A WITTY `CASANOVA' WOOS ITS VIEWERS.

Byline: David Kronke Television Critic

Earlier this year, I wrote an article arguing that today's best television easily exceeds today's best Hollywood movies, and here's further proof: ``Masterpiece Theatre's'' version of ``Casanova'' far surpasses last year's theatrical version, fluff so lightweight a souffle could crush it.

This ``Casanova'' comes from Russell T. Davies,'' who's responsible for the acclaimed resurrection of sci-fi legend ``Doctor Who,'' and stars the man currently portraying the Doctor, David Tennant. Tennant seems to have a genetic disposition to playful twinkles in his eye, even while his character is imperiled, which, given the number of women he seduces, occurs fairly often.

Peter O'Toole's name alone makes him the perfect person to play ``Casanova'' in repose, writing his memoirs in a castle and sharing his autobiography with a sympathetic if initially prudish young maid (Rose Byrne). Davies' adaptation is filled with bracing laughs and stylistic flourishes -- there's even an homage to the opening-title sequence of ``Da Ali G Show'' -- but is keen on smart characterizations and even reaches for a little emotional resonance, as well.

After an early conquest teaches Casanova the secret to success with women -- ``You don't have to talk; just listen'' -- we follow him through a series of preternaturally easy seductions. Still, he never satisfactorily lands the woman of his dreams, Henriette (Laura Fraser), a beauty as spirited as he, yet far more damnably pragmatic.

When Casanova visits a church to deliver his confession, the priest (Freddie Jones) suffers a coronary from hearing about such debauchery. But only Casanova cares enough to nurse him back to health, winning him one of a number of fortunes he will eventually squander. ``I've become famous simply for being outrageous,'' he boasts delightedly at one point.

Next week's installment, while still witty (there's a funny sequence in which Casanova, striding down a narrow cobblestone street, is so self-absorbed he's oblivious to the sundry abuses being flung upon his bastard son), edges toward a dark resolution, as the world surrounding him achieves levels of decadence he could never imagine.

At times, ``Casanova'' can feel mildly padded, but Davies always keeps it purposeful, managing a delicate balance of cheekiness and poignancy. He shows you how this guy managed to be so effortlessly seductive.

David Kronke, [phone]

david.kronke(at)dailynews.com

CASANOVA - Three stars

What: ``Masterpiece Theatre'' production on the life of the infamous womanizer unites the writer and star of the current ``Doctor Who.''

Where: KCET.

When: 9 tonight and Oct. 15.

In a nutshell: Witty, stylish and seductive.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

David Tennant as Giacomo Casanova and Laura Fraser as Henriette in ``Casanova,'' airing at 9 tonight on KCET.