The BBC has announced that it has a sustainable plan for the future of the BBC Singers, in association with The VOCES8 Foundation.
The threat to reduce the staff of the three English orchestras by 20% has not been lifted, but it is being reconsidered.
See the BBC press release here.

Radio-Lists Home Now on BBC 4 Contact

RADIO-LISTS: BBC FOUR
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC 4 — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/



SATURDAY 02 JANUARY 2010

SAT 19:00 Marguerite and Armand (b00p510z)
Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev star in a television performance of Sir Frederick Ashton's ballet Marguerite and Armand, which was inspired by Dumas's tragic love story La Dame aux Camelias.

Designed by Sir Cecil Beaton, the ballet's music comes from Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor. Marguerite and Armand is performed by the partnership for which it was created and is introduced by Dame Margot Fonteyn.


SAT 19:35 Cranford (b00pkysv)
Series 2

Episode 1

Miss Matty's house is full of life and bustle. Her dream of having a child in the house has been realised with the birth of Tilly, daughter of her maid Martha and carpenter Jem. Elsewhere, the shadow of the railway still looms, but the line has been halted five miles outside Cranford - a disaster for the town, in Captain Brown's view.

As Lady Ludlow waits for her son Septimus to return from Italy, Harry Gregson is sent away to school.

Meanwhile, as Mr Buxton returns to town with his son, William, and his niece, Erminia, Miss Matty becomes concerned about another young person - Peggy Bell - who lives in an isolated cottage with her mother and domineering brother, Edward. Miss Matty decides to intervene and engineers an invitation that will bring the four young people together.


SAT 21:05 Dans Paris (b00ps3p8)
Drama about a man who returns to Paris after a break-up. He is helped by his father and younger brother - one provides a chance of love, while the other provides a distraction.


SAT 22:35 Margot (b00p510x)
Drama based on events in the life of ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn. At the beginning of the 1960s, Fonteyn faces retirement from her career as a prima ballerina and a crisis in her marriage to Panamanian 'politician' Tito de Arias. When the much younger Rudolf Nureyev arrives on the scene, he transforms Margot's professional and personal life in a partnership celebrated around the world. But when Tito is shot and paralysed, the dancer faces an agonising choice about her future.


SAT 00:00 Mad Men (b00hk8r1)
Series 2

For Those Who Think Young

Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York.

On Valentine's Day, the staff of the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency are hustling and checking out the latest in office equipment. Don and Duck clash over an account, while Betty runs into an old friend.


SAT 00:50 1959: The Year that Changed Jazz (b00jf64y)
1959 was the seismic year jazz broke away from complex bebop music to new forms, allowing soloists unprecedented freedom to explore and express. It was also a pivotal year for America: the nation was finding its groove, enjoying undreamt-of freedom and wealth; social, racial and upheavals were just around the corner; and jazz was ahead of the curve.

Four major jazz albums were made, each a high watermark for the artists and a powerful reflection of the times. Each opened up dramatic new possibilities for jazz which continue to be felt: Miles Davis, Kind of Blue; Dave Brubeck, Time Out; Charles Mingus, Mingus Ah Um; and Ornette Coleman, The Shape of Jazz to Come.

Rarely seen archive performances help vibrantly bring the era to life and explore what made these albums vital both in 1959 and the 50 years since. The programme contains interviews with Lou Reed, Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Joe Morello (Brubeck's drummer) and Jimmy Cobb (the only surviving member of Miles' band), along with a host of jazz movers and shakers from the 50s and beyond.


SAT 01:50 Panorama (b00jf64w)
1959: A Panorama Guide

Documentary looking back at 1959 through the eyes of the long-running BBC current affairs programme Panorama, recalling a time when Britain finally realised that the old world was fast disappearing.

The game was up with the Empire and attitudes to class, race and gender were beginning to shift, while television was entering a golden age, with Panorama playing a key role in documenting the birth of modern Britain.


