Ebenita Scrooge for the ‘90s; Dr. Livingstone, we presume; a baby bonds the men of the Navy

Sunday

“The Story of Magic” / 5 and 9 p.m. A&E.; Concludes Tuesday 6 and 10 p.m.

In recent weeks, viewers have been overwhelmed with prime-time illusions on the broadcast networks. Now it is cable’s turn to get into the magic act. Sleight-of-hand master Ricky Jay hosts the two-part chronicle whose initial installment covers everything from the first “cups and balls” trick to magicians of the 19th century. “Mystery in America” picks up the story Tuesday with a profile of the legendary Harry Houdini and those who have followed.

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“A Thousand Men and a Baby” / 9 p.m. CBS

No, this is not a sequel to the Tom Selleck-Ted Danson films. It’s a sentimental TV movie based on the true story of a U.S. aircraft carrier crew that rescued an abandoned Korean War orphan in 1953. Richard Thomas stars as a dutiful Navy doctor who oversees the infant’s care. Gerald McRaney, Jonathan Banks and Doris Roberts (as a captain, chaplain and nun, respectively) also do their part to transport the baby to the States and ensure his adoption in time for Christmas.

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“Forbidden Territory: Stanley’s Search for Livingstone” / 9 p.m. ABC

National Geographic and Hallmark Entertainment collaborate on this rewarding film, recounting the historic meeting and relationship between hard-driving reporter Henry Stanley (Aidan Quinn) and maligned explorer David Livingstone (Nigel Hawthorne). Stanley, of course, uttered those four famous words, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume,” as he met the missionary in Africa, where this handsome, well-acted production was filmed.

Monday

“The 1997 Billboard Music Awards” / 8 p.m. Fox

Aerosmith, LeAnn Rimes, Garth Brooks, Jamiroquai and the Spice Girls are lined up as performers on the eighth annual special. David Spade of the NBC sitcom “Just Shoot Me” hosts the two-hour show honoring this year’s No. 1 artists and songs as determined by sales and airplay. No Doubt, Toni Braxton, Puff Daddy, LL Cool J, Hanson, Busta Rhymes, Backstreet Boys, Meredith Brooks and Deana Carter also will appear at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Tuesday

“Great Performances” / 9 p.m. KCET

John Kander and Fred Ebb “write Broadway, in the best sense of the word,” says veteran director Harold Prince, who worked with the celebrated songwriters on “Cabaret” (1966), “Zorba” (1968) and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1994). “The Music of Kander and Ebb: Razzle Dazzle” salutes the duo’s enormously successful association, which began in 1965 with “Flora, the Red Menace.” Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Chita Rivera, Lauren Bacall, Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon and composer Jerry Herman offer anecdotes and performances.

Wednesday

“A Gift of Song” / 5 and 7 p.m. TNT

The week’s beguiling musical theme continues with this live benefit concert featuring performances by Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Mariah Carey, Aaron Neville, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin and others. The idea here is that these artists will turn over copyrights to their selected songs to the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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“Ms. Scrooge” / 9 p.m. USA

In 1995, daytime diva Susan Lucci updated Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with a TV movie about a miserly CEO named “Ebbie.” USA takes another contemporary crack at the classic tale with Cicely Tyson as skinflint Ebenita Scrooge. Katherine Helmond (playing deceased partner Maude Marley) and director John Korty, who worked with Tyson on “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” are partners for this production.

Saturday

“Breast Men” / 9 p.m. HBO

Given the title, one might expect lots of exposed flesh in this new cable film, and that’s precisely what one gets. It’s the story of the two inventors, played by David Schwimmer (“Friends”) and Chris Cooper (“Lone Star”), who “built a better bosom” with silicone. Schwimmer is the hapless one with the big idea; Cooper supplies surgical expertise. There’s cynicism, success, egotism, greed, conflict and controversy--not to mention gratuitous raunchiness when Schwimmer’s stoned character snorts cocaine off a blonde’s breast.