May Premieres

Sunday, May 1

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
Viewers may bid on more than 20,000 items during this live, nine-day auction ending May 7. The on-air fundraising event offers everything from trips abroad and works by well-known Wisconsin artists to vacuum cleaners and cell phones. Viewers across southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois can bid by telephone. For more information, visit www.10-36friends.org or call 1-262-781-4998. Premieres on MPTV-10 from 1 p.m. to sign-off.

Tuesday, May 3

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
(see May 1)

Wednesday, May 4

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
(see May 1)

Sometimes In April
The tragedy of the 100 days of the 1994 Rwandan genocide is told. The first major film to be shot on location in Rwanda, stars Idris Elba as Augustin and Debra Winger as former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Prudence Bushnell. The tribal conflict between Rwandan Hutus and Tutsis is brought to life in the dramatic story of a Hutu soldier, whose wife is Tutsi. The film also explores the world's response to the atrocities and chronicles the Rwandan struggle to find justice and accountability 10 years later. Following the film, which aired originally on HBO, Jeff Greenfield moderates a discussion about genocide. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (three hours)

Thursday, May 5

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
(see May 1)

Mystery! "Miss Marple, Series I: A Murder Is Announced - Pt. 1" #2505
A "pretend" murder at the home of Letitia Blacklock goes awry, when Letitia is nearly killed and her assailant commits suicide. Miss Marple's (Geraldine McEwan) interest deepens, when it turns out the gunman was a friendly hotel clerk, who once defrauded her of a small sum of money. First part of a 2-part story. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (one hour)

Terezin: Resistance and Revival
During World War II, the Nazis exploited the Jewish creative spirit for propaganda purposes in an attempt to hide the emerging allegations of the Holocaust. The Nazi concentration camp Terezin housed many notable Jewish musicians, composers, artists, and theatre professionals. They were there for "safe keeping," and many would soon be transported to other concentration camps, like Auschwitz, Birkenau, or Treblinka. After the war, the lives and work of these remarkable people were, for the most part, lost to history. The survivors of Terezin, who are determined to recall and preserve their memories, share the inspiring stories of those who left behind artistic testimony of their experience. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 9 p.m. (52 minutes)

Friday, May 6

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
(see May 1)

Yogi Berra: Deja Vu All Over Again
This narrative of the life of baseball legend Yogi Berra is a saga of American success: immigrant drive, athletic determination, humor, teamwork, and family devotion. The biography was produced with the cooperation of Berra and his family. In 1946, Berra joined the New York Yankees and went on to play with Joe DiMaggio, Hank Bauer, and Mickey Mantle. During their reign, the Yankees won an unprecedented 10 World Series over a 14-year span. The story relives thrilling moments and includes interviews with Ted Williams, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, and comedian Billy Crystal. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (one hour)

Saturday, May 7

Channel 10 Auction 2005 HD
The last day of the auction often means bidding into the small hours of the night. Viewers can make their final offers on a wide array of items and help the station pass its $1 million dollar goal for the 17th consecutive year. For more information, visit www.10-36friends.org or call 1-262-781-4998. Premieres on MPTV-10 from 1 p.m. to ????.

Great Lakes Gardener #401 HD
This series appeals to both beginning and experienced gardeners. It presents a variety of topics from creating a tropical look in southern Ohio to diagnosing problems with trees in the landscape, to the many stories and lovely yards of the Toronto Islands, to building and landscaping pergolas. Melinda K. Myers, host and veteran horticulturalist, shows viewers distinctive and beautiful gardens throughout the Midwest and well beyond. The programs also feature specialists who share the secrets of growing great greenery wherever it is planted. First of 22 episodes. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 7:30 a.m.