SAT 02:50 Margot (b00p510x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:35 today]



SUNDAY 03 JANUARY 2010

SUN 19:00 Cranford (b00plhmz)
Series 2

Episode 2

Defying his father, William finds a job with Captain Brown working on the railway that is making its way into the heart of Cranford. Meanwhile, Harry disappears from school.

The ladies have high expectations of the pending visit of Lady Glenmire, but all does not go to plan. As Peggy and William are separated, a surprise wedding causes a fracture in friendships and, when tragedy strikes, Miss Matty feels she is to blame and fears that Cranford will never recover.


SUN 20:30 Cranford: Under the Bonnet (b00pk5nz)
Cranford, Elizabeth Gaskell's tale of a 19th-century town and its female residents, has gripped the imagination of generations of readers and now television viewers. Actor Simon Woods, who played Dr Harrison in the first series, is the guide for an exclusive journey behind the scenes of the BBC One series to explore the amazing success of Gaskell's work.

Part of the BBC Christmas 2009 season.


SUN 21:00 La Vie en Rose (b00pq8c6)
Award-winning biopic of French chanteuse and diva Edith Piaf, whose tumultuous life started in abject poverty on the streets of Paris and ended amongst the trials and tragedy of stardom.

In French with English subtitles.


SUN 23:10 Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe (b00pjj4s)
Review of the Year

Caustic comic and writer Charlie Brooker returns in a doomed bid to summarise 2009's TV output without vomiting. From the unpleasant spectacle of Britain's Got Talent to the downright worrying The Execution of Gary Glitter, and everything in-between, this is the only television programme you need watch this year, or indeed ever again. Contains weeping and screaming and words.


SUN 23:50 Mad Men (b00hq329)
Series 2

Flight One

Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York.

After an American Airlines air crash, Duck wants to go after their account, but he comes into conflict with Don. Pete hears some shocking news. Peggy is left holding the baby.


SUN 00:40 Guitar Heroes at the BBC (b00pjk73)
Part IV

Series featuring legendary guitarists treading the boards and trading licks at the BBC studios.

This edition kicks off with big hits from The Rolling Stones and David Bowie before taking things down a notch with the acoustic picking of Michael Chapman and the Irish mysticism of Horslips.

However, it's not long before the likes of Motorhead, Nazareth and straight-up blues rocker George Thorogood turn the volume right back up to 11. A spot of flamenco from Paco De Lucia and a classic track from Strat master Eric Clapton round off the show.

Filmed in the 1970s for shows including Top of the Pops, Parkinson, Rock Goes to College and the Old Grey Whistle Test, these rocking tracks leave viewers wondering why pianos were ever invented.


SUN 01:40 Guitar Heroes at the BBC (b00pjl55)
Part V

Series featuring legendary guitarists treading the boards and trading licks at the BBC studios. Expect riffs, solos and histrionics from the likes of Johnny Thunders of The New York Dolls, Brian May from Queen, Duane Eddy, BB King and Joan Jett, filmed in the 1970s for shows including Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Complete line-up:
Alice Cooper - School's Out
New York Dolls - Jet Boy
Peter Green - Heavy Heart
Queen - Killer Queen
Robin Trower - Alethea
Duane Eddy and the Rebelettes - Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar
John Martyn - Discover the Lover
Budgie - Who Do You Want For Your Love
Peter Frampton - Show Me the Way
BB King - When It All Comes Down
Whitesnake - Trouble
Cheap Trick - I Want You to Want Me
Black Sabbath - Never Say Die
The Skids - Into the Valley
Joan Jett - I Love Rock 'n' Roll.


SUN 02:40 Guitar Heroes at the BBC (b00plj0l)
Part VI

In this sixth and final show to round out the Guitar Heroes series, axe fans get classic riffs from Pete Townshend as The Who play Won't Get Fooled Again, Rod and Ronnie with The Faces doing Miss Judy's Farm at the old BBC TV Theatre, some weird yodel-rock from Dutch prog rockers Focus, folky acoustic numbers from Davey Graham and Ralph McTell, and some flamboyant fretwork from Americans Nils Lofgren and Ted Nugent.

