Arena - Episode Guide

Episode: 1975-10-01 | Airdate: Oct 1, 1975 (30 min)

This week, the director Ronald Eyre looks selectively and critically at what's coming on, or doing well, and recommends his own personal ' best buy.'

Kenneth Tynan talks to Laurence Olivier about Lilian Baylis, the eccentric founder of The Old Vic. Kenneth Tynan says: "The theatre is the cockpit of society: it is here that ideas are argued out, laughed at and worked over. It is our job in Arena: Theatre to make the theatre accessible and comprehensible to the largest possible audience. We hope to celebrate plays, players and playwrights as they are working now and we shall also pass judgement of our own. When a dictatorship takes over, the first cultural institution to be suppressed is the theatre."

Episode: 1975-10-08 | Airdate: Oct 8, 1975 (30 min)

This week Arena features a unique event in the arts calendar: the opening of the Space Studios with 150 one-man shows in 20 days.

Episode: 1975-10-15 | Airdate: Oct 15, 1975 (30 min)

Including an extract from a new play, Stripwell, which opened at the Royal Court Theatre, London, last night, and an interview with the author, Howard Barker.
Kenneth Tynan tackles a topical issue, and we investigate why Birds of Paradise has been packing them in on Bournemouth Pier.

Episode: 1975-10-22 | Airdate: Oct 22, 1975 (30 min)

This week's guest columnist is cartoonist Mel Calman on the New Yorker magazine and its artists.
Arena reports on new exhibitions and activities around the country and brings work by artists and designers into the Arena studio. This week's programme features Richard Hamilton at the Serpentine Gallery and a new documentary exhibition from Jarrow

Episode: 1975-10-29 | Airdate: Oct 29, 1975 (30 min)

On the first night of The Playboy of the Western World, a National Theatre production at the Old Vic, Arena reviews the National Theatre's past and present. Its magnificent new home on the South Bank is due to open in March. There Peter Hall , the present artistic director, talks to Kenneth Tynan , who worked as the theatre's literary adviser for 11 crucial years.
Presented by Michael White

Episode: 1975-11-05 | Airdate: Nov 5, 1975 (30 min)

This week's guest columnist is Observer critic William Feaver on Painting the End of the World.
Arena reports on new exhibitions and activities around the country and brings work by artists and designers into the Arena studio. This week's programme features Bill Brandt's selection of landscape photography at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the best of science fiction illustration.

Episode: 1975-11-12 | Airdate: Nov 12, 1975 (30 min)

A look at what is topical, urgent and most interesting in the British theatre.
There will be an extract from a current play and Kenneth Tynan will have some strong words to say about the theatrical events of the fortnight.

Episode: 1975-11-19 | Airdate: Nov 19, 1975 (30 min)

This week's guest columnist is Shirley Conran.
Arena reports on new exhibitions and activities around the country and brings work by artists and designers into the Arena studio.
This week's programme features the work of Barry Lategan , top fashion photographer and creator of the 60s image of female beauty, filmed at work with models including his most famous photographic subject, Twiggy

Episode: 1975-11-26 | Airdate: Nov 26, 1975 (30 min)

Introduced this week by Deborah Norton who makes her own selection of the most lively events on the British stage during this fortnight.
There will be an extract from a current play and Kenneth Tynan gives his own personal views on the theatre.

Episode: 1975-12-03 | Airdate: Dec 3, 1975 (30 min)

This week's guest columnist is Terry Measham of the Tate Gallery on Landscape into Art.

Arena reports on new exhibitions and activities around the country and brings work by artists and designers into the Arena studio. This week's programme concentrates on the work of contemporary British artists and features the work of painter and poet Charles Tomlinson.

Episode: 1975-12-10 | Airdate: Dec 10, 1975 (30 min)

The most famous male dancer since Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, will appear in the New Year in a BBC Television Gala Performance. We filmed him rehearsing for this with Natalia Makarova. This is the first time he has ever been seen on television.
Kenneth Tynan draws a portrait of the actor Albert Finney, who opens as Hamlet at the National Theatre tonight.

Episode: 1975-12-17 | Airdate: Dec 17, 1975 (30 min)

This week, Forgotten Heritage
This month sees the end of European Architectural Heritage Year. A report by the SAVE Campaign comes out this week, which contains the alarming news that, in the first six months of this of all years, 182 buildings listed for their historical or aesthetic value were destroyed.
Why does the ' spirit of our age' seem to be demolition?
Film-maker Roger Graef and journalist Simon Jenkins explore our ' forgotten heritage,' and some of the ways in which it might be conserved and put to new use.

Episode: 1976-01-07 | Airdate: Jan 7, 1976 (30 min)

Deborah Norton returns with reports, interviews and extracts from what is liveliest and best in the British theatrical scene.

Episode: 1976-01-14 | Airdate: Jan 14, 1976 (35 min)

Arena reports on new exhibitions and activities around the country and brings work by artists and designers into the Arena studio.

Episode: 1976-01-21 | Airdate: Jan 21, 1976 (35 min)

Jonathan Miller introduces this week's look at what is most stimulating and enjoyable on the theatrical scene.

Episode: 1976-01-28 | Airdate: Jan 28, 1976 (35 min)

This week, Arena features American photographer Paul Strand , the subject of an important new exhibition at the National Portrait. Gallery opening on 30 January, and a short season of films at the NFT.
Strand is now considered by many as one of the major artists of the 20th century and his work has done much to establish photography as one of the fine arts. The programme also looks at some recent trends in British photography : the move away from photo-journalism towards a more independent and personal approach, and towards a new kind of social commitment focussed on the community.