Student Operations, 2005 "Intervention" #3004
MATC Television and Video Production students present programs that they have produced and directed from 9 a.m. today until 5:30 a.m. tomorrow. Only prime time presentations are listed below. See our website, MPTV.org, for additional information. This program is about a social worker with a troubled past who helps a woman being beaten by her husband. Student Producer: John Blandino. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 7 p.m. (30 minutes)

Student Operations, 2005 "In Vitro" #3012
A man with a self-diagnosed disease sparks a satirical chain of events dealing with hardships, friendships, and discovery and connected through coincidence and chance. Student Producers: Brian Ewig and Jake Kuderski. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (30 minutes)

Student Operations, 2005 "Something Borrowed" #3030
An outside associate of a syndicate is betrayed. The group seeks revenge, turning the organization upside-down and testing loyalties and friendships. Student Producer: Chris Stanfield. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

Student Operations, 2005 "Mama's Boy” #3027
An abused man raises a child although he grew up hating women because of the way his mother treated him. Student Producer: Carlos Ramos Jr. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

Sunday, May 8

Spanning Time: America's Covered Bridges
Covered bridges--the cultural significance, history, construction techniques, preservation efforts, and tourist activities surrounding them-are explored. Actor-songwriter Tim Grimm guides viewers through this educational, entertaining, and often-whimsical look at covered bridges as a direct connection to the past, an elegant solution to a 19th-century transportation problem, and the basis for a modern tourist industry. Scenic bridges are shown in rural and small-town settings in Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The program also visits covered bridge festivals in Oregon, Indiana, and western Pennsylvania and explores the tourist industry surrounding them. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 7 p.m. (one hour)

Mystery! "Miss Marple, Series I: A Murder Is Announced - Pt. 2" #2506
A "pretend" murder at the home of Letitia Blacklock goes awry, when Letitia is nearly killed and her assailant commits suicide. Miss Marple's (Geraldine McEwan) interest deepens, when it turns out the gunman was a friendly hotel clerk, who once defrauded her of a small sum of money. Second part of a 2-part story. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

Spy "Into The Unknown" #101
Stripped of their old identities, the raw recruits meet for the first time in London on Day One. They receive their first briefing from their "Spy Masters." With no time to unpack, they are sent on their first mission: a real test used by Mossad, the Israeli Secret Service. They are given just 10 minutes to talk their way into a stranger's flat and be seen by their trainers drinking a glass of water on the balcony. After only 24 hours on the course, the recruits must learn a vital lesson: every spy can break under pressure. Without warning, they are abducted from their safe-houses in the middle of the night, and interrogated by intelligence professionals. They must stick to their cover names, and avoid giving away any details about their real lives. First program in a 10-part series following the training of real "spies." Premieres on MPTV-36 at 10 p.m. (one hour)

Monday, May 9

American Experience "The Carter Family: Will the Circle Be Unbroken" #1711
The lives of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter, the "first family of country music," are profiled, beginning with their childhood and following their story through 1943, when they stopped playing and recording together. Their music consoled a nation during the darkest days of the depression. The words to their songs captured the painful and moving stories of poor America's history. The Carter Family's songs and style remain the most copied in American folk and country music, influencing artists across all genres, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and many others. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 8 p.m. (one hour)

George Jones, 50 Years of Hits: A Soundstage Special Event HD
According to Billboard magazine, George Jones has charted more singles than any artist in any format of music. Called the greatest living country singer, Jones won the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocalist when he was 67 years old. At the age 73, in 2004, he continues to record new projects and perform more than 90 concerts a year. This one-of-a-kind event, recorded in Nashville, TN, in September 2004, features Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Harry Connick, Jr., Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Kris Kristofferson, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, and many others, who pay tribute to George Jones. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

Tuesday, May 10
Soundtrack of the Century "Soundtrack" #107
This episode focuses on the rise of the soundtrack song, from Al Jolson, who sang "Mammy" in the first talkie--to Celine Dion on the soundtrack of Titanic. Andre Previn arranged the soundtrack album for the '60s film My Fair Lady, and many other Hollywood movies. Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim talks about A Little Night Music, and writing "Send in the Clowns," a long-running stage hit, but a movie flop. Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice discuss how they started as admirers of Rodgers and Hammerstein. John Barry and Hal David recount writing music for Bond movies; and Marvin Hamlisch muses about composing for A Chorus Line. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (44 minutes)

You Don't Want to Live In My House
Prison inmates produced this special program, which shows the reality of being confined to prison: life behind walls, the daily monotony, no freedom or privacy, and loneliness. The goal of the 25 prisoners featured was to deter juveniles from crime by giving them an eye-opening, first-hand look at what it is really like behind bars. They relate how drugs, gangs, and the wrong crowd led them to their fate. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 10 p.m. (30 minutes)

