WORTH NOTING ON TV
This guide is designed to alert readers to the scope and variety of programming coming up. Listing is not meant to represent blanket endorsement. Readers are urged to be selective. FRIDAY Early Days (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): A tour de force performance by the late Sir Ralph Richardson in a tour de force playlet by David Storey about an elderly ``figurehead'' contemplating life in his last lucid and not-so-lucid moments. SATURDAY
Video Magic (PBS, 7:30-8 p.m.): ``Innovation'' goes behind the scenes to see how artistry and computer science can be combined to create exciting images. SUNDAY
CBS News Sunday Morning (CBS, 9-11 a.m.): Vladimir Horowitz's concert from Moscow [see story at right], plus footage of the pianist's European tour.
Last But Not Least (PBS, 8-8:30 p.m.): Documentary on a back-of-the-pack weekend athlete in the Boston Marathon. MONDAY
The Television Academy Hall of Fame (NBC, 9-11 p.m.): Entertainers pay tribute as Steve Allen, Jackie Gleason, Mary Tyler Moore, Frank Stanton, and the late Fred Coe, Walt Disney, and Burr Tillstrom are inducted.
A Flash of Green (PBS, 9-11 p.m.): ``American Playhouse'' dramatizes a John D. MacDonald novel about a reporter taking on shady politicians. Stars three superb actors -- Blair Brown, Ed Harris, and Richard Jordan. TUESDAY
Visions of `Star Wars' (PBS, 8-10 p.m.): In this first-ever ``Nova/Frontline'' special, the two shows jointly explore the Strategic Defense Initiative. There are interviews with Russian and American scientists and politicians, as this program examines all aspects.
The Japan They Don't Talk About (NBC 10-11 p.m.): NBC News white paper with correspondent Lloyd Dobyns delves into the darker side of the Japanese economy and social system. WEDNESDAY
Alex: The Life of a Child (ABC, 9-11 p.m.): Sensitive drama about the impact on a family of the loss of a child.
Le Nozze di Figaro (PBS, 8-11:30 p.m.): ``Live from the Met'' presents Kathleen Battle, Carol Vaness, Frederica von Stade, Ruggero Raimondi, and Thomas Allen in the Mozart opera. THURSDAY
Treasure Island/Disney's Return to Treasure Island (The Disney Channel/pay cable, 7-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 9-11 p.m.) Special unscrambled ``sneak-a-peek'' looks at the original 1950 film on Thursday followed on Friday by the two-hour premi`ere of a new 10-hour sequel. Please check local listings, especially for PBS programs since local stations often elect different days and times.
