MAID IN BRITAIN
A look at how domestic servants have been portrayed on television, from The Forsyte Saga in the 60s to Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs today. Why are butlers, cooks and nannies such staples of television drama long after their real-life roles have declined? Are these shows socially relevant or mere escapism, and how accurately does television reflect the experiences of real-life servants?
Featuring archive from Brideshead Revisited, Jeeves and Wooster and The Duchess of Duke Street, contributors include Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), Jean Marsh (Upstairs, Downstairs), Susan Hampshire (The Forsyte Saga) and Wendy Craig (Nanny).
BBC 2012 1 Hour
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JACK THE RIPPER - THE DEFINITIVE STORY
Two-part docudrama recreating the famous investigation using reenactments and state-of-the-art CGI. Taking you back to 1888, this extraordinary two hour special goes back to basics, dispelling the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded this case for so long. Reconstructing in 3D virtual environments this special shows the original buildings and lighting and, using real actors, reconstructs what actually happened on the night of each murder as never seen before. Including witness statements and the coroner's reports, we take a closer look at the original police investigation. This will change forever everything you thought you knew about the Jack the Ripper murders. This is the definitive story.
CHANNEL5 HD 2011
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SIDEKICK STORIES
A celebration of the TV sidekick. Narrated by Catherine Tate (Donna
Noble to David Tennant's Dr Who), Sidekick Stories looks at the role of the
assistant/companion on television, from drama to sitcom, and light entertainment
to children's programmes. What are the literary antecedents of the TV sidekick -
and who's the greatest of them all? What's the dramatic function of the game
show hostess? Did the That's Life reporters feel emasculated? How do you create
a memorable robot? And what's it like playing straight man to a puppet? We
examine the role of the companion in Dr Who (the man with the most sidekicks in
TV history) and reveal the hidden talents of the magician's assistant. There's
Edward Hardwicke on how to play Dr Watson; Andrew Sachs on the enduring appeal
of Manuel, and Isla St Clair on life as 'principal boy' to Larry Grayson's
'dame'. The show also features Ian Carmichael (Lord Peter Wimsey; Jeeves and
Wooster) in his last ever television interview.
BBC 1 HOUR March 9th 2010 DIGITAL TV
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ZIPPY AND GEORGE'S PUPPET
LEGENDS
Zippy and George, the puppet stars of
TV's Rainbow (1972-1992), present a look at some of the classic puppet
characters from British television.
CHANNEL 4 2005 DIGITAL TV 1 HOUR (ADS
REMOVED)
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From very humble beginnings to the heyday of big studio productions. Central
TV was at the heart of some of ITV's best loved programmes. Studio1 ATV Centre,
Birmingham was once the centre of a huge entertainment empire that gave ITV some
of its best loved shows. The lights went out there some years ago but in this
programme, just for an hour, they go back on again as we celebrate half a
century of ITV in the Midlands.. We'll be checking into the legendary Crossroads
Motel, catching a custard pie at Tizwas, confronting TV's most fearsome
reporter, dodging the spit on Spitting Image ...and lots, lots more.
2005 50 MINS DIGITAL TV
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ITV's 50 GREATEST SHOWS
Cat Deeley and Phillip Schofield host a star-studded celebration of 50 years
of ITV, counting down to the programme which viewers have voted the greatest itv
show of all time.
2005 2 hours 45 MINS
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STEVE COOGAN: THE INSIDE STORY
An unconventional look at the best of Steve Coogan's television work and
character comedy. With classic archive moments and some rarely seen early
appearances, this one-hour special includes interviews with well-known faces who
have collaborated with Steve, and others who are simply fans of Alan Partridge,
Paul and Pauline Calf, Tony Ferrino and Tommy Saxondale - to name only a few of
his great comic creations.
Along with Julia Davis, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer also appear in several
guises to give the inside scoop on what it's like to work with Steve Coogan -
while Steve himself appears as his Irish auntie Peggy and Mickey Gold - his
first showbiz agent. Narrated by Mark Williams. Part of the BBC Christmas 2009
season.