Filmed in the 1970s for shows including Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test, these tracks pay tribute to a golden era in rock and to the last of the 70s Guitar Heroes.

Complete line-up:

The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
The Faces - Miss Judy's Farm
Focus - Hocus Pocus
Man - Day and Night
Chris Spedding - Motor Bikin'
Nils Lofgren - Back It Up
The Cate Brothers - In One Eye and Out the Other
Ralph McTell - Dry Bone Rag
The Runaways - Wasted
The Motors - Dancing the Night Away
Ted Nugent - Free For All
The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love
Gary Moore - Back on the Streets
Judas Priest - Take on the World
Davey Graham - City and Suburban Blues
ZZ Top - Cheap Sunglasses.


SUN 03:40 Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe (b00pjj4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:10 today]



MONDAY 04 JANUARY 2010

MON 19:00 World News Today (b00pq8hd)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.


MON 19:30 Days that Shook the World (b0074s6q)
Series 3 (30 minutes)

The Hitler Diaries

Series recalling history's defining moments. On April 24, 1983, The Sunday Times went to press with its biggest-ever scoop, the previously unseen and unknown diaries of Adolf Hitler. Unfortunately, they were fakes. Careers were destroyed and reputations ruined by one of the most reckless gambles in the history of journalism.


MON 20:00 Dinner with Portillo (b00ptkjg)
Is It Dishonourable to Publish a Political Diary?

Michael Portillo and his guests discuss whether it is fair for politicians to profit from their years in power by betraying the confidences of their colleagues. Is the modern diarist motivated by money, fame or revenge, rather than the public interest? Or do political diaries serve an important purpose by throwing light on the inner workings of government? Guests include Gyles Brandreth, Oona King, Chris Mullin MP and Lord Hattersley.


MON 20:30 Only Connect (b00pq8hg)
Series 3

Archers Admirers v Music Lovers

Quiz show presented by Victoria Coren in which knowledge will only take you so far, as patience and lateral thinking are also vital.

A team of three civil servants with a shared love of Radio 4's The Archers pit their wits against a trio of music lovers who between them perform or enjoy everything from pub rock to choral sung mass.

They compete to draw together the connections between things which, at first glance, seem utterly random, from AC battery to compass wrench to glass hammer to long stand.


MON 21:00 Dear Diary (b00pq8hj)
Richard E Grant

A series asking what we get from reading and writing diaries.

Writing a diary can be dangerous - as can reading one. Richard E Grant, a diarist since childhood, uncovers the power of the diary. He considers the diaries of Joe Orton, Kenneth Williams, Erwin James, John Diamond and Rosemary Ackland and asks whether a diary should, or could, ever be totally honest, wholly accurate and absolutely true.

Richard talks with Joe Orton's sister, Leonie, about her long-held belief that Orton's confessional diary was actually responsible for him losing his life. He also meets prison diarist Erwin James to understand the power of writing for a serving offender. Joss Ackland tells Richard about editing his wife's 50-plus years of diary writing, and Richard meets with Sheila Hancock to talk about Kenneth Williams's diary, in which she appeared many times. Williams had a charming public face but in the diaries he could be savage. He even wrote that he'd never again speak to Sheila Hancock.


MON 22:00 Moliere (b00nvsz4)
Bankrupt young playwright Moliere (Romain Duris) is employed in secret by a foolish aristocrat who wants to use Moliere's poetic skill to woo his mistress.


MON 23:55 Mad Men (b00hvx7j)
Series 2

The Benefactor

Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York. On the set of a commercial, comedian Jimmy Barrett insults an important client over her weight. Harry finds out that Ken Cosgrove is earning more than him and wonders how he can get a salary increase. Don gets close to Jimmy's wife Bobbie.


