Programs Archive
Peter Sellers
Peter Sellers. We follow the film career of the greatBritish comedian, from young jazz drummer to working with Stanley Kubrick and creating the masterpiece 'Being There'.Elia Kazan
Regarded by many as the most gifted director to work in Hollywood, Elia Kazan was responsible for discovering many actors, including Marlon Brando and James Dean.John Collee Interview
John Collee, screenwriter of 'Master and Commander' & 'Happy Feet' shares his insights into the art of screenwriting and his favourite film music.Early Prices
We take a look at how Vincent Price's career took shape, in the years before he became a horror genre superstar.Peter Falk
Peter Falk, alias Colombo, had an interesting career in films before he became the famous detective. Here we look at his work, including his roles as a gangster.Burt Noir
Burt Lancaster started out in film noir and in this show we look at his contributions to the genre.Girls’ Names
We take a look at some of the films whose titles' feature girls' names, including 'Wanda' the first feature written by, directed and starring a woman.Bernardo Bertolucci
The illustrious career of Bernardo Bertolucci, without doubt a genius behind the camera, the Italian director in love with America who never made a film there.The Man Who…
We look at the stories behind some of the films that share the title beginning 'the man who...'War Criminals in Film
Investigating the subject of war criminals in film, a subject perfect for film noir, and some of the finest examples that have been made.Nic Roeg
The story of Nic Roeg, the influential British director who set the seventies alight with 'Performance'; 'Walkabout'; 'Don't look now' & 'The Man who fell to Earth'.Narrated by Franc Roddam
Breakout!
Breakout! we investigate films based upon prison breaks, including 'The Shawshank Redemption'.Patricia Highsmith
This program looks at the many adaptations of Patricia Highsmith's novels to the screen, the failures and the successes.Ingmar Bergman
The remarkable career of Ingmar Bergman, perhaps the finest film director the world has ever seen.POLIZIOTTESCO
An introduction to the italian crime films of the 1970's, known as Poliziottesco, with music from some of the best examples of the genre.Lawrence Tierney
We look at the explosive and tragic career of Lawrence Tierney, best of the badmenJoseph Losey
The story of Joseph Losey, an American director who was hounded by the HUAC and fled America in the 50's to work successfully in EuropeBest of Black
Karen Black was the actresses' actress and we trace her defining moments on film, from 'Easy Rider' to 'Come back to the 5 and dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean'.Philip K Dick
Explore the film adaptations of Philip K Dick, possibly the most influential writer of the 20th century.Kids in Film
A program exploring some of the great films child actors have made over the yearsRoy Scheider
Roy Scheider: we look at the successful career of the archetypal actor of the 70'sCasino Heists
The chequered history of the casino heist in movies, any number can win......Cecil B. DeMille
We celebrate our one year anniversary with a look at Cecil B. De Mille's extraordinary career.Trains In Film
Trains are the ideal vehicle for a good movie. Here we celebrate some of the best.Greta Garbo
The fascinating story behind the ultimate screen legend of all time, Greta Garbo.Amnesiacs in Film
I'll never forget whatshisname- we explore the role of the amnesiac through film history.John Garfield
The story of John Garfield, the first 'method' actor to succeed in HollywoodNarrated by Dr John Cooper Clarke
Wellman Westerns
A guide to the ambitious and unusual Westerns made by William Wellman, nicknamed 'Wild Bill'.John Sayles Interview
The veteran American director and acclaimed screenwriter-for-hire talks us through his passion for film and storytelling.Gambling in Film
A selection of outstanding films about the highs and lows of gambling.John Frankenheimer
He left TV to create a successful partnership with Burt Lancaster on the big screenGeorge Sanders
The British actor who charmed Hollywood but became bored with lifeKen Loach Interview
The UK’s most celebrated director talks about his origins, career and role models.San Francisco in Film
Some of the films that have used the city’s unique qualities as a location.Lana Turner
A turbulent life hid a gifted actress remembered for ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’.Narrated by Dr John Cooper Clarke
Fred Armisen Interview
Portlandia’s co-creator reveals his heroes, seeing ‘Jaws’ and Portlandia’s origins.Sam Fuller
The facts about Fuller. The maverick director took on Hollywood and won.Gloria Grahame
The bad girl of film noir was just as bad in real life.Peter Webber Interview
Debuting with 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' Peter Webber talks about his taste in film music.Richard Conte
The career of the ultimate professional Hollywood actor.Steve McQueen
An overview of the phenomenon known as Steve McQueen.John Altman Interview
Celebrated composer John Altman talks about his career in the film score world and Hollywood.The Joan Crawford Story
The fascinating life of the actress who immortalised the line “No metal hangers!”Marlene Dietrich
The magic of Marlene Dietrich.Franc Roddam Interview
Franc Roddam talks about making 'Quadrophenia' with the Who and his subsequent career as a director.Michael Curtiz
The prolific genius of Michael Curtiz.Debbie Harry Interview
The iconic Debbie Harry from Blondie talks about her film career and plays some of her favourite film music.Hugo Haas
Unique noir producer, director, writer and actor.Ida Lupino
The first female Hollywood director.Steve Cochran
The fascinating story of Steve Cochran, Hollywood HellraiserBrian Eno Interview
Brian Eno talks about his favourite film music in this revealing & fascinating interview.The Marx Brothers
The Marx brothers, the whole story of the 20th century comic geniusesSir David Puttnam Interview
Arguably, the most successful British movie producer talks of his lifelong love of cinema, his illustrious career and his inspirations.Lee Marvin
Too bad to be a bad guy, he was 'a wind waiting for a storm'.Ernest Borgnine
The ugliest mug in Hollywood, but a good luck charm nevertheless.Narrated by Dr John Cooper Clarke