2009 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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THE FRED ASTAIRE SONGBOOK 1991
A special featuring classic performances by Fred Astaire of songs by Irving
Berlin, Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, among other. Guests discuss
Astaire's technique and style. Presentation of "Great Performances." Hosted by
Audrey Hepburn.
SHIRLEY MACLAINE EVERY LITTLE MOVEMENT 1980
Television Special of Music, songs, and dance featuring Shirley MacLaine.
Both on same disc
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ERIC AND ERNIE - BEHIND THE SCENES
Drawing from Eric and Ernie, the BBC's new film, this celebratory documentary
charts the duo's early years and the hurdles they faced, whilst showing why Eric
and Ernie still remain Britain's best loved double act. Featuring specially
shot, behind-the-scenes footage from the film, treasured Morecambe and Wise
archive and celebrity interviews, the documentary visits important landmarks in
their journey and uncovers the hard work and secrets of their phenomenal
success.
Featuring contributions from the people who knew Eric and Ernie best: their
family, peers, greatest fans and fellow comics of stage and screen. Contributors
include Cilla Black, Michael Grade, Eddie Braben, Joan and Gary Morecambe,
Doreen Wise, Miranda Hart, Lee Mack, Reece Shearsmith, Penelope Keith and Andrew
Marr. Narrated by Victoria Wood.
2011 60 MINS DIGITAL TV
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MICHAEL FEINSTEIN'S AMERICAN SONGBOOK 
Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook chronicles Feinstein’s lifelong mission
to keep the Great American Songbook alive, as he preserves and passes along the
lyrics and melodies of songwriters like George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter,
Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart, all while performing more than 150 shows a
year across the country. The series follows the meticulous musician as he
rummages though cluttered basements and dusty attics, sifts through piles in
cluttered storage lockers, and unearths obscure items in flea markets.
3 DISCS:
DISC 1: Episode 1 - Putting On The Tail Fins 1950s -
1960s
DISC 2: Episode 2 - Best Band In The Land - 1940s
DISC 3: Episode 3 - A New Step Every Day - 1930s
2010 DIGITAL TV
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WONDERLAND BBC: NORMAN WISDOM AGED 92 3/4
For the last 30 years Norman Wisdom has lived independently
of his family in a house he designed for himself on the Isle of Man. But now,
everything is about to change for the 92 year old comedy legend. His live-in
carer has decided she can't cope with looking after him all year round any more.
And Norman's children, both of whom live 300 miles away in Sussex, are faced
with a dilemma about what to do with their father. Meanwhile Norman isn't making
it any easier for them. Instead of succumbing gracefully to whatever his
children think best, he's insisting on daily trips around his beloved island
(ideally including a stopover at the local ice cream parlour), looking for any
opportunities to perform the hit numbers from his 18 comedy classic films, and -
despite having lost his driving licence several years earlier - thinking about
buying himself a new car. A poignant, funny, thoughtful film about a subject
that preoccupies thousands of families across Britain - what to do with an
elderly parent.
BBC2 Wed 16 Jan, 2008 40mins DIGITAL TV
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THE STORY OF ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
Chock-full of innuendo, faulty elevators, occasional
customers and much loved regulars, this documentary tells the story of the long
running farce set in the clothing section of a dilapidated department
store.
It's an affectionate look back at one of Britain's most popular
sitcoms, where off camera the veneer of camaraderie concealed an undercurrent of
envy and sadness.
BBC2 2010 55 MINS
ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
The pilot episode of the long-running comedy series about
the staff of an old-fashioned department store, Grace Brothers. First broadcast
in 1972. Trouble is afoot when the Ladies' Department and Gentlemen's Outfitting
are told they must share the same floor. Restored and seen in colour for the
first time in over 30 years.
BBC2 2010 30 MINS DIGITAL TV BOTH ON SAME DISC
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VICTORIA WOOD: SEEN ON TV
Victoria Wood looks back at her hugely successful
television career. Featuring sketches, stand-up, characters and songs from her
incredible repertoire as well as exclusive interviews with Victoria and friends
and fans, including Dawn French, Julie Walters and Sir Roger Moore.
