An engineer is sent to a remote government lab to assist a scientist in his research and to report back on what exactly this consists of. He discovers that the scientist is seeking to prove the existence of a theoretical form of energy that he believes to be the source of all paranormal powers. To capture it in the lab, he plans to use a subject on the brink of death, as well as in a hypnotic trance (to be induced by the computer) and also in telepathic communication with someone else--a child who is mentally deficient but psychically gifted--who can report the dying subject's sensations posthumously. At first skeptical, then appalled, the engineer soon becomes a convert to the scientist's views, concealing the nature of the planned experiment from his own employer and fending off a visit by government officials that would prevent it. At last it takes place, and it seems to be a success...but is it?
Mr Mockler and Mrs Acland have never met, but gradually Mrs Acland's ghosts begin to take over Mr Mockler's life.
Peter boards a train to attend an important business meeting across Europe. His train trip is made more complicated by two women also assigned to his train compartment. One is an independent American whom Peter finds attractive. The other is Frau Messner - an extremely particular and demanding older European woman. Between the two of them, they try different aspects of Peter's patience...
'Can you imagine, just try to imagine the numbers of good men who are going to be slaughtered this summer ...' Using a remarkable blend of dramatic techniques, this study of three English poets - who were also three courageous soldiers - gradually develops towards their historical and crucial meeting.
Lou Parker feels very strongly that she and her husband, Ray, are different from the Farrells and the Ackerleys. With them it s all television. But she and Ray have the local library and The Observer. They keep abreast. They're different.
Time is playing tricks on Mary. Around her the walls are crumbling- all the houses are being pulled down. Why does she insist on staying, caught in a dream about a family, years ago, out walking in the fields after the harvest? And who was Sarah, that beautiful young girl, whose sister couldn't bear that she was in love?
Dick and Mandy, a young working class couple, move into a council house in Canterbury, and find Mr. Butcher, one of their former teachers, living next door. Mandy's unmarried sister, Gloria, is constantly dropping in, and will not take any hints that the couple would prefer to be left alone, until her presence finally goads them to action
'One of your Popes had a great thing to say once. He had been listening to some music by Palestrina with Palestrina himself. He said to him, " The law, my dear Palestrina, ought to employ your music to lead hardened criminals to repentance".'
Chrissie and Colum are to be married tomorrow. Happy? ' I feel sick', says Colum. ' I feel sick', says Chrissie-but there could be another reason for that.
Are you big enough to fill his shoes, Can you stand upon your toes, Reach up and touch the peg Where he used to hang his hat ? Do you know where it's at? Once, in the 1960s, when everyone was into style, a young man called Graham took a summer job in a commercial art studio, to see if this was the life for him.
In 1922 John Fothergill , scholar, aesthete, one-time friend of Oscar Wilde , bought 'The Spread Eagle' at Thame determined to turn it into England's most celebrated inn. Based on An Innkeeper's Diary by John Fothergill .
"Here we are on day seven of the sit-in at the Bluebell Inn. This has now become a village divided; the real battle of the sexes is taking place here, now. The five women inside are still standing firm, although it is said they are now very short of supplies. The men, urged on by friends and work-mates, are also standing firm. Deadlock is the only way to describe what is happening here now.... "The deciding match in the County Darts League should take place here tomorrow night. If the sit-in isn't over then, the men will have to concede defeat. "Sandy Williams, News at Ten, Mexthorpe, South Yorkshire."
A day in the life of Mrs Radcliffe , who believes that the advice she so freely gives is done only out of kindness.
A monarch is back on the throne Oliver Cromwell 's militant chaplain, Hugh Peter , has been arrested and tried by the Royalists. On this, the last night before his execution, he is visited by figures from his past - and future.
Adolf Hitler had an Irish sister-in-law. That much is fact. But two interviewers challenge claims made by Bridget in her journal. An unusually intimate picture of Hitler's family life emerges - but is it true? Television's newest technical devices help to create an exciting study in truth, illusion, fact and fantasy.
Sergeant-Major Globe is an accomplished dancer. Corporal Mumford learnt to live off the land in France and young Private Tope joined the army to eat. They are the British army of 1920, guarding a mine on a deserted beach. Nearby, the Hotel Majestic has dancing every night and along the coast the stationmaster's sister likes cooking meals for soldiers. "Nice if the weather holds..."
For years rock journalist Neville Morris has dreamed of meeting Bob Dylan. In June 1978 he finds himself with four days in which to prepare for the most important event of his life. Will he be ready?
'When I was your age I wanted to go to Italy more than anything in the world ... old buildings .. , sunlight. Blue skies ... the air full of the sound of bells in the morning and at dusk.' A mother, waiting for a visit through a hospital day, looks back on her life. Dreams haunt her, fantasies seduce her, memories crowd in on her, distorting the drab reality of her day to day existence. Must her daughter follow in her footsteps? How can she find a way to guide her towards a brighter future?
VE Night, 1945. In a Yorkshire pub not everyone is in a mood to celebrate. Lorna Thorpe 's ' All-Star' dance band is missing two members, the beer has run out-and some influential friends on the city council have booked flights to Buenos Aires.
'They're mortal enemies, we just hate each other. So surely if they can agree about the destiny of mankind, we can save our quartet from the knacker's yard.' July 1945: The Potsdam Conference. 16 km south of war-devastated Berlin, Stalin, Truman, Churchill and Attlee are met to determine the shape of the new Europe. Having exchanged their white tie and tails for air force blue, an internationally famous string quartet waits to entertain the men of destiny. i When you're dividing up the world you need a little background music ... '
There were six sisters. One became a communist, one a duchess, one married Sir Oswald Mosley, one became a famous novelist, one a farmer. Unity went to Germany in 1934 and fell in love with Adolf Hitler.
Faced with that challenge, Peter's imagination takes off in a way which surprises everyone.
A play in three parts by William Trevor. "Guilty," pleads Elizabeth, "in marriage, in parenthood, in every close relationship. I have failed!" But should we condemn her as she condemns herself?
A play in three parts by William Trevor. As Elizabeth recovers in hospital after her operation, Henry is busy setting his house in order and looking for a new job. But neither can easily shake off the past.
A play in three parts by William Trevor. Physically and mentally Elizabeth is at crisis point. Can the new, improved Henry provide the happiness which has so long eluded her? Miss Samson takes a hand in her salvation.
'Now I'll never be Director-General of the BBC - what rotten luck! ... Maybe I should take up squash or join the Young Conservatives. It's good to have a mission in life.' , ,. It is a wet Sunday in Shepherd s Bush The Man remembers his past and faces what is left of his future. It's only his sense of humour that keeps him going.
Between performances in Seaton Carew Albie and Carla sort out their wedding, the broken tannoy, Elsie Tanner 's chiropodist and whether their friend Lita should go nude with the snakes.
'I am wearing a large hat. I'm looking, looking at the camera. This picture will last forever. But I shall die.' At the turn of the century Katie waits to have her childhood preserved forever in a photograph. The print is found 80 years later by Sophie who is similarly obsessed by thoughts of her own mortality.
Two elderly patients are in hospital, both with cancer.
Councillor Podkolyossin has called on the services of Madame Fyokla, the matchmaker - decision he is already beginning to regret. Against his better judgment he finds himself competing for the hand of Miss Agafya.
Mrs Reinhardt escapes from the misery of her marriage breakdown to the beautiful countryside of Brittany. She enjoys a flirtation with a young American, but matters take an unexpected turn...
A famous writer finds that a long-suppressed secret is about to be revealed by his former mistress.