Episode: 1976-02-04 | Airdate: Feb 4, 1976 (35 min)

Arena goes to Scarborough for the British premiere of a new Alan Ayckbourn play, Just Between Ourselves.
AYCKBOURN is the only contemporary playwright ever to have had five different plays running simultaneously in the West End. Here is a chance to watch the author himself directing his latest play and to follow this production through from the first read-through to dress-rehearsal.

Episode: 1976-02-11 | Airdate: Feb 11, 1976 (35 min)

An increasing number of visual artists, reacting to the gap which divides them from the mainstream of ordinary life, have abandoned their ivory towers to work more directly with people.
This week Arena looks at aspects of community art and includes a film on the work of painter Keith Grant , ' artist-in-residence ' at the New Charing Cross Hospital.

Episode: 1976-02-18 | Airdate: Feb 18, 1976 (35 min)

What is great acting? Claire Bloom and Kenneth Tynan discuss three performances. Amongst them Peggy Ashcroft in an extract from BECKETT'S Happy Days and Judi Dench in SHAW'S Too True to be Good, plus a rare treat, filmed on Broadway - Irene Worth in her triumphant success in TENNESSEE WILLIAMS'S Sweet Bird of Youth.

Episode: 1976-02-25 | Airdate: Feb 25, 1976 (35 min)

A fortnightly look at the world of the visual arts, fashion, photography and design.
Tonight's Arena is about some of the latest developments in sculpture and features Robert Janz and Dante Leonelli , two artists concerned with incorporating a fourth dimension, the dimension of time, to their work.

Episode: 1976-03-03 | Airdate: Mar 3, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-03-10 | Airdate: Mar 10, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-03-17 | Airdate: Mar 17, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-03-24 | Airdate: Mar 24, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-03-31 | Airdate: Mar 31, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-04-07 | Airdate: Apr 7, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-08-25 | Airdate: Aug 25, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-09-01 | Airdate: Sep 1, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-09-08 | Airdate: Sep 8, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-09-15 | Airdate: Sep 15, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-09-22 | Airdate: Sep 22, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-09-29 | Airdate: Sep 29, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-10-06 | Airdate: Oct 6, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-10-13 | Airdate: Oct 13, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-10-20 | Airdate: Oct 20, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-10-27 | Airdate: Oct 27, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-11-03 | Airdate: Nov 3, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-11-10 | Airdate: Nov 10, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-11-17 | Airdate: Nov 17, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-11-24 | Airdate: Nov 24, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-12-01 | Airdate: Dec 1, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-12-08 | Airdate: Dec 8, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1976-12-15 | Airdate: Dec 15, 1976 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-01-05 | Airdate: Jan 5, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-01-12 | Airdate: Jan 12, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-01-19 | Airdate: Jan 19, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-01-26 | Airdate: Jan 26, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-02-02 | Airdate: Feb 2, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-02-09 | Airdate: Feb 9, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-02-16 | Airdate: Feb 16, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-02-23 | Airdate: Feb 23, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-03-02 | Airdate: Mar 2, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-03-09 | Airdate: Mar 9, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-03-16 | Airdate: Mar 16, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-03-23 | Airdate: Mar 23, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-03-30 | Airdate: Mar 30, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-04-06 | Airdate: Apr 6, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-04-13 | Airdate: Apr 13, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-04-20 | Airdate: Apr 20, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-04-27 | Airdate: Apr 27, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-05-04 | Airdate: May 4, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-05-11 | Airdate: May 11, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-05-25 | Airdate: May 25, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-09-07 | Airdate: Sep 7, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-09-14 | Airdate: Sep 14, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-09-21 | Airdate: Sep 21, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-09-28 | Airdate: Sep 28, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-10-05 | Airdate: Oct 5, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-10-12 | Airdate: Oct 12, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-10-19 | Airdate: Oct 19, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-10-26 | Airdate: Oct 26, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-11-02 | Airdate: Nov 2, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-11-09 | Airdate: Nov 9, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-11-16 | Airdate: Nov 16, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-11-23 | Airdate: Nov 23, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-11-30 | Airdate: Nov 30, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-12-07 | Airdate: Dec 7, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1977-12-14 | Airdate: Dec 14, 1977 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-01-11 | Airdate: Jan 11, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-01-18 | Airdate: Jan 18, 1978 (35 min)

Henry Moore confronts the anatomical drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci & talks about them in relation to his own life-long study of the human body. Also George Melly takes a day trip which includes a show of Dada & Surrealism at Hayward Gallery.

Episode: 1978-01-25 | Airdate: Jan 25, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-02-01 | Airdate: Feb 1, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-02-08 | Airdate: Feb 8, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-02-15 | Airdate: Feb 15, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-02-22 | Airdate: Feb 22, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-03-01 | Airdate: Mar 1, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-03-08 | Airdate: Mar 8, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-03-15 | Airdate: Mar 15, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-03-22 | Airdate: Mar 22, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-03-29 | Airdate: Mar 29, 1978 (50 min)

The making and performance of a play reflecting the conflict between hand-loom weavers of the North and the newly mechanised world of the Industrial Revolution.

Episode: 1978-04-05 | Airdate: Apr 5, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-04-12 | Airdate: Apr 12, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-04-17 | Airdate: Apr 17, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-05-03 | Airdate: May 3, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-05-10 | Airdate: May 10, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-05-24 | Airdate: May 24, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-10-11 | Airdate: Oct 11, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-10-18 | Airdate: Oct 18, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-10-25 | Airdate: Oct 25, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-11-22 | Airdate: Nov 22, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1978-12-06 | Airdate: Dec 6, 1978 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-01-08 | Airdate: Jan 8, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-01-15 | Airdate: Jan 15, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-01-17 | Airdate: Jan 17, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-01-22 | Airdate: Jan 22, 1979 (40 min)

1979 film portrait of the late New Wave singer-songwriter, Poly Styrene.

Episode: 1979-01-29 | Airdate: Jan 29, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-01-31 | Airdate: Jan 31, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-02-05 | Airdate: Feb 5, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-02-14 | Airdate: Feb 14, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-02-26 | Airdate: Feb 26, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-02-28 | Airdate: Feb 28, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-03-05 | Airdate: Mar 5, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-03-12 | Airdate: Mar 12, 1979 (90 min)

An investigation of the appeal and power of the popular song My Way, which was written by Paul Anka and was recorded by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Elvis Presley and Sid Vicious. Contributors include Paul Anka, George Brown, Barry John and Dorothy Squires.

Episode: 1979-03-14 | Airdate: Mar 14, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-03-19 | Airdate: Mar 19, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-03-26 | Airdate: Mar 26, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-03-28 | Airdate: Mar 28, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-04-02 | Airdate: Apr 2, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-04-09 | Airdate: Apr 9, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-04-15 | Airdate: Apr 15, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-05-21 | Airdate: May 21, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-06-14 | Airdate: Jun 14, 1979 (90 min)

Episode: 1979-09-29 | Airdate: Sep 29, 1979 (35 min)

As a major retrospective of his work opens in London, Hoyland faces hostile criticism, starts a new painting and explains why, in his bleaker moments, painting can seem little more than ' flicking away in a corner with a feather duster '.

Episode: 1980-01-16 | Airdate: Jan 16, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-01-23 | Airdate: Jan 23, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-01-30 | Airdate: Jan 30, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-02-06 | Airdate: Feb 6, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-02-13 | Airdate: Feb 13, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-02-27 | Airdate: Feb 27, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-03-03 | Airdate: Mar 3, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-03-12 | Airdate: Mar 12, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-03-19 | Airdate: Mar 19, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-03-26 | Airdate: Mar 26, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-04-02 | Airdate: Apr 2, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-04-09 | Airdate: Apr 9, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-04-16 | Airdate: Apr 16, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-05-21 | Airdate: May 21, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-05-28 | Airdate: May 28, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-10-04 | Airdate: Oct 4, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1980-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 1980 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 1981 (60 min)

Tthis documentary programme looks at New York's Chelsea Hotel, a legendary haven for some of the 20th Century's greatest talent, from Mark Twain to Dylan Thomas. With appearances from Andy Warhol and William Burroughs, who have dinner in the room where Arthur C Clarke wrote 2001, and Quentin Crisp, who lived in the hotel for more than 35 years.

Episode: 1981-01-10 | Airdate: Jan 10, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-01-17 | Airdate: Jan 17, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-01-24 | Airdate: Jan 24, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-01-31 | Airdate: Jan 31, 1981 (90 min)

A look at the roles in the rock world of John Peel and John Walters, his radio show producer, in championing new musical directions.

Episode: 1981-02-21 | Airdate: Feb 21, 1981 (40 min)

Documentary about the great American realist painter, Edward Hopper. His subject is the face of America - haunting, unforgettable images of late-night bars and lonely hotel rooms.

Episode: 1981-02-28 | Airdate: Feb 28, 1981 (50 min)

For the past ten years Peter Brook and his unique company of actors have travelled the world with a series of extraordinary theatrical ventures. The last stage of their journey was Australia. 
Here, in a disused quarry in the hills above Adelaide they perform some of their most popular plays, and a remarkable meeting takes place with tribal Aboriginal performers who have travelled 1,000 miles to see a production of The Ik. This story, of the breakdown of a traditional tribal community, provides a moving parallel to the problems faced by the Aborigines themselves.

Episode: 1981-03-07 | Airdate: Mar 7, 1981 (30 min)

Tonight, from a converted cowshed in the wilds of Scotland, Arena presents The Smallest Theatre in Great Britain. 
Immortalised in the Guinness Book of Records, Barrie and Marianne Hesketh have for the past 17 years been the sole designers, directors and cast for every production, including their famous two-man version of The Tempest. It seems nothing is impossible,

Episode: 1981-03-14 | Airdate: Mar 14, 1981 (40 min)

There were these five guys round the table: the Lightweight Boxing Champion of California; an expert on Pre-Columbian art; an honorary lieutenant in the Mexican army; an architect admired by Frank Lloyd Wright ; and a man of whom Marilyn Monroe said, ' No woman can be around him for long without falling in love'. What had they in common? They were all JOHN HUSTON , who also happened to direct The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The African Queen, The Misfits and 25 others. At the age of 74 he started work last week on the$30-million screen version of Annie. Gavin Millar visited him at his Mexican hideaway to mark the publication of his autobiography An Open Book.

Episode: 1981-03-21 | Airdate: Mar 21, 1981 (35 min)

The leading writer of his generation, Amos Oz is one of the most controversial figures in Israel today. Born in the fanatical atmosphere of Jerusalem in the last years of the British Mandate, he grew up with the Israeli state through the War of Independence and Suez. Arena filmed AMOS oz in Jerusalem; he takes a walk through 30 years of Israel's history and talks about the fears and aspirations of a new generation of Israelis,

Episode: 1981-03-28 | Airdate: Mar 28, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-04-04 | Airdate: Apr 4, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-04-15 | Airdate: Apr 15, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-04-18 | Airdate: Apr 18, 1981 (60 min)

A look at the legend of 'Superman' and its portrayal in comic books and films.