BBC2 2009 90 MINUTES DIGITAL TV
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*THE STORY OF ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES
It's been emotional. It's been gripping. But most of all
it's been completely hilarious. 21 years after first appearing on our screens,
audiences (which reached 24 million) are still devoted to the antics of Del and
Rodney and their muckers. But what is it about this Peckham posse that makes
their marketplace wheelings and dealings so endearing to generations? Who would
know better than the show's writer and the cast?or the first time ever John
Sullivan, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and the real faces behind Boycie,
Trigger, Raquel, Cassandra and the gang reveal the secrets behind the success of
this huge comedy hit. On location at 127 Nelson Mandela House and at the Nag's
Head, we discover the behind-the-scenes stories, the stars reveal their own
favourite memories and we learn just how they went about making us love
Britain's biggest plonkers. Extended Interview With David Jason Extended
Interview With Nicholas Lyndhurst & Scene Selection.
2004 76 MINS
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LITTLE BRITAIN DOWN UNDER
Matt Lucas and David Walliams let the cameras accompany
them as they take their successful Little Britain Live tour to Australia. Some
strong language.
BBC3 AIRED: Sat 28 Jul 2007 60mins DIGITAL TV
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*GREY GARDENS
The original 1975 Documentary film by Albert and david Maysles. The film depicts the
everyday lives of the two Edith Beales, a reclusive socialite mother and
daughter of the same name who lived at Grey Gardens, a decrepit mansion at 3
West End Road in a wealthy neighborhood of East Hampton, New York.
94 MINUTES
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TITANIC: BIRTH OF A LEGEND
Dramatised documentary, using the latest computer
technology which follows the lives of the men who designed and built Titanic and
her sister ship Olympic at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, showing
the violence, political drama and financial pressures that affected those who
worked on her. Eight men, the Guarantee Group, were privileged to be chosen to
travel on her maiden voyage. All of them were killed when she sank after
striking an iceberg.
ITV 1 2005 RUN TIME: APPROX 71 MINS DIGITAL TV
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DANNY LA RUE
THE ESTHER RANTZEN SHOW / VANESSA'S DAY
WITH
BOTH ON ONE DISC
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ROOTS REMEMBERED
The impact of the 1977 mini-series is explored to mark its
30th anniversary, with contributions by original cast members and a look at the
staggering "Rootsmania" that swept the world.
BBC 4 2007 90 MINS DIGITAL TV
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IS BENNY HILL STILL
FUNNY?
Looks at the popularity of comedian Benny Hill and how he
fell out of favour in the 1980s with the rise of alternative comedy and
accusations that his comedy style was tired and embarrassing. Some of his best
acclaimed comedy moments and sketches are shown to a group of children, who have
never heard of him, to test whether they find him funny or not.
2006 CHANNEL 4 60 MINS
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JANE McDONALD THE CRUISE:
JANE TIES THE KNOT / JANE'S CRUISE TO THE STARS
TWO ONE-OFF SPECIAL EPISODES FOLLOWING THE RISE TO STARDOM
OF JANE McDONALD, UNKNOWN A YEAR AGO BEFORE HER APPEARANCE ON BBC1's THE CRUISE
TV SERIES
1998 2 HOURS
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JOBS
FOR THE GIRLS: PAULINE AND LINDA IN CONCERT 1995
British sitcom Birds Of A Feather stars Pauline Quirke and
Linda Robson train as classical singers, aiming to join Lesley Garrett on the
concert platform for Rule Britannia, with a full symphony orchestra.
BBC1 1995 50 MINS
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PIONEERS OF PRIMETIME
Documentary about the emergence of primetime broadcasting
and its founders. These pioneers were characters such as Steve Allen, Milton
Berle, Sid Caesar, Sammy Davis Jr., Buddy Ebsen, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Rose
Marie, Donald O'Connor, and Red Skelton who helped shape what television is
today.
PBS TV VHS-DVD recording 2005 60 MINUTES
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PIONEERS OF TELEVISION
PIONEERS OF TELEVISION comes in the wake of Steve
Boettcher’s PIONEERS OF PRIMETIME special — one of the top-rated television
shows for PBS in 2005 — which chronicled a select few of television’s comedic
trailblazers from vaudeville to the golden age of television. PIONEERS OF
TELEVISION continues the tradition, featuring new interviews with nearly 100
entertainers from television’s rich heritage. Nearly every living star from
television’s early days has been interviewed, including: Dick Van Dyke, Mary
Tyler Moore, Art Linkletter, Andy Griffith, Betty White, Phyllis Diller, Jim
Nabors, Marlo Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Andy Williams, Ed McMahon, Merv Griffin,
Bob Barker, Tommy Smothers and many more. This four part series includes:
Pioneers of Late Night, Pioneers of Sitcom, Pioneers of Game Shows, and Pioneers
of Variety.
PBS 2008 2 DISC SET VHS-DVD
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CELEBRITY WIFE SWAP Edwina Currie & John
McCririck
2006 90 MINUTES DIGITAL TV
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THE BIG TIME "GWEN TROAKE'S BANQUET"
1976 2006 60 MINUTES DIGITAL TV
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*MITZI GAYNOR: RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL
YEARS
In honor of the 50th anniversary of her blockbuster film,
Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific and the 40th anniversary of her first
televised special, Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle: The Special Years is an all new
documentary including newly taped interviews with Miss Gaynor and Bob Mackie
with rare photos and footage that illuminate the behind-the-scenes stories and
impact of her landmark television events. Features: 8 extended glittering
musical performances and Over 60 minutes of never-before-seen extra footage only
on the DVD / Mitzi is "The Kid": 2 full-length performances /Featurette"Mitzi
and Mackie: Look back in fashion!" /"Uncensored and Unseen": Mitzi's Egyptian
dance / Mitzi and Friends salute Sondheim's company / Mitzi & George
Hamilton at the movies" full-length comedy sequence from Mitzi's 1968 special /
Razzle Dazzle photo gallery / Mitzi and Bruce Vilanch line in San Francisco 2008
/ Trailer
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THE STORY OF LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
(UK TV DOCUMENTARY) DIGITAL TV 7 DISCS BBC2
2006:
The Story Of Light Entertainment is the definitive story of
popular entertainment. A 2006 BBC 2 series, narrated by Stephen Fry, traces the
roots of light entertainment from variety to Strictly Come Dancing and all
points in between.
EPISODES ARE:
THE COMICS 90
MINUTES
POP AND EASY LISTENING 90 MINUTES
THE IMPRESSIONISTS 90 MINUTES
CHAT SHOWS 90
MINUTES
VARIETY 90
MINUTES
ALL ROUND ENTERTAINERS 90 MINUTES
RADIO STARS 90
MINUTES
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THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF BBC TELEVISION
1986 2 HOURS 45 MINUTES AVERAGE QUALITY
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AND THEN THERE WAS TELEVISION
rom the
BBC 'Imagine' series. Alan Yentob celebrates the 70th anniversary of the world's
first scheduled high-definition television service, by the BBC from Alexandra
Palace in 1936. He take some of the pioneering engineers and on-screen talent
back to the studios to see what they can remember of TV's early days - from
Picture Page to Muffin the Mule to the first news programme and the potter's
wheel 'interlude'. Plus, some amazing archive footage and the Queen's 1953
coronation, the event that single-handedly changed how people viewed the
fledgling TV service.
BBC 2006
1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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*TELEVISION: THE FIRST 50 YEARS (USA)
Trace the history of television and its impact on American
traditions, thinking, and culture. This exciting program contains film clips,
newsreels, stills, and exclusive interviews with television greats such as:
Film Clips *The Steve Allen Show *Milton Berle *Red Skelton
*I Love Lucy *Your Show of Shows *Art Linkletter *Gunsmoke *Colgate Comedy Hour
*Jack Benny *Mickey Mouse Club *Jackie Gleason *Howdy Doody *The Ed Sullivan
*The Cisco Kid *One Step Beyond *Untouchables *WKRP in Cincinnati *Saturday
Night Live *Burns and Allen *Donna Reed *Leave It to Beaver *Voyage to Bottom of
the Sea *You Asked For It *Dobie Gillis *Dallas *Bob Hope *Dragnet *Shindig
*Batman *Star Trek *Hee Haw *BayWatch *Laugh-In And Many More!