MON 00:40 Dear Diary (b00pq8hj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]


MON 01:40 Only Connect (b00pq8hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:30 today]


MON 02:10 Days that Shook the World (b0074s6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:30 today]


MON 02:40 Dinner with Portillo (b00ptkjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 today]


MON 03:10 Dear Diary (b00pq8hj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]



TUESDAY 05 JANUARY 2010

TUE 19:00 World News Today (b00pq942)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.


TUE 19:30 The Sky at Night (b00pstdq)
Twinkle Twinkle

January provides the perfect opportunity to observe stars, planets and galaxies. Sir Patrick Moore takes us on a tour of the winter sky, looking at twinkling 'variable stars' with Dr John Mason and at planets and galaxies with Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel. Sir Patrick and Dr Chris Lintott also point out the best objects to observe for those who have received a telescope for Christmas.


TUE 20:00 Sahara with Michael Palin (b0078zpm)
A Line in the Sand

Series in which Michael Palin explores nine fascinating countries and their cultures during a trek across the Sahara Desert.

It is the size of the United States with the population of Norfolk, but first Michael has to get there. Gibraltar is the launching pad, and with a 21-gun salute in honour of the Queen's birthday ringing in his ears, he crosses the Straits to Tangier in Morocco.

It is only after pausing in Fez and Marrakech, and scaling the High Atlas, that Michael enters real desert. This is hard, hot country, controlled by the Polisario Front who have been in confrontation with the Moroccans for over 25 years. But this inhospitable land is softened by the warmth shown by the Sahawari people, who guide Michael south to the Mauritanian border. Here he climbs aboard the 'longest train in the world', breaking his journey at Chinguetti.

There is just time for Michael to defeat the local champion at a game of desert draughts, played with stalks and camel droppings, before he gets literally taken over by the 24th Paris-Dakar Rally and its sole surviving British entrant, Dave Hammond from Cirencester.


TUE 21:00 Lost Kingdoms of Africa (b00pq946)
Series 1

Nubia

Four-part series in which British art historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford explores the pre-colonial history of some of Africa's most important kingdoms.

The African continent is home to nearly a billion people. It has an incredible diversity of communities and cultures, yet we know less of its history than almost anywhere else on earth.

But that is beginning to change. In the last few decades, researchers and archaeologists have begun to uncover a range of histories as impressive and extraordinary as anywhere else in the world.

The series reveals that Africa's stories are preserved for us in its treasures, statues and ancient buildings - in the culture, art and legends of the people.

The first episode looks at Nubia, in what is now northern Sudan, a kingdom that dominated a vast area of the eastern Sahara for thousands of years. Its people were described as barbarians and mercenaries, and yet Nubia has left us with some of the most spectacular monuments in the world.

Casely-Hayford traces the origins of this fascinating kingdom back to 10,000 BC. He explores how it developed and what happened to it and its people, discovering that its kings once ruled Ancient Egypt and that it was defeated not by its rivals but by its environment.


TUE 22:00 We Need Answers (b00pq948)
Series 2

The Sun

Anarchic comedy game show in which celebrity guests answer questions set by the public.

Mark Watson hosts, Tim Key is in the questionmaster's chair and Alex Horne provides expert analysis from a booth as two celebrities battle it out to be crowned the winner and avoid the shame of donning 'The Clogs of Defeat'.

Former editor of The Sun turned broadcaster Kelvin MacKenzie competes with cooking writer and celebrity chef Sophie Grigson.

The rules are simple - contestants must match their answer to the one given by a text answering service. Questions can range from 'How many gerbils would have to be stacked on top of each other to reach the moon?' to 'How heavy is the sky?' to 'Is gravy a condiment?'.

In the cunning physical challenge which pits the contestants against each other, Kelvin and Sophie play a tickling game.


