Movie promotion and ancient history collide on “Last Stand of the 300” (8 p.m., History), a glance back at the battle of Thermopylae between 300 Spartans and a vast Persian army. This battle, fought in 480 B.C., not only determined the future of Greek history and Western civilization, but it also became a symbol of bravery and heroism in the face of impossible odds. More recently, it inspired a graphic novel by Frank Miller that has been turned into a highly anticipated motion picture, opening tomorrow.

“Last Stand” recalls the warrior culture of the ancient Spartans, whose very name has become synonymous with discipline and austerity.

No look at ancient legend is entirely free of metaphor or historical parallel to our own times. The notion of a tiny fraction of the population defending a country cannot be lost on contemporary viewers. And, of course, the adversaries of “The 300” were from Persia, a nation now known as Iran.

¢ People think of the music video as a creation of MTV in 1981, but short three-minute promotional films of musical performances called Soundies existed four decades before video killed the radio star. Michael Feinstein hosts “Soundies: A Musical History” (7 p.m., PBS).

Soundies were shown in a cinematic jukebox called a Panoram, located in local taverns and nightclubs. Interviewed here, Hugh Hefner remembers watching one at a military PX during World War II. One man remembers watching a Soundie on the Staten Island ferry. For a dime, fans could see a three-minute minimovie of their favorite singers or big bands.

More than 1,000 Soundie films were made between 1940 and 1946, leaving an archival history of the Swing Era that includes performances by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and others. Soundies were also the first screen appearance for a number of celebrated performers highlighted here, including Doris Day and Liberace.

¢ Speaking of jazz greats from another era, last week on “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox), contestant Melinda Doolittle sang a version of “My Funny Valentine” that evoked the spirit of Sarah Vaughn, among others. It was one of those performances that will be remembered long after this season wraps up and crowns a new pop star.

But does the presence of Doolittle and fellow backup singer Brandon Rogers change the spirit of “Idol”? Both are professional musicians looking to break out. Can you blame them? But will the presence of trained, paid talents crowd out the youthful ingenues and transform “Idol” from an amateur-hour talent competition to a different kind of showcase?

Doolittle is clearly in a class by herself. But I have a feeling the home audience will ultimately root for a diamond in the rough over a polished gem.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Righting a rock-and-roll wrong on “My Name is Earl” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ Sofia a la Mode on “Ugly Betty” (7 p.m., ABC).

¢ On two episodes of “The Office” (NBC), Scranton and Stamford consolidate (7:30 p.m.), a newcomer has a checkered past (9 p.m.).

¢ Grissom enlists a certain creep to catch a potential killer on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ George’s family pays a visit on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC).