Celia Imrie takes us on a journey through the BBC’s archives for an in-depth look at the continuing power and importance of war films. It’s an exploration which takes in the two World Wars, America’s conflict in Vietnam and the ongoing ‘War on Terror’, featuring films ranging from modern-day epics 1917 and Dunkirk to Apocalypse Now and Born on the Fourth of July, and even popular action adventures like The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen and Where Eagles Dare.\n\nThrough interviews with the directors who made them and the actors who starred in them, Celia explores how cinema helps us to understand the events of the past and how these films ensure that tales of heroism, comradeship and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Source: BBC 2
Laurence Olivier
Sylvia Syms looks back on the life of Laurence Olivier, perhaps Britain's greatest actor, using rare material from the BBC archives to tell the story of his distinguished career.
09-03-2024
BBC 2
Judi Dench
Sylvia Syms presents rarely seen footage from the BBC archives that explores the life and career of one of Britain's best-loved actors, Dame Judi Dench.
27-01-2024
BBC 2
Dustin Hoffman
When Dustin Hoffman first told his family he wanted to act, the response was: 'You can’t, you’re not good-looking enough.' Despite that initial response, Hoffman wen ...
04-01-2024
BBC 2
Glenda Jackson
Celia Imrie tells the story of Glenda Jackson, one of Britain’s greatest-ever acting talents and a double Oscar winner, who famously turned her back on her hugely successf ...
30-12-2023
BBC 2
Christmas Classics
Celia Imrie unwraps a selection of the very best Christmas movies ever made and looks at why films are such an important part of the festive ritual. From ‘It’s A Won ...
24-12-2023
BBC 2
Marvellous Musicals
Celia Imrie celebrates the cinema’s marvellous musicals, venturing back through the BBC’s archives to look at film’s most joyous and arguably enduring genre.\n ...
09-12-2023
BBC 2
Bette Davis
A look back at television appearances made over the years by Hollywood legend Bette Davis, capturing the milestones of her life and career. Narrated by Sylvia Syms.
19-11-2023
BBC 2
Robert Redford
The career of Robert Redford is examined in this exploration of the BBC archives, which includes rarely-seen interviews. Narrated by Sylvia Syms.
16-11-2023
BBC 2
Maggie Smith
Sylvia Syms presents rarely seen footage from the BBC archives that explores the life and career of one of Britain's best-loved actresses, Maggie Smith.
24-11-2022
BBC 2
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers
A look at television appearances made over the years by legendary Hollywood double act Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
05-08-2022
BBC 2
Series 2: 2. Shelley Winters
A look at television appearances made over the years by Oscar-winning actress Shelley Winters, with interviews from the archive and classic clips capturing the milestones and hi ...
06-02-2020
BBC 2
Rom Coms
Celia Imrie takes a moonlit stroll through the BBC archives to explore one of the best-loved movie genres - the romantic comedy. With classic interviews from cinematic couples l ...
26-02-2022
BBC 2
Series 2: 6. Kenneth More
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by BAFTA-winning actor Kenneth More, with interviews from the archive and classic clips capturing the mileston ...
01-11-2020
BBC 2
War Stories
Celia Imrie takes us on a journey through the BBC’s archives for an in-depth look at the continuing power and importance of war films. It’s an exploration which take ...
03-01-2022
BBC 2
Marvellous Musicals
Celia Imrie celebrates the cinema’s marvellous musicals, venturing back through the BBC’s archives to look at film’s most joyous and arguably enduring genre.\n ...
09-12-2023
BBC 2
18. Alfred Hitchcock
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by iconic Hollywood director Alfred Hitchcock, reflecting on the milestones and highlights of his life and car ...
04-02-2023
BBC 2
Jane Fonda
As double-Oscar winner Jane Fonda approaches her 80th birthday, Sylvia Syms explores the BBC archives for a look back at the life of one of Hollywood's most successful and contr ...
06-04-2020
BBC 2