Arena
Arena: Season 1988

Air Date

January 8, 1988

Episodes

13 episodes

Arena

Season 1988

Episodes

Woody Guthrie

1. Woody Guthrie

January 8, 1988
90 min

Woody Guthrie was born into a family made rich by the Oklahoma oil boom. But by the time he was eight years old, his mother was in an insane asylum and his father had lost every penny. His personal life was a catalogue of tragedy and disease, yet he had a vision that inspired two generations of Americans. The dustiest of the Dust Bowlers, Guthrie made his own life into a myth. He appointed himself spokesman for the poor and oppressed and through his songs turned their life into his own. This classic film is full of the songs of Woody Guthrie and contains rare footage of him performing. Guthrie's story is told in his own words and includes extended interviews with friends and family.

3. The Dandy-Beano Story

January 15, 1988
90 min

50th anniversary tribute to the Beano and Dandy comics. (Synopsis from BFI Film & TV Database)

5. The Emperor

February 5, 1988
90 min

Performance of Jonathan Miller's production for the Royal Court Theatre, of Ryszard Kapuscinski's "The Emperor", adapted for the stage and television by Michael Hastings and Jonathan Miller. Drama about the last days of Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia before his final overthrow.

6. Woody Guthrie

January 8, 1988
67 min

7. An Andalucian Journey

March 4, 1988
90 min

A journey through southern Spain to meet the Andalucian gypsy families who keep alive the traditions of flamenco.

8. Robert Mapplethorpe

March 18, 1988
90 min

Profile of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, to accompany the exhibition of his work at the National Portrait Gallery.

9. The English Thoroughbred

March 25, 1988
90 min

Documentary on the thoroughbred horse. Horses include Oh So Sharp, Dancing Brave, Adjal and Reference Point.

10. Byrne About Byrne

April 1, 1988
90 min

John Byrne, author of TUTTI FRUTTI, writes and directs his own film autobiography.

11. Ten Green Bottles

November 25, 1988
90 min

Tenth anniversary edition of the programme, featuring clips from some of the pro grammes of the last ten years.

12. Clint Eastwood

December 2, 1988
90 min

Interview with Clint Eastwood about his career, his work as a director and the evolution of the Eastwood persona.

13. Moving Across The World On Horses

December 9, 1988
90 min

Documentary about the work of Michael Ondaatje, including a dramatisation of his ideas.

14. History Boys On The Rampage

December 16, 1988
90 min

Report about the Field Day Theatre Company's production of Making History on tour in Northern Ireland.

15. Robert Mapplethorpe

March 18, 1988
52 min
No cast information available