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Arena Episodes

  1.

    Voices from the Island

    Nelson Mandela and other ex-prisoners recall their incarceration on Robben Island. (1994)

  2. The Time Signal

    Looking at radio and it's history, Dr Carl Dolmetsch finds out why the pips changed pitch.

  3. Tales of Rock 'n' Roll: Walk on the Wild Side

    The story behind Lou Reed's classic song celebrating transvestism - Walk on the Wild Side.

  4. Peggy Sue: Tales of Rock and Roll

    The inspiration behind Buddy Holly's famous song provides fresh insights into his career.

  5. Philip Roth

    On the occasion of his 60th birthday, author Philip Roth discusses his life and his books.

  6. The Last Soviet Citizen

    The story of the Soviet citizen suspended in space for ten months.

  7. Edward Said: The Idea of Empire

    Palestinian writer and exile Edward Said talks about his book "Culture and Imperialism".

  8. Linda McCartney - Behind the Lens

    An Arena special focusing on Linda McCartney's photographic career.

  9. Armistead Maupin Is a Man I Dreamt Up

    Writer Armistead Maupin tells the story behind his Tales of the City novels.

  10. Masters Of The Canvas

    Pop artist Peter Blake's fascination with masked wrestler Kendo Nagasaki. (1992)

  11. Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 3

    Director Billy Wilder discusses his career with German film-maker Volker Schlondorff.

  12. Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 2

    Director Billy Wilder discusses his career with German film-maker Volker Schlondorff.

  13. Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 1

    Director Billy Wilder discusses his career with German film-maker Volker Schlondorff.

  14. Caroline 199 - A Pirate's Tale

    Documentary looking at Radio Caroline, founded in 1964.

  15. The Strange Story of Joe Meek

    Documentary about the influential pop composer and record producer Joe Meek.

  16. Miller Meets Mandela

    Nelson Mandela talks to Arthur Miller in a rare and momentous interview. (1991)

  17. Agatha Christie: An Unfinished Portrait

    Profile celebrating the centenary of the author Agatha Christie鈥檚 birth.

  18. Oooh, Er, Missus! The Frankie Howerd Story

    Documentary about the life of Frankie Howerd, with help from friends and colleagues.

  19. Jana Bokova's Havana

    The citizens of Havana talk about their lives, their city and Cuba under Castro.

  20. Paris Is Burning

    A vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City鈥檚 drag ball scene.

  21. Blackpool

    1989 documentary which takes a look at Europe's most successful holiday resort.

  22. Byrne About Byrne

    Author John Byrne's diverse and inventive autobiographical film. With Robbie Coltrane.

  23. My Name Is Celia Cruz

    Profile of the legendary Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz, who lived and worked in New York.

  24. Broadway - The Great White Way

    Arena travels the length of Broadway and explores the myths of the Great White Way.

  25. Woody Guthrie

    The life of Woody Guthrie, travelling American singer-songwriter. (1988)

  27. Dennis Potter

    Alan Yentob interviews TV dramatist Dennis Potter about his life and work.

  28. Louise Brooks

    Film exploring the life of one of the most celebrated icons of early cinema.

  29. Tango Mio

    Traces the colourful story of the seductive and mysterious dance, the tango.

  30. Tosca's Kiss

    Documentary about Casa Verdi, a rambling mansion that is a now home to retired musicians.

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