Episode: 1981-05-02 | Airdate: May 2, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-05-09 | Airdate: May 9, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-05-16 | Airdate: May 16, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-08-16 | Airdate: Aug 16, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-09-06 | Airdate: Sep 6, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-10-02 | Airdate: Oct 2, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-11-03 | Airdate: Nov 3, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-11-10 | Airdate: Nov 10, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-11-17 | Airdate: Nov 17, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1981-11-24 | Airdate: Nov 24, 1981 (45 min)

A contrast in visual style: the art of Radio Times and the jaundiced eye of Private Eye. Arena raids the Radio Times archives and talks to long-term contributor Eric Fraser, and watches the latest edition of Private Eye, with its maverick visual style, take shape.

Episode: 1981-12-08 | Airdate: Dec 8, 1981 (90 min)

Salman Rushdie, author of Midnight's Children, winner of the Booker Prize 1981, talks about India and the autobiographical elements in the book.

Episode: 1981-12-15 | Airdate: Dec 15, 1981 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-01-19 | Airdate: Jan 19, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-01-28 | Airdate: Jan 28, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-02-09 | Airdate: Feb 9, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-02-09 | Airdate: Feb 9, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-02-23 | Airdate: Feb 23, 1982 (90 min)

First transmitted in 1982, Arena celebrates Roy Plomley's Desert Island Discs with the help of many celebrity castaways, including Frankie Howerd, Russell Harty, Trevor Brooking, the Lord Mayor of London, Professor JK Galbraith and Arthur Askey. The special guest for the 40th anniversary programme was Paul McCartney who was also a fan of the show: 'I love its homeliness. It conjures up the best in traditional British pleasure, like the great British breakfast. It's an honour to be asked'.

Episode: 1982-03-09 | Airdate: Mar 9, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-05-18 | Airdate: May 18, 1982 (110 min)

Profile of Orson Welles, looking at his life and career in theatre, radio and particularly film. This part deals with his work up to Touch of Evil.

Episode: 1982-05-21 | Airdate: May 21, 1982 (55 min)

Second of a two-part profile of Orson Welles, looking at films including The Trial, Chimes at Midnight, The Immortal Story and F for Fake and discussing his many unfinished projects, including The Other Side of the Wind and Don Quixote.

Episode: 1982-09-04 | Airdate: Sep 4, 1982 (90 min)

Dramatist Mike Leigh talks to Arena about his work, and demonstrates his unique processes of building the characters of his dramas.

Episode: 1982-11-09 | Airdate: Nov 9, 1982 (60 min)

Portrait of playwright Joe Orton, murdered by his lover Kenneth Halliwell at the peak of his career in 1967.

Episode: 1982-11-16 | Airdate: Nov 16, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-11-23 | Airdate: Nov 23, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-11-30 | Airdate: Nov 30, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-11 | Airdate: Dec 11, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-11 | Airdate: Dec 11, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-13 | Airdate: Dec 13, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-14 | Airdate: Dec 14, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-15 | Airdate: Dec 15, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-16 | Airdate: Dec 16, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-17 | Airdate: Dec 17, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1982-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 1982 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-01-11 | Airdate: Jan 11, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-01-18 | Airdate: Jan 18, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-02-01 | Airdate: Feb 1, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-02-08 | Airdate: Feb 8, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-02-15 | Airdate: Feb 15, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-02-22 | Airdate: Feb 22, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-03-01 | Airdate: Mar 1, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-03-08 | Airdate: Mar 8, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-05-09 | Airdate: May 9, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-08-19 | Airdate: Aug 19, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-10-26 | Airdate: Oct 26, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-11-02 | Airdate: Nov 2, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-11-09 | Airdate: Nov 9, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-11-12 | Airdate: Nov 12, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-11-23 | Airdate: Nov 23, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-12-14 | Airdate: Dec 14, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 1983 (90 min)

1983 reunion concert by the Everly Brothers following their ten-year split. They chose the Royal Albert Hall as they had treasured memories of playing there with their father Ike.

Episode: 1983-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1983-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 1983 (90 min)

Episode: 1984-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-01-04 | Airdate: Jan 4, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-02-04 | Airdate: Feb 4, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-02-17 | Airdate: Feb 17, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-02-21 | Airdate: Feb 21, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-02-28 | Airdate: Feb 28, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-03-03 | Airdate: Mar 3, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-03-06 | Airdate: Mar 6, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-03-13 | Airdate: Mar 13, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-03-20 | Airdate: Mar 20, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-03-27 | Airdate: Mar 27, 1984 (60 min)

Arena presents a concert by the legend of rock 'n' roll himself. Jerry Lee Lewis doesn't sound like anybody else - the voice, the piano and the on-stage antics make an unforgettable combination.

Episode: 1984-04-03 | Airdate: Apr 3, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-05-06 | Airdate: May 6, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-05-19 | Airdate: May 19, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-07-07 | Airdate: Jul 7, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-07-12 | Airdate: Jul 12, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-11-02 | Airdate: Nov 2, 1984 (95 min)

1984 film about the Everly Brothers, among the most successful and revered of the early rock 'n' roll giants, who influenced the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and the Beach Boys.

Episode: 1984-11-09 | Airdate: Nov 9, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-11-10 | Airdate: Nov 10, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-11-18 | Airdate: Nov 18, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-11-23 | Airdate: Nov 23, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-11-30 | Airdate: Nov 30, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-12-07 | Airdate: Dec 7, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1984-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 1984 (60 min)

Episode: 1985-04-29 | Airdate: Apr 29, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-05-06 | Airdate: May 6, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-07-25 | Airdate: Jul 25, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-07-27 | Airdate: Jul 27, 1985 (21 min)

First transmitted in 1985, Blues Night presents rare footage of the harmonica blues player Sonny Boy Williamson.

