Arts
Arena
The gold standard for arts documentaries, from 1975 to the present day. A cultural map of the world鈥檚 greatest artists and musicians, as captured by exceptional film-makers.
My Brain: After the Rupture (1h 21m)
- The Last Soviet CitizenThe story of the Soviet citizen suspended in space for ten months.1h 16m
- Armistead Maupin Is a Man I Dreamt UpWriter Armistead Maupin tells the story behind his Tales of the City novels.1h
- Masters Of The CanvasPop artist Peter Blake's fascination with masked wrestler Kendo Nagasaki. (1992)1h
- Miller Meets MandelaNelson Mandela talks to Arthur Miller in a rare and momentous interview. (1991)1h
- Agatha Christie: An Unfinished PortraitProfile celebrating the centenary of the author Agatha Christie鈥檚 birth.1h 1m
- Paris Is BurningA vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City鈥檚 drag ball scene.1h 10m
- Louise BrooksFilm exploring the life of one of the most celebrated icons of early cinema.56 mins
- Tosca's KissDocumentary about Casa Verdi, a rambling mansion that is a now home to retired musicians.1h 24m
- Blues Night: 6. Big Bill BluesBig Bill Broonzy sings and plays the blues in a Belgian nightclub. (1985)23 mins
- Blues Night: 5. Blues MedleyBlues medley featuring Fred McDowell, Lead Belly and Billie Holiday. (1985)26 mins
- Blues Night: 4. Blind John DavisStuds Terkel and pianist Blind John Davis meet in Chicago to discuss the blues. (1985)20 mins
- Blues Night: Chicago BluesPerformances by Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. (1985)52 mins
- Blues Night: 2. B.B. King SpeaksJohn Walters talks to B.B. King about his extraordinary life. (1985)38 mins
- Blues Night: 1. Sonny Boy Williamson SingsRare footage of the harmonica blues player Sonny Boy Williamson. (1985)21 mins
- Francis BaconA profile of Sir Francis Bacon's life, his lovers and his artistic works and pursuits.1h
- Billie Holliday: The Long Night of Lady DayA film portrait of one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, Billie Holliday.1h 23m
- Bette Davis: The Benevolent VolcanoDocumentary about Bette Davis, including an interview with the Hollywood star herself.45 mins
- The Orson Welles Story: Episode 2Second of a two-part profile of Orson Welles, looking at films including The Trial.55 mins
- The Orson Welles Story: Episode 1First of a two-part film profile of Orson Welles, which goes as far as Touch of Evil.1h 51m
- Desert Island DiscsA celebration of Roy Plomley's radio favourite with some celebrity castaways' help.47 mins
- The Private Life of the Ford CortinaThis programme looks at the history of the Ford Cortina.45 mins
- Edward HopperDocumentary about the great American realist painter and printmaker Edward Hopper.36 mins
- Chelsea HotelChelsea Hotel in New York, a haven for some of the 20th Century's greatest talent. (1981)55 mins
- Andrea Dunbar and Victoria WoodProgramme from 1980 profiling writer/performer Victoria Wood and playwright Andrea Dunbar.32 mins
- Rudies Come Back: The Rise and Rise of 2 ToneAdrian Thrills investigates 2 Tone and its unique blend of ska, reggae, new wave and punk.33 mins
- Six Days in SeptemberProfile of John Hoyland, seen by many as England's finest abstract painter. (1979)35 mins
- Art and Design: The JourneyWriter George Melly talks about the influence of surrealism on his early life.25 mins
- Theatre - ArenaThe first episode of Arena, from 1975.29 mins
