Alec Guinness in H.M.S. Defiant, New Francis Durbridge A Game Of Murder; Brigitte Bardot in La Mariee est Trop Belle & Ray Winstone’s film debut
Francis Durbridge’s: A Game of Murder Part One, starring Gerald Harper, Conrad Phillips & David Burke - Monday 30th March 8pm. When a former athlete’s mysterious death seems suspicious, his detective son investigates, uncovering a seedy underworld of pimps and prostitutes in London’s red-light district.
Dear Supporters of Film and TV history,
Wow! What a weekend we had at our Festival of Film in St Albans – we've just about got our breath back! Thank you so much to everyone who came along – we loved meeting you all and glad that you seemed to enjoy it too. Here’s a small selection of the comments we’ve since received:
- Marina and Buster said, "A weekend in St Albans with Talking Pictures TV had so much to enjoy. Great interviews, music, fun and atmosphere. We don't want to play favourites, but Paula Wilcox was so interesting, loved Lola and The Brothers Reunion was worth the wait."
- Rita and Unirose wrote, "We had the most wonderful time at day 1 of the Festival of Film 2026! Meeting the legendary Melvyn Hayes and Marty Wilde. Loved listening to Tommy Cannon, Steve Nallon and the other guest speakers.”
- And Nelly D summed it all up with, "The event is a great way to be entertained, and with like-minded people to share time with."
So now it’s time to turn our attention to the our next Festival of Film at the Savoy Theatre, Monmouth on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July. Why not join us there? Tickets cost £38 for the day or £70 for the weekend. We’d love to see you. Call 0808 178 8212 to book click HERE.
Anyway, let's get back to this week’s schedule as we’ve a cosmopolitan line-up that’s sure to appeal to a broad variety of tastes!
Tuesday 31st March at 4.15pm, we have the debut of La Mariée est Trop Belle (The Bride is Much Too Beautiful) starring the iconic and wonderfully talented Brigitte Bardot. This delightful 1956 rom-com features Bardot as a naive country girl who unexpectedly finds herself discovered by a Parisian magazine and transformed into a top model! The film captures the elegance of 1950s Parisian style, boasts a wonderful soundtrack and of course has a magnificent leading lady who radiates charm and spontaneity. It also stars Micheline Presle and Louis Jourdan. So, if you’re longing for a touch of gay Paris, then be sure to tune in!
Staying on French soil, many of you have been in touch to let us know how much you’re enjoying our new series Murders In... which is one of France’s most popular crime series. Our episode on Tuesday 31st March at 9pm is Meurtres à Collioure (Murder in Collioure) (2015), which incidentally, is just north of France’s border with Spain. Directed by Bruno Garcia and starring Stéphane Freiss and Héléna Noguerra, this episode follows the story of a young woman whose body is found in a barrel hurtling down a hill in the middle of the night – which has echoes with a local medieval legend. Will our detective duo be able to get to the bottom of what’s going on? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
We've had some fabulous documentaries about various film stars recently and this week we’ve lasso-ed another cracker - Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend on Thursday 2nd April at 4:30pm. Directed by Clelia Cohen and released in 2021, the film explores the remarkable 70-plus year career of Hollywood’s “last cowboy.” The career of Clint Eastwood has been amazingly diverse - from TV star and international icon to controversial figure, and ultimately an acclaimed director and filmmaker. He truly has done it all. The documentary highlights key films including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, Gran Torino, and Cry Macho. It also features a wealth of archive footage, with appearances and insights from figures such as Lee Marvin, Vincente Minnelli, Rock Hudson, Morgan Freeman and Burt Reynolds.
