7 TV FILMS OF THE WEEK
1 CASABLANCA Today, BBC2, 4.20pm
EVEN as the Second World War rages, Rick (Humphrey Bogart), the American owner of a Moroccan nightclub, prides himself on not getting involved with politics. However, his cynicism is put to the test when his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) needs his assistance to get her Czech resistance leader husband (Paul Henreid) out of Casablanca. There’s a reason this is hailed as one of the greatest films of all time – it has it all, including a gripping storyline, romance, an endlessly quotable script. Bogart and Bergman’s chemistry sizzles, but let’s also hear it for the supporting cast, especially Claude Rains as the corrupt Captain Renault.
2 BRASSED OFF Tomorrow, Film4, 11.30pm
PETE POSTLETHWAITE gives one of his most powerful performances as Danny, the ailing leader of a South Yorkshire colliery brass band who is determined to compete in a prestigious music competition. He fails to see why most of his musicians – including son Phil (Stephen Tompkinson pictured with Postlethwaite) – are more concerned with news the pit is closing.
3 ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD Tuesday, Film4, 9pm
J PAUL GETTY (Christopher Plummer, right) refuses to hand over the ransom when his grandson is kidnapped in Rome. Instead, he hires former CIA agent and security consultant Fletcher Chace (Mark Wahlberg) to rescue the boy. This is a propulsive thriller based on a true story, which refutes theories that the young Getty colluded in his own kidnapping.
4 INGRID GOES WEST Wednesday, 5 STAR, 11.05pm
AUBREY PLAZA plays unbalanced social media stalker Ingrid Thorburn. With an inheritance of more than $60,000 from her late mother, Ingrid moves to Los Angeles, and worms her way into the life of Instagram star Taylor Sloane. Elizabeth Olsen (right, with Aubrey) and O’Shea Jackson Jr also star in this indie hit, featuring great performances all round.
5 BAIT Thursday, Film4, 11.20pm
EDWARD ROWE (to left of the picture) is a force of nature as a proud, determined fisherman in a contemporary Cornish fishing village who dreams of owning his own boat and securing his family’s seagoing tradition. But an inexorable tide of middle-class tourists are sinking the prospects of the locals, creating a conflict which is to have tragic consequences.
6 GALAXY QUEST Friday, 5 STAR, 9pm
THE washed-up actors of cancelled sci-fi show Galaxy Quest are still in demand at conventions. But some of their biggest fans are a group of aliens who believe their show to be a historical document. When the creatures are targeted by the evil General Sarris, they turn to the actors for help. A top-flight cast includes Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman, pictured.
7 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Saturday, BBC1, 5.30pm
THE 1991 animated classic is brought to life with an all-star cast with Emma Watson as Beauty and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as Beast. There is much to enjoy in this lively musical, not least Luke Evans’ fine singing voice as Gaston. With sumptuous costumes and charming performances, Beauty and the Beast is a visual treat for old and young alike.