Interviews *Tony Randall *Tom Hanks *Walter Cronkite *Art
Linkletter *Rod Steiger *Carol Burnett *Victoria Principle *David Duchovny
*Robert Stack *Jay Leno *Jerry Stiller *Tom Selleck *Monty Hall *Hugh O'Brien
*Dick Van Patten *Alan Young *Dale Evans *Lea Thompson *Tom Arnold *Charlton
Heston *Johnathon Harris *David Hasselhoff *Peter Graves *Jerry Springer *George
Burns *Robert Fuller *Harry Morgan *Shecky Greene *James Arness *Maury Povich
*Anne Francis *Henry Winkler *Ron Howard *Robert Vaughn *Norman Fell *Carroll
O'Connor *Larry Hagman *Joyce DeWitt *Doc Severinsen *Linda Gray *Edd Byrnes
*Larry Storch *Ernest Borgnine *Adrienne Barbeau *Ed Asner *Joan Collins *Carl
Reiner *Jamie Farr *Ted Knight *Angie Dickinson *Isabel Sanford *Bernie Kopel
*Lou Ferrigno *Gale Storm *Dennis Weaver *Steve Allen And Many More!
1998 2 HOURS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BARBARA WINDSOR "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE"
GENEALOGY DOCUMENTARY 2006 60 MINUTES MORE INFO DIGITAL TV
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THE GOLDEN YEARS OF BRITISH COMEDY 1980s
55 MINUTES
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REMEMBER 1981
THE FASHIONS AND FADS, NEWS AND NOSTALGIA - AND A
SOUNDTRACK OF MEMORABLE SONGS TO CELEBRATE A MEMORABLE YEAR.
PBS RECORDING 52 MINUTES
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REMEMBER 1956
A compilation of TV shows, movie clips, newsreels,
commercials and music from the time. 1956 includes events such as the marriages
of Marilyn Monroe, to Arthur Miller, and Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier, Suez
Canal crisis, the uprising in Hungary and Macmillan becoming Prime Minister.
Featuring the music from Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Lonnie
Donegan.
PBS RECORDING 52 MINUTES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1948 A YEAR TO REMEMBER
MAE WEST VISITS BRITAIN, PRINCE CHARLES IS CHRISTENED,
MAHATMA GHANDI IS ASSASSINATED.
60 MINUTES
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DON'T PANIC! THE DAD'S ARMY
STORY
Victoria Wood presents the true story behind Britain's
timeless comedy (and the Queen Mother's favourite show), with footage of the
cast on location and incredible personal tales about the making of the series.
Was Arthur Lowe really just like Captain Mainwaring? Why did the Warden always
end up in the water? And how did Corporal Jones find a bomb down his trousers?
Also features contributions from the surviving members of the cast.
BBC 2000 (Re-Broadcast 2008) 1 hour approx DIGITAL
TV
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ABIGAIL'S PARTY NIGHT:
All About Abigail's Party
Showing as
part of BBC Four's Abigail at 30 Night. The story of Mike Leigh's Abigail's
Party. Featuring new interviews with Mike Leigh, Alison Steadman, Janine
Duvitski, John Salthouse and Tim Stern, revealing the hidden stories behind the
play from the inspiration for the character of Beverly to the suburban houses
which influenced the set design and the reason why Mike Leigh can't watch the
play today. PLUS: Abigail's Party Pack A nostalgic look at the
essential music, fashion and styles of the late 70s. Featuring Demis Roussos,
Tom Jones and Donna Summer.
Transmitted 28th October 2007 BBC 90 Minutes DIGITAL
TV
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THE BLACK & WHITE
MINSTREL SHOW REVISITED
BBC Documentary Time Shift, takes a dispassionate look at
the now notorious show, whose blacked-up singing and dancing routines ruled the
British weekend TV schedules for 21 years. To its devotees it was harmless
escapism in the form of glamourous sing-along dance routines, but to others it
had far less palatable connotations. Time Shift tells the strange story of the
rise and fall - and disappearance - of The Black and White Minstrel Show. The
once top-rated show was effectively banned, but its legacy lives on as a strange
infamy.
