
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
John Wayne
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by Hollywood legend John Wayne, capturing the milestones and highlights of his life and career.
19-10-2025
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.
09-10-2025
BBC 2
32. Julie Andrews
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by Mary Poppins and Sound of Music star Julie Andrews, with interviews from the archive and classic clips capt ...
02-10-2025
BBC 2
John Mills
A look back at television appearances made over the years by the Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills, capturing the milestones of his life and career.
11-09-2025
BBC 2
The Godfather Trilogy
Celia Imrie explores the story behind Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed Godfather series. \n\nThrough interviews and insights from leading cast members Al Pacino, Robert De ...
28-08-2025
BBC 2
The Silence Of The Lambs
Celia Imrie takes a trip through the BBC archives on a forensic examination of one of cinema’s most frightening franchises, The Silence of the Lambs. \n\nThrough interview ...
21-08-2025
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.
03-08-2025
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 ...
31-07-2025
BBC 2
The Godfather Trilogy
Celia Imrie explores the story behind Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed Godfather series. \n\nThrough interviews and insights from leading cast members Al Pacino, Robert De ...
28-08-2025
BBC 2
Series 2: 1. Jack Lemmon
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by Some Like It Hot and Days of Wine and Roses star Jack Lemmon, with interviews from the archive and classic ...
06-02-2025
BBC 2
David Lean
A compilation of rarely seen interviews and archive footage tells the story of movie-master David Lean, one of Britain's greatest film directors.
21-11-2020
BBC 2
Roger Moore
Sylvia Syms explores the BBC archives for a look back at the life and career of one of Britain's best-loved actors, Sir Roger Moore, who died in 2017, just months before his 90t ...
30-12-2019
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
Gregory Peck
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by Hollywood icon Gregory Peck, capturing the milestones and highlights of his life and career. Narrated by Sy ...
09-06-2024
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.
28-09-2024
BBC 2
Series 1: 19. Shirley Maclaine
A retrospective look at television appearances made over the years by one of Hollywood's most outspoken stars, Shirley Maclaine, with interviews and clips capturing the mileston ...
18-04-2024
BBC 2
Bette And Joan
Sylvia Syms looks through the BBC archives to tell the story of one of Hollywood's greatest ever feuds - the rivalry between legendary actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. I ...
14-09-2023
BBC 2