FILM OF THE DAY
The History Boys ★★★★
10.00-11.50pm BBC4 15
DRAMA Nicholas Hytner won awards for directing Alan Bennett’s play on the stage, and he wisely changes as little as possible for this screen telling, even retaining the original cast. The story concerns a group of Sheffield grammar school students being drilled for their Oxbridge exams, with Richard Griffiths (above) as a teacher who is sexual attracted to the boys. It’s a masterpiece of wit and intellect, featuring a fabulous cast that includes Dominic Cooper and James Corden. Followed by Alan Bennett at 80: Hytner Meets Bennett — see choice, p87. ADAM SMITH (UK/US 2006, swearing, HD)
Ha’penny Breeze ★★★
1.20-2.50pm Talking Pictures TV U
DRAMA The Suffolk hamlet of Pin Mill provides the setting for this Ealing-esque production about two soldiers who return from the war and attempt to revive the fortunes of the harbour on the River Orwell. There’s a degree of contrivance to the scenario, but director Frank Worth makes evocative use of the charming locale. DAVID PARKINSON (UK 1950, BW)
Once upon a Texas Train ★★★
2.50-4.50pm Great Action U
WESTERN Ranger Richard Widmark and ageing robber Willie Nelson put aside their lifelong feud to deal with young outlaw Shaun Cassidy in this light-hearted movie. In addition to the stellar leads, veteran writer/producer/ director Burt Kennedy draws on a wonderful cast of genre stalwarts, including Angie Dickinson, Stuart Whitman and Jack Elam. TONY SLOMAN (US TVM 1988, some violence)
The Browning Version ★★★★
5.35-7.25pm Talking Pictures TV U
DRAMA Playwright Terence Rattigan and director Anthony Asquith collaborated on many projects (The Winslow Boy and French without Tears among them), and this is up there with the best. Michael Redgrave is mesmerising as the classics teacher whose life is as dry as his subject. The support is first rate, too, with Jean Kent as his heartless wife and Nigel Patrick as her lover. DP (UK 1951, BW)
Here Comes the Boom ★★★
7.00-9.00pm Great Movies 12
COMEDY This hit-and-miss romp stars Kevin James as a jaded biology teacher who moonlights as a mixed martial arts fighter in order to raise money to save the school’s music department. James’s likeable personality and quick wit help the film through its stuttering storyline and predictable plot twists. TERRY STAUNTON (US 2012, edited for language, violence)
Taken ★★★★
9.00-10.50pm Film4 18
ACTION Liam Neeson became a middle-aged action hero off the back of this gritty thriller. When his daughter (Maggie Grace) is kidnapped by sex-traffickers, the ex-covert agent runs, shoots and punches a bloody swathe through Paris to find her. The physical punishment Neeson inflicts is almost palpable, but it’s never at th