BBC FOUR 2004 40 MINS
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IT’S TIME TO GO NATIONWIDE
Documentary looking at Nationwide, Britain's first truly
regional TV programme, which ran on BBC in the early evenings from 1969 to 1983.
Featuring contributions from many of those involved, including Sue Lawley,
Michael Barratt, Richard Stilgoe, Bob Wellings, Hugh Scully, Frank Bough, Esther
Rantzen and John Stapleton.
BBC2 2009 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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COMEDY CLASSICS:
ON THE BUSES / THE LIVER BIRDS
Two short documentaries on two of Britain's best loved
sit-coms. With contributions from their writers and performers.
2008 DIGITAL TV
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COMEDY CLASSICS: DUTY FREE
The series about classic sitcoms looks at Duty Free, which
started broadcasting in 1984 and was soon attracting up to 18 million viewers
despite some critical dissent. Featuring interviews with the stars and clips
from the show. Followed by a classic episode.
ITV1 2008 1 HOUR APPROX DIGITAL TV
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LOUIS THEROUX COLLECTION:
WHEN LOUIS MET THE HAMILTONS
TV documentary in which Louis Theroux spends time with
former Tory MP Neil Hamilton and his wife, Christine, at a time when they were
both accused of a serious sexual assault, coming under increased media
pressure.
Transmitted BBC2 11/12/2001 1 Hour 17 Mins DIGITAL TV
WHEN LOUIS MET MAX CLIFFORD / WHEN LOUIS MET ANNE
WIDDECOMBE
Louis Theroux follows Max Clifford as he handles the press
relations for POP IDOL judge Simon Cowell, and singer and child prodigy Declan
Galbraith. Those events covered with the latter include a visit to the Marsden
Hospital, where Galbraith sings with boy band Westlife for the children in the
hospital.Transmitted BBC2 26/03/2002 BOTH 50 Mins
WHEN LOUIS MET JIMMY SAVILE
TV documentary. Louis Theroux spends several days with
British celebrity Jimmy Savile in an attempt to find out more about the real man
behind the persona.
Transmitted BBC2 13/04/2000 50 Mins DIGITAL
TV
WHEN LOUIS MET PAUL AND DEBBIE
After twenty years of magic, Paul Daniels has given it up
to help his wife Debbie McGee create her own ballet company.Transmitted BBC2
20/02/2001 50 Mins
WHEN LOUIS MET CHRIS EUBANK
Louis Theroux joins flamboyant former boxer Chris Eubank in
his home-town of Brighton. Transmitted: BBC2 12/03/2002 50 mins
WHEN LOUIS MET KEITH HARRIS AND ORVILLE IN PANTO
Louis Theroux meets Keith Harris and Orville the duck and
joins them in panto in Crewe. He is introduced to Keith's Wife and children and
is given a small part on stage in the panto.
Transmitted BBC2 19/03/2002 60 mins
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRING BACK... FAME
Justin Lee Collins returns for the latest of his nostalgia
specials as he attemps to track down and reunite the all-singing, all-dancing
cast of the 80s phenomenon Fame. His targets include Irene Cara (from the
original hit film) as well as stars from the TV series that followed, including
Erica Gimpel (Coco), Carlo Imperato (Danny), Valerie Landsburg (Doris), Lee
Curreri (Bruno), Carol Mayo Jenkins (Mrs Sherwood) and Debbie Allen (Lydia
Grant). Lee Collins calls on his best ambush skills to find the stars and
persuade them to chat about life on set, as well as discovering how the series
inspired the entire nation to slip on their dancing shoes and
leg-warmers.
2008 90 MINS DIGITAL TV
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THE STORY OF SLAPSTICK
Slapstick comedy special narrated by Miranda Hart, charting
the highs and lows of physical comedy and examining the audience's love of
visual humour. Featuring pies and pratfalls from over a century of comedy and
entertainment programming including Monty Python, Charlie Chaplin, Morecambe and
Wise and even Hole in the Wall.
From the craft of the Buster Keaton
classics to the cartoon antics of The Goodies and the absurdly violent anarchy
of Bottom, the genre has shifted through silent films, surrealism, sketch and
sitcom, and today even filtered in to Saturday night family entertainment.
