Season 1999
Season 1998Season 2000

S1999 Season 1999

BBC Documentaries / Season 1999

01 Jan, 1999 · 47 episodes

 
Season 1998Season 2000

S1999 Season 1999

BBC Documentaries / Season 1999

01 Jan, 1999 · 47 episodes

 
Ian Dury - On My Life
S1999 | E01

1h

Ian Dury was unique ! A poet, a great songwriter with good band around him : Kilburn and the High Roads, the Blockheads ! Remember the Roadette song, What a waste, Hit me with your rythm stick... It's a really nice doc on his life, on his childhood,the polio, his music, his paintings, his battles! Ian Dury was always present in the doc and some guests were here : Humphrey Ocean, Baxter Dury, Ch... Read more

25/09/1999 | 20:00
The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth
S1999 | E02

1h

The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth is a month by month travelogue of the greatest sights of massed wildlife from all over the world. Each month focuses on just one such incredible show of wildlife. Specifically, the months are as follows: * January - Massed Monarch Butterflies in Mexico * February - Massive migration of Caribou in Newfoundland * March - Dancing of the Red-Crested... Read more

26/01/1999 | 21:00
Definitely Dusty
S1999 | E03

1h

Documentary charting the career of diva Dusty Springfield, who died in March, from Catholic schoolgirl to superstar. Springfield's trademark panda eyes and blonde beehive became famous around the world after hits such as You Don't Have to Say You Love Me and Son of a Preacher Man. Fellow musicians, including Elton John , Burt Bacharach, Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, Lulu and Martha Reeves , ... Read more

26/12/1999 | 21:00
Father & Son John Peel
S1999 | E04

1h

Father and Son was a short documentary at the home of John Peel, exploring his relationships with his father and with his eldest son William. This was shown on BBC2 during John Peel Night, which was broadcast on Sunday 29 August 1999, the night before John Peel's 60th birthday. He mentions that at some date in 2001 he will be older than his father ever was. Peel would subsequently apologise ... Read more

29/08/1999 | 20:00
It's Slade
S1999 | E05

1h

Documentary about one of Britain's greatest and best-loved bands. Slade scored six number ones in the 70s, a feat rivalled only by Abba. Formed in Wolverhampton and led by Noddy Holder, Slade sold over 50 million records worldwide during a 20-year career which saw them re-invent themselves as skinhead yobs, then mirror-hatted platform-shoe-pioneering glam gods, before finally re-emerging as hard r... Read more

23/12/1999 | 21:00
The Megantic Outlaw
S1999 | E06

1h

Donald Morrison was born in the town of Megantic Quebec to parents who had emigrated from Lewis in search of a better life. However, the life awaiting them was full of difficulty. When he came of age, Donald headed west and worked as a cowboy, sending money to his parents to pay off the debt on their homestead. Donald's life began to unravel when the owner of the debt claimed that the payments had... Read more

16/11/1999 | 21:00
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
S1999 | E07

1h

A look at the history of children's television broadcasting on the BBC, with lots of clips from classic shows interspersed with soundbites from celebrities.

01/01/1999 | 21:00
Ross Kemp: Alive in Alaska
S1999 | E08

1h

Ross camp at journeys through the Denali National park in Alaska. Home to Rich wildlife and mount Kinley North America's highest mountain.

12/09/1999 | 20:00
The Shealtiels
S1999 | E09

1h

Documentary telling the story of a Jewish family that has been scattered far and wide by religious and racial intolerance throughout the years. From as far afield as Japan, Norway, Africa and the USA, different branches of the Shealtiels have begun to rediscover each other, their tale illustrating the global dispersal of the Jew

01/01/1999 | 21:00
What Makes Us Tick
S1999 | E10

1h

In the last few months, significant strides have been made towards locating the human body clock. This documentary follows the quest forthe elusive element and explores the brain's stopwatch -the device allowing the measurement of the passage of time.

