20th Century Drama and Fiction

An Inspector Calls

Inspector Gooles arrival at the Birling home | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 4'53''

In a film adaption of 'An Inspector Calls', Inspector Goole arrives as the Birling household.

Inspector Gooles speech | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 2'25''

In a film adaption of 'An Inspector Calls', Inspector Goole's speech.

Mr Birling sacks Eva Smith | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 3'38''

Mr Birling's interactions with Eva Smith are shown through flashbacks.

The interrogation of Eric | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 4'32''

Inspector Goole interrogates Eric about his interactions with Eva Smith.

The interrogation of Gerald | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 3'17''

Inspector Goole interrogates Gerald about his interactions with Eva Smith.

The interrogation of Mrs Birling | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 4'29''

Inspector Goole interrogates Mrs Birling about her interactions with Eva Smith.

The interrogation of Sheila | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 5'36''

Inspector Goole interrogates Sheila about her interactions with Eva Smith.

An Inspector Calls (2015)

BBC One | 2015 | 1'26'17''

A mysterious inspector interrupts a wealthy family's party with shocking news.

Inspector Goole refuses to leave | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 2015 | 1'18''

The scene from 'An Inspector Calls' in which Inspector Goole refuses to leave.

An Inspector Calls' - Social and political context of 1912 | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 4'01''

An investigation of the political and social context of 1919, the time in which J. B. Priestly set 'A...

An Inspector Calls' - Social and political context of 1945 | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'47''

An investigation of the post-war social and political context in which J. B. Priestly wrote 'An Inspe...

The moral of 'An Inspector Calls' | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'35''

A discussion of the morals that J. B. Priestly leaves for the audience of 'An Inspector Calls'.

Women in 'An Inspector Calls' | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 4'12''

An investigation of the social and political context behind the female character in J. B. Priestly's 'An Inspector Calls'.

An Inspector Calls' - historical context (pt 2/3) | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'04''

A discussion of the historical context and influences behind J B Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'.

In Context: An Inspector Calls (Full Programme) | English File

BBC Two | 1998 | 18'55''

A social and historical context for 'An Inspector Calls' by J.B. Priestley is explored. It uses a National The...

Part 1 | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 1982 | 27'47''

1982 BBC adaptation of JB Priestley's three-act play. Part 1: a police inspector arrives and confronts the family with news of an ex-servant'...

Part 2 | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 1982 | 25'06''

1982 BBC adaptation of JB Priestley's three-act play. Part 2: the future son-in-law's involvement with the deceased is told and Mrs Birling a...

Part 3 | An Inspector Calls

BBC One | 1982 | 28'58''

1982 BBC adaptation of JB Priestley's three-act play. Part 3: the inspector turns out to be a hoaxer and the family receives a call that the real...

Animal Farm

Boxer | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 5'13''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', Boxer is sent away to the glue factory after an injury leaves him unable to work.

Napoleon takes charge | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 4'16''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', Napoleon takes charge after Snowball is chased away from Animal Farm.

Old Major calls a meeting | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 6'06''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', Old Major calls a secret meeting for all the farm animals, to organise ...

The 7 commandments | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 1'12''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the farm animals set out the new rules of Animal Farm.

The ending | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 4'15''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the pigs learn how to walk and begin to wear human clothes.

The revolution | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 4'56''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the farm animals rebel against Mr Jones and claim the farm as their own.

Traitors | Animal Farm

BBC Two | 1954 | 6'29''

From an animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the hens rebel against Napoleon after being forced to give up their eggs.

Animal Farm' and the Russian Revolution | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'35''

An exploration of the historical context of the Russian Revolution and how it influenced George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'.

Soviet purges | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'12''

An exploration of Soviet terror and the purges that also appear in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'.

Stalin's 5 year plan | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'11''

An explanation of Stalin's 5 year plan, as context to the plot of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'.

The ending of 'Animal Farm' | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 1'16''

An exploration of the ending of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'.

'Animal Farm' historical context | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'30''

A discussion of the historical context of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', including the influence of the British attitude to Sta...

In Context: Animal Farm (Full Programme) | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 19'06''

A social and historical context for George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is explored.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Setting for 'To Kill a Mockingbird' | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'59''

An discussion of Southern America, the setting for Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

To Kill a Mockingbird' - Segregation and Martin Luther King | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'09''

The historical context of Martin Luther King and segregation in Southern America.

