television

THURSDAY: ABC News Close-up. An in-depth exploration of the coal mining industry in West Virginia with aerial footage of the ravages of strip-mining and the barren lives of the miners who make our warm homes warm. "West Virginia--Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Coal" is a savage indictment of the companies that own and run the mountain state. CH. 5. 9 p.m. Color. 60 min.

The Hustler. 1961. Incomparable. Robert Rossen's peerless study of backroom pool-hall life features surpassing performances by Paul Newman as Fast Eddy Felson, Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats, and George C. Scott and Piper Laurie as the sharks' supporters. CH. 56. 9 p.m. B-W. 2 hrs.

FRIDAY: CBS Reports. "The Corporation" examines the role of the basic unit of the American economy, particularly its role in shaping attitudes and mores. CH. 7. 10 p.m. Color. 60 min.

SATURDAY: Boxing. Dutch champion Rudi Lubbers meets former world heavyweight titlist Muhammad Ali in a 12-rounder live via satellite from Jakarta, Indonesia. CH. 5. 5 p.m. Color. 90 min.

SUNDAY: Love Story. 1970. Again? Yes. Boy meets girl, boy marries girl, she dies, he isn't sorry, etc. Hail, Veritas. CH. 5. 8:30 p.m. Color. 2 hrs.

The Long Winter of Henry Aaron. NBC news examines the life and times of the greatest active ballplayer, Hammerin' Hank, who stands on the brink of breaking baseball's unbeatable record. Includes film of homers 700-713 and more importantly, discussions with Henry Aaron, the overlooked hero. CH. 4. 10 p.m. Color. 60 min.

TUESDAY: The President's Plane Is Missing. 1971. Nixon's trip to China originally scrapped the release of this film because its portrayal of the employees of the People's Republic's government is less than enlightened. Now its being shown as a "period piece." Thesis: Air Force One is hijacked by the Chinese and an inept Vice President, Buddy Ebsen, takes over the White House. Except for the Chinese part it doesn't sound too far-fetched. CH. 5. 8 p.m. Color. 2 hrs.