09/01/1999 | 21:00
Don't Call Us
S1999 | E11

1h

Documentary tracing the history of the talent show from its earliest days as a radio vehicle for Canadian comic Carroll Levis through to Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, which launched a whole host of household names.Su Pollard , Mickey Most , Tony Hatch , Patty Boulaye and Nina Myskow are among those who talk about their experiences.

13/01/1999 | 21:00
The Jerwood Fashion Prize
S1999 | E12

1h

A documentary that follows some of Britain's young fashion designers as they compete for a prize that is worth more than £200,000. The competition, launched last September with the help of BBC TV's Looking Good programme, attracted nearly 200 entrants; eight were selected and challenged to produce a collection for the catwalk.

17/02/1999 | 21:00
Man in the Sand
S1999 | E13

1h

The political folk singer Woody Guthrie died in 1967. A prolific composer until illness curtailed his work at the end of the forties, Guthrie has been a major influence on artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. In 1995 Guthrie's daughter Nora discovered hundreds of lyrics written by her father which had never become songs. She asked Essex troubadour Billy Bragg to compose a musical backi... Read more

20/02/1999 | 21:00
Casualty 250: the Full Medical
S1999 | E14

1h

As a salute to Britain's longest-running medical drama which reached its 250th episode last month, Gaby Roslin presents this documentary which charts the success of the programme since its inception in 1986. Regular stars past and present reminisce about the drama as well as some familiar faces who just passed through.

17/03/1999 | 21:00
Killer in the Family
S1999 | E15

1h

Documentary in which four people share their emotional experiences of having a killer in their family. Among those taking part are John Sutcliffe , father of Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe , and Betty Scott , the mother of multiple-killer Dennis Nilsen.

30/03/1999 | 20:00
Lindbergh
S1999 | E16

1h

For over a decade after Charles Lindbergh's historic flight across the Atlantic in 1927, the aviator was viewed as America's greatest hero. One of the most honoured private citizens on earth, in the air Lindbergh seemed to represent all that made America great. But back on the ground his stubborn prejudice and right-wing political views led many of those who had worshipped him to come to see him ... Read more

04/04/1999 | 20:00
Forging the World of Great Expectations
S1999 | E17

1h

A documentary offering an overview of the socio-historical context of Charles Dickens 's novel. There is comment from the cast and makers of Tony Marchant 's BBC dramatisation, who also talk about the filming of the classic.

17/04/1999 | 20:00
Manchester United Family
S1999 | E18

1h

Documentary recalling those times in United's history where their performances failed to live up to their fans' high expectations. In 1974, United suffered the indignity of relegation to Division Two - their fate sealed by a defeat at the hands of arch rivals Manchester City. Promotion back to the elite was secured the following season, but sustained success eluded United until the early eighties.

15/05/1999 | 20:00
Man on the Moon
S1999 | E19

1h

Thirty years after Neil Armstrong took that famous "giant leap for mankind", he introduces the inside story of Apollo 11. The programme looks at how the dedication and commitment of Nasa workers, from the astronauts' maid to the technicians, made the mission possible. Including an interview with the second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin.

13/07/1999 | 20:00
Sale Fever
S1999 | E20

1h

One-off documentary following dedicated shoppers on the first day of the winter sale at Harrods. The famous London store opens its doors to cameras for the first time, revealing the world of the obsessive bargain hunter.

20/07/1999 | 20:00
The Making of Aristocrats
S1999 | E21

1h

This documentary goes behind the scenes of the lavish drama Aristocrats.. The programme talks to members of the cast and reveals how the 18th-century settings were created.

25/07/1999 | 20:00
Omagh - the Legacy
S1999 | E22

1h

It is a year since the worst single act of the Troubles saw a car bomb kill 29 and injure a further 350 in the centre of Omagh,Northern Ireland. Liam Neeson narrates this poignant and powerful story of two children-16-year-old Claire Gallagher and ten-year-old Stephen Coyle - horrifically injured in the blast.

15/08/1999 | 20:00
Joan Crawford: Always the Star
S1999 | E23

1h

Documentary charting the sometimes stormy life and career of Hollywood actress Joan Crawford.

