Christmas TV

For many years now, families have gathered together on Christmas Day to enjoy Christmas lunch and Christmas telly.
Below you can find listings of every programme broadcast on British television on December 25th during the twentieth century.

<< Christmas Day 1992 >>


\| Thames \| LWT \| Channel 4 \| BBC One \| BBC Two \|

	Thames
	00.45	The Aviator
			Starring Christopher Reeve and Rosanna Arquette.
	02.35	Feel the Motion (1985)
			German film with English subtitles.
	04.25	America's Top Ten
	04.55	Christmas at the Movies
			Gene Kelly presents clips from films with a Christmas theme.
	05.45	Cartoon
	05.55	ITN Morning News
	06.00	TV-am
			0600 Top Banana 0700 Thought for Christmas Day 0710 Mr Men 0730 The Twelve Gifts 0810 Klondike Christmas 0815 The Charmings 0855 Timmy Mallett's Utterly Brilliant Christmas Show
	09.25	Christmas Morning Worship
			From St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.
	10.25	Cartoon
			With Donald Duck.
	10.35	Candleshoe (1977)
			Starring David Niven and Jodie Foster.
	12.30	Nearest and Dearest
			starring Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel.
	13.00	Get Some In
	13.30	Rising Damp
			starring Leonard Rossiter as the penny-pitching landlord Rigsby. [Repeat]
	14.00	Watching
			Emma Wray and Paul Brown star in the 1987 Christmas edition of Jim Hitchmough's romantic comedy about a mismatched pair of birdwatchers. [Repeat]
	14.30	The Upper Hand
			Christmas edition of the comedy starring Joe McGann as a former footballer who now keeps house for a female executive. With Diana Weston and Honor Blackman. [Repeat]
	15.00	The Queen
	15.05	Supergirl (1984)
			Starring Helen Slater and Faye Dunaway.

	LWT
	17.15	News and Weather
	17.20	Coronation Street
	17.50	Christmas Blind Date
			Cilla Black plays Cupid to some very young hopefuls in this special edition of the romantic gameshow.
	18.50	Barrymore
			Christmas special in which Michael Barrymore is joined by guests from all walks of life.
	19.50	Three Fugitives (1988)
			Starring Nick Nolte and Martin Short.
	21.40	News and Weather
	22.00	Youngblood (1986)
			Starring Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze.

	Channel 4
	00.50	Pallas 2
			(3/3)
			(r)
	01.15 - 01.40	The Twilight Zone
			From Agnes - with Love
	05.20	4-Tel on View
	06.00	The Boy Who Dreamed Christmas
			Cartoons
	06.25	Dangermouse
			Cartoons
	06.35	Dennis
			Cartoons
	07.00	The Big Breakfast
			A special edition of the live morning show, with guests including singer Jason Donovan in Paula Yates's boudoir. Magician Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee describe how they met, in Cupid's Arrow. Plus appearances from international model Claudia Schiffer, singer Cathy Dennis and actress Rebekah Elmaloglou from Home and Away. Mark Lamarr will be out and about in the cold and frosty morning for a family reunion. Introduced by Chris Evans and Gaby Roslin, with news and weather every hour.
	09.00	You Bet Your Life
			Bill Cosby hosts the comedy game show from the US.
	09.25	Laurel and Hardy
			Cartoon comedy.
	09.30	Sesame Street
			Oscar goes grouch shopping in the early learning programme.
	10.30	Pro-Celebrity Golf
			A daily challenge for the Whyte and Mackay Scotch Trophy begins, hosted by Tony Jacklin. The celebrity team of three times winner of the US Open Hale Irwin and Terry Wogan, faces the sportsmen team of Ryder Cup star Sam Torrance and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.
	11.30	Messiah by George Frideric Handel
