TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are weekend home-viewing tips:

* Today. “Biography,” Billie Jean King. (A&E;, 5-6 p.m., repeating 9-10 p.m.) Based on her autobiography, this is a documentary about the women’s tennis great who bested men’s tennis star Bobby Riggs 25 years ago, becoming a symbol of the women’s movement. VCR+ 962816

Also recommended: “CNN NewsStand” (CNN, 7-8 p.m.). Tonight the main story is about the new television network, PAX, which began broadcasting on 70 stations nationwide this week. It specializes in “family friendly” programs such as reruns of the western drama “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and movies based on classics such as Johann Wyss’ novel “Swiss Family Robinson,” which airs Saturday. VCR+ 523864

* Friday. “Novosti” (KSCI, 4-4:30 p.m.) This weekly newscast, in Russian with English subtitles, is what Russians see at home, and this week includes President Clinton’s visit to Moscow. VCR+ 15346

Also recommended, “Picture Bride” (KCET, 9-11 p.m.). This movie is a fictional rendering of the historical practice of arranging marriages entirely by mail--in this case between a Japanese man in Hawaii and a girl from Japan. Set in 1918, it follows the life of the bride, a plucky city girl who must work on a farm, who, surprisingly, falls in love with the man she married. Legendary actor Toshiro Mifune guest stars in his final film appearance. VCR+ 55029

* Saturday. “Alexander Nevsky” (Bravo, 4-6 p.m.) This classic history movie by Sergei Eisenstein, with its equally classic score by Serge Prokofiev, shows how Russians overcome perils to their survival--in this case an invasion by an army of German knights in the Middle Ages. VCR+ 658969

Also, “Robots” (History, 5-7 p.m., repeating 9-11 p.m.). The documentary traces 2,000 years of robotics. Included is an interview with legendary science writer Isaac Asimov, author of “Asimov’s Chronology of Science and Discovery.” VCR+ 63360

* Sunday. “Planet of the Apes” (AMC, 5-7 p.m.) This movie, based on material from French author Pierre Boulle’s now-classic novel, spawned four movie sequels and two TV series. VCR+ 203544. From 7-9 p.m., the documentary “Behind the Planet of the Apes” airs. VCR+ 170877. All the “Planet” movies will be reprised on AMC this weekend and next.

Also, “Dateline Timeline Special” (KNBC, 7-8 p.m.). This documentary magazine recalls important events by combining historical interviews with clips of the same people today. One segment is about the National Guard shooting of students at Kent State University in Ohio. (James Michener’s “Kent State: What Happened and Why” provides a comprehensive account.) VCR+6631

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate dean, College of Education, Cal State Northridge. For references to books, videos and Web sites recommended in the past month’s TV Smarts log on www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.