All Episodes 1967 - 2012

A celebration of Douglas Adams, the man behind The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. With contributions from Stephen Fry, Terry Jones, Clive Anderson and Griff Rhys Jones.

Annie Proulx made her name with short stories and novels including The Shipping News, which won her the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a film. For her latest project she embarked on a journey across her native America in a bid to capture the reality of life "western"-style. This Omnibus special follows Proulx as she writes That Old Ace in the Hole

Retransmission of 1986 episode 5 on BBC Two the night of the 1987 Election. Some edits due to rights and at least one addition. Plus the latest Election 87 results on screen An Omnibus history of rock videos presented by John Peel and John Walters . The roots of rock video from 30s animations, 40s jazz soundies, rock 'n' roll films of the 50s and the scopitones of the 60s

Diana, Princess of Wales sat for 12 official portraits during her life. This Omnibus special examines these portraits and follows the development of Diana's image, as those who painted, photographed and styled the Princess of Wales reveal fresh insights into the turbulent world of Diana and the making of her myth. Producer: Sarah Aspinall

Why is a dog man's best friend? How do you get a pig to sing? This Omnibus special takes an entertaining and anecdotal look at animals in film and traces how human attitudes to our fellow creatures have changed over the century. With help from those who train animals to perform in front of the camera and using film and television clips, the programme explores the art behind stars such as Lassie, Babe, Flipper, Mr Ed the talking horse, Elsa, Beethoven and Willy. Director: Nadia Haggar

The story of the comic genius is told by his family, friends and colleagues in this Omnibus special. Director: Bill Eagles

This Omnibus special explores the life and legacy of the French impressionist painter Claude Monet, whose enormous popularity will be reflected this month by a major exhibition at London's Royal Academy. Contributors include a Boston businessman who spent his first million dollars on a Monet. Producer: Nicky Pattison

The first of three Omnibus specials telling the story of one of British television's most popular genres and how it has reflected a changing Britain. The origins of the hit series Men Behaving Badly are traced back to the classic comedies of the fifties and sixties. Narrator: Julie Walters

A look at the golden age of the British sitcom and classics such as Fawlty Towers, The Liver Birds, Man about the House and The Good Life, which introduced some of the most memorable characters in sitcom. As black and white changed to colour so the sitcom reflected the changes in society, dealing with sex, racial prejudice and class snobbery. Narrator: Julie Walters

In the eighties, gritty sitcoms like Yes, Minister, Only Fools and Horses, and The Young Ones replaced the cosy domestic themes of the seventies and paved the way for bawdy nineties hits like Men Behaving Badly. Narrator: Julie Walters Producer: Gabrielle Osrin

The first edition of a regular weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Henry Livings. Tonight: Everybody's Expo An account of a world event. (Next week: a new star in the operatic firmament: Suliatis) See page 64 Contributors Presenter: Henry Livings Produced and directed by: John Duncan

A weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Arthur Jacobs. The British debut of a new world opera star-at the age of twenty-four. The Pro Arte Orchestra Leader, Max Salpeter Conducted by Edward Downes The Bel Canto Singers See page 67 Contributors Presenter: Arthur Jacobs Soprano: Elena Souliotis Musicians: The Pro Arte Orchestra Orchestra Leader: Max Salpeter Conductor: Edward Downes Singers: The Bel Canto Singers Designer: Roger Andrews Producer: Patricia Foy Producer: Stephen Hearst

The regular weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. The first of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Part of a public concert in the Royal Festival Hall, London. Introduced by Henry Livings. Contributors Conductor: Colin Davis Musicians: BBC Symphony Orchestra Orchestra leader: Trevor Williams Presenter: Henry Livings Producer: Walter Todds

An enquiry into the power of a familiar poem. Introduced by Henry Livings. "Tyger tyger burning bright In the forests of the night What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry" Why does this poem by William Blake 1757-1827 stick in the mind, and seize the imagination of so many different people? Among those taking part: Kathleen Raine, Robert Graves, Richard Hoggart, Stuart Hall, Adrian Mitchell, and pupils and teachers from St. Christopher School, Letchworth; The Manchester Grammar School; Duddeston Manor School, Birmingham; Peacock Street Infants School, Manchester. Contributors Presenter: Henry Livings Interviewee: Kathleen Raine Interviewee: Robert Graves Interviewee: Richard Hoggart Interviewee: Stuart Hall Interviewee: Adrian Mitchell Writer/Director: Christopher Burstall

The story of the sculptor Henry Moore, who many called the Michelangelo of his time. Producer John Read joins Moore on a trip to Castleford, Moore's home town, and explores the surrounding landscape that influenced much of his work. Moore himself provides thoughts and comments throughout the programme. (1967) Show less

A weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Henry Livings. The second of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Given before an invited audience in the Fairfield Hall, Croydon.11

The regular weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Henry Livings. The story of an actor-manager in the rip-roaring days of Victorian and Edwardian melodrama. Written and narrated by his grandson, John M. East. "If anything can be deader than dead, it is often a form of popular entertainment. The spellbinders of yesteryear become victims of popular taste which can be as fickle as the weather. About fifty years ago the rip-roaring melodrama of the Victorian and Edwardian era died without much fuss or ceremony. In its time it was full-blooded, packed the theatres, and produced men and women, alive today, who remember the sounds and the smells with remarkable vividness and warmth. Some of them worked for an actor-manager, John M. East, whose grandson has been fascinated and intrigued by the portrait of his forebear which dominates his study. He resolved to find out as much as he could and this year published a book, 'Neath the Mask. The knowledge he a

A weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Henry Livings. The last of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Given before an invited audience in the Fairfield Hall, Croydon. Contributors Presenter: Henry Livings Conductor: Colin Davis Musicians: BBC Symphony Orchestra Orchestra Leader: Trevor Williams Producer: Brian Large

A film about one of the brightest stars in British music Jacqueline du Pre. With Daniel Barenboim, Sir John Barbirolli, William Pleeth and music by Saint-Saens, Iris du Pre, William de Fesch, Granados, Max Bruch, Brahms and the complete Elgar Cello Concerto with the New Philharmonia Orchestra Leader, Carlos Villa Conducted by Daniel Barenboim See page 65 Contributors Writer/Director: Christopher Nupen Cellist: Jacqueline du Pre Pianist/Conductor: Daniel Barenboim Conductor: Sir John Barbirolli Cellist: William Pleeth Musicians: The New Philharmonia Orchestra Orchestra Leader: Carlos Villa

Introduced by Henry Livings. Three stories of love, passion, and dreams by A. E. Coppard. Stories adapted by Kit Coppard. The Field of Mustard [Starring] Nancy Nevinson as Dinah, Patricia Lawrence as Rose Adam and Eve and Pinch Me [Starring] David Collings as Gilbert Dusky Ruth [Starring] Frances White as Ruth, Mike Pratt as the man Contributors Presenter: Henry Livings Author: A. E. Coppard Stories adapted by: Kit Coppard Music: Carl Davis Produced and directed by: Jack Gold Dinah (The Field of Mustard): Nancy Nevinson Rose (The Field of Mustard): Patricia Lawrence Amy (The Field of Mustard): Ann Way Hedger (The Field of Mustard): John Barratt Rufus (The Field of Mustard): Brian Harrison Gilbert (Adam and Eve and Pinch Me): David Collings Bond (Adam and Eve and Pinch Me): Joby Blanshard Mildred (Adam and Eve and Pinch Me): Ann Saker Maid (Adam and Eve and Pinch Me): Chrys Salt Gabriel (Adam and Eve and Pinch Me): Sefto

The private life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti. A film by Ken Russell. Starring Oliver Reed as Rossetti-poet, painter, creator of the 'Pre-Raphaelite look'. His search for beauty did not end with his marriage to Elizabeth Siddal, the shop-girl who had been his chaste fiancee for ten years and his model for hundreds of idealised portraits. His wife's suicide filled him with remorse and he buried his poems with her body. Seven years later he had the body exhumed and recovered his poems, but not his peace of mind... Contributors Produced and directed by: Ken Russell Rossetti: Oliver Reed Elizabeth Siddal: Judith Paris William Morris: Andrew Faulds Jane Morris: Gala Mitchell Algernon Swinburne: Christopher Logue Christina Rossetti: Isa Teller Fanny Cornforth: Pat Ashton John Ruskin: Clive Gordon

Omnibus presenting the first of two programmes on the great Russian impresario Diaghilev. Introduced by Peter Ustinov. The story of Diaghilev's early life and of the first seasons of his legendary ballet company from 1909 until the outbreak of war in 1914, as told by his friends and colleagues Tamara Karsavina, Lydia Sokolova, Dame Marie Rambert, Dame Ninette de Valois, Sacheverell Sitwell, Leonide Massine, Nicolas Nabokov, Igor Markevitch, Cecil Beaton, Cyril Beaumont, Anton Dolin, Laura Wilson and the voice of the late Alexandre Benois. Written and produced by John Drummond. A BBC TV-Bavarian TV Service co-production (Part 2: next Tuesday) See page 29 Contributors Presenter: Peter Ustinov Interviewee: Tamara Karsavina Interviewee: Lydia Sokolova Interviewee: Dame Marie Rambert Interviewee: Dame Ninette de Valois Interviewee: Sacheverell Sitwell Interviewee: Leonide Massine Interviewee: Nicolas Nabokov Interviewee: Igor Markevitch Interviewee:

Omnibus presenting the second of two programmes on the great Russian impresario Diaghilev. Introduced by Peter Ustinov. The story of Diaghilev and his ballet company from 1919 until his death ten years later, as told by his friends and colleagues Tamara Karsavina, Lydia Sokolova, Dame Marie Rambert, Dame Ninette de Valois, Dame Alicia Markova, Sacheverell Sitwell, Leonide Massine, Nicolas Nabokov, Igor Markevitch, Serge Lifar, Cyril Beaumont, Anton Dolin, Ursula Moreton, Laura Wilson, Leighton Lucas, Errol Addison. Written and produced by John Drummond. A BBC TV-Bavarian TV Service co-production Contributors Presenter: Peter Ustinov Interviewee: Tamara Karsavina Interviewee: Lydia Sokolova Interviewee: Dame Marie Rambert Interviewee: Dame Ninette de Valois Interviewee: Dame Alicia Markova Interviewee: Sacheverell Sitwell Interviewee: Leonide Massine Interviewee: Nicolas Nabokov Interviewee: Igor Markevitch Interviewee: Serge Lifar Interview

Introduced by Henry Livings. * Dame Edith Evans talks to Michael Elliott and to the students of the Central School of Speech and Drama about her work in the theatre, her start in the profession, and the incidents which led to her successes. Bryan Forbes talks to her about films and film-making. Excerpts from: The Queen of Spades, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Whisperers See page 35 Contributors Presenter: Henry Livings Interviewee: Dame Edith Evans Interviewer: Michael Elliott Interviewer: Bryan Forbes Producer: Hal Burton