			To celebrate this year's 250 anniversary of one of the world's best-known and loved oratorios, a concert from the Point Theatre in Dublin by the Orchestra and Chorus of St Martins-in-the-Field, conducted by Neville Marriner. The soloists are Sylvia McNair (soprano), Anne Soffe von Otter (contralto), Michael Chance (alto), Jerry Hadley (tenor) and Robert Lloyd (bass). It was in Dublin, on 13 April 1742, that Handel's Messiah was first performed - at the New Music Hall in Fishmable Street - conducted from the organ by the composer himself. (Rpt)
	13.55	Our Charlie
			An appreciation of the career of screen legend Charlie Chaplin. The programme includes clips from many of his classic films, interviews and encounters with various Chaplin impersonators. Plus an examination of how the baggy-trousered, bowler-hatted image of the Little Tramp - his most famous character - has been used over the years. (Rpt)
	15.00	The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
			Animated fantasy about a little boy called Milo, who just can't see the point of going to school. When a magic tollbooth appears in his bedroom, Milo is transported to a fantastic world beyond the realms of imagination, where he finds himself among the people of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis.
	16.40	A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert
			A festive concert from New York, offering a mixture of carols, jazz, opera, Renaissance music and traditional American songs. Recorded last year, it features soloists Kathleen Battle (soprano) and Frederica von Stade (mezzo soprano), trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and pianist and conductor Andre Previn.
	18.20	The Snowman (TVM 1982)
			Another chance to see the Bafta Award-winning animation of Raymond Briggs's modern classic. A boy builds a snowman that comes alive at night, whisks him off on a motorbike and then a flight to the North Pole to meet a special person. (Rpt. The animated version of John Burningham's Granpa, tomorrow 6.40pm)
	18.50	News Summary and Weather
	19.00	Saint Mugg: The Making of a TV Saint
			A look at the transformation of Malcolm Muggeridge, from one of Britain's most famous satirists to TV's first "saint" of the 70s. The film shows some of the high points in Muggeridge's televisual combats with the high priests and bunny girls of the Swinging 60s, and reveals how he became increasingly identified with Christianity, so far as to believe that a miracle occurred during the making of his film about Mother Teresa. Including interviews with his friends Lord Longford and Richard Ingrams.
	20.00	Brookside
			(1193/2915)
			It's fiesta time when Barry finally opens his nightclub and at the Johnsons there is a kiss under the mistletoe for Mick.
	20.30	The Queen
			HM the Queen's traditional Christmas message.
	20.40	The Fool (1990)
			Film on Four
			First showing on network television of this period drama starring Derek Jacobi, Cyril Cusack. London, 1857: an obscure clerk moves freely between the worlds of the poor, and the rich and privileged. On the other hand, he is an underling in a large theatre; on the other, he is a shrewd man, a bold speculator, manipulating the people around him. The worlds are poles apart, but in the end they meet in the most unexpected way.
	23.15	30 Years On
			A Tribute to the Music of Bob Dylan To mark Dylan's 30 years as a recording artist, some of the world's leading musicians joined him at New York's Madison Square Gardens in October to perform their versions of some of his best-known songs. The line-up includes Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Chrissie Hynde, Sinead O'Connor, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.

