6 - 12 MAY 2023

Apparently, there are other events this weekend, but we’ll take a look and see if there is a film or two worth catching. What I hope to be watching, is the presentation of the Championship trophy next Monday afternoon . . . .
HOMEWARD (2019) Saturday 6 May 9.00-10.30pm BBC 4    P         
We have a pertinent drama from Ukraine for you, this evening. Mustafa arrives in Kyiv to take his son’s body home to the Crimea.  Slowly, he begins to bond with Alim, his other son, during the journey. 
CARMEN JONES (1954) Sunday 7 May 2.40-4.25pm BBC 2       
Chosen by the BBC to pay tribute to Harry Balafonte, who passed away last month, and what an apt choice it is. Filmed in CinemaScope, and directed by Otto Preminger, its all-black cast was groundbreaking for the time. Both Mr Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge are very good as is the film – Bizet via Broadway is a real treat for lovers of musicals. 
THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES (1991) Wednesday 10 May 10.00-11.30pm BBC 4           
This was also a groundbreaking drama, albeit for different reasons. Brian Cox and Eileen Atkins (co-creator of the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs) are the middle-aged parents whose son comes out as gay. It is as much a BBC ‘Drama of the Week’ as a conventional film, but its premiere was at the 1991 LFF and the renowned director John Schlesinger pops up in a cameo role. The principal actors are excellent and this very rare showing is most welcome.