THIRTEEN to Air BIRDCAGE, FIDDLER, More on Reel 13

"The Birdcage," director Mike Nichols' Americanized adaptation of Jean Poiret's popular French farce "La Cage Aux Folles" (with a screenplay by Nichols' former comic partner Elaine May, based on the play and the original 1978 French film's screenplay by Francis Veber, Edouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, and Poiret), airs on Reel 13 on Saturday, September 14.

Besides the original French film version, which spawned no less than two cinematic sequels, the play also served as the basis for the Jerry Herman musical hit. Nichols' film is not a musical, but includes incidental songs by Stephen Sondheim and others. The series is pre-empted on September 7 for special programming.

Very much a musical, the worldwide hit "Fiddler on the Roof" also airs during the month (Sept. 21) with its popular songs by Jerry Boch and Sheldon Harnick intact.

Every Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m., viewers can catch aClassic hosted by film historian Neal Gabler, followed by an Indie, hosted by Richard Peña. The evening concludes with a Short selected by visitors to Reel13.org who vote for their favorite of three shorts every week.

September 14

"The Birdcage" (1996) Dir: Mike Nichols

Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple pretending to be man and wife when conservative future in-laws visit. With Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest.

"Rachel Getting Married" (2008) Dir: Jonathan Demme

Anne Hathaway as a young woman in rehab, returning home for her sister's wedding. With Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, and Bill Irwin.

September 21

"Fiddler on the Roof" (1971) Dir: Norman Jewison

In czarist Russia, a poor Jewish milkman (Topol) tries to marry off his five daughters. Based on the hit Broadway musical. With Norma Crane and Leonard Frey.

"King of Devil's Island" (2010) Dir: Marius Holst

Inmates in a brutal Norwegian boys' reform school rise up against their tormentors. With Benjamin Helstad, Trond Nilssen, and Stellan Skarsgård.

September 28

"Strangers on a Train" (1951) Dir: Alfred Hitchcock

A psychopath (RoBert Walker) involves a tennis player (Farley Granger) in a murder pact in this Hitchcock classic. With Ruth Roman.

"Hello Lonesome" (2010) Dir: Adam Reid

Six lonely people try to turn their lives around. With KaMel Boutros, Harry Chase, and Lynn Cohen.

WNET is the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21, New York's public television stations. For 50 years, THIRTEEN has been making the most of the rich resources and passionate people of New York and the world, reaching millions of people with on-air and online programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites students of all ages to have fun while learning.

Reel 13 is funded by the Sy Syms Foundation and the Rubin Museum of Art.

David Horn is executive producer. Bob Morris is senior producer. Colleen McHugh is associate producer. Kevin Alexander is production assistant.

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