TODAY’S NEWS, TOMORROW’S TELEVISION : New CBS science fiction film has ‘Alien’ touch; Diane Sawyer spends time with Murphy Brown

MOVIES

Lisa Hartman and Emmy Award-winning “Santa Barbara” star A Martinez are filming “Not of This World,” a new science-fiction thriller for CBS about a hungry alien whose life form craves electrical impulses. The alien creature is designed by Rambaldi Enterprises, the creators of “E.T.” and the monster in “Alien.” The movie is set to air during the 1990-91 season.

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In November, the Movie Channel salutes writer/director Richard Brooks, the first recipient of the Writers Guild of America-Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and legendary comic W.C. Fields. The Brooks tribute tribute begins Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. and features such films as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Professionals,” “In Cold Blood” and “The Blackboard Jungle.”

On Nov. 11, Movie Channel will honor W.C. Fields with an all-day marathon of his movies including “Tillie and Gus,” “Mississippi” and “The Old-Fashioned Way.” The Fields day begins at 8 a.m.

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Glenn Close will host “The Divine Garbo,” a one-hour tribute chronicling the life and career of the film star Greta Garbo, premiering Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. on TNT. The special will feature clips from the late actress’ films, rare film footage and color photography.

Following the special will be a screening of the classic 1936 Garbo romance “Camille,” co-starring Robert Taylor, airing at 6 and 9:30 p.m. Other Garbo films to be screened during the week include “Queen Christina,” “Anna Christie” and “Flesh and the Devil.”

SOAPS

The baby boom has hit ABC’s long-running daytime soap, “General Hospital.” Early last month, Jack Wagner, who plays Frisco, and girlfriend Kristina Malandro, who happens to be his on-screen wife Felicia, became the parents of a son, Peter John. A few weeks later, Jackie Zeman, who plays Bobby, and her husband, Glenn, welcomed their first child, a girl named Cassidy.

SERIES

Speaking of babies, Bear, the combination St. Bernard-golden retriever who plays Dreyfuss on NBC’s comedy, “Empty Nest,” is a single dad. He became the father of six male pups on Aug. 31. Custody was granted to Bear after Heidi, the St. Bernard mother of his first litter, rejected the pups. The show’s producers have constructed a special “Empty Nest Dogcare Center” so Bear can have his offspring on the set.

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Diane Sawyer and her “PrimeTime Live” crew have been in Hollywood taping a two-part segment on how CBS’ Emmy Award-winning comedy series “Murphy Brown” is put together. The segment is scheduled to air Oct. 25.

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ABC’s “MacGyver” recently completed an offbeat episode called “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Nomad” featuring such character actors as Dick Burkus, James “Star Trek” Doohan, Henry Gibson, Richard Kiel, Rich Little, Marion Ross, Abe Vigoda, Jesse White and rocker Wendy O. Williams. In the episode set to air sometime this season, MacGyver’s (Richard Dean Anderson) late grandfather wills him a 1957 station wagon. When he goes to pick it up, Mac learns that an ex-con (Vigoda) and friend of his grandfather’s had hidden a diamond pendant in the car.

“Guns of Paradise,” CBS’ Western series formerly titled “Paradise,” has begun production of its third season for future broadcasts. Lee Horsley and Sigrid Thorton star; John Terlesky has joined the cast as Dakota, a rugged and independent gambler.

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PBS’ award-winning children’s series “Sesame Street” begins its 22nd season Nov. 12 with a new goal: improving race relations through happenings on the block as well as through animated and live-action films. “Sesame Street” also will feature visits from The Simpsons, rap group Kid ‘n’ Play, Bo Jackson, Robin Williams, Tyne Daly and Ray Charles.

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“Live From Lincoln Center” is set to present the New York City Opera’s new production of Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 musical “A Little Night Music,” Nov. 7 on PBS. Sally Ann Howes, Regina Resnik, George Lee Andrews and Michael Maguire star in the Tony Award-winning musical, which features the standard “Send in the Clowns.”

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The “Showtime Coast to Coast” series travels to London for “Showtime Coast to Coast: The London Sessions” featuring host Herbie Hancock, Billy Bragg, Pete Townshed, Bob Geldof and Hot House in a concert taped at the Fridge in Brixton. “The London Sessions” air Oct. 22 at 11 p.m. on Showtime.

SPECIALS

“Fifty Years of Disney Magic and Memories,” a two-hour celebration of the genius and impact of Walt Disney and his movies, is scheduled to air during the 1990-91 season on ABC. Such Disney stars as Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Hayley Mills, Fred MacMurray, Annette Funicello, Robin Williams, Bette Midler and Tom Hanks are scheduled to participate.