Photo credit: www.historyextra.com
Saturday 26th April, 8pm
As we mark the centenary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, writer Sarah Churchwell emphasizes that the discourse surrounding this literary classic is far from exhausted. While frequently interpreted strictly as a critique of the American Dream, Churchwell argues that this perspective does not encapsulate its full depth and significance, suggesting there is much more to learn and appreciate about the work.
Sunday Feature: Tango Goes East
BBC Radio 3
Sunday 27th April, 7.15pm
When one thinks of tango, Argentina is often the first country that comes to mind. However, Juliette Bretan’s exploration reveals the essential role of Eastern Europe in the genre’s evolution. The narrative highlights the contributions of Polish-Jewish musicians post-World War I, alongside the earlier influences of Eastern European migrants who played a pivotal role in shaping tango in Buenos Aires.
Indispensable Relations
BBC Radio 4
Monday 28th April, 11am
In a new three-part series, BBC State Department correspondent Tom Bateman delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Israel. The initial episode revisits the crucial year of 1947, focusing on President Harry Truman’s pivotal decision to endorse the establishment of a Jewish state. Additionally, Bateman examines how the 1958 novel Exodus by Leon Uris significantly influenced American public sentiment regarding Israel.
Great British Railway Journeys
BBC Two
Monday 28th April, 6.30pm
Join Michael Portillo as he embarks on another railway adventure, this time through Essex. In the opening of a series of five episodes, his journey takes him to Epping, where he visits an illustrious London Transport signal cabin preserved by passionate enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region’s railway history.
Who Do You Think You Are?
BBC One
Tuesday 29th April, 9pm
Journalist Mishal Husain uncovers her ancestry in this episode, beginning in Visakhapatnam, India, where she investigates her great-great-grandfather’s potential role as a physician to a maharaja. She also traces her lineage to an American family, uncovering a relative who played a significant part in the Revolutionary War.
Drama: Liberation And Fall
Radio 4
Wednesday 30th April, 2.15pm
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, a conflict often viewed from an American point of view. May Ngo’s drama offers a fresh perspective by drawing from her father’s experiences as a Chinese-Cambodian soldier who fought for North Vietnam, revealing the complexities of loyalty and shifting political views.
Motorway: The Secret Genius Of Modern Life
BBC Two
Wednesday 30th April, 8pm
In this compelling documentary, Dr. Hannah Fry explores the historical and technological innovations that led to the development of Britain’s extensive motorway network, which spans over 2,000 miles. She highlights the transformational advancements in road signage and celebrates the contributions of a pioneering figure from the world of Formula One.
In Our Time
BBC Radio 4
Thursday 1st May, 9am
In a discussion led by Melvyn Bragg, experts reflect on the establishment of the Korean Empire in 1897 under King Gojong, who sought to cement Korea’s sovereignty alongside powerful neighbors such as Russia, China, and Japan. The hope for independence would ultimately be challenged by Japan’s annexation in 1910.
Classic Movies: The Story Of The Ipcress File
Sky Arts
Thursday 1st May, 8pm
Ian Nathan launches a new series showcasing classic cinema, starting with The Ipcress File (1965). This film features Michael Caine as an everyman intelligence agent, diverging from the typical glamorous spy archetype represented by James Bond, and offers a more grounded take on the genre.
VE Day: We Were There – pick of the week
BBC Two
Thursday 1st May, 9pm
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Rachel Burden engages with some of the last surviving veterans of World War II, seeking their reflections on the events of May 8, 1945. The documentary includes personal accounts from former combatants, child evacuees, and Jamaican volunteers who aided British forces during the war.
Source
www.historyextra.com