A film about three Brass Bands and their quest for the 1967 National Championship at the Royal Albert Hall, London. From Queensbury, Yorkshire: Black Dyke Mills Band, John Foster and Sons. Ltd. Champions in 1961 From Kettering, Northamptonshire: G.U.S. (Footwear) Band Champions in 1966 From Wiltshire: Woodfalls Silver Band First time at the Royal Albert Hall. Contributors Musicians: Black Dyke Mills Band Musicians: G.U.S. (Footwear) Band Musicians: Woodfalls Silver Band Conductor (Black Dyke Mills Band): Geoffrey Brand Conductor (Black Dyke Mills Band): Roy Newsome Conductor (G.U.S. (Footwear) Band): Stanley Boddington Conductor (Woodfalls Silver Band): Courtney Bosanko Producer/Director: Ian Engelmann

The story of their love and separation by Ronald Duncan. A dramatisation of the letters between Heloise and Peter Abelard written ten years after their separation in the year 1118. [Starring] Hannah Gordon as Heloise, Robin Phillips as Abelard (from Scotland) (See page 27) Contributors Writer: Ronald Duncan Music: Andy Park Designer: Colin Cant Producer: Michael Barry Heloise: Hannah Gordon Abelard: Robin Phillips

A study of Sean O'Casey. With Sean O'Casey, Eileen O'Casey, Shivaun O'Casey, Ronald Ayling, Ernest Blythe, Sheila Brennan, Cyril Cusack, Bernard Miles, Ria Mooney. And scenes from: Juno and the Paycock, The Plough and the Stars, The Silver Tassie, Purple Dust, Cock-A-Doodle Dandy, The Bishop's Bonfire, Figuro in the Night (See page 27) Contributors Subject/Interviewee: Sean O'Casey Interviewee: Eileen O'Casey Interviewee: Shivaun O'Casey Interviewee: Ronald Ayling Interviewee: Ernest Blythe Interviewee: Sheila Brennan Interviewee: Cyril Cusack Interviewee: Bernard Miles Interviewee: Ria Mooney Voice of O'Casey: T.P. McKenna Narrator: Allan McClelland Producer/Director: Don Taylor

A profile of Claudio Monteverdi, 1567-1643 the first modern composer. The American musicologist H.C. Robbins Landon visits Mantua and Venice (where Monteverdi worked) and records his own appreciation of the music of one of the world's great composers. Nadia Boulanger gives an additional view. (Tonight's film was first shown on BBC-2) "The programme shone with enthusiasm." (The Times) "Robbins Landon will suddenly stop and fix the watcher with a glare of dedicated frenzy while he expatiates knowingly on the details that make some Monteverdi compositions so remarkable and so lovely." (Sunday Times) (The music is taken from: La Favola Di Orfeo, The Vespers of 1610, Il Combattimento Di Tancredi E Clorinda, Madrigals of War and Love, Gloria a 7, L'Incoronazione Di Poppea) Contributors Presenter: H.C. Robbins Landon Presenter: Nadia Boulanger Subject: Claudio Monteverdi Film Cameraman: Tony Leggo Film Recordist: Stan Nightingale Film Editor: Peter Ringsted Writer/

An exploration of African art by Max-Pol Fouchet. In this remarkable film African art - art in everyday action - is placed in the rich context of tribal life. (First shown on BBC-2) Contributors Director: Max-Pol Fouchet Narrator: Alan Dobie Executive Producer: Stephen Hearst English version by: David Cheshire

Excerpts from the widely acclaimed New York revue introduced by Michael Flanders. With Liz Sheridan, Rex Robbins, Terry O'Mara, Alex Wipf, Mary Louise Wilson. (N.E.T. Production) (Recording) Contributors Writer: Julius Monk Presenter: Michael Flanders Producer (N.E.T.): Jac Venza Director (N.E.T.): Dave Geisel Presented for BBC-tv by: Mark Patterson [Actress]: Liz Sheridan [Actor]: Rex Robbins [Actor]: Terry O'Mara [Actor]: Alex Wipf [Actress]: Mary Louise Wilson

An affectionate portrait of Sir Thomas Beecham, Bt., C.H. 1879-1961 He started the hard way - at the top - and he stayed there all his life, vitalising, financing, organising, publicising the art of music. Seven years after his death, his name still evokes a tradition, a legend, a myth which proclaims that music is, above all else, to be enjoyed. The programme features some of the musicians and singers who worked with him: Jack Brymer, George Brownfoot, Eugene Cruft, Norman Del Mar, Geraint Evans, Leon Goossens, Gerald Jackson, Cedric Sharpe, Leopold Stokowski, Dame Eva Turner and Joan Sims and Graham Stark with Ralph Nicholson. Sir Thomas Beecham conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Joan Sims is appearing in "Uproar in the House" at the Whitehall Theatre, London) Contributors Subject/Conductor: Sir Thomas Beecham Writer/Producer: Herbert Chappell Speaker: Jack Brymer Speaker: George Brownfoot Speaker: Eugene Cruft Speaker: Norman Del Mar Speaker: Ge

A programme about hymns written and narrated by Robin Ray. "My idea of heaven is eating pates de foie gras to the sound of trumpets." (The Rev. Sydney Smith) "When you associate the Kingdom of God with the British Empire you are in considerable trouble." (Lord Soper) "Please God keep us good and, by the way, we believe in the Trinity." (A Medieval Monks' Hymn) Hymns form part of our heritage and when the words are forgotten the tunes remain. Tunes that instantly recapture thoughts and feelings and emotions lost in our childhood. But what makes a good hymn?-the tune, the words, or its sentiment? Are the great hymns of the past 200 years - which often dwell on sin and guilt - now out of date? How clinical and 'with-it' can a modern hymn afford to be before it loses all emotional overtones? These are some of the questions posed in this programme, which features: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Soper, The Rev. Jack Putterill, John Betjeman, General Frederick Coutts, David Holbrook, To