Episode: 1985-07-27 | Airdate: Jul 27, 1985 (38 min)

First transmitted in 1985, John Walters talks to B.B. King - aided by his guitar Lucille - about his extraordinary life, from a childhood picking cotton in Mississippi to worldwide stardom.

Episode: 1985-07-27 | Airdate: Jul 27, 1985 (52 min)

First transmitted in 1985, Harley Cokliss' classic blues documentary includes performances by Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Buddy Guy, and shows how the tough urban music of Chicago developed out of the original rural blues.

Episode: 1985-07-28 | Airdate: Jul 28, 1985 (20 min)

First transmitted in 1985, the great Chicago broadcaster and journalist Studs Terkel and pianist Blind John Davis meet in a downtown bar to discuss and play the blues. This interview was shot for "Omnibus: Studs Terkel's Chicago" but not shown in the final programme.

Episode: 1985-07-28 | Airdate: Jul 28, 1985 (26 min)

First transmitted in 1985, this medley of the blues features Fred McDowell, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Lead Belly and Billie Holiday.

Episode: 1985-07-28 | Airdate: Jul 28, 1985 (23 min)

First transmitted in 1985, hard blues meets film noir as Big Bill Broonzy sings and plays in a Belgian nightclub back in the 1950s.

Episode: 1985-08-01 | Airdate: Aug 1, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-09-12 | Airdate: Sep 12, 1985 (65 min)

Documentary looking at the short but brilliant career of legendary rock'n'roll star Buddy Holly. Features interviews with contemporaries and fans including backing band The Crickets, The Everly Brothers, Keith Richards and Paul McCartney.

Episode: 1985-11-12 | Airdate: Nov 12, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-11-19 | Airdate: Nov 19, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-11-26 | Airdate: Nov 26, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-12-03 | Airdate: Dec 3, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-12-07 | Airdate: Dec 7, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-12-10 | Airdate: Dec 10, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1985-12-17 | Airdate: Dec 17, 1985 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-01-08 | Airdate: Jan 8, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-01-11 | Airdate: Jan 11, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-01-18 | Airdate: Jan 18, 1986 (95 min)

Traces the colourful story of the seductive and mysterious dance, the tango. Originating from Buenos Aires, the tale is told through the work of poets, dancers and musicians.

Episode: 1986-01-21 | Airdate: Jan 21, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-01-28 | Airdate: Jan 28, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-02-04 | Airdate: Feb 4, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-02-11 | Airdate: Feb 11, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-03-04 | Airdate: Mar 4, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-15 | Airdate: Jun 15, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-16 | Airdate: Jun 16, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-16 | Airdate: Jun 16, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-17 | Airdate: Jun 17, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-18 | Airdate: Jun 18, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-06-19 | Airdate: Jun 19, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-09-07 | Airdate: Sep 7, 1986 (50 min)

Speaking from Henry Moore's own studio in Perry Green, Hertfordshire, John Read shares his personal memories of the artist he filmed six times over 28 years.

Episode: 1986-10-01 | Airdate: Oct 1, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-11-21 | Airdate: Nov 21, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-11-22 | Airdate: Nov 22, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-11-28 | Airdate: Nov 28, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-12-12 | Airdate: Dec 12, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1986-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 1986 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-01-16 | Airdate: Jan 16, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-01-23 | Airdate: Jan 23, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-01-30 | Airdate: Jan 30, 1987 (60 min)

Alan Yentob interviews TV dramatist Dennis Potter about his work through the years, touching on subjects such as why and how he started writing and his attempt to enter politics.

Episode: 1987-02-06 | Airdate: Feb 6, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-02-13 | Airdate: Feb 13, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-02-20 | Airdate: Feb 20, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-02-27 | Airdate: Feb 27, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-03-13 | Airdate: Mar 13, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-03-20 | Airdate: Mar 20, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-03-27 | Airdate: Mar 27, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-04-03 | Airdate: Apr 3, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-04-10 | Airdate: Apr 10, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-04-11 | Airdate: Apr 11, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-04-18 | Airdate: Apr 18, 1987 (60 min)

In this first episode, Waugh's early years are explored from his childhood and Oxford University days through to his first failed marriage and his early writing success with classics such as Decline and Fall.

Episode: 1987-04-19 | Airdate: Apr 19, 1987 (60 min)

This second episode explores Waugh's time in Africa as a journalist and spans the Second World War. After years of negotiating with the church of Rome, Waugh is finally free to marry his second wife Laura.

Episode: 1987-04-20 | Airdate: Apr 20, 1987 (60 min)

The final episode examines Waugh's deteriorating health in his latter years.

Episode: 1987-06-06 | Airdate: Jun 6, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-11-20 | Airdate: Nov 20, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-11-27 | Airdate: Nov 27, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1987-12-04 | Airdate: Dec 4, 1987 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-01-08 | Airdate: Jan 8, 1988 (65 min)

First transmitted in 1988, Arena presents a documentary programme exploring the life of Woody Guthrie, the travelling American singer-songwriter.

Episode: 1988-01-15 | Airdate: Jan 15, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-01-22 | Airdate: Jan 22, 1988 (60 min)

Arena travels the length of Broadway, along the home of some of the first white settlers in America, exploring the myths and legends that surrounded the Great White Way.

Episode: 1988-01-29 | Airdate: Jan 29, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-02-05 | Airdate: Feb 5, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 1988 (65 min)

Profile of the legendary Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz, who moved to New York and rose to international fame with the Latin bands of Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco.