If you’re in the mood for thrills and chills, there’s no better place to be than deep in the bowels of The Cellar Club on Friday 3rd April at 9pm, in the company of Caroline Munro. Tonight, she introduces the concluding episode of Supernatural: Dorabella - a splendid, traditional Gothic tale of vampires. Set in Eastern Europe (the perfect setting we think!), this episode is narrated by Philip (David Robb), who recounts a journey across the continent with his friend Walter (Jeremy Clyde). Along the way, they encounter the enigmatic Dorabella, played by Polish actress Ania Marson. Marson plays the role of a beautiful woman with dark, mystical powers, brilliantly so it's little wonder Walter becomes utterly besotted with her. Directed by Simon Langton, the episode is rich in atmosphere and enhanced by imaginative camera work. If Langton’s name sounds familiar, it may be because he later directed Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, as well as Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path and many other acclaimed productions. Anyway, we hope you enjoy this final episode. Like you, we’ll be very sorry to see it end.
The Cellar Club continues at 10:05pm, with another trip to “la belle France” for the classic, 60s horror film, Les Yeux Sans Le Visage (Eyes Without A Face). Directed by George Franju, it tells the story of a surgeon (Pierre Brasseur) who, after causing an accident that disfigures his daughter (Edith Scob), goes to extreme lengths to fix restore her face. Scob, who was a newcomer to acting, spends much of the film behind an expressionless mask but manages, through her graceful body language, to convey everything we need to know. It’s a remarkable performance enhanced by the elegant gowns she wears that incredibly were created by Givenchy. Beyond the couture, the film also features an array of classic French cars which many of you will enjoy spotting. It’s a macabre film, full of haunting images, that caused some controversy when it was first released – so prepare to feel a little uncomfortable at points!
H.M.S. Defiant (1962), based on Frank Tilsley’s novel Mutiny, was shot in Spain during the two-month break in the shooting of Lawrence of Arabia. Set during the French Revolutionary Wars in 1797, it follows Captain Crawford as he finds himself locked in a struggle with his second in command. It’s got naval wars, swashbuckling adventure and a great cast including Alec Guinness, Dirk Bogarde and Anthony Quayle and it’s showing on TPTV on Saturday 4th April at 4.35pm. As you'd expect, the performances are superb, matched by impressive scenes of 18th century naval life – wooden warships, rigging and the ever-present threat of mutiny. Keep an eye out too for TPTV favourite, the late Ray Brooks, and Johnny Briggs of Coronation Street fame.
Remember 1979 in Torquay? Well, if you do, or if you’re simply curious, That Summer! on Saturday 4th April at 9:05pm will take you right back! Packed full of nostalgia, this time-capsule of a movie stars Ray Winstone in his theatrical film debut, playing a teenager who heads to Devon for a seaside holiday after being released from borstal - but ends up being framed for robbery. It’s a terrific little film, and Winstone’s solid performance even secured him a BAFTA nomination. Aside from the story, the film boasts a truly iconic, cutting-edge soundtrack which includes tracks from Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Ian Dury, The Undertones & The Ramones that capture the era perfectly!
FULL SCHEDULE
For a printable schedule for the week ahead click HERE
To see more HIGHLIGHTS, click HERE
For those of you who would like to see a full list of this week’s programming WITH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE click HERE
For FOUR WEEKS of advance schedules click HERE.
For those of you who like to plan your TV viewing and find out what new films and series are coming to TPTV, we have the schedules for the next few weeks up on our website. On the schedule page, click on the dates for your chosen week. The first week will be the current one, and you can select the next week on the tab.
OTHER PREMIERES SELECTED BY THE USHERETTE
(NEW) Four Star Playhouse: The Adolescent - Monday 30th March 2:10pm
The Adolescent. 1954. Stars Ida Lupino, Robert Arthur and Hugh Sanders. A school disciplinarian and aunt to a troubled teenage pupil, must investigate her nephew's misconduct.
(NEW) Francis Durbridge’s: A Game of Murder Part One - Monday 30th March 8pm
Part One. 1966. Stars Gerald Harper, Conrad Phillips & David Burke. When a former athlete's mysterious death seems suspicious, his detective son investigates.
