Discovering Film

20149 seriesEntertainment / Factual
Available on Sky Arts
Sky Arts

Some of the biggest film stars in history rose to fame during the `golden age' of Hollywood, in the early and mid-20th century. `Discovering Film' profiles some of these stars who became iconic face and household names during this era. Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart and Henry Fonda are among the stars and starlets featured in the hour-long episodes, which take a detailed look at their lives and careers. The programme explains how the stars of the screen rose to fame and lasted long enough at the top to create a legacy that still endures decades later.

Peter O'Toole: Episode Image
Episode 1Peter O'Toole

A fascinating look at the life and work of Peter O'Toole, the late stage and film actor who shot to fame by playing TE Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia. (S6, ep 1)

Joan Fontaine: Episode Image
Episode 2Joan Fontaine

An intimate portrait of Joan Fontaine, the Academy Award-winning actress who appeared in such films as Rebecca (1940), Suspicion (1941), Jane Eyre (1944) and Othello (1952). (S6, ep 2)

Richard Harris: Episode Image
Episode 3Richard Harris

An eye-opening look at the remarkable career of Richard Harris, exploring his roles in movies such as This Sporting Life, A Man Called Horse and the Harry Potter films. (S6, ep 3)

James Coburn: Episode Image
Episode 4James Coburn

A profile of James Coburn, the tough-guy actor in films that included Our Man Flint and The Magnificent Seven, who won an Academy Award in 1998 for his role in Affliction. (S6, ep 4)

Dean Martin: Episode Image
Episode 5Dean Martin

A fascinating look at the life and career of Dean Martin, the Rat Pack star famed for his film and stage partnership with the comedian Jerry Lewis. (S6, ep 5)

Peter Sellers: Episode Image
Episode 6Peter Sellers

An eye-opening profile of Peter Sellers, from his early life and work on the Goon Show to his starring role as Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther film series. (S6, ep 6)

Robert Shaw: Episode Image
Episode 7Robert Shaw

A look at the life and career of British actor Robert Shaw. Often cast in menacing roles, he is widely remembered for his performance as shark hunter Quint in Jaws. (S6, ep 7)

Rex Harrison: Episode Image
Episode 8Rex Harrison

A look at the life and career of Rex Harrison, the Oscar-winning English actor who starred as Professor Henry Higgins in the 1964 film musical My Fair Lady. (S6, ep 8)

Yul Brynner: Episode Image
Episode 9Yul Brynner

A fascinating portrait of Yul Brynner, the Academy Award-winning actor famed for his roles as King Mongkut of Siam in The King and I and a robotic gunslinger in Westworld. (S6, ep 9)

Claude Rains: Episode Image
Episode 10Claude Rains

An eye-opening look at the life and career of four-time Academy Award nominee Claude Rains, the English actor who appeared in Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia. (S6, ep 10)

Janet Leigh: Episode Image
Episode 11Janet Leigh

A fascinating portrait of Janet Leigh, the American actress, singer, dancer and author who is best remembered for her Golden Globe-winning performance in Psycho. (S6, ep 11)

Rod Steiger: Episode Image
Episode 12Rod Steiger

An eye-opening look at the life and career of Rod Steiger, the Academy Award-winning actor noted for his roles in On the Waterfront and In the Heat of the Night. (S6, ep 12)

Gina Lollobrigida: Episode Image
Episode 13Gina Lollobrigida

An intimate portrait of Gina Lollobrigida, one of the highest profile European actresses of the 50s and early 60s. (S6, ep 13)

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