A C.B.S. News documentary, testing out the truth of two famous books in real life. "How valid today are Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt and John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath?," writes Stephen Hearst, Head of BBC-tv's Arts Features. To evoke Babbitt in contemporary terms, C.B.S. News producer Arthur Barron chose Duluth, Minnesota, the model for Sinclair Lewi's Zenith City, and there filmed the activities of members of the Duluth Lions Club and their wives. For The Grapes of Wrath, Barron followed a Kentucky farmer and his family on their flight to the anticipated haven of industrial Chicago. "The members of the Duluth Lions Club hear the same speech that Babbitt gave to Zenith's Booster Club and we hear the audience's reactions to words spoken forty-seven years ago as fiction. Accompanying the westward emigration of the Kentucky farmer, we hear Steinbeck's words, written over thirty years ago. Barron's method appears to me to be a brilliant departure in the presentation of literature on th

with Professor Denis Twitchett, Dr. Joseph Needham, F.R.S., Dr. Jerome Ch'en. About a quarter of the world's population is Chinese. China is not a member of the United Nations; why is it cut off from the rest of the world? There are many reasons, and Communism is not the most important one. The programme describes the civilisation with which the West came in contact at the time of the Industrial Revolution; its attitude of mind, its philosophy, science, art and religion, and tells the story of those critical years, from the failure of which we have not yet recovered. See page 34 Contributors Narrator: Patrick Wymark Speaker/script: Professor Denis Twitchett Speaker: Dr. Joseph Needham Speaker: Dr. Jerome Ch'en Script/producer: Leo Aylen

A dramatic portrait of the Czech composer. "A magnificent example of film making at its best, and most musical, too the visuals always served the music often in a very subtle way, nothing overstated A fine film that could lead to a revival of interest in Martinu's music" (John Warrack, Music critic of The Sunday Telegraph) "A most beautiful and moving film" (Vilem Tausky, Czech conductor) (First shown on BBC-2) Contributors Commentary: Anthony Burgess Narrator: Peter Hawkins Producer/Director: Anthony Wilkinson

[Starring] Michael Hordern in Jonathan Miller's adaptation of the famous ghost story by M.R. James. [Photo caption] Michael Hordern as a professor who discovers the dangers of playing with superstition - Whistle and I'll Come to You Jonathan Miller writes: "Film subjects usually occur to me without much warning. One evening last autumn I was watching John Betjeman on "Take It or Leave It". He was talking about the ghost stories of M.R. James and I was reminded of the grisliest of them all - "Whistle and I'll Come to You". I knew that this would have to be my next film for the BBC. The story is familiar to most people who enjoy tales of the supernatural - the winter holiday on the Norfolk coast, the mysterious whistle discovered in the sand, the horrible animations of the bedclothes. Strangely enough ghost stories were only a sideline for James. One after the other he was Provost of King's College, Cambridge, and Eton. He was a Medieval and Classical Archaeologist of enormous distinct

[Starring] Peter Vaughan as Cellini The Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Cellini (1500-1571), is best known today for his autobiography. In that book he gives a vivid, violent picture of low and high life in Italy at the end of the Renaissance. It is one of literature's great adventure stories. The words in tonight's film are Cellini's own, and they make an unsparing self-portrait of an astonishing human being and artist - murderous, devout, brutal, loyal, hard-working, and brave. [Photo caption] Perseus slaying the Gorgon Contributors Adapted and directed by: Christopher Burstall Design: Norman Vertigan Cellini: Peter Vaughan

A profile of the cinema's oldest living revolutionary and grandest orator Abel Gance. Written and directed by Kevin Brownlow. A Rath Films production for BBC-tv Contributors Subject: Abel Gance Narrator: Lindsay Anderson Writer/Director: Kevin Brownlow

Kenneth Alwyn discusses Tchaikovsky's life and music and conducts the New Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by Desmond Bradley with Dagmar Kessler, John Gilpin, John Shirley-Quirk, Robert Tear, John Lill (John Gilpin and Dagmar Kessler appear by permission of the Administrator of London's Festival Ballet) Why is Tchaikovsky the most popular of all composers? What gives his music its unmistakable impact? What are the secrets of his success? Kenneth Alwyn discusses Tchaikovsky's complex personality, his difficult and often unhappy life, and demonstrates why his music is not only successful but has the stamp of greatness Contributors Presenter/Conductor: Kenneth Alwyn Musicians: The New Philharmonia Orchestra Orchestra led by: Desmond Bradley Dancer: Dagmar Kessler Dancer: John Gilpin Bass-Baritone: John Shirley-Quirk Tenor: Robert Tear Pianist: John Lill Director: John Drummond

An Operatic Inquiry by Michael Flanders with Joyce Blackham, Elizabeth Robson, Stuart Burrows, Alan Opie London Symphony Orchestra Leader, John Georgiadis Conducted by Meredith Davies (Elizabeth Robson appears by arrangement with the General Administrator, Royal Opera House Covent Garden) Contributors Presenter: Michael Flanders Mezzo-Soprano: Joyce Blackham Soprano: Elizabeth Robson Tenor: Stuart Burrows Baritone: Alan Opie Musicians: London Symphony Orchestra Orchestra leader: John Georgiadis Conductor: Meredith Davies Musical Associate: Arthur Jacobs Designer: Marilyn Taylor Producer: Patricia Foy

