Film choice

In Which We Serve (1942, b/w) BBC TWO, NOON ★★★★

This Second World War film – made with the assistance of the Ministry of Information – stars Noël Coward (who also wrote and directed it) and tells the story of the British naval ship HMS Torrin, from its construction to its sinking in the Mediterranean. The commander – Captain EV Kinross – trains men to be loyal to him and his country. It’s not just propaganda – this film offers a fascinating insight into wartime society.

Flash Gordon (1980) FILM4, 2.20PM ★★★

Sam J Jones, playing the eponymous hero, is more wooden than the pre-cg backdrops but Max von Sydow is a camp delight as Ming the Merciless in this cult adaptation of the sci-fi comic. Look out for unlikely cameos from former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan and Brian “Gordon’s alive!” Blessed, and a suitably bombastic score by Queen. Timothy Dalton puts in a pantomime appearance in this guilty pleasure.

The Water Babies (1978) PARAMOUNT NETWORK 5.15PM ★★★

This dated yet entertaining children’s fantasy tale, which is adapted from Charles Kingsley’s novel, has an interesting conceit: it’s part animation, part live action. Directed by Lionel Jeffires, the film follows the travails of a 12-year-old chimney sweep boy, who discovers an arcane underwater kingdom ruled ruthlessly by a shark (voiced by James Mason). Bernard Cribbins and Billie Whitelaw also voice aquatic creatures.