21/08/1999 | 20:00
Pot of Gold
S1999 | E24

1h

A fly-on-the-wall documentary following four top British athletes-m medallist John Maycock , modern pentathlete Stephanie Cook , rower James Cracknell and sprinter Joyce Maduaka as they start gruelling training sessions for the next Olympic games.Presented by Commonwealth gold medallist Iwan Thomas.

30/08/1999 | 20:00
Feel the Need
S1999 | E25

1h

Gaby Roslin presents a documentary celebrating the 20th anniversary of BBC Children in Need on television. As well as reflecting on the achievements of a broadcast that has raised L255 million in its lifetime, tonight's programme also looks at the continuing reasons to raise money. Some viewers may find certain scenes distressing.

01/09/1999 | 20:00
Born Too Soon
S1999 | E26

1h

Every year thousands of premature babies are born in this country, and many die because they are too young to survive life outside the womb. This documentary, to mark the end of National Pregnancy Week, celebrates the lives of the survivors and reveals pioneering British research which will significantly reduce the numbers of premature births in the future.

06/09/1999 | 20:00
100 Years Young
S1999 | E27

1h

When the Queen came to the throne in 1952, there were about 200 hundreth birthday telegrams to send out. This year, there are over 9,000 and the number is doubling every decade. In this documentary, contemporary centenarians reveal themselves to be busier and healthier than some much younger people, with passions as diverse as motorbikes, dancing, painting and religion.

07/09/1999 | 20:00
A Bitter Pill
S1999 | E28

1h

Figures show a third of drugs given to children in hospitals have never been tested for use on them. In this documentary, parents of children who've died from drug errors tell their stories and doctors discuss the dilemmas of treating children with new drugs. Shelley Jofre and Steve Le Fevre report.

13/09/1999 | 20:00
The World According to ...
S1999 | E29

1h

One-off documentary in which David, Shelby, Terri, Emma, and Natasha - five children between the ages of six and ten who live on the outskirts of Bristol - relate their views on the world around them. One boy's ideal day out would be to the Natural History Museum, another wants to grow up to be a tooth fairy, while another cannot distinguish between God and the prime minister.

27/10/1999 | 20:00
Getting Older Younger
S1999 | E30

1h

One-off documentary in which advertising and marketing executives explain how they target products at children. With advertising infiltrating the classroom, British children are losing their innocence earlier than ever before. This film examines the techniques used to sell products to consumers as young as three.

03/11/1999 | 21:00
It's Lulu!
S1999 | E31

1h

A special documentary profiling the life and career of Scottish singing sensation Lulu, who first shot to fame at the tender age of 15 with the chart-topping single Shout.

12/11/1999 | 21:00
Ruth Ellis: a Life for a Life
S1999 | E32

1h

Nightclub hostess Ruth Ellis infamously shot her lover i David Blakely dead in April 1955. This one-off drama-documentary, presented by Kirsty Wark and containing interviews, archive footage and a violent opening scene, reveals evidence that could have prevented her from becoming the last British woman to be hanged.

28/11/1999 | 21:00
Four Wheelbarrows and a Wedding
S1999 | E33

1h

A documentary charting a year in the life of the staff and owners of Sudely Castle in Gloucestershire. Narrated by Alan Titchmarsh.

30/11/1999 | 21:00
The Bunny Years
S1999 | E34

1h

A one-off documentary that sets out to debunk the image of the women who were employed as hostesses at the notorious Playboy Club. Former bunny girls who have gone on to become writers, doctors and entrepreneurs recall a time of innocence, glamour and independence.

07/12/1999 | 21:00
Phones, Robbers and Videotape
S1999 | E35

1h

Documentary examining the growing epidemic of crime against Britain's phone companies. The programme reveals how powerful computers are being used in the war against "phone hacking", and also how crime-fighting squads are having to deal with gangs of youngsters stealing from public telephones. Narrated by Jamie Theakston.