TUE 22:30 The Culture Show (b00pq94b)
John Lydon Special

Andrew Graham-Dixon meets his childhood hero John Lydon, revealing the more sensitive, artistic side of the man once known as Johnny Rotten.

Lydon talks about his childhood, his love of Shakespeare and Mozart - and why he's reformed his legendary band, Public Image Ltd.


TUE 23:00 Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut (b00pqcg5)
Episode 1

Four-part series in which the story of Elvis Presley's life and career is told by those who knew him best, giving an intimate family portrayal with performance footage, personal home movies and private photographs from the Presley estate archives.

Featuring insights from his wife Priscilla and other members of Elvis's circle of family and friends, the first programme focuses on Elvis and Priscilla's early life together. Elvis met his sweetheart while posted in Germany, and after the army Elvis returned to America and thousands of adoring fans and Priscilla discovered how a relationship with Elvis would transform her way of life.

Rare archive footage vividly brings to life their early years in Graceland, holidays with the entourage and secret marriage in Las Vegas.


TUE 00:00 Mad Men (b00j0gfd)
Series 2

Three Sundays

Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York.

Sterling Cooper staffers are called in over the weekend to prepare for their American Airlines pitch. Peggy's family hosts lunch for their church's new priest. Roger Sterling is taken by the 'wife' of a client and wants to see more of her.


TUE 00:50 Lost Kingdoms of Africa (b00pq946)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]


TUE 01:50 We Need Answers (b00pq948)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:00 today]


TUE 02:20 The Culture Show (b00pq94b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:30 today]


TUE 02:50 The Sky at Night (b00pstdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:30 today]


TUE 03:20 Lost Kingdoms of Africa (b00pq946)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]



WEDNESDAY 06 JANUARY 2010

WED 19:00 World News Today (b00pq9gq)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.


WED 19:30 Dinner with Portillo (b00ptkjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 on Monday]


WED 20:00 Dear Diary (b00pq8hj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Monday]


WED 21:00 The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea (b00pq9gs)
Over 3,000 years ago legend has it that Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, sent a fleet of ships to the wonderful, distant land of Punt. A bas-relief in the temple where she is entombed in Luxor shows them bringing back extraordinary treasures. But did this expedition really happen? And if it did, where exactly is the land of Punt?

Drawing upon recent finds, archaeologist Cheryl Ward sets out to recreate the voyage in a full-size replica of one of these ancient ships, sailing it in the wake of Hatshepsut's fleet in search of the mythical land of Punt. A human adventure as well as a scientific challenge, the expedition proves that, contrary to popular belief, the ancient Egyptians had the necessary tools, science and techniques to sail the seas.


WED 22:00 Flight of the Conchords (b008d37m)
Series 1

New Fans

Comedy series about Kiwi folk musicians Bret and Jemaine as they to try to make it big New York.

When the boys do a gig at a world music club they end up getting two more fans. Mel is jealous, especially when it seems the girls are interested in more than their music.

Features the songs Ladies of the World and Pretty Prince of Parties.


WED 22:30 We Need Answers (b00pq948)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:00 on Tuesday]


WED 23:00 Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut (b00psw2z)
Episode 2

Four-part series in which the story of Elvis Presley's life and career is told by those who knew him best, giving an intimate family portrayal with performance footage, personal home movies and private photographs from the Presley estate archives.

Featuring insights from his wife Priscilla, their daughter Lisa Marie and other members of Elvis's circle of family and friends, part two focuses on the family life and Elvis's return to life as a performer on the road. In a rare interview, Lisa Marie discusses her relationship with her father as a child, their life at Graceland and family Christmases.


WED 00:00 Mad Men (b00j4cwg)
Series 2

The New Girl

Joan finds Don the perfect secretary, while Don finds himself in the middle of issues between TV comedian Jimmy and his wife Bobbie. Don and Peggy bond over each other's secrets and Joan gets engaged.