Featuring analysis from great physical gag practitioners including Vic
Reeves, Mathew Horne, Reece Shearsmith, Ben Miller and Sally Phillips. A festive
treat that features physical comedy both classic and contemporary, including the
inappropriate manhandling of Manuel from Fawlty Towers, the roller-skating Frank
Spencer epic from Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em and more funny physical pain than you
can fling a Frying Pan at!
BBC2 2009 TOTAL RUN TIME: 1 hour
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL ABOUT THUNDERBIRDS
Documentary telling the story of enduring 1960s children's
animated marionette show, Thunderbirds. Creator Gerry Anderson, as well as cast,
crew and fans, reveal how space travel and new technology promised an exciting
future, as Thunderbirds captured the spirit of the age. There's a look at how
Gerry's team created futuristic special effects from their humble studios in
Slough and why the show was axed after just 32 episodes. Contributors include
the voice of Lady Penelope, Sylvia Anderson.
BBC FOUR 2009 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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THE WAY WE COOKED - Fanny Cradock
& Graham Kerr
Featuring Fanny Cradock and Galloping Gourmet Graham Kerr,
who shot to fame during the 1960s and 1970s. A look at how Fanny Cradock added
glamour to a post-war Britain, while Graham Kerr became a worldwide success with
his laid-back style.
2006 90 minutes DIGITAL TV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE QUEEN BY ROLF
For the first time, HM the Queen allows cameras to film at
Buckingham Palace as Rolf Harris paints her portrait in honour of her 80th
birthday. She talks openly to Rolf about art, animals, her coronation and the
weather, as Rolf tries to capture her personality on canvas during two sittings,
ten days apart. The film follows Rolf's journey from blank canvas to finished
portrait, with all the highs and lows as he struggles to complete the job at his
studio.
BBC 2005 60 MINUTES DIGITAL TV
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SECRET
AS SEEN ON OPRAH! The groundbreaking feature length movie
that reveals the great mystery of the universe, The Secret, is the key to
everything you have ever wanted - unlimited joy, health, money, relationships,
love, youth - now at your very fingertips. Throughout history, The Secret has
been discovered, coveted, suppressed, hidden, lost, and recovered. A number of
exceptional men and women, such as Plato, Leonardo, Galileo, Beethoven,
Einstein, and many more, discovered The Secret and went on to become regarded as
the greatest human beings who ever lived.
2006 90 MINUTES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
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EVITA: THE UNQUIET GRAVE
Eva Peron, the second wife of the Argentinian dictator, was
a goddess-like figure to many of her compatriots and her life has been well
documented. But after her death in 1952, little is know of what really happened
to her body which, having been embalmed, underwent a series of alarming and
enigmatic adventures. The Pope received 26,000 requests to make Evita a saint,
but there were those who were determined that her body would not become an icon
for millions of Argentinians to worship. This programme traces the story of
Evita's cadaver, a story nearly as eventful as that of her life itself.
TRANSMITTED 25TH JAN 1997 RUN TIME 60 MINUTES
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BRUCE ON VEGAS
Bruce Forsyth heads to Las Vegas, the Entertainment
Capital of the World, in search of the stories behind such legendary
entertainers as the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, Liberace and many more.
Transmitted: 7 Oct 2007 60 Mins
DIGITAL TV
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CHILD STAR JINX
With alcoholism, eating disorders, drug addiction and even
death as subject matter, this was the ultimate take on the price of (early)
fame. Focusing on River phoenix, Dana Plato, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges
(Diff'rent Strokes), Drew Barrymore, Corey Feldman, Debbie Gibson, Macaulay
Culkin, Michael Jackson, Jack Wild among others.
Transmitted: Sat 9th July 2005 Channel 4 UK
Run Time: 60 mins approx DIGITAL TV
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BOB MONKOUSE'S COMEDY HEROES
In the last programme Bob Monkhouse ever worked on before
he died he picked all his favourite comedy clips from his lifetime. Too ill to
contribute the programme instead featured narration and contributions from
fellow professionals.
