BEST FILMs

The Duchess Tonight, BBC1, 11.35pm

Superior period drama with

Keira Knightley playing an

18th- century aristocrat who weds a callous duke (Ralph Fiennes). Disillusioned with her loveless marriage, she risks shame by romancing Dominic Cooper’s politician.

K-19: The Widowmaker Tomorrow, 6.20pm, Film4

When Russia’s first nuclear submarine malfunctions on its maiden voyage, the crew must race to save the ship and prevent a nuclear disaster. Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson make one hell of a duo.

Bend It Like Beckham

Tuesday, Film4, 6.45pm Gurinder Chadha’s unabashedly feelgood comedy, about a young woman striving to realise her dreams on and off the soccer pitch, is a hugely entertaining mix of East Is East and Billy Elliot. Parminder Nagra plays the football-mad lass, with strong support from Keira Knightley (above, with Nagra).

Eddie the Eagle Wednesday, BBC1, 10.40pm

Based on the true story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, this is a wonderfully Brit-centric feelgood comedy. Taron Egerton (right) plays the ski jumper who, despite being a laughing stock in his own sport and the ultimate underdog, guns for glory at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Sweet Charity Thursday, BBC4, 9pm

Shirley MacLaine stars as Charity Hope Valentine, a dancer in a seedy nightclub, who keeps looking for love in all the wrong places. The plot matters less than the terrific numbers, which include Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and Sammy Davis Jr’s showstopping The Rhythm of Life.

Magic Mike Friday, BBC1, 11.35pm

Steven Soderbergh’s thoughtful drama has more to offer than just abs and dance moves. Channing Tatum (below) plays the professional stripper teaching newcomer Alex Pettyfer the art of getting paid for getting your kit off, all under the watchful eye of manager Dallas (an impressively sleazy Matthew McConaughey).