Wednesday, May 11

Cooking Under Fire "Auditions" #101
This documentary-style series kicks off with judges Ming Tsai, Todd English, and Michael Ruhlman searching the country to find the most culinary committed. In this premiere episode, they travel to Chicago, New Orleans, and Seattle to see who showed up for the chance to become a chef for Todd English in New York. Presented: what hopefuls had to do to try out; videotape submissions from contestants, who didn't make it to the auditions; and the final twelve contestants, who were hand-picked to embark on the coast-to-coast culinary competition. First program in a 12-part season. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 7 p.m. (30 minutes)

Cooking Under Fire "Welcome to L.A." #102
The 12 finalists arrive in Los Angeles, ready to compete. Early the next morning, they start cooking. First thing up seems easy: they're given an egg and ten minutes--the rest is up to them. The challenge is to determine their creativity in this deceptively simple exercise. After the judges review their work, Michael Ruhlman discusses the importance of mis en place: the core preparation-and-planning stage for any chef. Contestants are judged on their selection, preparation technique, and knowledge of food. One finalist is cut from the competition and sent home. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 7:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

American Masters "James Dean: Sense Memories" #1802
James Dean's spirit has survived his 24-year-long life. Born in 1931, and dead by 1955, it is as if he had a destiny. The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of both Dean's fatal automobile accident and the release of the film with which he is identified: Rebel Without a Cause. An iconic and mythic figure, it is said of Dean that he didn't just change the way people acted, he changed the way people lived. Synonymous with adolescent angst, he also redefined the American male ideal. He made vulnerable, sexy, and alienated desirable. There are only three films in his legacy: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. The characters in his films echo themes of loss and abandonment in his own life. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 8 p.m. (one hour)

Icons "Eiffel Tower" #101
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most-recognized and visited monuments in the world. This program offers a rare glimpse into the magnificent structure, tracing its beginnings in 1889 amid controversy and protest. In fact, if it wasn't for the daring and confidence of its builder, Gustave Eiffel, the tower most likely would never have become a reality. Gustave Eiffel also constructed the metal frame for the Statue of Liberty. The tower was constructed to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour and also to be as light as possible. The 7300-ton structure has survived two World Wars, foreign occupation, and terrorist threats. Today, it caters to six million visitors yearly. First of 3 programs. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (45 minutes)

Friday, May 13

Hank Williams, Sr.--Along for the Ride
Hank Williams, Sr. was 29 years old when he was found dead in the back seat of his baby blue Cadillac on New Year’s Day in 1953. Today, he is considered one of the greatest country songwriters of all time. But, before the recording contracts and sold-out tours, he was a skinny country boy with a passion. Unlike other documentaries about the country music legend, this program centers on rare interviews with members of his early bands--those who were at Hank's side before his magical rise to stardom. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (55 minutes)

Sunday, May 15

Mystery! "Miss Marple, Series I: What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw - Pt. 1" #2507
While on a rail trip, Elspeth McGillicuddy sees a murder on a passing train, but the police find no body. Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) concludes that the body was discarded at Rutherford Hall, home to a dysfunctional family, and a corpse, to boot. First program in a 2-part story. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

Monday, May 16

Time of Fear
During World War II, more than 110,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into relocation camps across the United States. This program traces the lives of the 16,000 men, women, and children who were sent to two camps in southeast Arkansas, one of the poorest and most racially segregated places in America at that time. Through interviews with the Japanese internees and the local citizens, the program explores how the influx of outsiders overwhelmed and exposed racial tensions within the tiny southern communities. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

No Ordinary Joe: Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness
The life of Joe Laurencelle, a Detroit native who was diagnosed with bipolar depression at 22 and committed suicide at 26, is profiled. Laurencelle was an athlete, teacher, and coach--an uncle, brother, son, and valued friend. The documentary spotlights the advocacy efforts of the Joseph J. Laurencelle Memorial Foundation, an organization established in 1996 to educate young men, women, and their families about mental illness, increase awareness of the disease in the community, and advocate compassionate acceptance for people suffering from mental illness. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 10 p.m. (one hour)