Episode: 1988-03-04 | Airdate: Mar 4, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-03-18 | Airdate: Mar 18, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-03-25 | Airdate: Mar 25, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-04-01 | Airdate: Apr 1, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-11-25 | Airdate: Nov 25, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-12-02 | Airdate: Dec 2, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-12-09 | Airdate: Dec 9, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-12-16 | Airdate: Dec 16, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1988-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 1988 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-01-06 | Airdate: Jan 6, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-01-13 | Airdate: Jan 13, 1989 (60 min)

1989 documentary which takes a look at Europe's most successful holiday resort, famous for its Tower, illuminations, landladies and party political conferences. Includes interviews with Norman Tebbit, John Cole, Paul Theroux and Tony Benn.

Episode: 1989-01-27 | Airdate: Jan 27, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-02-03 | Airdate: Feb 3, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-02-10 | Airdate: Feb 10, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-02-17 | Airdate: Feb 17, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-02-24 | Airdate: Feb 24, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-03-03 | Airdate: Mar 3, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-03-17 | Airdate: Mar 17, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-03-19 | Airdate: Mar 19, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-03-31 | Airdate: Mar 31, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-04-07 | Airdate: Apr 7, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-04-21 | Airdate: Apr 21, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1989-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 1989 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-01-19 | Airdate: Jan 19, 1990 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-02-02 | Airdate: Feb 2, 1990 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-02-09 | Airdate: Feb 9, 1990 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-02-23 | Airdate: Feb 23, 1990 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-03-02 | Airdate: Mar 2, 1990 (90 min)

Episode: 1990-04-06 | Airdate: Apr 6, 1990 (70 min)

A vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag ball scene.

Episode: 1990-04-15 | Airdate: Apr 15, 1990 (105 min)

Havana has a dilapidated ruined beauty - decaying grandeur alongside squalor with a string atmosphere of Africa and Old Spain. Despite the political turmoil of Cuba's last 30 years, its people remain among the most imaginative and fascinating in the world. Under the dictatorship of Castro, Cuba has become a highly regulated state to say the least. Director Jana Bokova persuaded the citizens of Havana to talk about their lives, their city and Cuba, despite their anxieties and fears about opening up to a foreign film crew. The film goes beneath the skin of this legendary city, particularly through its extraordinarily rich music which enables the people to express their true attitudes and feelings. It also visits Little Havana in Miami, 90 miles away, home to some of the one million exiles to have left Cuba in the last 30 years.

Episode: 1990-06-01 | Airdate: Jun 1, 1990 (60 min)

Documentary about the life of Frankie Howerd, with help from friends and colleagues and including highlights from his TV and film career.

Episode: 1990-09-20 | Airdate: Sep 20, 1990 (60 min)

Profile celebrating the centenary of the famous author Agatha Christie's birth. Looking at her life, her character and the key moments in her childhood that influenced her writing.

Episode: 1991-01-18 | Airdate: Jan 18, 1991 (60 min)

Following his release from prison, Nelson Mandela opens up about his life and the turbulent times he's faced in this rare and momentous interview with Arthur Miller.

Episode: 1991-01-25 | Airdate: Jan 25, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-02-01 | Airdate: Feb 1, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-02-08 | Airdate: Feb 8, 1991 (60 min)

Documentary about Joe Meek, the influential homosexual pop composer and record producer who died in dramatic circumstances in 1967.

Episode: 1991-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-01 | Airdate: Mar 1, 1991 (90 min)

Radio Caroline, founded in 1964 by Ronan O'Rahilly, gave many DJs their first break, including Tony Blackburn. Arena traces the origins of this broadcasting phenomenon of the 60s which is threatened with extinction by the government's new bill.

Episode: 1991-03-08 | Airdate: Mar 8, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-15 | Airdate: Mar 15, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-16 | Airdate: Mar 16, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-17 | Airdate: Mar 17, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-22 | Airdate: Mar 22, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-03-29 | Airdate: Mar 29, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-04-05 | Airdate: Apr 5, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-04-12 | Airdate: Apr 12, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-04-19 | Airdate: Apr 19, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1991-10-13 | Airdate: Oct 13, 1991 (90 min)

Episode: 1992-01-23 | Airdate: Jan 23, 1992 (60 min)

Billy Wilder discusses his career with German film-maker Volker Schlondorff. From Marlene Dietrich to Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart to Gary Cooper, Wilder directed the film industry's greatest legends.

Normally a private man, here he reminisces about his early years in Hollywood with fellow emigres Fritz Lang and his mentor, Ernst Lubitsch, and describes working with Dietrich on his emotional return to postwar Berlin.

Episode: 1992-01-24 | Airdate: Jan 24, 1992 (60 min)

Second of three in-depth conversations with film director and writer Billy Wilder. He recalls his memories of the great Hollywood stars - 'Mae West walked out of the door all white gold and feathers. She looked like a locomotive.' He also talks about working with silent film star Gloria Swanson on Sunset Boulevard, the tensions of working with Humphrey Bogart and the consummate artistry of Gary Cooper.

Episode: 1992-01-25 | Airdate: Jan 25, 1992 (60 min)

Last of a special three-part presentation in which American director Billy Wilder discusses his career. He remembers working with Marilyn Monroe on Some Like It Hot "With Monroe life was a surprise - sometimes she knew eight pages of dialogue by heart, sometimes she had a total block."
He discusses the craft of screenwriting, the problems of working with Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie, and the creative pleasure of improvising with his lifelong collaborator, I.A.L. Diamond.

Episode: 1992-01-31 | Airdate: Jan 31, 1992 (60 min)

When pop artist Peter Blake confessed that his fantasy was to be the mysterious masked wrestler Kendo Nagasaki, little did he know what the consequences would be.

Episode: 1992-03-27 | Airdate: Mar 27, 1992 (90 min)

Episode: 1992-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 1992 (50 min)

A profile of the late Linda McCartney, focusing on her career in photography.

