The Best of British Cinema
TV ShowEnded

The Best of British Cinema

1987
5 seasons
53 episodes
Documentary

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.

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Cast

Seasons

A Made for Television English Documentary TV series that explores English cinema through clips from various films. The series was a casual examination of English films and not very informative to those already into the subject. The episodes were 25 minutes long and were narrated by John Mills.

  • Ep 1

    1.The Heroes

    22-04-198725m

    From Tom Brown to Bulldog Drummond, from Biggles to Bond, the 20th Century British hero was represented as schoolboy, sleuth, soldier, sailor, sky-pilot and spy, and film portrayed...

  • Ep 2

    2.Leave 'Em Laughing

    29-04-198725m

    Some of British cinema's most popular comedians, including Norman Wisdom, Stanley Holloway, Will Hay, Frankie Howerd, and the Carry On team in films such as On The Beat, Oh, Mr Por...

  • Ep 3

    3.I Spy

    06-05-198725m

    A look at British spy stories, ranging from classic Hitchcock films of the 1930s to eighties paranoia in Defence Of The Realm, a mixture of the commonplace with the extraordinary -...

  • Ep 4

    4.The English Roses

    13-05-198725m

    During the 1940s and 50s, British films featured female stars who portrayed fiery, independent characters in distinctive settings, and stories than emanated from the events of Worl...

  • Ep 5

    5.The All Singing All Dancing Show

    20-05-198725m

    Sequences from the golden age of British musicals highlight the talents of stars such as Jessie Matthews, Jack Buchanan, Jean Kent and Kay Kendall. Films include Evergreen, As Long...

  • Ep 6

    6.The War Game

    27-05-198725m

    Stars like David Niven, Trevor Howard and John Mills in enduring wartime classics such as A Matter Of Life And Death, In Which We Serve, The Way Ahead, The Life And Death of Colone...

  • Ep 7

    7.Things That Go Bump in the Night

    03-06-198725m

    From the earliest days of movies, the potential for scaring audiences has been recognized and whether treated for thrills or comedy, ghosts and ghouls have proved a popular staple...

  • Ep 8

    8.Fine and Dandy

    10-06-198725m

    Costume dramas have been a staple of British cinema, especially during the 1940s when the Gainsborough melodramas resulted in some of the successful and popular films of the period...

  • Ep 9

    9.The Eccentrics

    17-06-198725m

    The combination of distinctive actors and characters have resulted in some of the most indelible and memorable scenes. True originals of British cinema include Margaret Rutherford,...

  • Ep 10

    10.Power and Prejudice

    24-06-198725m

    British cinema has always has a strong tradition for powerful reflections on contemporary life, social and psychological dramas that mix insightful commentary and identifiable char...

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