10 telly films

Seabiscuit

Channel 5, 1.55pm, today

Following the death of his son, grieving Charles Howard is persuaded to invest in a racehorse.

They hire cowboy Tom Smith as their trainer, and he talks them into buying abused and temperamental plain bay Seabiscuit. Most jockeys won’t ride him; only Irish immigrant “Red” Pollard – who identifies with his fiery spirit – keeps the faith.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Channel 4, 9pm, today

The Sentinel programme, conceived by scientist Dr Bolivar Trask, has almost wiped out the X-Men.

One glimmer of hope remains – if Kitty Pryde can harness her abilities and propel Wolverine’s consciousness back to 1973, they might be able to stop shape-shifter Mystique from assassinating Trask.

Being AP

BBC2, 10pm, today

Jockey AP McCoy has registered more than 4,000 wins and has been named Champion Jockey for 19 consecutive years.

As he approached his 40th birthday and the question of retirement lingered in the air, McCoy allowed filmmaker Anthony Wonke to shadow him as he attempted to retain his crown as Champion Jockey.

Vertigo

Film4, 12.40pm, Mon

An ex-detective with a fear of heights is hired to follow the wife of an old friend who fears she may try to commit suicide.

One of the best thrillers ever made, and a fascinating study of a man’s obsession.

James Stewart gives one of his most intense performances, while Kim Novak shines as the object of his affection.

Dirty Dancing

5 Star, 9pm, Mon

A dance instructor at a ’60s resort hotel sees his plans spoiled when his regular partner is forced to quit.

Luckily, a naive teenager is happy to step in, and is soon treated to a whirlwind holiday education on life, love and tripping the light fantastic.

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey star.

Sands Of Iwo Jima

Film4, 4.35pm, Tue

This tough wartime adventure provided John Wayne with one of his most memorable roles.

The Duke also gained his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a gritty marine sergeant determined to whip a bunch of raw recruits into shape during the Second World War.

The Road

ITV4, 10pm, Tue

The future isn’t bright, far from it, in this postapocalyptic thriller, adapted from the novel by Cormac McCarthy.

The emotional weight of the film rests almost entirely on the shoulders of a gruff, heavily bearded Viggo Mortensen as an unnamed man who has survived a terrible cataclysm with his son.

Footloose

Film4, 6.50pm, Wed

Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) is an ordinary teen in ’80s America.

He loves music, likes to dance and dresses like David Bowie.

Unfortunately, he and his mum have moved to a town where pop songs and dancing have been banned by its wellmeaning, but misguided, Reverend (John Lithgow).

Closed Circuit

Film4, 9pm, Thu

A high-profile terrorism case binds together two ex-lovers on the defence team. Stars Eric Bana.

Chocolat

Film4, 6.40pm, Fri

A woman (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter shake up the rigid morality of a French village.