Presented by Nici Marx.
Timetable on Christmas Day (W)
Youngsters express their feelings about the future. (S)
It is a cold winter night and Stan and Ollie have a secret they're trying to hide from their landlord - a little dog called Laughing Gravy.
(BW) (R) (S)
With native Americans effectively confined to reservations, the homesteaders staked their claim to the West.
(The series concludes tomorrow at 8.35am)
(R) (S)
The second of three daily science programmes. Today, presenter Gary Lineker explores how people cope when they find themselves in extreme environments. (S) (W)
Western starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Wade Hatton, a tough cattleman, takes on the job of bringing law and order to Dodge City.
(1939, PG) (S)
Films: pp 49-79 ****
Today it's the mixed-voice semi-final, which sees eight choirs battle it out for the two remaining places in the final. Presented by Howard Goodall and Diane Louise Jordan. The final can be seen tomorrow at 12 noon.
(S) (W)
Last in the series in which the Royal Ballet's principal dancer explores different dance styles.
Bull has only days before she must dance with tango star Antonio Scares Cervila, aka Junior. Help comes from Clive James, a fan since his first visit to Argentina. But what will Junior think of Bull's rapidly learnt style?
(S)
(Deborah Bull introduces The Royal Ballet in The Nutcracker on Saturday 30 December at 3.25pm)
A new production of Rossini's comic opera set in the 1950s, performed by the Royal Opera and directed by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser. Introduced by James Naughtie.
See Choice.
(S) (W)
A feature-length introductory instalment to a new drama, based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, starring Gerard Depardieu, and being broadcast on seven consecutive days.
On the eve of his wedding, Edmond Dantes is seized and imprisoned.
In French with English subtitles.
See Choice.
An Oscar-nominated short film from Northern Ireland, starring BJ Hogg and Kimberly McConkey , which tells the story of a young girl who dreams of being a Riverdancer. Written by Dave Duggan ; Producer Pearse Moore
Director Tim Loane (R) (S)
The first episode in a nightly rerun of the seven-part, award-winning espionage drama of the seventies, based on the novel by John le Carre and starring the late Alec Guinness.
Some say George Smiley is in innocent retirement. Others say he was sacked after the Czech scandal, but all agree that nobody ever leaves the Circus without some unfinished business. A documentary about John le Carre follows.
Dramatised by Arthur Hopcraft
(For cast see Wednesday 27 December and New Year's Eve) (R) (S)
John le Carre's name is synonymous with spies, he is the world renowned author of thrillers such as The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. His real name is David Cornwell and he was an agent. In this documentary about spies in fact and fiction presented by Nigel Williams, le Carre discusses his extraordinary life.
(S) (W)
Factual: page 23
Romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, Edward Burns and Cameron Diaz. Mickey has just married in haste, while his brother Francis vacillates between a wife and a mistress. Romantic bliss proves elusive for both brothers, but their father's always on hand with some timely advice.
(1996,15) (S) Films: pp 49-79 * *
The Kirk Douglas season continues with a western, also starring Rock Hudson. A fugitive and a lawman agree to join a rancher's cattle trail north to Texas.
Director Robert Aldrich (1961) (S) The season continues tomorrow with The Bad and the Beautiful at 3.10pm. Films: pp 49-79 ***
The Universal Horror season continues with a classic starring Boris Karloff.
Archaeologists discover a sarcophagus, along with a box upon which is written a dire warning to whoever disturbs the body within.
Ends 3.05am.
(1932, 15) (BW) (S)
(See also Universal Horror on Thursday 28 December at 12.25am)
Films: pp 49-79 ****
