A celebration of the golden age of MGM movie musicals.

(1974)
(B/W and colour)
(Subtitled)
Film Reviews pages 47-70

Family musical starring Rex Harrison

Doctor Dolittle has abandoned his human practice to treat only animals, learning 500 animal dialects from a parrot and becoming the proud possessor of a pushmi-pullyu! But his greatest ambition is to find the elusive great pink sea snail. Songs include "Talk to the Animals" and "I've Never Seen Anything Like It."
(1967) (Subtitled)
Film Reviews pages 47-70

Fifty years ago 156,000 Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen crossed the Channel to free Nazi-occupied Europe. This summer, witnessed by HM the Queen, more than 15,000 made that same journey and veterans of that pilgrimage recall those two days in June. Introduced by John Tusa.

The Great Escapers. On 24 March 1944, 76 RAF PoWs escaped from Stalag Luft 3 through a tunnel called Harry. Within a fortnight 50 had been executed by the Gestapo. Set on the now overgrown site of the former prison camp, this is the real story of the breakout told, in the 50th anniversary year, by the tunnellers themselves. Rpt Stereo Subtitled.

This new version of Charles Dickens 's novel has been adapted and directed by Oscar-nominated author Peter Barnes.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian industrialisation, the tragic lives of Tom and Louisa Gradgrind unfold within a loveless world, in which social and economic values are placed above human concerns.
Producer Richard Langridge First shown on Daytime on Two Stereo

It's EastEnders v Emmerdale in this special edition as teams led by Wendy Richard and Malandra Burrows answer questions about Christmas Day in years gone by. Hosted by Martyn Lewis.
(Stereo)

With the cult of the Carpenters continuingto rival that of those other
70s stars Abba, here is another chance to see the Carpenters' debut BBC concert, recorded on their first British tour in September 1971. Hits include Close to You, Superstar and We've
Only Just Begun, together with the odd Beatles tune and a Bacharach/David medley. Karen's drumming and Richard's keyboards are supported by their five-piece touring band and an orchestra under Johnny Pearson.
Producer Stanley Dorfman .................

A compilation of highlights to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the anarchic comedy show which during the late 60s and early 70s won two Emmy awards and became a cult classic.
Hosted by Dan Rowan and Dick Martin it launched the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin and also featured Ruth Buzzi , Joanne Worley , Teresa Graves , Arte Johnson and British actress Judy Came. There are guest appearances by Sammy Davis Jr , Johnny Carson , Cher, Peter Sellers , Tony Curtis and Richard Nixon.

Elijah Moshinsky's new production of Verdi's popular masterpiece in four acts was premiered earlierthis year at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, starring the American soprano Cheryl Studer. Set in ancient Egypt, Aida tells the dramatic story of the captive princess who loves enemy general Radames, and of her rival
Amneris, the Egyptian king's daughter, who seeks to possess him. The tragedy unfolds against designer Michael Yeargan's dramatic settings. With the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Sir Edward Downes.
Verdi - A Life in Two Parts begins on Holiday Tuesday at 5.00pm

This afternoon's message, with signing for deaf people. Stereo

A series of tales of magic and mystery begins with a double bill.
Bideshi. The true story of a strange and haunting premonition.
Written by Tanika Gupta ; Producer Penny Gold
Director Frances-Anne Solomon Stereo
And Memsahib Rita. A streetwise East
End girl is followed to herfather's sari shop by the local BNP boys. Then, out of the shadows, two very glamorous and mysterious women step forward to try to save her.
Next programme Thursday 29 December at 7.00pm Written by Kumari Salgado ; Producer Penny Gold Director Pratibha Parmar

Bittersweet comedy romance starring
Demi Moore
Jeff Daniels
When a Greenwich Village butcher returns from a North Carolina fishing trip, he brings with him the most unexpected catch of all - a clairvoyant wife named Marina. She soon begins to have an uncanny influence on everyone in the neighbourhood.
DirectorTerry Hughes (1991)
FILM REVIEWS pages 47-70

The season of ghost films continues with this psychological thriller starring
Julie Harris , Claire Bloom
Richard Johnson , Russ Tamblyn The infamous Hill House attracts a group of investigators determined to uncoverthe terrifying truth about the place. But as soon as they arrive, strange things start to happen.
Somethingfrom beyond the grave walks Hill House alone.
House on Haunted Hill is on Holiday Tuesday at
12.20am: Director Robert Wise (1963)