CHANNEL 5 2004 DIGITAL TV
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MARILYN: SAY GOODBYE TO THE PRESIDENT - MARILYN
AND THE KENNEDYS
UK Documentary, but shown and recorded in the USA. Say
Goodbye to the President: Marilyn and the Kennedys is the product of years of
research that presents evidence Monroe had affairs with both JFK and his
brother, Robert Kennedy. Several major organized crime figures became aware of
these illicit interludes and threatened blackmail that would effect the highest
levels of American government. Was it a mere coincidence she was dead one week
after Bobby told Marilyn she was to never see him or his brother
again?
1 HOUR WITH SOME ADS 1985
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MUHAMMAD ALI: MADE IN MIAMI
Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami explores the critical role that
Miami played in the evolution of one of the most significant cultural figures of
our time. Cassius Clay arrived in Miami in the fall of 1960, fresh from earning
an Olympic gold medal as a light-heavyweight boxer in the Rome Olympics.
PBS 2008 55 MINS
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GAGGING FOR IT: TV'S HUNGER FOR RADIO
COMEDY
From the UK tv series Time Shift. Since its earliest days,
television has looked to radio comedy for the 'next big thing'. Radio hits from
Hancock's Half-Hour to Little Britain have become TV classics. But other
long-running radio favourites have died a death on the screen. So what makes for
a sure-fire transfer? Time Shift investigates, with the help of favourite clips
from the archive and insights offered by Jon Culshaw, Clive Anderson, Barry
Cryer, Marcus Brigstocke, and Mitchell and Webb. Contains some strong language.
BBC 2 Sat 8 Mar 2008 60mins DIGITAL TV
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WHEN BRITAIN FIRST HAD
TALENT
Actress and talent show judge Amanda Holden looks back
through the years to tell the story of the talent show from its humble
beginnings on British television, right through to the current show-stopping
versions of today. A look back at all the classic talent shows, picking out
footage not seen on TV for years while also meeting the winners that simply
disappeared into oblivion. Footage shows how we were first introduced to
Victoria Wood, Lenny Henry, Jim Davidson, Les Dennis, Marti Caine, Cannon &
Ball, Little & Large, Will Young, Girls Aloud and many more over the years.
Amanda takes Joe Pasquale back to Birmingham’s Hippodrome theatre where he first
won New Faces back in the 80s, reunites members of one of Britain’s first
manufactured boy bands, Our Kid, and talks to Paul Potts about his amazing
experiences since winning Britain’s Got Talent. Simon Cowell, Joe Pasquale,
Louis Walsh, Piers Morgan, Debra Stephenson, Roy Walker and Bonnie Langford all
share their memories of Opportunity Knocks, New Faces and today’s current talent
shows including Pop Idol, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
ITV1 JAN 2008 APPROX 46 MINS (NO ADS) DIGITAL
TV
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GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE
Documentary charting the history of the supernatural on
British television, and how ghosts have been portrayed on the small screen. From
Hamlet to Most Haunted, the apparitions have abandoned their traditional haunts
of drama and comedy and crossed over into factual and reality TV. The film
examines the recent explosion of interest in the paranormal. How did ghosts get
their own genre, and how did television become the medium of the
medium?
Contributors include Derren Brown (Seance), Jane Asher (The
Stone Tape), Kenneth Cope (Randall and Hopkirk Deceased), Yvette Fielding (Most
Haunted), Mark Gatiss (Crooked House), Sarah Greene (Ghostwatch), Jonathan
Miller (Whistle and I'll Come to You) and Bill Paterson (Sea of
Souls).
BBC FOUR 2009 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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THE REAL CABARET
Few musicals can claim to capture the mood of a historical
period as well as the 1972 classic Cabaret. Liza Minnelli's unforgettable
portrayal of singer Sally Bowles and the film's stylish recreation of the era
have become defining images of Weimar Berlin.In this documentary, actor Alan
Cumming explores the truths behind the fiction. He meets many of those closely
involved with the original film, including Liza Minnelli, and talks to cabaret
artists, among them acclaimed performer Ute Lemper.
BBC FOUR 2009 1 HOUR DIGITAL TV
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