Fun, Mischief With ‘My Uncle Silas’

A disapproving relative describes the title character in “My Uncle Silas” as “a drunkard, a sinner and a nonconformist.” But in the eyes of the 10-year-old grandnephew who spends an adventure-filled summer with him, Silas is a larger-than-life hero.

It’s easy to see why, for despite his many faults, Silas is a big, roaring bear of a man who lives with gusto and teaches the boy, by example, to do the same.

Based on the short stories of H.E. Bates, “My Uncle Silas” crackles with fun as Albert Finney and cherub-faced Joe Prospero bring these memorable characters to life in a “Masterpiece Theatre” presentation tonight at 9 on PBS stations KCET and KVCR.

Told through the golden haze of memory (in images that seem almost painted onto film by director Philip Saville and cinematographer John Kenway), the adventures unfold one magical summer in rural England in the early 1900s. Silas spends these days sneaking onto neighboring properties to poach trout and pheasants; coaxing unsuspecting society ladies into sharing a sip of his specially brewed pick-me-ups; and recruiting co-conspirators in the sabotage of the hulking boxer he has recklessly challenged at the local fair.

As Prospero’s young Edward witnesses these escapades, his eyes go wide, from time to time, in shocked surprise. Yet Silas’ intentions often prove noble. If he loves food or the ladies a bit too much, it’s only because he so thoroughly appreciates them.

Finney brings this spirit wonderfully alive, his eyes twinkling with mischief, his stocky body quivering with appetite. Whether tickling a trout out of a stream with his bare hands or lying, passed out, after a few too many glasses of refreshment, he’s a testament to living to the fullest.

Surf Report / SERIES

Where no “Anne” has gone before: Alumni of the various “Star Trek” series would likely rather be beamed up than voted off tonight’s celebrity/charity edition of the quiz show “Weakest Link” (8 p.m., NBC). Anne Robinson is host.

Jacqueline Bisset (“The Deep”) guest stars as new-hire Jenny’s mother, and Elton John appears as himself, and throws in a number or two, on “Ally McBeal” (9 p.m., Fox).

SPECIALS

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: The psychological and cultural impact of being less than totally honest is examined on back-to-back episodes of “The Lying Game” (9 and 10 p.m., Learning Channel).

“The Carol Burnett Show: Show Stoppers” (10 p.m., CBS) reunites the comedienne with her former partners-in-prime-time: Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway, for a look back at some of the classic show’s best sketches and unseen outtakes.