	BBC One
	00.35	Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
			Classic comedy starring Cary Grant Abby and Martha Brewster are more than a little strange. But then their doting nephew Mortimer discovers they have a penchant for poisoning people. Director Frank Capra * TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 0 FILMS: pages 41-65
	02.30	Weather and Close
	06.50	The Birthday Dragon
			Christmas Day fun with Andi Peters, Philippa Forrester, Toby Anstis and Edd the Duck. STEREO Cartoon fun, as Dragon is invited to his first party.
	07.15	Playdays
			Today: the Tent Stop. STEREO
	07.35	A Bear Behind
			Fun with Lindsey and Boz. STEREO
	07.45	Juniper Jungle
			The delivery of Christmas presents is threatened when Sunday Reindeer is kidnapped.
	07.55	Blood and Honey
			Herod's Christmas In the final episode, Herod's death causes unrest.
	08.10	Edd the Duck's
			MegastarTreck A galaxy of stars join Quacktain Berk on the starship Intrepedd. STEREO
	08.20	Santa's First Christmas
			An animated story. * STEREO
	08.45	The Christmas Toy
			Toys from previous Christmases come to life.
	09.42	Weather Bernard Davey
	09.45	Follow the Star
			A celebration of the true spirit of Christmas, beginning at Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital in London. Emma Forbes, clown-vicar Roly Bain and Angel Voices join patients, staff and friends for worship. STEREO
	10.30	Good Morning ... with Anne and Nick
			A festive hour with Anne Diamond and Nick. Owen, plus their own children. Editor Mike Hollingsworth STEREO SING-A-LONG: phone 02 1 -[number removed]
	11.30	Eldorado
			(74/156)
			At Christmas, Freddie is disillusioned with family life. Episode written by Tony McHale (For cast see Monday 21) * STEREO: TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	12.00	Christmas Comedy Cracker
			A double-bill of classic comedy for the family. Hi-de-Hi! September Song. It's circus night at Maplin's, but Ted has another sort of ring on his mind. 0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 12.45pm The Two Ronnies Sketches, jokes and songs from Messrs Barker and Corbett. With guest Elton John. TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888
	13.35	Neighbours
			Gaby finds a new love to help her forget Glen. A desperate Paul tries to salvage his business. (For cast see Wednesday 23) * STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	14.00	Top of the Pops
			Christmas 1992 Including live performances from Wet Wet Wet, Tasmin Archer and Right Said Fred. DirectorArch Dyson Producer Stanley Appel Stereo; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty's Christmas message to the Commonwealth. * STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	15.10	Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
			First showing on network television for this final instalment of the epic action adventure trilogy. Starring Harrison Ford Sean Connery When archaeologist Henry Jones disappears, his adventurous son Indy leaves hunting for ancient artefacts to search for his father. In a desperate race against time he faces old enemies - and joins a quest for the Holy Grail. Director Steven Spielberg STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888 FILMS: pages 4 1-65
	17.10	News
			With Chris Lowe. Weather Suzanne Charlton TELETEXT SUBTITLES (news): page 888
	17.20	Bruce Forsyth's Christmas Generation Game
			Couples compete to see who will perform in a version of Peter Pan and then who will reach the conveyor belt and its goodies. With Rosemarie Ford and surprise celebrity guests. Director Bill Morton Producer David Taylor STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p888 COMEDY AND SHOWS: page8
	18.25	EastEnders
			It's Christmas Day in Walford, and Michelle has an unexpected visitor. Pat and Frank have a difficult day and Mandy learns a lesson about home. (For cast see Tuesday 22 December) Stereo; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	18.55	Only Fools and Horses
			A special Christmas edition of John Sullivan's popular comedy starring David Jason Nicholas Lyndhurst Buster Merryfield Mother Nature's Son The Trotter family becomes environmentally aware and uses an unexpected inheritance to enhance its fortunes. DirectorTonyDow Producer Gareth Gwenlan STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888 0 COMEDY AND SHOWS: page 9
	20.00	Birds of a Feather
			A special Christmas edition of the comedy written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran starring Pauline Quirke Linda Robson The Chigwell Connection Tracey and Sharon start a "Free the Chigwell Two" campaign when they discover that the detective who arrested Darryl and Chris may be bent. Featuring guest appearances by Robert Kilroy-Silk and tennis pro David Lloyd. Director Terry Kinane Series producer Candida Julian-Jones An Alomo production for BBCtv STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888
	20.50	Main News
			With Chris Lowe. Weather Suzanne Charlton 0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES (news): page 888
	21.00	Victoria Wood's All Day Breakfast
			Sketches, stand-up comedy and songs combine to create the latest daytime show to be hosted by a popular husband-and-wife team. There are tips on female problems like seriously split ends, calorie reports, keep-fit with Jolly Polly, Agony Uncle Gerard's phone-in, and Britain's first four-times-daily soap, set in a cosy corner of a shopping mall. Withjulie Walters, Celia Imrie, Susie Blake, Duncan Preston and Lill Roughley. Written by Victoria Wood Director/Producer Geoff Posner STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888 COMEDY AND SHOWS: page 4
	21.50	Shirley Valentine
			First showing on network television for Willy (Educating Rita) Russell's adaptation of his successful stage play, starring Pauline Collins Tom Conti Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine-Bradshaw leads a domestic existence of routine dullness. Her monosyllabic husband's only concern in life is to find his supper on the table at 5.30pm - things are so bad that her only real confidante is the kitchen wall. What she needs is a holiday - a place with sun, sand and sea, a place where she can fall in love with life. Pauline Collins was nominated for an Oscar for her performance. Director Lewis Gilbert STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888 FILMS: pages 4 1-65
	23.35	Reflection on Christmas
			Time to think and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Producer Ann Richardson STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p888
	23.40	Earthquake
			Disaster movie with spectacular special effects, starring Charlton Heston Ava Gardner Los Angeles, perched precariously on the San Andreas fault, is about to experience the ultimate horror - a series of major, devastating earthquakes. The starry cast features a cameo appearance by Walter Matthau. Director Mark Robson * TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 FILMS: pages 41-65

