St. Patrick finally on film

Seeking to remedy the situation is "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend," which will be shown on the Fox Family Channel on March 12, in anticipation of his feast day five days later.

The film has an all-star cast with Malcolm McDowell as a jealous bishop, Alan Bates and Susannah York as the saint's parents, and the appropriately named Patrick Bergin as Patrick. It also has the right look since it was filmed in Ireland's glens, atop its mountains and along its shores.

Magic man

When he plants his crosier on Irish soil, for example, begorrah, the snakes flee -- but why? Confronted by Druids, Patrick can strike them mute and turn them into stone with a wave of his hand, but how does that serve God? And how does it serve his story to have such tricks presented with the same special effects one might see in a Ninja Turtles flick?

There's much to like in "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend." The atmosphere of the castles and monasteries is cold and dank; the clothing is ragged and muddy; and the two actors who portray the saint -- Bergin as the grown-up bishop and Luke Griffin as the youthful Patrick -- are robust in their faith.

Falling short

But as an introduction to a saint's life, "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" is worth your -- and your family's -- time....

Not worth your time is "God, the Devil and Bob," a new animated series that debuts on NBC March 9 before moving to its weekly slot on March 14.

The premise is simple: God (voice of James Garner), who wants to destroy the world because it has gone so sour, decides to give humanity one last chance in the person of Bob Allman (French Stewart from "Third Rock"). God's friendly rival, the Devil, tries to make sure Bob doesn't save the world.

There are tidy little lessons in each episode about listening to others, caring for those in trouble and loving your family, but the comedy is weak (the only real laugh in the first episode concerns David Caruso) and very slo-o-o-wly delivered. And having God look a lot like Jerry Garcia is slightly disconcerting.

There's nothing sacrilegious here; the idea of having God and the Devil in human form is as old as time. But the execution falls way short of the potential....

The Christophers recently presented their 51st annual awards for excellence in the media. The group tries to honor "media that remind audiences and readers, of all ages and faiths and of no particular faith, of their worth, individuality and power to positively impact and shape our world."

The TV shows that were cited include "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years," a CBS made-for-TV movie; Ken Burns' PBS documentary on Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony; "Passing Glory," a TNT movie about a black high school; and an episode about racism from Lifetime's "Any Day Now" series.

(03-09-00)