A dramatic work created for television. English Chamber Orchestra Leader, Emanuel Hurwitz Conducted by Norman Del Mar Elizabeth Anderton and members of the Royal Opera Ballet appear by arrangement with the General Administrator. Royal Opera House Covent Garden Ltd.; John Chesworth appears by arrangement with the Ballet Rambert; Ruth Papendick by arrangement with the Stuttgart State Theatre Ballet; Olwyn Atkinson and members of the Sadler's Wells Opera Ballet appear by arrangement with the Sadler's Wells Opera At Apple Harvest, Jan, a poor soldier, returns home to a village obsessed with witchcraft. He dreams that the three women in his life become the triple Goddess (representing the three stages of woman from virgin to hag) and sees himself killed at her feet when presented with an apple - the sacred fruit of the Goddess. Jan wakes from his dream to find his lover Ellen accused of witchcraft. But it is he who meets his death, trying to protect her. Contributors Music specially compo

Michael Caine introduces the first of four programmes devoted to the early films from television's prize-winning director. A House in Bayswater (1960) The first film Ken Russell wrote and produced for the BBC. It looks at the tenants of an old London house through the eyes of their unusual landlady. Prokofiev (1961) The first of the film biographies of famous artists, which are perhaps Ken Russell's most important contribution to television. The life of the Russian composer is reconstructed with old film, photographs and specially shot material. "Ken Russell achieved a remarkable rhythm and unity from all his material. The technique is obviously promising... A brilliant, impressionistic account of Prokofiev..." (Daily Mail) "A bold documentary reconstruction..." (The Observer) (Next Tuesday: "The Dotty World of James Lloyd" and "Always on Sunday," the life of Henri 'Douanier' Rousseau) (Rowridge, Brighton) [below] 10.25-11.4 Free for All Students discuss their present attitudes to

Michael Caine introduces the second of four programmes devoted to the early films from television's prize-winning director. The Dotty World of James Lloyd (1964) Ken Russell took a film unit into the Yorkshire home of the self-taught painter whose pointilliste technique was developed with no knowledge of Seurat and under the most extraordinary domestic circumstances. Always on Sunday (1965) A dramatised reconstruction of the life of Henri 'Douanier' Rousseau. The style of filming was made to match the style of Rousseau's painting and the difficulty of casting the supremely innocent French 'primitive' painter was resolved by using the one man Russell knew who could bring real understanding to the part - James Lloyd. "The result was a partially comic, affectionate, intense, and beautiful film. Some of the images were extraordinarily true." (The Sun) "There were many images here which showed television as an art in itself." (The Guardian) "It is a long time since a television programme

Michael Caine introduces the third of four programmes devoted to the early films from television's prize-winning director. Both old film and specially shot material are combined with Bartok's music to reconstruct scenes from the composer's life and to explore the well-springs of his musical inspiration. The film also includes specially staged sequences from The Miraculous Mandarin and Duke Bluebeard's Castle. The commentary is by Huw Wheldon. (Next Tuesday: "Elgar") Contributors Presenter: Michael Caine Narrator: Huw Wheldon Director: Ken Russell

Michael Caine introduces the last of four programmes devoted to the early films from television's prize-winning director. Made for Monitor in 1962, Elgar has proved the most popular of all Ken Russell's television films. Old newsreel film, photographs, and specially shot material are combined with Eigar's music to reconstruct the life of this great English composer. The film won Ken Russell his first Screen-writers' Guild Award for the best documentary film script of the year. The commentary is by Huw Wheldon. This is real television The Guardian Contributors Presenter: Michael Caine Director (Elgar): Ken Russell Narrator (Elgar): Huw Wheldon

A fictional tale woven round the lives of actual historic figures, this television film is a 70-minute-long adaptation of Le Fanu's 1839 gothic tale "Strange Event in the Life of Schalken the Painter"

Presents a portrait of the renowned classical singer through interviews, footage of performances, and a discussion of how the historical context of racial strife in the South affected her development.

Eric Ambler talks to poet and journalist James Fenton about his life and about the nature of thriller writing, the form to which he stayed true.

The programme looks at the first 25 years of Hitchcock's extraordinary and prolific career, with extracts from his early British films, behind- the-scenes shots of Hitchcock at work, and rare home movie material.

We look behind the image of the droll clown, which he presented in his television series, and at the achievements, and the problems, of the later years.

The first edition of a regular weekly programme about the creative world of art and artists. Introduced by Henry Livings. Tonight: Everybody's Expo An account of a world event.

The British debut of a new world opera star-at the age of twenty-four. The Pro Arte Orchestra Leader, Max Salpeter Conducted by Edward Downes The Bel Canto Singers

The first of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Part of a public concert in the Royal Festival Hall, London. Introduced by Henry Livings.

"Tyger tyger burning bright In the forests of the night What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry" Why does this poem by William Blake 1757-1827 stick in the mind, and seize the imagination of so many different people? Among those taking part: Kathleen Raine, Robert Graves, Richard Hoggart, Stuart Hall, Adrian Mitchell, and pupils and teachers from St. Christopher School, Letchworth; The Manchester Grammar School; Duddeston Manor School, Birmingham; Peacock Street Infants School, Manchester.

The second of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Given before an invited audience in the Fairfield Hall, Croydon.

The story of an actor-manager in the rip-roaring days of Victorian and Edwardian melodrama. Written and narrated by his grandson, John M. East.

The last of three performances of Beethoven symphonies conducted by Colin Davis. BBC Symphony Orchestra Leader, Trevor Williams Given before an invited audience in the Fairfield Hall, Croydon.

