The Best of British Cinema

The Best of British Cinema

1987 5 Seasons 53 Episodes ⭐ 8.0 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.

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.

Seasons & Episodes

EP 1

The Heroes

From Tom Brown to Bulldog Drummond, from Biggles to Bond, the 20th Century British hero was represented as schoolboy, sl

EP 2

Leave 'Em Laughing

Some of British cinema's most popular comedians, including Norman Wisdom, Stanley Holloway, Will Hay, Frankie Howerd, an

EP 3

I Spy

A look at British spy stories, ranging from classic Hitchcock films of the 1930s to eighties paranoia in Defence Of The

EP 4

The English Roses

During the 1940s and 50s, British films featured female stars who portrayed fiery, independent characters in distinctive

EP 5

The All Singing All Dancing Show

Sequences from the golden age of British musicals highlight the talents of stars such as Jessie Matthews, Jack Buchanan,

EP 6

The War Game

Stars like David Niven, Trevor Howard and John Mills in enduring wartime classics such as A Matter Of Life And Death, In

EP 7

Things That Go Bump in the Night

From the earliest days of movies, the potential for scaring audiences has been recognized and whether treated for thrill

EP 8

Fine and Dandy

Costume dramas have been a staple of British cinema, especially during the 1940s when the Gainsborough melodramas result

EP 9

The Eccentrics

The combination of distinctive actors and characters have resulted in some of the most indelible and memorable scenes. T

EP 10

Power and Prejudice

British cinema has always has a strong tradition for powerful reflections on contemporary life, social and psychological

EP 1

Classic Tales

Highlights from some of the best-known literary adaptations British cinema has produced, including extracts from The Imp

EP 2

Action Men

Stars such as Oliver Reed, Stanley Baker, Howard Keel and Peter Finch feature in films highlighting thrills and action,

EP 3

All in the Game

Among the films that feature sports are This Sporting Life with Richard Harris, Checkpoint with Stanley Baker, All For M

EP 4

Kids

Celebrating young scene-stealers including John Howard Davies, Jon Whiteley, Vincent Winter, Hayley Mills and Juliet Mil

EP 5

Film Fun

Comedy sequences from films such as The Early Bird, The Frozen Limits, The Intelligence Men, Band Waggon and Carry On Lo

EP 6

Animal Antics

Featuring some of the most famous non-human stars of British cinema, including Tarka the Otter, An Alligator Named Daisy

EP 7

Love Story

EP 8

All at Sea

EP 9

Doctors and Nurses

EP 10

Heaven and Earth

EP 11

New Frontiers

EP 12

Woman's Own

EP 13

English Gentlemen

EP 14

Reel Lives

EP 15

Going Places

EP 16

Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance

EP 1

Star

Audiences have always had favourite performers whose appeal transcends international barriers. Featured are names like M

EP 2

Bonds of Love

A look at the portrayal of relationships between friends, lovers and families in films such as Brief Encounter, On Golde

EP 3

Against All Odds

The thrill and excitement of action movies highlighted by films such as Raise the Titanic, Hawk The Slayer and Escape to

EP 4

Best Sellers

From the Bible to Charles Dickens, literature has been a rich source for films. Productions featured include Great Expec

EP 5

Crimetime

A look at films showing the profits of crime and the wages of sin, including Return Of The Pink Panther, Love And Bullet

EP 6

The Detectives

The downbeat doggedness of Philip Marlowe, the suave charm of Simon Templar, the comic ineptitude of Inspector Clouseau.

EP 7

The Way We Are

From the sun-kissed sidewalks of California to the dingy streets of London, filmmakers reflect on modern society in film

EP 8

Just an Illusion

Highlighting the magic of special effects in films like Saturn 3. Raise the Titanic and Capricorn One with stars includi

EP 9

Strength of Character

A look at the wide-ranging skills of actors including Laurence Olivier, Robert Duvall and James Stewart.

EP 10

The Dark Side

Moments from films that have explored the dark side of mystery and imagination, featuring Richard Burton, Kirk Douglas a

EP 1

A Class of Their Own

EP 2

The Gentle Touch

EP 3

Private Lives

EP 4

The Romantics

EP 5

World of Adventure

EP 1

Rock 'N' Roll

EP 2

Villain

EP 3

George and Gracie

EP 4

Independent Woman

EP 5

Who Dunnit

EP 6

Song and Dance

EP 7

Scales of Justice

EP 8

Classic Characters

EP 9

When We Were Young

EP 10

Home Sweet Home

EP 11

History in the Making

EP 12

Ealing Comedies

Popular Cast

John Mills
John Mills
Self - Narrator