TV/FILM Q&A

Q: Why or how do the broadcast rules change when a show goes into syndication instead of first runs? Specifically I am talking about “Family Guy,” a truly horrible show with definite adult language and content. It's on at or after 9 p.m. on Fox for first runs. However, you find the reruns on as early as 5 or 6 p.m. I am of the belief that you monitor your kids yourself. However, you know there are some parents out there that don't monitor or don't care what their kids see. What are the rules?

A: When broadcast stations and cable channels buy reruns of prime-time fare, they often use them in early evening hours because they have other material for prime time. As standards have eased in prime time, riskier content has ended up on the air earlier in the day.

The FCC prohibits the broadcast of obscene material at any time and of profane and indecent material between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. But that basically means, if it's OK for 9 p.m., it's OK for 5 p.m.

And defining indecency and other terms is complicated. The FCC says it considers material indecent if “it depicts or describes sexual or excretory organs or activities in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium.” In determining “patently offensive,” it considers “(1) whether the description or depiction is explicit or graphic; (2) whether the material dwells on or repeats at length descriptions or depictions of sexual or excretory organs; and (3) whether the material appears to pander or is used to titillate or shock.”

You can find more about its standards at www.fcc.gov.

Q: I'm looking for an old movie I thought was called “Overboard.” Not the new one with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn but the movie with Cliff Robertson and Angie Dickinson. It seems no one I know has ever heard of it. I would love to be able to buy it.

A: The film was made for television and premiered in September 1978. According to Movies Made for Television, “Dickinson spends two hours bobbing around in the ocean after having fallen overboard from lawyer-husband Cliff Robertson's 40-foot sailboat, recalling her life.” Unfortunately, I do not know of an authorized video release.

Q: Can you tell me the DVD release date for the Japanese film “Departures”? I would like to give copies to several friends as Christmas gifts, but can locate no information on when it will be available.

A: How about giving the foreign-language Oscar winner as a valentine? The DVD will be released by E1 Entertainment on Jan. 12. (Another version is currently for sale on Amazon.com, but customers say it is missing the English subtitles.)

Q: Which cast members of “Hee Haw” are still alive? My husband and I watch the reruns and love these shows! Lots of good music and comedy.

A: Those who have passed away include Archie Campbell, Stringbean, Grandpa Jones, Junior Samples, Buck Owens, the twins Jim and Jon Hager, and the duo of Jimmie Riddle and Jackie Phelps, known for eephing (a vocal style) and hamboning (pounding out a beat on your body).

Among those still alive at this writing are Roy Clark, Lulu Roman, Susan Raye, Gordie Tapp and Donald Harron.

Q: I know it was only a movie, but was “Cast Away” based on or part of a true story?

A: Well, there was a volleyball in Fayetteville, N.C., that sued the filmmakers for stealing his life story. But seriously, the movie was entirely fictional.

Q: I remember as a child watching a movie that I think was named “Kill the Umpire.” I don't remember who the stars were, but I do remember that the movie was about a baseball umpire camp. Following the camp, the star was umpiring a game behind the plate and made a controversial call. What was that movie and is it available?

A: That was indeed “Kill the Umpire,” a 1950 comedy starring William Bendix. It is for sale in a double-feature DVD also including another baseball movie, 1962's “Safe at Home.”

Contact the writer:

rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com

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