To Kill a Mockingbird' - Southern American race violence | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'58''

An introduction to the history of white violence against black people in Southern America.

To Kill a Mockingbird' - The court case | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 2'53''

A discussion of the historical background and influences to the character of Tom Robinson and his alleged crime.

Atticus kills a dog | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 2'48''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus shocks Scout and Jem by shooting a mad dog.

Atticus takes up Tom Robinson's case | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 3'18''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus takes up Tom Robinson's case.

Atticus's closing speech | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 5'52''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus pleads with the jury to find Tom Robinson innocent.

Boo Radley | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 2'07''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout and Jem tell Dill stories about Boo Radley.

Boo Radley saves Scout and Jem | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 8'20''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Jem and Scout are saved by Boo Radley when Bob Ewell att...

Mayella Ewell testifies in court | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 6'11''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Mayella Ewell testifies in court and is interrogated b...

Scout's first day at school | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 7'54''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout does not take well to her first day of school.

The hole in the tree | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 4'18''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout and Jem find gifts in a hole in the tree outside Boo Radley'...

The lynch mob | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 6'19''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus sits outside Tom Robinson's jail cell to save him from a lynch mob.

The sheriff and Bob Ewell testify | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 6'10''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the court case begins with witness testimonies from t...

Tom Robinson testifies | To Kill a Mockingbird

BBC Four | 1960 | 6'46''

From the Oscar winning adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Tom Robinson tells the story of his interactions with Mayella Ew...

Maycomb/ Monroeville | To Kill a Mockingbird at 50

BBC Four | 2010 | 3'17''

Andrew Smith does a tour of Monroeville, a town that was the influence for Maycomb in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

The Civil Rights Movement | To Kill a Mockingbird at 50

BBC Four | 2010 | 2'39''

Andrew Smith explores the Civil Rights Movement in the sixties in relation to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

The reception of To Kill a Mockingbird | To Kill a Mockingbird at 50

BBC Four | 2010 | 2'40''

Andrew Smith investigates the reception and legacy of Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

The Trial | To Kill a Mockingbird at 50

BBC Four | 2010 | 3'49''

Andrew Smith investigates a trial that could have inspired Harper Lee when she was writing 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

To Kill a Mockingbird introduction | To Kill a Mockingbird at 50

BBC Four | 2010 | 1'27''

An introduction to the plot and themes of Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid's Tale | Novels That Shaped Our World

BBC Two | 2019 | 4'21''

An introduction to the plot and context of Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', including readings from the book.

Introduction to the Handmaids Tale | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 3'54''

An introduction to the Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

Gilead and totalitarianism | Front Row Late

BBC Two | 2019 | 1'50''

Mary Beard and Margaret Atwood debate totalitarianism within Gilead and whether its demise is inevitable.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood | A Good Read

BBC Radio 4 | 2011 | 9'29''

Mary Beard and writer Bidisha talk to Harriett Gilbert about Margaret Atwood's modern classic and why they've been waiti...

Atwoods upbringing in Canada | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 5'25''

Margaret Atwood discusses her upbringing in Canada and how it has shaped her writing.

The Handmaid's Tale | Proms

BBC Radio 3 | 2012 | 18'10''

Veteran war reporter Kate Adie and novelist Aminatta Forna discuss Margaret Atwood's groundbreaking feminist novel, 'The Handmaid's Tale', twenty...

Atwood on politics | Front Row Late

BBC Two | 2019 | 2'39''

Mary and Margaret discuss politics, the glass ceiling and Aunt Lydia's powerful position in this respect compared to the handmaid's.

Canadian literature | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 3'54''

An introduction to Canadian literature and how Margaret Atwood's writing fits in.

Feminism and #MeToo | Front Row Late

BBC Two | 2019 | 7'21''

Margaret and Mary discuss the differing strands of feminism and what happens after #MeToo.

The Handmaid's Tale | Beyond Belief

BBC Radio 4 | 2022 | 27'28''

Margaret Atwood tells Ernie Rea about the role of faith in her seminal novel and how her fiction, written nearly 40 years ago, resonates ...

Margaret Atwood | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 4'21''

An introduction to the life and work of Margaret Atwood.

Atwood on ''The Handmaid's Tale'' | Talking Books

BBC News | 2013 | 4'56''

Margaret Atwood discusses the reality of The Handmaid's Tale in modern life, the influences she drew from and why it has be...

The handmaid's clothing | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 1'12''

Margaret Atwood explains the influences for the handmaid's clothing.

Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale | Book Club

BBC Radio 4 | 2018 | 27'28''

Margaret Atwood discusses her dystopian masterpiece The Handmaid's Tale with James Naughtie and a group of readers.

The Handmaids Tale and womens rights | imagine…

BBC One | 2018 | 2'32''

Margaret Atwood discusses the impact that 'The Handmaid's Tale' has had on the fight for women's rights.

Episode 1 | Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale

BBC Radio 4 Extra | 1995 | 1'08'03''

Offred is made an offer. Should she accept? Margaret Atwood's chilling vision of future female subjugation in 21st-century ...

Episode 2 | Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale

BBC Radio 4 Extra | 1995 | 1'05'33''

The conclusion of Margaret Atwood's chilling vision of future female subjugation in 21st-century America. Read by Buffy Davis.

Aunt Lydia in ''The Testaments'' | Front Row Late

BBC Two | 2019 | 1'45''

Margaret Atwood discusses the role of Aunty Lydia in ''The Handmaid's Tale'' and the sequel ''The Testaments''.

Reading in Gilead | Front Row Late

BBC Two | 2019 | 1'26''

Margaret Atwood ponders on the powerful tool that is reading and books, in relation to breaking the power of totalitarianism.

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies (1963)

BBC Two | 1963 | 1'25'58''

Compelling film adaptation of William Golding's disturbing tale of a group of stranded schoolchildren who revert to primitive savagery following a p...

Civilisation and savagery | Arena

BBC Four | 2012 | 3'50''

Exploring the themes of civilisation and savagery in 'Lord of the Flies'.

Introduction to William Golding | Arena

BBC Four | 2012 | 3'35''

An introduction to the character of William Golding and his work as a school teacher.

Lord of the Flies | Arena

BBC Four | 2012 | 2'22''

Extracts from 'Lord of the Flies' read by William Golding.

Lord of the Flies - Characters | GCSE Bitesize Revision

BBC Two | 2009 | 3'16''

A summary of the characters in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

Lord of the Flies - Plot Summary | GCSE Bitesize Revision

BBC Two | 2009 | 6'14''

A plot summary of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

Lord of the Flies - Themes | GCSE Bitesize Revision

BBC Two | 2009 | 3'50''

A summary of the themes of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

Civilisation in 'Lord of the Flies' | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 6'16''

An exploration of the theme of civilisation and how William Golding was influenced by the second world war.

Lord of the Flies' - Plot and influences | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 4'42''

An exploration of the plot and influences for William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

Lord of the Flies' - The theme of fear | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 4'58''

An exploration of the theme of fear in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

'Kill the pig'' | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 4'28''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies': the fire goes out when Jack and his group prioritise hunting, and they...

Fire and shelter | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 6'17''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', Ralph organises the boys and they begin to make fire and shelters.

Piggy's death | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 6'19''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', Piggy is hit by a boulder and falls to his death.

Ralph is elected chief | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 4'26''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', the boys find each other and elect Ralph as their chief.

Stranded on the island | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 4'29''

In the opening scene to the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', Ralph and Piggy attempt to find the others a...

The Beast | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 7'16''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', fear for the Beast grows and Simon is killed by the others.

The ending | Lord of the Flies

BBC Two | 1963 | 4'36''

From the 1963 adaptation of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', Ralph is chased by the other boys until adults arrive at the island.

In Context: Lord Of The Flies (Full Programme) | English File

BBC Two | 2002 | 18'59''

A social and historical context for 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, is explored.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby | Novels That Shaped Our World

BBC Two | 2019 | 3'49''

A class analysis of Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'.

Autobiographical influence in 'The Great Gatsby' | The Culture Show

BBC Two | 2013 | 4'43''

Jay Mclnerney explains how F Scott Fitzgerald's relationship with his wife Zelda Fitzgerald influenced th...

Initial reception to 'The Great Gatsby' | The Culture Show

BBC Two | 2013 | 2'05''

Jay Mclnerney discusses the underwhelming initial reception of 'The Great Gatsby'.

Jay Gatsby | The Culture Show

BBC Two | 2013 | 3'19''

An introduction to the character of Gatsby told through captions from the novel and letters written by F Scott Fitzgerald.

Daisy and Gatsby meet again | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 5'22''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', Daisy and Gatsby meet again in Nick's cottage.

