What to Watch Friday: Dateline updates Massachusetts ‘Staircase murder’ + trial
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Here’s what’s on TV tonight.
Dateline: Down the Basement Stairs (10 p.m., NBC)
Dennis Murphy reports on the case of a young mother and paramedic, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, who was found dead at the bottom of her basement stairs on March 29, 2010 in Granby, Massachusetts. It took 13 years and four trials — in a case Court TV called the “Body in the Basement trial” — for justice.
According to a medical examiner’s ruling, Annamarie Rintala died of manual strangulation. Her partner, Cara Rintala, said she had been out running errands with the couple’s young daughter that day and returned home to find Annamarie at the bottom of the stairs. Investigators didn’t buy the story and Cara was charged with murder.
The first two trials — in 2013 and 2014 — ended in mistrials because the juries deadlocked. Cara was convicted in a third trial but that was overturned by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, due to a problem with a witness. The fourth trial took place this fall. Tonight’s “Dateline” episode will present the latest from that trial and speak to insiders close to the investigation about the final verdict.
Holiday TV on tonight
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7:30 & 10:30 p.m., Bravo) - In this 1946 Frank Capra classic, a suicidal man ruined by a miser on Christmas Eve sees his life in a new light thanks to his guardian angel. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
“National Christmas Tree Lighting” (8 p.m., CBS) - Mickey Guyton hosts the official tree lighting on the Ellipse in President’s Park in Washington, D.C. An all-star lineup of musical performers includes Darren Criss, Samara Joy and Ledisi. On a related note, the White House Christmas tree this year is from North Carolina.
“91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade” (8 p.m., The CW) - The annual Christmas parade features Hollywood celebrities, bands from across the U.S., character balloons, floats and performers; Paula Abdul is awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award; retired Col. Paris D. Davis leads the parade.
“Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” (8 p.m., NBC) - This 2015 movie has become a holiday tradition. In the story, based on Parton’s life, a tryst with tragedy in 1955 Tennessee familiarizes 9-year-old Dolly Parton and her family with the healing power of faith and love.
“The Secret Gift of Christmas” (8 p.m., Hallmark) - In this new movie, Bonnie is a personal shopper who helps her widowed client reconnect with his young daughter. Though their ideas of shopping couldn’t be more different, she’s determined to get them everything on their wish list.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (8 & 10:15 p.m., AMC) - The Griswolds spend the holiday with relatives in this 1999 holiday comedy, including a country cousin who arrives in an RV. It stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Diane Ladd.
“The Holiday” (8 p.m., Lifetime) - In this 2006 movie, two women — one (Cameron Diaz) from America and one (Kate Winslet) from England — swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups with their boyfriends, played by Jude Law and Jack Black.
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Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