Tuesday, May 17

Soundtrack of the Century "Pure Pop" #108
Pop was born in the '50s with the advent of teen culture, surviving rock `n' roll, the Beatles and much more. It emerged in the `80s and `90s through the global success of Wham!, Culture Club, Boyzone, and the Spice Girls. With MTV's '80s advent, studio technology created music that was commercial, upbeat, danceable, and instant. Duran Duran revitalized the teen idol business with their pin-up brand of commercial pop. In the '90s, the boy/girl band bonanza targeted an ever-younger fan base. Interviews and performances include Bananarama, the Bay City Rollers, Boy George, David Cassidy, Neil Diamond, Carole King, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Neil Tennant, Robbie Williams, and others. Final program of the season. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (49 minutes)

Independent Lens "Vietnam: The Next Generation" #624
Eight young Vietnamese, some born in the final days of the Vietnam War, others in the war's tragic aftermath, are entrepreneurs and street kids, farmers and students, artists and engineers. Together, they embody the hopes, dreams, and frustrations of a new Vietnam. Through their stories, this groundbreaking program takes an in-depth look at modern-day Vietnam where communism and capitalism are going head-to-head. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 10 p.m. (one hour)

Wednesday, May 18

American Masters "Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul" #608
Nearly two decades after his Grammy Award for lifetime achievement, and after the legendary singer/composer/pianist's death at age 73, Ray Charles posthumously won another 8 Grammys, including Best Album and Best Record of 2004, with the movie “Ray.” Charles' revolutionary blend of gospel, soul, rock, jazz, and country gave him national treasure status. The blind singer is followed from his impoverished childhood through his rise to stardom. Charles' musical influences and the creation of his distinctive style are explored, along with his 15-year heroin addiction, and his pursuit of women. His delightful side is also shown, as he plays chess with Willie Nelson and jokes with Johnny Carson. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 8 p.m (one hour)

Icons "Mt. Rushmore" #102
It has been called a shrine of democracy, even though it began as a public relations effort by South Dakota to boost state tourism. Mount Rushmore eventually grew beyond anyone's expectations to take on national significance. When the monument was completed 14 years later, it had cost the country a total of more than $1 million to complete. This program examines how the concept was born, how each of the four presidents was chosen, and the controversies surrounding those choices. It looks into the life of the eccentric sculptor, whose many secrets include membership in the KKK. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (47 minutes)

Friday, May 20
Krakatoa
Using dramatic recreations and special effects, the program brings a May 20, 1883, volcanic eruption to life. The disaster reduced the island of Krakatoa to a third of its former size. It sent waves that reportedly topped 100 feet high crashing onto Asian shores, killing 36,000 people. Portions of the program tie the resulting tsunami destruction to the December 26, 2004, tsunami. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (90 minutes)

Beautiful Blend: Mixed Race In America
Multi-ethnic individuals are everywhere: on magazine covers, in movies, and on television. They are part of a growing number of people--famous and not-so-famous--who have inherited a genetic blend from parents of diverse origin. Most mixed-race people want to celebrate all of their ethnicities. They want to be part of mainstream society, not treated as a curiosity. This program addresses the myriad challenges that multiracial people--particularly multiracial youths--face; and it also profiles the story of Dorothy and Jerry Enomoto, an interracial couple who understand the importance of breaking down barriers, each having lived through the horrors of racism. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 9:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

Sunday, May 22

Mystery! "Miss Marple, Series I: What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw - Pt. 2" #2508
While on a rail trip, Elspeth McGillicuddy sees a murder on a passing train, but the police find no body. Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) concludes that the body was discarded at Rutherford Hall, home to a dysfunctional family, and a corpse, to boot. Second program in a 2-part story. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9 p.m. (one hour)

Monday, May 23

American Experience "Guerilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst" #1712
In 1974, a militant fringe political group kidnapped teenage newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst. In the months that followed, Hearst, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), and their paramilitary audio messages dominated the headlines globally--creating, perhaps, the first-ever media frenzy. This program follows the bizarre saga--the establishment of the SLA, the kidnapping, Hearst's conversion to her captors' cause, and the bank robberies and shootouts. Interviews with two surviving members of the SLA provide insight into the politically-charged times and the reasons why the group embraced revolutionary rhetoric and a terrorist agenda. Questions about the media’s role and broadcast journalism ethics are also explored. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 8 p.m. (one hour, 30 minutes)