15/12/1999 | 21:00
Around the World in 80 Minutes - Century in Song
S1999 | E36

1h

Feature-length documentary that blends music with newly restored archive film to provide a decade-by-decade journey through the 20th century. The programme includes the very first moving pictures - recorded at the Paris World Exhibition of 1900 - and features performances from a range of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Shirley Temple, Judy Garland and the Rolling Stones.

27/12/1999 | 21:00
Magic Morris
S1999 | E37

1h

An affectionate tribute to Johnny Morris, the television presenter who died earlier this month.He is remembered for his animal voices, and the programme includes archive clips as well as recollections from his colleagues. Hosted by Bill Oddie.

23/05/1999 | 20:00
It's...The Monty Python Story
S1999 | E38

1h

A documentary hosted by Eddie Izzard about the History of Monty Python, from their early lives and careers through the Flying Circus and movies to Graham Chapman's death and the question of another reunion. Features interviews with David Frost, Frank Skinner, Robin Williams, Kevin Kline, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Part of Python Night.

09/10/1999 | 20:00
Gulag
S1999 | E39

1h

Documentary examining Stalin's Gulag. Between the October Revolution and Stalin's death in 1953, millions of people died in the camps. The film explores the Gulag legacy, hearing from victims and perpetrators of the system.

10/07/1999 | 20:00
Hollywood's Master of Myth: Joseph Campbell - The Force Behind Star Wars
S1999 | E40

1h

Documentary which tells the remarkable story of a man whose visionary ideas about myth helped shape the whole Star Wars cycle of films. Joseph Campbell's writings are the missing link between ancient myths and modern movies, Homer and Hollywood 'high concept'. His ideas about the universal appeal of stories involving a 'hero's journey' have also influenced films as diverse as Mad Max and Babe. Cam... Read more

18/07/1999 | 20:00
The Bay City Rollers - Remember?
S1999 | E41

1h

Between 1974 and 1978 the Bay City Rollers were one of the most successful pop groups on the planet scoring 11 Top Ten hits in the UKand reaching number one in America. They sold in the region of 120-million records worldwide and their tartan image was copied by a generation of teenagers. But all the pressures of international touring took their toll and amid business rows over missing money the... Read more

05/04/1999 | 20:00
The Flow of Time
S1999 | E42

1h

06/01/1999 | 21:00
Arthur Lowe: A Life on the Box
S1999 | E43

1h

Terry Wogan presents a compilation programme celebrating the unique talent of Arthur Lowe. Featuring interviews with those who knew him, and footage from both his classic comedy performances and his many straight roles.

21/02/1999 | 21:00
How to Be Home Secretary
S1999 | E44

1h

In the latest how-to-do-it guide, Michael Cockerell films behind the scenes in the normally secretive Home Office. As well as crime, prisons and MI5, the Home Secretary is responsible for nudist beaches, mad dogs and massage parlours. Jack Straw and his predecessors talk candidly about the Cabinet's most dangerous and fascinating job.

24/01/1999 | 21:00
How to Be Leader of the Opposition
S1999 | E45

1h

The occasional series of documentaries lifting the lid on some of the top jobs in British politics offers a revealing insight into the life of the leader of the Opposition. Conservative leader William Hague talks about his often thankless task, while those who discuss the problems of life in opposition include Harold Wilson , Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair , Presented by Michael Cockerell.

19/06/1999 | 20:00
The Lost Race
S1999 | E46

1h

The story of what happened to the leaders and members of the National Front, Britain's most successful far-right party, since their support collapsed in the 1979 General Election. Uncovered here, against a backdrop of street violence and vitriolic racism, is the "Massacre of Welling Library" in which the British National Party left 16 people in need of hospital treatment. Plus the influence of ... Read more

24/03/1999 | 21:00
Goodbye to the Nineties
S1999 | E47

1h

An affectionate look at the highs and lows of the past ten years in a fast-moving montage of memorable moments with music and scrolling newsbites. This was the decade when OJ, Viagra and Ibiza became household names, former Take That star Robbie Williams rose and fell and rose again, and football "came home" to the middle classes.

31/12/1999 | 21:00
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