Worth noting on TV

FRIDAY Laurence Olivier: A Life in the Theatre, Part I (PBS, 9-10:30 p.m.): First part of ``Great Performances'' biography of Lord Olivier. SATURDAY

NBA Basketball (CBS, 1 p.m.): Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks, live from New York. SUNDAY

The Defiant Ones (ABC, 9-11 p.m.): Excellent remake of Sidney Poitier/Tony Curtis 1958 film, with Robert Ulrich and Carl Weathers in leads.

Tender Is the Night (Showtime, 8-10 p.m.): Beginning of superb BBC adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, with Peter Strauss and Mary Steenburgen in leads. Try to see it. Previewed today.

Battle of the Leaves (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): ``Nature'' documentary on what leaves mean to the trees.

Yours for the Revolution, Jack London (PBS, 10-11 p.m.): One-man teleplay focusing on writing and political career of this American author. MONDAY

Fire in the Stone (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): ``Wonderworks'' drama about a child of separated parents who tries to reunite them.

The Statue of Liberty (PBS, 9-10 p.m.): Documentary by award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns telling history of the grand lady. Previewed yesterday. TUESDAY

Into Thin Air (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): Ellen Burstyn stars in harrowing drama about vanished teen-ager.

The Robot Revolution? (PBS, 8-9 p.m): ``Nova'' segment about technology at work and the controversies involving computer automation.

The Story of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Documentary about rise of Irish singing group. WEDNESDAY

La Rondine (PBS, 8-11 p.m.): ``Live from Lincoln Center,'' the New York City Opera presents Puccini's opera in Viennese style.

Please check local listings since, especially in the case of PBS, local option sometimes results in different dates and times.