A Liberal Fantasy.

Composer and Lyricist Ralph Blane died Monday at the age of 81 at his home in Oklahoma. He is best known for his work with Hugh Martin. Together they wrote songs for Broadway and Hollywood. They are best known for songs in the MGM classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis." That starred Judy Garland and featured the songs "The Trolley Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Boy Next Door." (Originally aired 10/31/89)

Writer Philip Roth. best known for his books, Goodbye, Columbus, and Portnoy's Complaint, has won this year's National Book Award for fiction for his new novel Sabbath's Theater. Roth has been criticized in the past for his treatment of Jewish themes. Some readers think his satirical take in his writing is anti-Semitic. His book Portnoy's Complaint, (1969) a sexual autobiography of a young lawyer, was labeled obscene by some because of its descriptions of masturbation and sexual conquest.

TV Critic David Bianculli previews next week's Beatles documentary. The six hour series features new music by the Beatles. The recordings use archive tape of John Lennon.

TV producer, writer, director and actor Garry Marshall. He's considered a "One man Who's Who" of Television. He's written for The Lucy Show, The Danny Thomas Show, The Tonight Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Jack Parr Show, and Love American Style. He created 14 prime time sitcoms including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, The Odd Couple. During one week in 1979, Marshall boasted four of the top five rated TV shows. As a film maker, Marshall directed Beaches, Overboard, Nothing in Common, The Flamingo Kid, Frankie and Johnny and Pretty Woman.