunday, May 16 at 2 a.m.