(NEW) Buccaneer - Wednesday 1st April 8:05pm
The Thin End. 1980. Stars Bryan Marshall, Clifford Rose & Pamela Salem. Tony lands in an African prison, Monica uncovers damaging information and Janet drops a financial bombshell.
(NEW) Mark Saber - Thursday 2nd April 8pm
The Hostage. 1958. Stars Donald Gray, Diana Decker & Dorothy Gordon. Mark Saber feels his duty to act after an unknown woman phones him and threatens to commit suicide.
(NEW) Z-Cars - Friday 3rd April 7pm
Person Unknown. 1962. Stars Brian Blessed, Joseph Brady & Leslie Sands. Barlow investigates as serial child molester while PC's Smith and Weir discover a young girl who has been attacked.
(NEW) Legend of the Hidden City - Saturday 4th April 7:50am
1997. Stars Brendan Pollecutt, Fezile Mpela & Robert Finlayson. As Dean and Thabo escape a tribal attack planned by the lord, they continue on their dangerous adventure.
(NEW) Batman - Saturday 4th April 9am
The Wail of the Siren. 1967. Stars Adam West, Burt Ward & Yvonne Craig. The Siren is launching a two-part plan to become the richest and most wicked woman in Gotham City.
(NEW) The Roy Rogers Show - Saturday 4th April 9:30am
The Brothers O'Dell. 1955. Stars Roy Rogers, Trigger and Dale Evans.The O'Dell brothers are at odds when one's outlaw gang robs Mineral City's Wells Fargo office which is managed by the other.
(NEW) Whiplash - Saturday 4th April 4pm
The Remittance Man. 1961. Stars Peter Graves, Tony Wickert & Stuart Wagstaff. A family travel to meet their son who was sent to the colonies years ago, but Chris Cobb discovers something shocking.
(NEW) Duchess of Duke Street - Saturday 4th April 8pm
A Nice Class of Premises. 1976. Stars Gemma Jones, Donald Burton & Kate Lansbury. All bets are off when HRH becomes His Majesty, King Edward VII. Louisa and Augustus must plan for what lies ahead.
(NEW) EuroTrash - Sunday 5th April 1am
1994. Hosted by Antoine de Caunes and Jean Paul Gaultier. Latino's do drag best, especially at this beauty contest in Brazil. Watch an interview with Thalia and Lorena, Mexico's top soap stars.
(NEW) Give us a Clue - Sunday 5th April 3:30pm
1985. The classic game show Give us a Clue hosted by Michael Parkinson, this week's guests are Judith Chalmers, Frazer Hines, Ian Ogilvy, Jack Watling, Lizzie Webb & June Whitfield.
(NEW) The Man from U.N.C.L.E - Sunday 5th April 4pm
The Deadly Decoy Affair. 1964. Stars Robert Vaughn, David McCallum & Leo G. Carroll. Solo and Kuryakin are told to escort a captured Thrush official to Washington.
Hannay - Sunday 5th April 6pm
Double Jeopardy. 1989. Stars Robert Powell, Cathryn Harrison & Nigel Le Vaillant. When Hannay is entrusted with a dozen diamonds, he little knows the danger and distress they will bring.
(NEW) The Vise - Sunday 5th April 7:30pm
Stranglehold. 1955. Stars John Bentley, Christopher Lee & Maureen Swanson. Peter Stanhope's ex-wife turns up after being presumed dead in the war. Betty and the butler plan a nasty blackmail.
(NEW) Sergeant Cork - Sunday 5th April 8pm
The Case of the Great Pearl Robbery. 1964. Stars John Barrie, William Gaunt & Charles Morgan. Marriott investigates after a pearl necklace, worth ?130,000, goes missing.
(NEW) Who Do You Do - Sunday 5th April 9:05pm
1972. With Freddie Starr and Peter Goodwright, guest acts such as Janet Brown, Johnny More and Paul Melba play a number of roles in a series of sketches and songs!