A film about one of the brightest stars in British music Jacqueline du Pre. With Daniel Barenboim, Sir John Barbirolli, William Pleeth and music by Saint-Saens, Iris du Pre, William de Fesch, Granados Max Bruch, Brahms and the complete Elgar Cello Concerto with the New Philharmonia Orchestra Leader, Carlos Villa Conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Three stories of love, passion, and dreams by A. E. Coppard. Stories adapted by Kit Coppard. The Field of Mustard [Starring] Nancy Nevinson as Dinah, Patricia Lawrence as Rose Adam and Eve and Pinch Me [Starring] David Collings as Gilbert Dusky Ruth [Starring] Frances White as Ruth, Mike Pratt as the man

Ken Russell explores the private life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the poet and painter credited as the creator of the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic. Starring Oliver Reed.

This is the first of two Omnibus programmes about the Russian impresario Diaghilev. Presented by Peter Ustinov, this episode focuses on Diaghilev’s early life and the first seasons of his legendary ballet company Ballets Russes from 1909 until the outbreak of war in 1914. Friends and colleagues, including Cecil Beaton and prima ballerina Tamara Karsavina, reveal what Diaghilev meant to them and the impact he had on both ballet and the artists he commissioned.

Omnibus presenting the second of two programmes on the great Russian impresario Diaghilev. Introduced by Peter Ustinov. The story of Diaghilev and his ballet company from 1919 until his death ten years later, as told by his friends and colleagues Tamara Karsavina, Lydia Sokolova, Dame Marie Rambert, Dame Ninette de Valois, Dame Alicia Markova, Sacheverell Sitwell, Leonide Massine, Nicolas Nabokov, Igor Markevitch, Serge Lifar, Cyril Beaumont, Anton Dolin, Ursula Moreton, Laura Wilson, Leighton Lucas, Errol Addison. Written and produced by John Drummond. A BBC TV-Bavarian TV Service co-production

One of a spate of M.R.James adaptations that the BBC shot from the late 'sixties to the early 'eighties. All of them were memorable but this is comfortably the best. Michael Hordern is the hapless academic who goes to the coast for a short holiday and accidentally awakens something unnatural while pottering around in the remains of a Templar preceptory. This isn't a story about a monster, though, but rather something that stays at the edge of perception. The supernatural events are alternated with the mundane day to day life at the boarding house where Hordern is staying. Everything seems commonplace but he -- and the viewer -- are troubled by the feeling that there are some things that should be left well alone. Finally, his nightmares become concrete and...

Based on Eric Fenby's 1936 memoir Delius As I Knew Him, this film traces the last years of Frederick Delius and Fenby's dedication in giving up five years of his life to helping the blind, paralysed composer set down the unfinished scores he could hear in his head. Perhaps the finest of the series of biographical films that Ken Russell made for the BBC in the 1960s, Song of Summer is an immensely moving story of sacrifice, idealism and musical genius.

All My Loving is a groundbreaking documentary on music and its effect on pop culture in the late 60's. The film includes pop music from The Beatles, Donovan, Cream, The Who, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Eric Burdon and the Animals, The Pink Floyd, Manfred Mann, Frank Zappa, Derek Taylor, Terry Dene, Lulu, Kit Lambert, Tony Hall, Anthony Burgess, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Mrs. Louise Harrison, George Martin, The Moody Blues, Grapefruit, Eddie Rogers, PAMS Jingle Factory, Dallas, Don Ingrams of WABC radio, New York, Dr. Charles Lebo, professor of acoustics, Dr. Ken Oliphant, consultant engineer.

A profile of the author Graham Greene featuring an interview with Greene conducted aboard the Orient Express. The interview was recorded in sound only due to Greene's hesitance to be seen in the film.

Original first showing of the tv adaptation of the M.R. James ghost story 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'.

All My Loving is a groundbreaking documentary on music and its effect on pop culture in the late 60's, with previously unseen footage from The Beatles, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Pink Floyd and many more. Produced and initially broadcasted in 1968, this compelling documentary is just as pertinent and relevant as ever.

The historic Farewell Concert at Albert Hall in London by one of rock's greatest groups has been dynamically recorded in this film by Robert Stigwood. The group, composed of Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and lead vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums, give an electrifying performance that is as exciting to watch as it is to hear. Each of the musicians has gone on to become a superstar in his own right, and we get to see fascinating backstage interviews with all of them. Highlights include the long version of "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room" along with other Cream hits.

A portrait of Edward Villella star of the New York City Ballet, filmed on the day when he collapsed on stage from fatigue caused by over-work. The American ballet critic Walter Terry described this film as the greatest dance documentary of the decade... a revelation of pain, and anguish, and even terror.

A dramatised documentary of the best-kept secret in the life of the poet Wordsworth-his early love affair with a young French girl, Annette Vallon. With Bernard Horsfall as William Wordsworth, Lise Cornier as Annette Vallon and Sylvia Kay as Dorothy Wordsworth Written and directed by Don Taylor

First transmitted in 1969, this programme shows the life and career of military musicians. It follows young bandsmen recruiting as junior musicians at the Guards Depot, Pirbright, to becoming regimental musicians at Kneller Hall Military School of Music.

First transmitted in 1969, Omnibus presents a portrait of architect Eric Lyons, whose company Span, builds modern suburban housing for middle income families. Ian Nairn examines the benefits and dangers of the close-knit communities which Span constructs.