Episode: 1993-01-29 | Airdate: Jan 29, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 1993 (60 min)

Edward Said, a Palestinan writer, academic and exile, talks about his book "Culture and Imperialism" and explains how the attitudes forged over the last 200 years continue to enforce the relationship between the west and the developing world.

Episode: 1993-03-19 | Airdate: Mar 19, 1993 (60 min)

To mark his 60th birthday, and the publication of his book "Operation Shylock", author Philip Roth breaks his long silence to discuss his life and his books - not to mention some of the links between the two.

Episode: 1993-05-01 | Airdate: May 1, 1993 (60 min)

The story behind Lou Reed's classic song celebrating transvestism - Walk on the Wild Side - a description of the world inhabited by Andy Warhol's superstars.

Episode: 1993-12-18 | Airdate: Dec 18, 1993 (10 min)

Looking at radio and it's history, Dr Carl Dolmetsch finds out why the pips changed pitch.

Episode: 1993-02-19 | Airdate: Feb 19, 1993 (80 min)

Documentary that follows three decades of Soviet space culture, from the glory days of Yuri Gagarin to the saga of Sergei Krikalev, the Soviet citizen who was stranded in space for ten months as the Soviet Union was dismantled.

Episode: 1993-02-26 | Airdate: Feb 26, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-03-12 | Airdate: Mar 12, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-03-26 | Airdate: Mar 26, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-04-02 | Airdate: Apr 2, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-04-02 | Airdate: Apr 2, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-04-17 | Airdate: Apr 17, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-04-18 | Airdate: Apr 18, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-04-24 | Airdate: Apr 24, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1993-05-08 | Airdate: May 8, 1993 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-01-29 | Airdate: Jan 29, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-02-05 | Airdate: Feb 5, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-02-22 | Airdate: Feb 22, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-03-05 | Airdate: Mar 5, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-03-12 | Airdate: Mar 12, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-04-09 | Airdate: Apr 9, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-04-23 | Airdate: Apr 23, 1994 (90 min)

Nelson Mandela and his fellow ex-prisoners recall their incarceration on Robben Island, South Africa's Alcatraz.

Episode: 1994-04-24 | Airdate: Apr 24, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-05-07 | Airdate: May 7, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-05-20 | Airdate: May 20, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-05-31 | Airdate: May 31, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1994-08-06 | Airdate: Aug 6, 1994 (90 min)

Episode: 1995-02-11 | Airdate: Feb 11, 1995 (90 min)

Episode: 1995-02-18 | Airdate: Feb 18, 1995 (90 min)

Episode: 1995-02-25 | Airdate: Feb 25, 1995 (90 min)

Episode: 1995-08-20 | Airdate: Aug 20, 1995 (90 min)

Episode: 1996-05-09 | Airdate: May 9, 1996 (56 min)

Fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are on the menu as Arena documents the life and cuisine of Elvis Presley - whose talent was matched by his appetite

Episode: 1996-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 1996 (90 min)

Episode: 1996-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 1996 (90 min)

Episode: 1997-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 1997 (60 min)

Documentary which follows the story of the cigar - from the tobacco fields west of the Cuban capital of Havana into the factories where poetry and daily newspapers are read aloud to the workers, to Hollywood cigar bars and the gentlemen's haunts of St James's, London. With the worldwide cigar market growing, smoking cigars is perceived as glamorous and yet this is occurring at a time when it is nearly impossible to smoke a cigarette in any public place in the United States. Cigar clubs are opening up in America despite the fact that Cuban cigars are banned. The film looks at the rituals and traditions of cigar smoking, the history of cigars and famous cigar smokers from all walks of life. With Lord Grade, Kenneth Clarke, James Belushi, George Wendt and Peter Weller.

Episode: 1997-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 1997 (90 min)

Episode: 1997-03-28 | Airdate: Mar 28, 1997 (90 min)

Episode: 1997-03-29 | Airdate: Mar 29, 1997 (90 min)

Episode: 1997-03-30 | Airdate: Mar 30, 1997 (90 min)

Episode: 1997-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 1997 (90 min)

Episode: 1998-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 1998 (75 min)

First in a two-part documentary examining the turbulent life and career of Beatles manager Brian Epstein. Gay when homosexuality was illegal, a gambler, shopkeeper and failed actor, he was also pop king with a Midas touch who, in the 60s, was as well known as the band he managed.

Episode: 1998-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 1998 (75 min)

Part two of the documentary on Beatles manager Brian Epstein. By the mid 60s, Epstein was lured into the world of gambling, sex and drugs and in 1967 he was found dead in his London mansion at the age of 32.

Episode: 1999-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-04-22 | Airdate: Apr 22, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-11-07 | Airdate: Nov 7, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 1999-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 1999 (90 min)

Episode: 2000-07-02 | Airdate: Jul 2, 2000 (75 min)

First transmitted in 2000 and inspired by the book of the same name, film-maker James Marsh relays a tale of tragedy, murder and mayhem that erupted behind the respectable facade Black River Falls, Wisconsin in the 19th Century.

Episode: 2000-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2000 (90 min)

Episode: 2000-05-20 | Airdate: May 20, 2000 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-05-06 | Airdate: May 6, 2001 (95 min)

A programme exploring the work of crime writer James Ellroy, whose credits include LA Confidential, The Black Dahlia and My Dark Places.

Episode: 2001-05-13 | Airdate: May 13, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-05-19 | Airdate: May 19, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-05-28 | Airdate: May 28, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-05-30 | Airdate: May 30, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-05-31 | Airdate: May 31, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-10-06 | Airdate: Oct 6, 2001 (60 min)

Dame Beryl Bainbridge takes an idiosyncratic tour of the last twenty years of writer and poet Samuel Johnson's turbulent life, focusing on his relationship with Hester Thrale.

