Animated antics

Biblical drama starring
Matthew Modine
As the younger of Isaac's twin sons, gentle Jacob is often at odds with his aggressive brother Esau. At his uncle's home, he receives a heavenly vision.
Director Peter Hall (1994) Subtitled .... ♦ See Films: pages 43-79 ***

A seasonal feature-length episode of the US series about two guardian angels.

Monica and Tess are sent to help a mentally-disabled man whose best friend is dying.

Subtitled

The spiritual magazine show returns after its Advent break. John Walters goes in search of the real Father Christmas, while Simon Biagi and Amanda Redington meet the "Champion Children" of 1998. Plus festive music from Charlotte Church.
Producer Andrew Graystone

The Limits of Endurance. How birds cope with living in some of the harshest places on the planet. Last in the series.
Shown Wednesday 23 at 8pm

A look back at the highs and lows of this year's World Cup in France, including the emergence of England's Michael Owen , the drama surrounding Brazilian star Ronaldo, and the triumph of the host nation. Presented by Desmond Lynam. Producers Matthew Coliandris. Lance Hardy

The first in a new six-part daily series in which actor Stephen Tompkinson reveals the truth behind human history using classic comedy clips. Today from the dawn of prehistory to the glory of ancient Greece, with Kenny Everett. Lenny Henry , and Morcambe and Wise

The first of today's two omnibus editions. Second omnibus is at 4.25pm.

Classic fantasy musical, starring
Judy Garland , Ray Bolger
' Bert Lahr , Jack Haley
When a huge tornado hits Dorothy's home in Kansas, she is whisked into a strange and dazzling world. There she must escape the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West and find her way to the Emerald City.
Directors Victor Fleming and [uncredited] King Vidor (1939. U) Colour and black and white
♦ See Films: pages 43-79 *****

Second of today's two omnibus editions.

Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell performs in a special concert of Christmas and Gospel music recorded at Wembley Arena in London. Featuring Mary Duff and the Omega Singers. The music includes Mary's BoyChild,
Winter Wonderland, 0 Come, All Ye Faithful and Silent Night. Producer Maurice Maguire
Digital widescreen Subtitled 81

Over 1,500 young people assemble at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire to show the experts their collectables. Including a youngster named
Felix who has a collection of Felix the Cat memorabilia, collections of paper knives and model cars, and a pair of Italian paintings.
With Hugh Scully , Trude Mostue and Quentin Willson. Producer Michele Burgess

Costume drama starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly
Queen Victoria's staff are concerned about her prolonged period of mourning following the death of Prince Albert, so they summon servant John Brown, a favourite riding companion of her late husband, in an attempt to lift her depression.
(1997, PG)
Digital widescreen Subtitled.
See Films: pp 43-79

With Peter Sissons.
Weather Peter Cockroft

A special Christmas episode of the comedy set in a run-down hotel, starring Tim Healy
H arry gives everyone the week off, only to realisethat he will be all alone on New Year's Eve.
Written by Steve Glover
Director/ProducerGareth Gwenlan
Digitalwidescreen Subtitled .... ♦ See Comedy: page 4

First in a new seven-part series in which Simon Mayo takes a satirical look at bizarre beliefs in pre-millennial Britain. This week a "meetyourguardian angel" workshop in Edinburgh, and an aluminium disc that can put you in touch with your higher self. Series producer Michael Roberts Executive producer David Coomes
Digital widescreen Subtitled ....

Oscar-winning comedy drama, starring
Paul Newman
Robert Redford , Robert Shaw Chicago 1936: when a mutual friend is killed for robbing a petty racketeer, two con men target racket boss Doyle Lonnegan with thoughts of revenge.
Director George Roy Hill (1973, PG)
♦ See Films: pp 43-79 ***** Followed by Weather