About this season
Sir John Mills narrates this entertaining compilation. "The Best of British Cinema" takes an insightful look back at some of the finest and most memorable feature films to be produced in major British studios over a period of five decades. All of the major stars are here, from Olivier to Leigh, from Sabu to Robert Donat, along with eminent directors. This series confirms the power, humor and drama of the great British films.
Episodes (10)
1. Star
Aired 19 March 1990 • 25 min
Audiences have always had favourite performers whose appeal transcends international barriers. Featured are names like Michael Caine, Henry Fonda and Meryl Streep in films including The Eagle Has Landed, On Golden Pond and Sophie's Choice.
2. Bonds of Love
Aired 26 March 1990 • 25 min
A look at the portrayal of relationships between friends, lovers and families in films such as Brief Encounter, On Golden Pond and Voyage of the Damned.
3. Against All Odds
Aired 2 April 1990 • 25 min
The thrill and excitement of action movies highlighted by films such as Raise the Titanic, Hawk The Slayer and Escape to Athena with stars including Michael Caine, Gene Hackman and Elliot Gould.
4. Best Sellers
Aired 9 April 1990 • 25 min
From the Bible to Charles Dickens, literature has been a rich source for films. Productions featured include Great Expectations, The Man In The Iron Mask and Moses The Lawgiver, with stars such as Burt Lancaster and Richard Chamberlain.
5. Crimetime
Aired 16 April 1990 • 25 min
A look at films showing the profits of crime and the wages of sin, including Return Of The Pink Panther, Love And Bullets and Madam Sin with stars like Peter Sellers, Charles Bronson and Bette Davis.
6. The Detectives
Aired 23 April 1990 • 25 min
The downbeat doggedness of Philip Marlowe, the suave charm of Simon Templar, the comic ineptitude of Inspector Clouseau. Films include Farewell My Lovely and Return Of The Pink Panther, with stars such as Robert Mitchum and Peter Seller
7. The Way We Are
Aired 14 May 1990 • 25 min
From the sun-kissed sidewalks of California to the dingy streets of London, filmmakers reflect on modern society in films such as From A Far Country and Rising Damp with stars such as Peter Fonda, Sam Neill and Leonard Rossiter.
8. Just an Illusion
Aired 21 May 1990 • 25 min
Highlighting the magic of special effects in films like Saturn 3. Raise the Titanic and Capricorn One with stars including Kirk Douglas, Omar Sharif and Telly Savalas.
9. Strength of Character
Aired 4 June 1990 • 25 min
A look at the wide-ranging skills of actors including Laurence Olivier, Robert Duvall and James Stewart.
10. The Dark Side
Aired 30 October 1992 • 25 min
Moments from films that have explored the dark side of mystery and imagination, featuring Richard Burton, Kirk Douglas and Terence Stamp.