The Bridge River Kwai

The screenplay was based upon French author Pierre Boulle's 1954 novel of the same name. The film's story was loosely based on a true World War II incident, and the real-life character of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Toosey. One of a number of Allied POW's, Toosey was in charge of his men from late 1942 through May 1943 when they were ordered to build two Kwai River bridges in Burma (one of steel, one of wood), to help move Japanese supplies and troops from Bangkok to Rangoon…

Cities of the World depicts the ambiance, variety, unspoiled majesty and splendor of fourteen of the world's most unique cities. These captivating destinations have all been singled out to create a culture full of history.

American and Japanese soldiers, stranded on a tiny Pacific island during World War II, must make a temporary truce and cooperate to survive various tribulations. Told through the eyes of the American and Japanese unit commanders, who must deal with an atmosphere of growing distrust and tension between their men.

Here is the ultimate synchronisation of details and events which signalled the last six months of the greatest conflict the world has ever known. It involved over 100 countries, it killed 50 million people and absorbed six years of struggle and bloodshed for the peoples of half the globe.

A look back at the great British war films that boosted the nation's morale in the postwar years and launched the careers of some of our best-loved actors and directors. Including contributions from Noel Coward, Richard Attenborough, David Lean, Alec Guinness, Kenneth More and John Mills, the programme examines classic films like In Which We Serve, Reach for the Sky, Bridge on the River Kwai and The Dam Busters. Narrated by Sylvia Syms, this episode also includes her own memories of the making of one of the most enduring films of the genre, Ice Cold in Alex.

From the films Brief Encounter and Bridge on the River Kwai, to the glamorous classical stars Jacqueline du Pré and Daniel Barenboim, this is the story of how classical music thrived in post-war Britain and found vast popular audiences. Suzy Klein and broadcaster and music lover Joan Bakewell explore a new world of musical collaborations with classical music – from Yehudi Menuhin and Ravi Shankar, Rick Wakeman and David Bowie, and Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic. Elizabeth II’s coronation was a remarkable showcase for British classical music. It was watched by millions on their new TV sets.