1969 documentary about author Christopher Isherwood. Born near Manchester, Isherwood mostly lived abroad. In 1969, he was living in California, was a devotee of Hinduism and a pacifist - yet of his own choice he remained an outsider, a foreigner. Derek Hart interviews him about his life and work, featuring extracts from films of his novels and stories including I Am A Camera and The Sailor from Gibraltar, and about the background to the writing of his novel A Single Man

A Film About Photography and Art.

This is a subjective impression of Richard Strauss in which Ken Russell caricatures certain real and many imaginary events in the life of the famous composer.

Ted Heath talks to Bryan Magee about his love of music. Shown as part of an evening of programmes on BBC Parliament to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Edward Heath becoming Conservative Party leader. First shown on BBC One on 28 June 1970.

n the 1930s they were the movies' regular ' Full Supporting Programme ': we loved them, we all imitated them. In Germany they were known as Dick and Dorf; in Italy, Crick and Crok; in Poland, Flip and Flap. Churchill loved their films; so did Stalin. They are the eternal Fat and the Thin, the Fiddle and the Bow. Today their films are perhaps more popular than ever before. What makes their humour tick? What kind of human beings were they? Tonight's Omnibus celebrates Stan and Ollie-Laurel and Hardy: their innocence, their dumbness, their zany logic - and the working companionship of two gentle men.

The first comprehensive television essay on the life and work of one of the greatest poets of this century, T.S. Eliot... a man who spent eight very satisfactory years' in a City bank; whose works range from the revolutionary Waste Land to Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats - a man full of surprises. He received more honours in his lifetime than any other writer, but to most people almost nothing is known of his life and personality; he seems a mystery. With Mrs Valerie Eliot, Miss Abigail Eliot, Mrs Henry Ware Eliot, Stephen Spender, Robert Lowell, I. A. Richards, Bonamy Dobree, Laurens van der Post, Hope Mirrlees, Eleanor Hinkley, Frank Morley, Jack Eames The Family Reunion Poetry spoken by T.S. Eliot and Alec McCowen Commentary spoken by Donald Houston A BBC-NET co-production

"The best scenes in 'Husbands' are among the most extraordinary Cassavetes has ever done... It may well turn out to be a master-piece." (The Times) John Cassavetes, director of the much praised "Shadows" and "Faces", has been shooting a new film called "Husbands" in London and New York. This documentary shows, with film from script sessions, locations and rushes, how three American actors, John Cassavetes, Ben Gazzara and Peter Falk, worked together to get the 'unscripted moments that can never be planned for.'

Christopher Plummer invites the audience into the world of the great playwright , George Bernard Shaw, at his home with fellow actors and an actress playing St.Joan.

Andre Previn asks the question Who Needs a Conductor? 'Conducting,' said Leonard Bernstein, 'is the only profession in the world where you get paid for having a fit in public!' Richard Strauss, in contrast, suggested 'You should never perspire when you conduct; only the audience should get warm.' Between these two opinions lies the truth. Andre Previn debunks many of the myths that surround the subject and conducts the London Symphony Orchestra leader John Georgiadis in excerpts from some of the most popular pieces in the concert repertoire, including Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Bartok Dance Suite Tchaikovsky Fifth Symphony

Originally part of the BBC's 'Omnibus' series, this documentary from 1972 looks at Judy Garland's life through the eyes of friends, family and colleagues who knew and worked with her. This film captures the essence of Judy Garland as a person and performer - with excerpts from her films, including "Wizard of Oz", "Meet Me in St Louis", and "A Star is Born". Taking part are her friends and those who worked with her, including actors Dirk Bogarde and Mickey Rooney, and her daughter, actress and singer Liza Minnelli.

This documentary by Christopher Nupen features revealing interviews with Williams, a glimpse into his collaborative process with composers Stephen Dodgson and Patrick Gowers, and a jaw-dropping 1971 concert from Ronnie Scott’s, the legendary Soho jazz club. Williams, who chafes at the rigidity of the classical milieu, has made his career breaking down boundaries between classical music and other genres: he has worked consistently with jazz musicians and rock stars, like Pete Townshend of the Who, and even achieved Top 20 chart success with Stanley Myers’s “Cavatina,” the theme of The Deer Hunter.

This documentary follows Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise through the making of one of their BBC shows. Their name was once so far down the bill they could have been mistaken for the printers, but at the height of their fame, this program follows two weeks of rehearsals leading up to the broadcast of show 5 series 7.

The former Cream drummer travels to Nigeria to build a recording studio.

The episode chronicled British actor Christopher Cazenove starring as famous fictional British heroes from classic and contemporary literature such as Bulldog Drummond and Richard Hannay. However, the special is perhaps best widely known for Cazenove's portrayal of famous literary spy James Bond in two segments.

Another opportunity to see this highly acclaimed performance by Ella Fitzgerald with TOMMY FLANAGAN (piano) JOE PASS (guitar), BOBBY DURHAM (drums), KEETER BETTS (double-bass), She was magnificent . . . unmissable, honestly (SUNDAY TIMES) Executive producer MIKE WOOLLER Producer ALAN YENTOB (Ella Fitzgerald appears by arrangement with Norman Granz and Harold Davison )

In the 1930s they were the movies' regular ' Full Supporting Programme ': we loved them, we all imitated them. In Germany they were known as Dick and Dorf; in Italy, Crick and Crok; in Poland, Flip and Flap. Churchill loved their films; so did Stalin. They are the eternal Fat and the Thin, the Fiddle and the Bow. Today their films are perhaps more popular than ever before. What makes their humour tick? What kind of human beings were they? Tonight's Omnibus celebrates Stan and Ollie-Laurel and Hardy: their innocence, their dumbness, their zany logic - and the working companionship of two gentle men. With extracts from a great many of their vintage comedies; some rare film; and contributions from Jerry Lewis , Marcel Marceau Spike Milligan , Bob Monkhouse Dilys Powell , Hal Roach Kenneth Tynan , Dick Van Dyke and many others. Commentary spoken by Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise

Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn look at some of the styles and personalities involved in the development of piano jazz. 'It's years since I made jazz records,' says Previn, ' so don't expect a text-book history. I have always been Oscar's most ardent fan so tonight is very much a personal programme.'