WED 00:45 The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea (b00pq9gs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]


WED 01:45 Dear Diary (b00pq8hj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Monday]


WED 02:45 Dinner with Portillo (b00ptkjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 on Monday]


WED 03:15 The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea (b00pq9gs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]



THURSDAY 07 JANUARY 2010

THU 19:00 World News Today (b00pq9x6)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.


THU 19:30 Only Connect (b00pq8hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:30 on Monday]


THU 20:00 Time (b0074s8c)
Daytime

Series in which Michio Kaku goes on an extraordinary exploration of the world in search of time.

In the opening part he asks whether time comes from within our minds and bodies or from outside? He travels to Los Angeles to find fish with an extraordinarily precise sense of time, and meets a family whose body clocks force them to wake at 4am every day.

Michio undergoes a brain scan that reveals an area of the brain devoted to detecting the passing of time. But can this sense be altered by fear - an experiment where people free-fall 100-feet backwards is undertaken to find out. Michio also meets a man who, with no memory and no sense of time, is unable to lead a normal life.


THU 21:00 Diet: A Horizon Guide (b00pqb9q)
Dr Susan Jebb takes a look through nearly fifty years of amazing BBC archive of mankind's relationship with what we eat, charting the shift from the malnutrition of the past to today's obesity epidemic.

This is the story of our attempt to control nature through the wholesale industrialisation of food production in our search for enough to eat, and the consequences of that massive shift in our diet on the shape of our bodies, and the diseases that kill us.
From the BBC's original eccentric scientist Magnus Pyke comparing the virtues of artificial additives to a Beethoven sonata, to the tragic side effects of diet pills, Horizon and the BBC have covered it all.

On her journey through the decades, Dr Jebb explores how scientists have played a crucial role both in transforming the way our food is produced, but also in attempting to understand the biological mechanisms that determine why it is that some of us have become so large.


THU 22:00 Elvis' Rock Shrine (b007480t)
Series examining how fans commemorate the anniversaries of their heroes' deaths.

Every year since 1977, up to 30,000 people converge on Graceland to pay tribute to the King on the anniversary of his death. The whole of Memphis becomes a shrine to Elvis with hotels and restaurants holding Elvis trivia and impersonator contests. On the evening of his death, thousands of fans hold a moving candlelight vigil in his memory.


THU 22:15 Elvis: Black Leather - The '68 Comeback Special (b00pqb9s)
Highlights of Elvis's 1968 TV special, featuring renditions of old favourites, performed almost 'unplugged'-style with a group of musicians, together with bigger production numbers.


THU 23:05 Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut (b00psw59)
Episode 3

Four-part series in which the story of Elvis Presley's life and career is told by those who knew him best, giving an intimate family portrayal with performance footage, personal home movies and private photographs from the Presley estate archives.

Featuring insights from Priscilla, their daughter Lisa Marie and other members of Elvis's circle of family and friends, part three focuses on Elvis's inner world, his personal qualities and frailties.

In rehearsal and on-stage archive footage, Elvis indulges his love of gospel music and we learn of his spirituality and famed generosity. Priscilla describes why the contrast between his lifestyle on tour and that of his young family at home eventually took its toll on their marriage.

Finally, his family reflect with candour on the addictions and mood swings which contributed to his untimely death aged 42.


THU 00:05 Mad Men (b00j8bqv)
Series 2

Maidenform

Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York. Don and Duck try to bury the hatchet and Peggy attempts to join in on the execs' after-hours meetings at a strip joint. Duck's family turn up at the office, while Don and Bobbie continue to get involved.


THU 00:50 Diet: A Horizon Guide (b00pqb9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]


THU 01:50 Time (b0074s8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 today]


THU 02:50 Only Connect (b00pq8hg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:30 on Monday]


THU 03:20 Diet: A Horizon Guide (b00pqb9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 today]



FRIDAY 08 JANUARY 2010

FRI 19:00 World News Today (b00pqcfz)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.


