more retro rewinds

“My Three Sons”

(MeTV, Monday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 9): Now a part of the weekday lineup, this sitcom gave Fred MacMurray one of the sweetest work schedules anyone ever has had, actor or otherwise. As widower and dad Steve Douglas, the star filmed all of his scenes for a season over the course of two months giving him the rest of the year to do whatever he wanted. That’s why he’s often seen on the screen by himself here, since other cast members would film their portions later.

“Family Affair”

(Catchy Comedy, Monday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 9): Executive producer Don Fedderson also was behind “My Three Sons,” and he gave this show’s Brian Keith the same work arrangement that Fred MacMurray had on the other series – with all of his scenes as orphan-guarding “Uncle Bill” Davis compacted into two 30-day blocks for a season. Kathy Garver, Anissa Jones and Johnny Whitaker play Davis’ young wards, with Sebastian Cabot as manservant Mr. French.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

(Turner Classic Movies, Friday, Nov. 10): One of the most emotionally grueling house parties ever is the basis of then-debuting director Mike Nichols’ 1966 film of the Edward Albee play. Legendary showbiz spouses Eiizabeth Taylor (who won an Oscar here) and Richard Burton get a chance to shatter their glamorous images as an argumentative married couple who put their guests (George Segal and Sandy Dennis, the latter also doing Academy Award-winning work) through quite a wringer during the night they spend together.