In 1964 Alan Price was a member of the Newcastle pop group The Animals. Now he has become one of Britain's most sought-after singer/composers. Recently he won the Anthony Asquith Memorial Award for his film music for "O Lucky Man!" In this "Omnibus" musical documentary he revisits the North East, which has inspired much of his work, and in London he rehearses, records and performs new songs which reflect the changes in his life and attitudes after ten years as a professional musician.

A rockumentary from the Omnibus archives about the extraordinary rock star David Bowie. Shot in 1974 and transmitted in January 1975, it follows Bowie in Hollywood as he begins to discard the elaborate costume and make-up of his legendary character Ziggy Stardust and assume a new, more enigmatic role.

Omnibus takes a look at a weekend in the coal-mining village of South Elmsall, near Doncaster.

This film is the first full- length study of Tati and his work. In it he returns with Gavin Millar to the little seaside town in Brittany where, 25 years ago, M. Hulot took his holidays.

SATURDAY IN SOHO: An impression of the work of artists, dancers, and musicians at a loft studio called Environ and the surrounding area of Soho, New York's Bohemian quarter SOuth of HOuston Street between Greenwich Village and Little Italy. Director: Michael Macintyre WATCHING MY NAME GO BY: Pre-teens and teenagers hang out in subway stations competing to see how many times they can 'get their names up' in a colourful, illegal, and dangerous graffiti game with its own rules and regulations. Director: Julia Cave Presenter: Humphrey Burton

Beyond a Boundary - CLR James

In this film Andre Previn lays down his baton and becomes an explorer, travelling northwards to the land of the brass bands with Besses o' The Barn in Lancashire and Black Dyke Mills in Yorkshire. And an epilogue, Little Train

BBC program Omnibus features Nigel Finch's 50-minute 1978 documentary of Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman titled "Fear And Loathing In Gonzovision" at the beginning and "Fear And Loathing On The Road To Hollywood With Dr. Hunter S. Thompson And Ralph Steadman" at the end.

Documentary exploring the self-image that French post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin hoped to promote in his book Noa Noa, which focused on his stay in Tahiti.

Omnibus presents Lillian Hellman, one of America's major playwrights, talking to Peter Adam at her New England home. A legend in her lifetime, Miss Hellman was recently portrayed by Jane Fonda in the film Julia. Her plays, her political stands and her extraordinary life have kept her in the limelight for the last 40 years. A friend of Dorothy Parker and Dashiell Hammett , of Eisenstein, Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald , LILLIAN HELLMAN has fought, drunk and celebrated with many show business and literary personalities. At 72 she is still as formidable, angry, tender, witty and tough as she has always been. Including extracts from some of her plays.

Schalken the painter sees his one true love, Rose, wedded by contract for a sum of money to a man who may or may not be a demon. When she escapes and returns home,she is pursued by her demon lover.....

Omnibus presents the TV premiere of Franco Rosso's highly-praised film, made for the Arts Council. In Jamaica the poet is the voice of the people: 'toaster' poets chant improvised lines to a backing of reggae music at dance halls, parties, anywhere people go to enjoy themselves. Linton Kwesi Johnson, born in Jamaica now resident in London, is a poet, writer and musician whose style is rooted in the Jamaican tradition in which art, society, politics and music are inextricably bound together. This is a film not only about Linton Johnson but also about the community to which he addresses himself, the Black working-class community in London. 'I don't believe that politics changes anything ... You could write a thousand songs but that won't bring about the revolution.'

Omnibus presents John Berger's moving and beautiful stories about peasant life. Photographs by Jean Mohr. For the past five years John Berger, one of our most acclaimed and original writers, has been living and working among peasants in the French Alps. His new book. Pig Earth, grew out of this experience. For years, too, the distinguished Swiss photographer Jean Mohr has been photographing peasants all over the world. This is Berger's first television appearance since his award-winning series Ways of Seeing. In part one, he tells his own stories about his neighbours, the village peasants. In part two, he talks with Teodor Shanin, a world authority on peasant societies, about their political and historical significance in the modern world.

Four hundred women, led by artist Judy Chicago , spent five years creating a huge banquet table, with beautiful ceramics, embroidery and painting. Each place-setting represents one of the most influential women in history and mythology, and the whole banquet is a frank and joyful celebration of female accomplishment and sexuality. It became the most talked-about art event of the year, yet this Sunday in New York it will be closed up, packed into crates, and stored away. Though it broke box-office records in Boston and San Francisco, with daily queues round the block, no other gallery has offered it a home. Tonight's film follows, month by month, the art, craft and argument that went into this astonishing work.

La Ronde: When first performed in Vienna in 1921, it started a riot. Playwright Arthur Schnitzler himself banned all further performances. Now it's out of copyright and everybody, even the BBC, seems to be doing it. John Barton. Caspar Wrede and Susan Fleetwood talk about the problems of putting on a classic that nobody has seen. Frankie Howerd in 'Die Fledermaus' at the English National Opera: Mr Howerd tells all. The Great Japan Exhibition: Edward Heath is an enthusiast of Japanese art. He shows what he likes best at part 2 of what's been called the greatest art show of them all.