Frontline "The Soldier's Heart" #2309
As the War in Iraq continues, the first measures of its psychological toll are coming in. A medical study estimates that more than one in seven returning veterans are expected to suffer from major depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For those who have survived the fighting, the battle is not over. For some, the return home can be as painful as war itself. The presentation tells the stories of soldiers who have come home, haunted by their experiences, and asks whether the government is doing enough to help. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 10 p.m. (one hour)

Tuesday, May 24

Poles and Latinos on Milwaukee’s South Side
This documentary examines roles of religion and mutual support in sustaining a diverse neighborhood. The program points out the cultural similarities between Poles and Mexican Americans in one neighborhood. It explores the ways these groups used religion and a long chain of mutually supportive relationships to keep the neighborhood strong. The program is a presentation of Urban Anthropology Inc. (UrbAn), headquartered in Milwaukee. The non-profit, community based membership organization is dedicated to the celebration of cultural diversity and a holistic approach to urban problem-solving. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 10 p.m. (one hour)

Wednesday, May 25
American Masters "Cary Grant: A Class Apart" #1803
Elegant. Witty. Stylish. "Everyone wants to be Cary Grant--even I want to be Cary Grant," he was fond of saying. Born in 1905 into poverty in Bristol, England, Archibald Leach got his start in vaudeville and arrived in New York in 1920. He walked on stilts at Coney Island before landing small parts en route to Hollywood. He hit it big in 1933 as Mae West's leading man in She Done Him Wrong. His classy on-screen persona soon emerged--and the invention of that persona off-screen, as well. He worked with directors like George Cukor, Alfred Hitchcock, and Howard Hawks in films such as Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and North By Northwest. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 8 p.m. (one hour, 30 minutes)

Thursday, May 26

Aging Out
Three teenagers who "age out" of the foster care system suddenly discover they're on their own. Although they become parents, battle drug addiction, experience homelessness, and land in jail, they also use the resiliency they developed from years of abuse to take control of their lives. Ultimately, this documentary becomes a portrait of the struggles of three young people to overcome the scars of their troubled childhoods, in order to realize their dreams of independence and fulfillment. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 9 p.m. (one hour, 30 minutes)

Friday, May 27

Celebrate Freedom Airshow 2004
An inspiring documentation of one of America's best small-town air shows--the Celebrate Freedom Air Show in Camden, SC, features exclusive footage of the world-renowned USAF Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration team, and stirring air-to-air footage of historic aircraft. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 9:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

Sunday, May 29

National Memorial Day Concert (2005)
America's servicemen and women are honored with a concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Dedicated to all the Americans who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice, the event features some of Hollywood's most prominent stars and Grammy-award winning artists, including actors Joe Mantegna and Charles Durning, and maestro Erich Kunzel leading the National Symphony Orchestra. This year's concert features the 60th anniversary of Iwo Jima,and pays tribute to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 7 p.m. (one hour, 30 minutes)

American Experience "Victory in the Pacific" #1710
In a provocative, thorough examination of the final months of World War II, this program looks at the escalation of bloodletting from the vantage point of both the Japanese and the Americans. From the U.S. capture of the Mariana Islands through the firebombing of Tokyo and the dropping of the atomic bomb, this program chronicles the dreadful and unprecedented loss of life and decisions made by leaders on both sides that finally ended the war. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (two hours)

Transcending Bonds: The 75th Infantry Division Revisits the Battle of the Bulge In May of 2004, ten members of the 75th Infantry Division returned to Belgium to see where the unit had fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. They visited battle sites and cemeteries and reunited with Belgian friends. The Belgians view the old warriors as liberators who gave them back their freedom in 1945. The presentation showcases stories of the American veterans and the Belgian citizens. It illustrates their struggles of 60 years ago and the enduring bond of friendship between them. Premieres on MPTV-10 at 9:30 p.m. (30 minutes)

Tuesday, May 31

International Dancesport Championships "Latin Championship" #101
Art, entertainment, and sport combine to create DanceSport--a flamboyant spectacle that gathers international momentum. Competitors from all over the world challenge each other for prestigious titles in the three main disciplines: Latin, Standard, and World Ten. This series highlights the championship nights of competition in the three major disciplines. Each program includes illuminating features giving insight into the background of the sport, and a candid look at the dancers. First of 3 programs features the IDSF championship, filmed in Leipzig, Germany, October 9, 2004. The competition includes the Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Premieres on MPTV-36 at 8 p.m. (52 minutes)

 
               
   

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