"A Beautiful Mind" (2001), 7 p.m., ABC. Here is that rare convergence of perfect elements: a great director and a brilliant actor combined for a real-life story filled with passion. Russell Crowe plays John Nash, a mathematician whose mind was tugged in many directions. It's a stunning story. It also could easily have been overdone. But Ron Howard directed it with his usual restraint and precision. One catch: The less you know about this story in advance, the better. Settle back for a brilliant movie that drew Oscars for best picture, director, supporting actress (Jennifer Connelly) and script.

OF NOTE

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), 5 p.m., TNT. If you haven't seen the terrific "Lord of the Rings" movies yet, this is a good time to start. Catch this opener — an epic adventure that keeps its personal feeling — today or Sunday. The second "Rings" film will air Sept. 18 on the WB; by then, you'll want to rent the third one at a video store.

"Lorenzo's Oil" (1992), 7 p.m., Pax. Here's the real-life story of parents who kept pushing the medical community to help their son, who had a rare, degenerative disease. The story might have made a standard TV movie, but here it's given big-screen stars (Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte) and direction (George Miller, of "Mad Max" fame), drawing praise.

"Law & Order: Trial by Jury," 7 p.m., NBC. This rerun has a nanny charged with murder after she shook an infant. But a judge seems to be blocking every prosecution move. Gaffney even considers resigning.

"Bad Boys" (1995), 7 p.m., TBS. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence romp through this action adventure as Miami cops chasing stolen evidence. Tea Leoni plays a key witness.

"Cold Case," 8 p.m., CBS. Two immigrants were killed in front of their 6-year-old daughter. A decade later, she's found a reason for the case to be revived.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Collin Farrell hosts, with the Scissor Sisters as musical guests.