Episode: 2001-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2001 (70 min)

Writer, performer and director, the late Eric Sykes was the renaissance man of British comedy. This film opens the doors of the room that was his creative home for forty years.

Episode: 2001-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2001-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2001 (90 min)

Episode: 2002-10-26 | Airdate: Oct 26, 2002 (57 min)

Film biography looking at the famous playwright. Pinter's key theme, the room, is explored through the rooms in which he wrote his first series of plays.

Episode: 2002-10-26 | Airdate: Oct 26, 2002 (57 min)

Film biography which explores the relationship between the public and private dimensions of the playwright and actor, following him at work over two years.

Episode: 2002-10-26 | Airdate: Oct 26, 2002 (30 min)

A stage play by Harold Pinter in which Pinter himself gives a powerful performance in the central role. Nicolas, who works as a torturer in an unnamed police state, interrogates three members of the same family.

Episode: 2002-11-05 | Airdate: Nov 5, 2002 (50 min)

An anxious recluse deals with the pressures of the outside world. A play by Harold Pinter, filmed in New York's Almeida Theatre in 2001

Episode: 2002-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2002 (60 min)

Behind the scenes of Radio 4 comedy shows. Dead Ringers, which made the transition to TV, features spot-on impressions of everyone from George Bush to Anne Robinson. But have the team lost track of who they really are?

Episode: 2002-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2002 (60 min)

A look behind the scenes of Radio 4 comedy shows. Just a Minute has been running for 35 years with Nicholas Parsons as its host. Paul Merton, Clement Freud, Linda Smith and Ross Noble are among the guests attempting to talk on a subject for a minute without hesitation, repetition or deviation.

Episode: 2003-11-22 | Airdate: Nov 22, 2003 (60 min)

An examination of the work and the legend of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in the year of the 50th anniversary of his death.

Episode: 2003-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2003 (75 min)

Dramatic reconstruction and archive footage recreates the life of the American Wild West showman and mythmaker, Buffalo Bill.

Episode: 2003-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2003 (90 min)

Episode: 2003-09-20 | Airdate: Sep 20, 2003 (90 min)

Episode: 2003-08-24 | Airdate: Aug 24, 2003 (90 min)

wo-part Arena special celebrating the life and distinguished career of one of Britain's best-loved public figures. Lord Attenborough's film CV as actor stretches from Brighton Rock to Jurassic Park, while as director he has been responsible for Oh! What a Lovely War, Shadowlands and Gandhi. He has also been integral to the work of many charities, while his support for minority groups has led to the building of a Centre for Disability and the Arts. Part one examines his early career, and follows Attenborough as he visits his childhood home, travels to Brighton and Hove, and reminisces with brothers John and Sir David.

Episode: 2003-08-25 | Airdate: Aug 25, 2003 (90 min)

The conclusion to this two-part profile looks at Attenborough's career as Britain's most distinguished film director, whose biopic Ghandi won eight Oscars in 1982, including Best Director. It also explores his other lives as chancellor of Sussex University and vice-president of Chelsea FC and examines the political commitment behind films such as Cry Freedom and 10 Rillington Place.

Episode: 2004-05-29 | Airdate: May 29, 2004 (90 min)

Episode: 2004-07-09 | Airdate: Jul 9, 2004 (85 min)

First transmitted in 2004, Jim White takes a road trip into the heart of the poor white American South through a gritty terrain of churches, prisons, truckstops and coalmines.

Episode: 2004-10-02 | Airdate: Oct 2, 2004 (60 min)

Documentary which explores the artistry, moral world and furious infighting behind the film The Third Man. Alexander Korda, David O. Selznick, Orson Welles, Graham Greene - the drama behind the scenes is revealed with unlimited access to the original movie.

Episode: 2004-12-09 | Airdate: Dec 9, 2004 (85 min)

A celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Secret Policeman's Ball. Contributors include Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry.

Episode: 2004-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2004 (90 min)

Episode: 2005-02-05 | Airdate: Feb 5, 2005 (78 min)

Documentary about legendary country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams, who lived fast, died young and left an enduring legacy. Features interviews with friends and family.

Episode: 2005-02-12 | Airdate: Feb 12, 2005 (90 min)

Episode: 2005-03-19 | Airdate: Mar 19, 2005 (95 min)

Documentary about the great British painter Francis Bacon, a man whose life was every bit as colourful and outrageous as his art. Contributors include Bacon's sister Ianthe.

Episode: 2005-09-03 | Airdate: Sep 3, 2005 (60 min)

Documentary looking at some of the most memorable Arena programmes of the past 30 years. With contributions from Anthony Wall, Alan Yentob, Lesley Megahey and Nigel Williams.

Episode: 2005-09-26 | Airdate: Sep 26, 2005 (90 min)

Episode: 2005-09-27 | Airdate: Sep 27, 2005 (90 min)

Episode: 2005-11-08 | Airdate: Nov 8, 2005 (90 min)

Episode: 2005-12-10 | Airdate: Dec 10, 2005 (60 min)

Documentary celebrating one of London's great characters, the bus conductor. The film tells the stories of five extraordinary conductors from five decades of London's history, rich with period music and archive.

Episode: 2005-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2005 (90 min)

Episode: 2006-09-11 | Airdate: Sep 11, 2006 (90 min)

Episode: 2006-11-12 | Airdate: Nov 12, 2006 (90 min)

Episode: 2006-12-17 | Airdate: Dec 17, 2006 (85 min)

Documentary looking at the phenomenon of sanctity, and how the Catholic Church is the only Christian persuasion with an official saint-making process.