Film choice

Topkapi (1964) BBC FOUR, 9PM ★★★★

 Jules Dassin’s larky heist film, based on Eric Ambler’s novel The Light of Day, is trying to be several things – crime caper, exotic thriller, genre spoof – and for the most part it succeeds. Maximilian Schell leads the group of thieves, including sultry Melina Mercouri and shuffling Peter Ustinov. They want the jewel-encrusted blade of Sultan Mahmud I – but the Turkish police are on their tail.

Animals (2019) FILM4, 9PM ★★★★

 Sophie Hyde’s riotous depiction of female friendship and debauchery threads the needle between Fleabag’s and Booksmart’s familiar beats, but still feels fresh. The setting is Dublin and Laura (Holliday Grainger) and Tyler (Alia Shawkat) are two best friends in their 30s counting down their last days of excess and contemplating settling down. But when Laura meets a new man, things start to unravel.

Live and Let Die (1973) ITV4, 9PM ★★★

 Roger Moore’s first outing as Bond sees the super-spy go full blaxploitation with voodoo sub-plots, a New Orleans setting and drug running as the main plot driver. Bond is recruited to put a stop to the machinations of dictator Dr Kananga (played magnificently by the late Yaphet Kotto) who is using his Caribbean island to peddle heroin. Look out for crocodile-crossing stunts and thrilling bayou speedboat chases.