	BBC Two
	01.50	Weathervlew
	01.55	Closedown
	06.40	Christmas In Paris
			A concert capturing the flavour of a French Christmas and including a live performance by the French National Orchestra, conducted by Lorin Maazel, of music by Bizet, Tchaikovsky and Offenbach. Introduced by Geraldine Chaplin. STEREO
	07.30	Rio Bravo
			Western starring John Wayne Dean Martin Aided only by a drunk and a one-legged old man, Sherriff John T Chance is determined to bring a criminal to justice. With Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson and Walter Brennan. Director Howard Hawks 0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 FILMS: pages 41-65
	09.45	Jour de fete
			Directed by and starring Jacques Tati A triumph of comic incidents, this is the story of a country postman inspired to emulate the American postal service. (B/w and colour. MHulot's Holiday, 4.50pm) FILMS: pages 4 1-65
	11.15	Advent Calendar
			Throughout December, BBC2 has been opening windows on Christmas past. All 24 images can be seen again in this roundup of the television advent calendar.
	11.45	The Freddie Mercury Tribute
			Concert for Aids Awareness Last April, thousands crowded into Wembley Stadium to hear top pop stars appearing live in a special concert. This programme of highlights includes performances from the remaining members of Queen, David Bowie, Lisa Stansfield, Elton John, Annie Lennox, George Michael and Guns 'n' Roses. (Revised rpt) STEREO
	13.15	Top Hat
			Continuing the season of films starring Fred Astaire Ginger Rogers A romantic musical comedy about mistaken identity, with a famous score by Irving Berlin. With Edward Everett Horton and Helen Broderick. Director Mark Sandrich (B/w. The Gay Divorcee is on Holiday Monday 8.35am) TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 FILMS: pages 41-65
	14.50	Sister Wendy's Odyssey
			Sister Wendy Beckett has a special Christmas story as she ends her odyssey in Edinburgh. Here she offers her unorthodox views on why Santa Claus is the patron saint of pawn brokers. 0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888
	15.00	Nigel Mansell 1992
			Winning the Formula 1 World Championship is the pinnacle of any racing driver's career. Having come so close to it before, Nigel Mansell finally realised that dream this year. This film looks at the races that brought him the championship and at the reasons for his split with the team that provided the car which made it all possible. Introduced by Steve Rider.
	15.45	The Maestro and the Diva
			Songs by Richard Strauss In the first of two programmes, conductor Sir Georg Solti and soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa are shown in rehearsal and performance as they prepare a concert of Strauss songs. The selection includes Die Nacht, Madrigal and Begegnung. STEREO
	16.40	Life with Eliza
			Continuing the daily series of Edwardian comedy vignettes, starring John Sessions The Aquapen. Ernest buys a pen which promises to convert water into ink. 0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888
	16.50	M Hulot's Holiday
			Directed by and starring Jacques Tati The blundering Monsieur Hulot disrupts the tranquility of a quiet seaside resort. (B/w. My Uncle, Boxing Day at 10.35am) 0 FILMS: pages 41-65
	18.25	The Queen
			A special showing of Her Majesty the Queen's Christmas message to the Commonwealth, with subtitles and sign language interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing people. STEREO
	18.35	Reindeer Rock
			Ever since 1955 when Dickie Valentine stormed the charts with A Christmas Alphabet, the season of goodwill has been a bonanza for the record industry. There is scarcely a pop singer who has not made a Christmas record; from Cliff Richard to Bruce Springsteen, from Paul McCartney to Giant Haystacks. This programme plunders the best, and the worst, from the Yuletide pop archive, and combines them with some classic comedy. Director M ick Conefrey
	19.15	Romeo and Juliet
			Northern Ballet Theatre performs Prokofiev's ballet. The company first gained television prominence with its production of A Simple Man, based on the life of northern painter L S Lowry and featuring Christopher Gable in the title role. This, his youthful and energetic production of Shakespeare's tragic love story, choreographed by Massimo Moricone, is now transferred to television, with Jayne Regan as Juliet and William Walker as Romeo. The stage design is by Les Brotherson. Director Kriss Rusmanis Executive producer Bob Lockyer STEREO
	21.00	Dangerous Liaisons
			First showing on network television for this Oscar-winning period drama of romance, lust and betrayal, starring Glenn Close John Malkovich Michelle Pfeiffer Pre-Revolutionary France: the brilliant and exquisite Marquise de Merteuil enlists an ex-lover, the amoral Vicomte de Valmont, in an intricate plot of seduction and revenge. As she spins her web of deceit, he is propelled on a path of self-destruction. Screenplay by Christopher Hampton Director Stephen Frears * STEREO; TELETEXT SUBTITLES: p 888 FILMS: pages 4 1-65
	22.55	The Cry
			The Cry of Christmas The series of music videos commissioned for Advent reaches its climax with a new performance of John Tavener's God Is with Us. Producer Jonathan Fulford STEREO
	23.05	The Likely Lads
			The classic Christmas episode from 1974 of the comedy series written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, starring James Bolam, Rodney Bewes As Bob and Thelma plan to enjoy the holiday, Terry threatens the festive spirit. With Brigit Forsyth, Norman Mitchell and Joanna Ross. Producer Bernard Thompson
	23.50	Rear Window
			Continuing the Alfred Hitchcock season, a classic thriller starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly A news photographer, confined to a wheelchair following an accident, passes his time by watching his neighbours. He becomes convinced that there has been a murder. (Alfred Hitchock's Mamie is on Boxing Dayat 11.45pm) * TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888 0 FILMS: pages 41-65
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<< Christmas Day 1992 >>