The series exploring film looks at the history of the western and how it became a symbol of American life. With reference to such classics as Stagecoach, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Unforgiven, plus interviews with James Coburn, Eli Wallach and Katharine Ross.
The series exploring film by genre looks at the history of science fiction, which has often been used as a metaphor for our fear of technology and the unknown, and as comments on political ideologies. The latter are represented here by Metropolis (fascism) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (communism).
The series exploring movie history looks at the Biblical and classical genre, which has been responsible for some of the most lavish films ever made. Including epics such as The Ten Commandments and Spartacus, plus interviews including Charlton Heston and Peter Ustinov.
Series exploring film by genre. Crime has been the centre of many of the greatest and varied films in cinematic history. This episode examines the popular genre, from Stanley Kubrick's The Killing to stylish 1960s caper films such as The Italian Job. The more violent heists of Hong Kong cinema became a source for Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs.
The series exploring cinema by genre looks at the portrayal of World War II, revealing the myths, propaganda and rise of realism in the war film. British wartime films were made as propaganda but also drew on a strong documentary tradition. Germany's Das Boot showed war not as heroic action, but as days of tedium in cramped conditions, interspersed with terrifying action. More recently Hollywood's Saving Private Ryan showed a realistic and harrowing portrayal of the D-Day landings.
Series exploring movie history. Romance is part of the attraction of the cinema, with its gorgeous stars and passionate on- and off-screen love affairs. This programme looks not only at the famous stars such as Marilyn Monroe and later Brigitte Bardot, but also at Hollywood's reflection of changing social attitudes towards sex, love and marriage. Those interviewed include Dino de Laurentis, Laura Morante and Nora Ephron.