Film choice

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

CHANNEL 5, 1.10PM ★★★★

 This MGM musical – still heartwarming 64 years on – is expertly choreographed by Michael Kidd and directed by Stanley Donen. Howard Keel stars as Adam Pontipee, a rough-edged Oregon woodsman who marries the sassy Milly (Jane Powell) hours after meeting. Jealous, Adam’s six brothers kidnap women whom they later woo: a dubious plot is made up for by the film’s exuberance.

Paddington (2014) FILM4, 4.40PM ★★★★

 This is as warm and welcome as a hot pair of socks on a winter morning. The bear from Darkest Peru is brought beautifully to life by Ben Whishaw and the digital artists at visual effects house Framestore; it’s every bit as charming as Michael Bond’s original. Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins are terrific as Paddington’s guardians Mr and Mrs Brown. Look out for a very game Nicole Kidman as a fanatical taxidermist.

Stand By Me (1986) UNIVERSAL CHANNEL, 5.00PM ★★★★★

 Few coming-of-age dramas can rival Rob Reiner’s powerful tale about four plucky boys who go in search of a missing teenager. Based on Stephen King’s autobiographical novella, it’s beautifully observed and wonderfully nostalgic. It is also probably the finest film that River Phoenix made, his angelic appearance here a tragic reminder of a talent wasted (he died seven years later). With Corey Feldman.