More retro rewinds

“Cleopatra” (Fox Movie Channel, Sunday, March 27, and Monday, March 28): The 1963 epic from director and co-writer Joseph L. Mankiewicz that almost sank 20th Century Fox remains a fascinating part of Hollywood history, for a number of reasons ... not the least being the charisma between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, whose then-blossoming romance was being watched by the public both on the screen and off. Rex Harrison also stars.

“The Rifleman” (MeTV, Monday, March 28): The episode that introduced this Western series in 1958, “The Sharpshooter,” came from excellent pedigree since it was written by genre staple (and later “The Wild Bunch” filmmaker) Sam Peckinpah. The story established the close father-son relationship between Lucas and Mark McCain (Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford) that was such a hallmark of the show, with Lucas ordered to lose a shooting contest purposely ... or else, Mark will pay the price.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (USA Network, Thursday, March 31): If a series can be both classic and contemporary, this may well be the one, since the police drama still is going strong in its 23rd year. The episode “Gone Fishin”’ launched the show’s 19th season in 2017, using Cuba as a setting as well as the program’s New York home base, with Fin (Ice-T) going to Havana in pursuit of a rapist on the loose. The case becomes politically sensitive for Benson (Mariska Hargitay).