SHORT FILMS, Glimpses and Look at Life
(THESE MAY NOT BE LISTED IN TV GUIDES)
These lovely little films are often missed out in the listings so be sure to make a note in your diaries – or set your recorder – so as you catch them!
Monday 30th March
02:25am - Food Flash: Chester Orange Juice
1945. In this charming short video Charlie Chester promotes the importance of orange juice for children under five.
Tuesday 31st March
6:10pm - Look at Life: It’s Odds on the Fish
1968. A look into the art of angling, with a consideration for the problems of ensuring that angling continues as a form of sport and relaxation.
Wednesday 1st April
4:15am - Look at Life: The Spoilers
1967. A thoughtful look at the increasing popularity of the countryside and the visitors who spoil it, with a reminder on the need for co-operation in the conservation of the countryside.
6:05pm - Grey Cars: Devon 1957 (NEW)
Going Places. A short film showing a beautiful trip across Devon in the 1950s.
Thursday 2nd April
4:40am - Look at Life: East of Suez
1966. An intriguing look at how British troops are policing the rivers and jungles of Borneo and a glimpse of some of the problems that have to be overcome.
8:45am - Look at Life: Look at Man
1969. A visit to the Isle of Man to discover why it wants greater independence.
12:50pm - Look at Life: You’re Under Inspection
1965. This short film investigates the investigators of all the different aspects of today's world.
2:50pm - Look at Life: Chinatown
1968. A wonderful look at the world of the Chinese who have made Britain their home, and in particular London's 'Chinatown'.
Friday 3rd April
4:35am - A Lifetime Ago with BAIM: York
York. 1972. Valentine Dyall tells us about York, an ancient city steeped in history. Whilst its outlook is to the next century, it retains the atmosphere of its heritage.
6:30am - Look at Life: The Flying Soldier
1965. A captivating look at how members of the British army are trained to fly helicopters.
5pm - Coaching Holiday in 1958
1958. Directed by Kenneth Fairbairn. A driver of a coaching tour accounts a wonderful trip across the country with a group of friendly travellers, with glimpses of Stonehenge and the Lake District.
Saturday 4th April
3:40am - The Punching Preacher (George Foreman)
An insightful documentary by Peter Williams about George Foreman, a man of great faith who was known as one of the best fighters who ever lived, who twice held the World Heavyweight title.
4:55pm - Cinebox Memories: Someone Wants to Know by Eden Kane
Put your dancing shoes on and take a step back in time for Eden Kane's Someone Wants to Know.
6:40pm - Look at Life: Common Market
1962. A look at the progress of the European Common Market during a time in which member countries have started to remove trade barriers.
Sunday 5th April
7:45am - Look at Life: Key of the Door
1963. An intriguing look at the men and women of tomorrow who are needed to extend technology.
3:15pm - Look at Life: High and Dry
1967. A compelling look at the coastal towns which make up the group of Cinque Ports along the south coast of England.
TPTV PODCAST
Please tune in to the popular podcast for news, views and reviews of upcoming films and shows on your favourite channel. Click below to listen, or search for us in your favourite podcast app.
https://talkingpicturestvpodcast.libsyn.com/
QUIZ TIME
On Thursday 2nd April at 4:30pm we’re showing the documentary Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend. Eastwood played the antihero “The Man with No Name” in all three of Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy of Italian Spaghetti Western films. Can you name all three films in the trilogy?
Please email your answers to us on theprojectionist@talkingpicturestv.co.uk with QUIZ 29/3 in the subject line by Friday 3 April 2026. Please remember to include your postal address so that we can send you a prize if you’re the winner. And best of British to you all!
That’s it for us this week. We hope that you have a fantastic week whatever you’re up to. Please do tell your friends and family about TPTV as every viewer helps. And thank you for doing that in advance.
Take care and see you next Sunday,
Best Wishes
Sarah, Noel and Neill