FRI 19:30 The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen (b008l40d)
Documentary tracing the career of Irwin Allen, the man responsible for hit 1960s sci-fi TV series Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, as well as blockbuster disaster films The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. Lost in Space stars June Lockhart and Bill Mumy host generous servings of clips, behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes and cast reminiscences.


FRI 21:00 Elvis in Las Vegas (b00pqcg1)
The untold story of how Elvis Presley transformed Las Vegas, but how the same city helped to destroy him.

In 1969, Elvis was at the peak of his powers with a stage show at the Hilton and recordings that crowned him the most famous entertainer in the world. However, beneath the surface his own demons - and the schemes of his celebrity manager, Colonel Tom Parker - were taking their toll.

Based in 1970s Vegas and featuring some of Elvis's finest performances, home movies and rare archive footage, the documentary reveals a bizarre tale of intrigue and excess, recounted by those closest to him. It shows how the Vegas experience impacted on Elvis's spectacular shows, his chart-topping recordings, his volatile relationship with Parker and his unusual private life - all set against the glamorous backdrop of a 'Sin City' that would never be the same again.

Featuring interviews with Priscilla Presley, Colonel Parker's wife Loanne, the Memphis Mafia, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, songwriters Leiber and Stoller and many more.


FRI 22:00 ...Sings Elvis (b00pqcg3)
2011 marked the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth and was celebrated by a host of performances by artists covering the King's classic songs culled from the BBC archives.

Some of Britain's biggest stars were introduced to rock n roll as teenagers via their idol Elvis, and Cliff Richard, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and John Cale all pay their tribute. The original songwriters of some of Elvis's greatest hits perform their own versions of classic tracks, including Carl Perkins singing Blue Suede Shoes and Mac Davis doing In the Ghetto.

Other artists paying homage from across five decades include The Deep River Boys, the Stylistics, Boy George, Alison Moyet, Pet Shop Boys and Robbie Williams. There will be jumpsuits, pelvic thrusts, brilliant tunes ... and Glen Campbell's Elvis impersonation.


FRI 23:00 Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut (b00pswdr)
Episode 4

Four-part series in which the story of Elvis Presley's life and career is told by those who knew him best, giving an intimate family portrayal with performance footage, personal home movies and private photographs from the Presley estate archives.

Featuring insights from Priscilla, their daughter Lisa Marie and other members of Elvis's circle of family and friends, the final part focuses on the achievements and challenges of Elvis's career.

From the early days of Sun Records we see how Elvis evolved as a recording artist and learn how his early success in Hollywood led ultimately to disappointment. The Presleys reveal how manager Colonel Parker's methods of 'taking care of business' led to problems later in Elvis's career, and how they regained control of his estate after his death to open Graceland to the public and continue to preserve his enduring legacy.


FRI 00:00 Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (b00pqdr1)
Colourful concert performance by 'the King' including hits such as Burning Love, I Can't Stop Loving You, Suspicious Minds and Can't Help Falling In Love.


FRI 01:05 ...Sings Elvis (b00pqcg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:00 today]


FRI 02:05 Dans Paris (b00ps3p8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:05 on Saturday]


FRI 03:35 The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen (b008l40d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:30 today]




LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)

...Sings Elvis 22:00 FRI (b00pqcg3)

...Sings Elvis 01:05 FRI (b00pqcg3)

1959: The Year that Changed Jazz 00:50 SAT (b00jf64y)

Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe 23:10 SUN (b00pjj4s)

Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe 03:40 SUN (b00pjj4s)

Cranford: Under the Bonnet 20:30 SUN (b00pk5nz)

Cranford 19:35 SAT (b00pkysv)

Cranford 19:00 SUN (b00plhmz)

Dans Paris 21:05 SAT (b00ps3p8)

Dans Paris 02:05 FRI (b00ps3p8)

