TV picks for June 12: "Purple Rain," "Undateable," Rock Hudson

June 12, 2014 at 6:51AM
Prince performs in his debut movie "Purple Rain," the 1984 rock opera about a young man's search for artistic accomplishment and love.
Prince stars in 1984’s “Purple Rain.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dearly beloved ...

It's hard to believe, but it's the 30th anniversary of "Purple Rain," the movie that gave us permission to go crazy over Prince. Both the film and music hold up, especially the playful numbers by Prince and Morris Day in our beloved club, First Avenue. Take another look, if only to remember what it sounds like to hear doves cry. 7 p.m. VH1 Classic

Date night

"Undateable" isn't a great sitcom, but it's better than what the networks usually serve us during the summer months. I'm particularly impressed by Ron Funches, a stand-up comedian who plays a supporting role with a surprisingly light touch for such a large man. I had never heard of him before, but am eager to see what he does next. 8 p.m. KARE, Ch. 11

Rock solid

This month on TCM, every Thursday is dedicated to Rock Hudson, whose acting chops were often overshadowed by his remarkable good looks. He's at his best in Douglas Sirk's stylish "All That Heaven Allows" (9 p.m.) and the George Stevens epic "Giant" (10:45 p.m.), in which Hudson goes up against a very angry James Dean.

Neal Justin

Rock Hudson, movie star. Approx. 1959 handout photo.
Hudson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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The "winners" have all been Turkeys, no matter the honor's name.

In this photo taken Monday, March 6, 2017, in San Francisco, released confidential files by The University of California of a sexual misconduct case, like this one against UC Santa Cruz Latin Studies professor Hector Perla is shown. Perla was accused of raping a student during a wine-tasting outing in June 2015. Some of the files are so heavily redacted that on many pages no words are visible. Perla is one of 113 UC employees found to have violated the system's sexual misconduct policies in rece