Film choice

Mary, Queen of Scots (1971) FILM4, 3.10PM ★★★

Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson star as rival Queens, Elizabeth I and Mary, in this loosely historical drama. When Mary returns to Scotland after her husband’s death. Elizabeth, believing her to be a threat, attempts to distract her with suitors. Redgrave received an Oscar nomination but this is far from her best performance: she mewls, whines and wriggles – a sanctimonious martyr.

Dr No (1962) ITV4, 5.45PM ★★★★★

 Sean Connery was transformed from gruff Scottish bit-part actor (and former milkman) to suave Savile Row gentleman for this first film in the Bond franchise, directed by Terence Young. He brings just the right blend of light touch and inner steel to the martini-necking spy, as he swans around the tropics of Jamaica with gold bikinied Ursula Andress, on the hunt for the titular villain.

Another Year (2010) FILM4, 11.45PM ★★★★★

 Mike Leigh probes the mysteries of personal unhappiness in this, his finest film in years. Happily married Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) tend to their allotment as four seasons drift by. Their comfortable lives are set against the anguish of their middle-aged single friend (played with great emotional truth by Lesley Manville) who develops an obsession with the pair’s much younger son.