Melvyn Bragg Movies

This episode of London Weekend Television's acclaimed, long-running documentary series The South Bank Show (hosted by the iconic Melvyn Bragg) discusses the phenomenon of countertenor singing, where adult male singers perform pieces from the classical repertoire in the mezzo-soprano, contralto or soprano ranges. Vocalists who appear in this program and discuss the phenomenon at length include Andreas Scholl, Michael Chance, James Bowman and Jimmy Somerville; as an added bonus, the program features a countertenor concert where Bowman, Chance and Scholl perform works by such classical composers as Ford, Handel, Bach and Dowland. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Part one of this two-tape set chronicles the spread of Christianity through the Puritan settlement of North America. Victims of intolerance themselves, Puritans soon established new heights of persecution and strict religious conformity in their effort to construct a new, Christian utopia. Part two of the set investigates the rise of Methodism and the effect of the Industrial Revolution on contemporary Christian thought. Also discussed is the apparent contradiction of Christian slaveholding. Serious in tone and well documented, this video is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi

Part one of this two-tape set concentrates on a time of duality for the church. On one hand, the church found its greatest architectural expression in the cathedrals that soon covered Europe; on the other, paranoia led to hysterical accusations of heresy that led to acts of genocide. Part two of the set continues on the same theme, including the Pope's denunciation of Jews as the cause of the Black Death. This pronouncement led to anti-Semitic massacre, and further fused the actions of church and state in medieval Europe. Also covered are the events of the Hundred Years' War. Serious in tone and well documented, this video is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi

Part one of this two-tape set contrasts the two halves of the early Christian world, the sagging decay of Rome with the opulent splendor of Byzantium. Also covered is the loss of the Holy Land to the sudden rise of Islam, and the internecine arguments that served to further divide the church. The second tape of the set concentrates on the conversion of Saxon tribes by Bishop Boniface and Charlemagne and graphically shows how religion was once a tool of national unity. Serious in tone and well documented, this video is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi

The first tape of this set discusses the place of Christianity within the context of the Roman Empire, an empire whose citizenry worshipped a wide pantheon of deities, including the Emperor himself. This tape explains how an outlaw faith came to surpass the popularity of all other religions within the Empire. The second tape picks up where the first left off. The persecution of the faith by the Roman government is covered, then the conversion of Constantine and the acceptance of the faith as the Empire's official religion. Other events are investigated as well, including the Council of Nicea. Serious in tone and well documented, this video is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi

This performance film features a live set by the chamber music flautist James Galway, conducted and shot at the Waterfront Hall in Galway's hometown of Belfast, Ireland, in 1999. As an added bonus, the program features extended conversation between Galway and the eminent Melvyn Bragg, culled from an episode of The South Bank Show about the Irish musician. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

As an essential figure in any study of pop art, Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg (b. 1929) specialized in reproductions of consumer objects such as hamburgers and toilets, often created with bizarre dimensions and/or composed of highly unusual, disorienting materials. The sculptor's reputation soon spread far above and beyond art circles, largely courtesy of his fondness for environmental art and his ability to create lasting monuments; both tendencies made him a fixture on the American landscape. As hosted by Melvyn Bragg, this 1996 broadcast of London Weekend Television's South Bank Show visits Oldenburg in 1995, during the construction of one such monument and the preparation of a career-long retrospective at the Guggenheim. Experts including fellow pop art pioneer Roy Lichtenstein turn up on camera for incisive commentary. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

This four-part British miniseries was based on the second of the three Johnny Maxwell books by children's author Terry Pratchett (who also wrote the teleplay). This time around, young Johnny (Andrew Falvey) came to the rescue of several restless ghosts. This required the hero to prevent a local cemetery from being plowed over by the usual evil land developers. More whimsical than weird, Johnny and the Dead originally aired from April 4 to 25, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

British writer Dennis Potter, author of The Singing Detective and Pennies From Heaven, has been called the "authentic wild man of British television" and his works are known for being filled with complicated characters and challenging subjects. After receiving a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer and knowing he had only several months to live, Potter discussed his life and controversial work in this intriguing interview with Melvyn Bragg of the BBC. ~ Alice Duncan, Rovi

Jackson Pollock's use of the drip technique established him as one of the most influential painters of the 20th century. His experiments in style led to a freedom in the abstract expressionist movement that has been unparalleled since. This program explores the turbulent life and work of this controversial figure. After studying formally with artist Thomas Hart Benton, Pollock began to break free of the academic form. His interests in rhythm and unusual sequence can be traced to painters El Greco and Diego Rivera. In the late '40s, Pollock introduced the drips, smears, and circular motions that were to cement his reputation. His later career, though distinguished, was also filled with emotional turmoil and sorrow. Pollock died in a car accident at the age of 44, but his legacy as one of the first celebrity modernists lives on. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

Each episode of Portrait of an Artist offers an intimate peek at the life and work of an important figure in the world of art. Not just a dry discussion of the major works, this video is an exploration of the environment that produced the artist and influenced his or her work. From interviews with family and friends, to short trips to the artist's favorite haunts, no stone is left unturned. In this particular episode, viewers explore the life and work of Roy Lichtenstein, one of the prominent figures of the pop movement. Focusing on his 1993 career retrospective at the Guggenheim, this video explores the work of the man who so effectively combined four-color comic-book art with the sensibility of Seurat. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi