LIKE its predecessor Jean de Florette (which was shown last week), Manon des Sources (Pearl, 11.35pm) is full of sumptuous photography, Provencal landscapes and spectacular performances. Gerard Depardieu does not reappear, but there is the bonus of Emanuelle Beart as the beautiful young shepherdess of the title. She is given very little to do except be an object of desire, but she is at least easy on the eyes. Manon des Sources is an admirable though traditional piece of entertainment. It starts 10 years after the death of the hunchback Jean de Florette (Depardieu in part one), during which time his old land has been turned into a profitable carnation nursery. Together Jean De Florette and Manon earned eight Cesars (the equivalent of French Oscars). When French film-makers get it right, they really do get it right. AND when Hollywood gets it wrong, the result is Commando (Pearl, 9.30pm), which stars Arnie circa 1985, before he became cinema's uberhero of choice. Usual action, with the saving grace of occasional humour. OTHER films on Pearl and World: Comes A Horseman (Pearl, 12.15pm). Ranchers battle to hang on to their land in this contemporary Western. Some moving scenes, but generally low-key to the point of catatonia. An American Tail (World, 9.30pm). Russian mice encounter all sorts of trouble when they emigrate to the United States in the 1880s. Anyone over the age of 12 will experience more boredom than pleasure. The Return Of Marcus Welby MD (World, 12.15am). Standard drama of people with stethoscopes. Based on the hit television series. OF the three films on STAR Plus Cheaper By The Dozen (noon) is the best. It tells of an efficiency expert (Clifton Webb) and his wife who have 12 children, which requires them to order their lives with mathematical precision. It was a great commercial success when it was released in 1950. Hollow Triumph (2pm) was not, despite the presence of Joan Bennett. It is a thriller which lacks thrills, just as Pancho Villa (2am), about the famed Mexican bandit's reign of terror, is a drama which lacks drama. Telly Savalas, minus his lollipop, is suitably menacing in the lead. PRIME Sports is the only channel where you will find Five Nations rugby, with BBC commentators to boot. France vs Ireland is live at 9.45 pm followed by a delayed showing of Wales vs Scotland from Cardiff Arms Park. The smart money is on both home teams. England are taking a rest this weekend - and need it. FILMS on Cable Movie Channel: Mr Saturday Night (7pm). Saga of a comedian (Billy Crystal) who turns out to be his own worst enemy. Many moments of truth but it is way too long, with too many climaxes. Crystal's old-age makeup is so bad it has to be seen to be believed. This was Crystal's directing debut and serves to prove that it is difficult to make an appealing film out of a thoroughly unappealing character. Drunken Master III (9pm). Teen-hero Andy Lau in a dynastical fantasy romp about a piece of jade, worn by a concubine, which holds the key to the future of the empire. Tristana (1am). Director Luis Burel's serene and sometimes perverse study of Catholicism, old age, death, deformity and the rest. Catherine Deneuve is Tristina, a young woman who goes to live with her guardian (Fernando Rey) when her mother dies. She then finds herself the third angle of a love triangle. Beautifully filmed in Toledo, Spain.