Dinner at Tom and Daisy's | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 6'35''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', Nick Carraway goes for dinner at Tom and Daisy Buchanan's house.

Gatsby and Daisy's past | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 3'00''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', the history of Gatsby and Daisy's relationship.

Gatsby's party | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 5'47''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', Nick Carraway goes to Gatsby's party for the first time.

Myrtle and the valley of ashes | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 4'10''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', Tom Buchanan takes Nick Carraway to visit his mistress Myrtle in...

Setting | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 1'56''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', setting the scene of Long Island in 1942.

Tom confronts Gatsby | The Great Gatsby

BBC Two | 2013 | 7'47''

From Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', on a hot day in New York, Tom confronts Gatsby.

Anita and Me

Meera Syal | Anita & Me… and Me

BBC Two | 2018 | 5'50''

Meera Syal discusses how her childhood experiences inspired her novel 'Anita & Me'.

Anita's mother leaves home | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'12''

Anita is invited for dinner at Meena's house after her mum abandons her.

Diwali | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 4'49''

Meena celebrates Diwali with her family.

Nanima | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'42''

Meena's grandmother comes to visit from India.

Opening | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 5'02''

The opening scene of 'Anita and Me', introducing the setting and characters.

The charity box | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'36''

Meena steals the charity box for Anita and blames it on her cousins.

The fete | Anita and Me

BBC Two | 2002 | 3'54''

There is a racist incident at the Tollington fete and Meena is in an accident.

Meera Syal (Full Programme) | Free Thinking

BBC Radio 3 | 2015 | 43'55''

Meera Syal and Tanika Gupta discuss with Rana Mitter turning 'Anita and Me' into a play.

Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway' - Plot and themes | Icons

BBC Two | 2019 | 3'22''

Lily Cole discusses the plot, themes and narrative structure of Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs Dalloway'.

Woolf's use of language in 'Mrs Dalloway' | In Their Own Words: British Novelists

BBC Four | 2010 | 4'03''

Discussions of Virginia Woolf's use of language in 'Mrs Dalloway', including an extract of ...

Clarissa Dalloway | The Secret Life of Books

BBC Four | 2018 | 3'14''

Alexandra Harris discusses the autobiographical influences behind Virginia Woolf's character Clarissa Dalloway.

Clarissa Dalloway's party | The Secret Life of Books

BBC Four | 2018 | 3'16''

Alexandra Harris explores the party at the end of Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs Dalloway'.

Context and form of Mrs Dalloway | The Secret Life of Books

BBC Four | 2018 | 4'12''

Alexandra Harris discusses the historical context for 'Mrs Dalloway' and how this influenced the form of the novel.

Introduction to Mrs Dalloway | The Secret Life of Books

BBC Four | 2018 | 2'14''

Alexandra Harris introduces Virginia Woolf's text 'Mrs Dalloway' and provides a summary of the plot.

Original manuscript of Mrs Dalloway | The Secret Life of Books

BBC Four | 2018 | 4'08''

Alexandra Harris investigates Virginia's writing process by looking through an original manuscript of 'Mrs Dal...

The Grapes of Wrath

Background and reception of The Grapes of Wrath | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 4'22''

Melvyn Bragg discusses the background and reception of John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wra...

Introduction to The Grapes of Wrath | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 1'54''

An introduction to John Steinbeck's novel 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Mass migration in The Grapes of Wrath | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 4'08''

Melvyn Bragg discusses the main characters in 'The Grapes of Wrath' and why they were forced to migr...

Steinbeck's upbringing | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 1'32''

Melvyn Bragg discusses John Steinbeck's upbringing and how it influenced his writing.

The Great Depression | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 3'12''

Melvyn Bragg investigates the Great Depression, which became the backdrop to John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Weedpatch | John Steinbeck: Voice of America

BBC Four | 2011 | 3'19''

Melvyn Bragg the camp that was the model for Weedpatch in 'The Grapes of Wrath', the democratic government camp.

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men' - Dust Bowl | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 2'41''

An exploration of the Dust Bowl in America and how it influenced 'Of Mice and Men'.

Of Mice and Men' - John Steinbeck | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 3'45''

An introduction to John Steinbeck and the setting in which he wrote 'Of Mice and Men'.

Of Mice and Men' - The American Dream | In Context

BBC Two | 2008 | 5'55''

An exploration of the American Dream and how it influenced 'Of Mice and Men'.

Of Mice and Men - The Wall Street Crash | In Context