Days that Shook the World 19:30 MON (b0074s6q)

Days that Shook the World 02:10 MON (b0074s6q)

Dear Diary 21:00 MON (b00pq8hj)

Dear Diary 00:40 MON (b00pq8hj)

Dear Diary 03:10 MON (b00pq8hj)

Dear Diary 20:00 WED (b00pq8hj)

Dear Diary 01:45 WED (b00pq8hj)

Diet: A Horizon Guide 21:00 THU (b00pqb9q)

Diet: A Horizon Guide 00:50 THU (b00pqb9q)

Diet: A Horizon Guide 03:20 THU (b00pqb9q)

Dinner with Portillo 20:00 MON (b00ptkjg)

Dinner with Portillo 02:40 MON (b00ptkjg)

Dinner with Portillo 19:30 WED (b00ptkjg)

Dinner with Portillo 02:45 WED (b00ptkjg)

Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut 23:00 TUE (b00pqcg5)

Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut 23:00 WED (b00psw2z)

Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut 23:05 THU (b00psw59)

Elvis by the Presleys: Uncut 23:00 FRI (b00pswdr)

Elvis in Las Vegas 21:00 FRI (b00pqcg1)

Elvis' Rock Shrine 22:00 THU (b007480t)

Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii 00:00 FRI (b00pqdr1)

Elvis: Black Leather - The '68 Comeback Special 22:15 THU (b00pqb9s)

Flight of the Conchords 22:00 WED (b008d37m)

Guitar Heroes at the BBC 00:40 SUN (b00pjk73)

Guitar Heroes at the BBC 01:40 SUN (b00pjl55)

Guitar Heroes at the BBC 02:40 SUN (b00plj0l)

La Vie en Rose 21:00 SUN (b00pq8c6)

Lost Kingdoms of Africa 21:00 TUE (b00pq946)

Lost Kingdoms of Africa 00:50 TUE (b00pq946)

Lost Kingdoms of Africa 03:20 TUE (b00pq946)

Mad Men 00:00 SAT (b00hk8r1)

Mad Men 23:50 SUN (b00hq329)

Mad Men 23:55 MON (b00hvx7j)

Mad Men 00:00 TUE (b00j0gfd)

Mad Men 00:00 WED (b00j4cwg)

Mad Men 00:05 THU (b00j8bqv)

Margot 22:35 SAT (b00p510x)

Margot 02:50 SAT (b00p510x)

Marguerite and Armand 19:00 SAT (b00p510z)

Moliere 22:00 MON (b00nvsz4)

Only Connect 20:30 MON (b00pq8hg)

Only Connect 01:40 MON (b00pq8hg)

Only Connect 19:30 THU (b00pq8hg)

Only Connect 02:50 THU (b00pq8hg)

Panorama 01:50 SAT (b00jf64w)

Sahara with Michael Palin 20:00 TUE (b0078zpm)

The Culture Show 22:30 TUE (b00pq94b)

The Culture Show 02:20 TUE (b00pq94b)

The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen 19:30 FRI (b008l40d)

The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen 03:35 FRI (b008l40d)

The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea 21:00 WED (b00pq9gs)

The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea 00:45 WED (b00pq9gs)

The Pharaoh Who Conquered the Sea 03:15 WED (b00pq9gs)

The Sky at Night 19:30 TUE (b00pstdq)

The Sky at Night 02:50 TUE (b00pstdq)

Time 20:00 THU (b0074s8c)

Time 01:50 THU (b0074s8c)

We Need Answers 22:00 TUE (b00pq948)

We Need Answers 01:50 TUE (b00pq948)

We Need Answers 22:30 WED (b00pq948)

World News Today 19:00 MON (b00pq8hd)

World News Today 19:00 TUE (b00pq942)

World News Today 19:00 WED (b00pq9gq)

World News Today 19:00 THU (b00pq9x6)

World News Today 19:00 FRI (b00pqcfz)