TODAY’S BEST BETS

Television

Can one get jiggy with it while sitting down? Betcha Will Smith will tonight on Black Entertainment Television.

“Close-Up Interview: Will Smith,” 8 p.m., BET (selected cable systems).

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Film

Raoul Walsh’s “The Thief of Baghdad” (1924) is one of the great silent fantasies--a roaring, exuberant cascade of splendiferous ersatz Arabian nights escapism. Douglas Fairbanks, the silent era’s nonpareil swashbuckler, stars. With live organ accompaniment.

“The Thief of Baghdad,” Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo, (310) 322-2592. 8:15 p.m. (Also Saturday, 2:30 and 8:15 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.)

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Pop Music

If you can’t make Mary Chapin Carpenter’s show tonight with her four-piece band, catch the singer-songwriter with the Boston Pops on a July 13 PBS telecast.

Greek Theatre, 2700 Vermont Canyon Road, 7:30 p.m., (213) 480-3232.

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Stage

David Cassidy is making a comeback, but Shirley Jones never left. Tonight you’ll find the former Mrs. Partridge singing show tunes and film songs.

“Shirley Jones: On Stage With Burbank Civic Light Opera,” Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, (818) 380-3444. 8:15 p.m. (Also Saturday, 8:15 p.m.)

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Jazz

Bassist-arranger John Clayton and sibling altoist Jeff Clayton head an inventive straight-ahead quartet also featuring pianist Bill Cunliffe.

The Clayton Brothers, Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Wilshire and Westwood boulevards, Westwood Village, (310) 824-6365. 6:30 p.m. Free.

More openings, F23