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 1997 >>

Most of the country now had five or more channels to choose from. Cable and satellite offered us more choice but most of us would have been tuned in to some of the programmes listed below.


\| CARLTON \| CHANNEL 4 \| CHANNEL 5 \| BBC ONE \| BBC TWO \|

	CARLTON
	00.15	Miss Rose White (1992)
			starring Kyra Sedgwick, Maximillian Schell and Amanda Plummer. A Polish Jew and her father escape Hitler's invasion.
	02.05	Instant Replay '97
			Some of the year's chart music including the Spice Girls, Puff Daddy and Elton John.
	03.05	Henry VIII and His Six Wives (1972)
			As King Henry VIII lies dying, he looks back over his reign. Starring Keith Mitchell, Charlotte Rampling and Jane Asher.
	05.20	Talespin
	05.55	ITN News
	06.00	GMTV
			6.00 Kids @ GMTV with Dave Benson Phillips. 8.05 Bug Alert! 8.25 We Wish You a Merry Christmas with Steve Chalke!: highlights from the past year's GMTV.
	09.25	A Child's Christmas
			Carole Smilie returns to Hutcheson's Primary School in Glasgow and joins in the nativity Play.
	10.25	Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
			Comedy fantasy, starring Rick Morains.
	12.00	Father Christmas and the Missing Reindeer
			Animated tale.
	12.35	Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
			Disney wildlife adventure featuring the voices of Michael J Fox, Sally Field and Don Ameche.
	14.10	Play It for Real
			London's Burning actors Zoe Heyes, Richard Walsh and Clive Wood spend the night at a real fire station in London.
	14.55	ITN News
	15.00	The Queen
	15.10	The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
			The Muppets' version of the Dickens' classic tale.
	16.45	Spice Up Your Christmas
			Highlights from the Spice Girls' first live concert in Istanbul, Turkey
	17.50	ITN News
	18.00	Emmerdale
			It's not much of a Christmas Day for Andy. Doug has a surprise planned for Kathy and Alice and Kim thinks she knows where to find James.
	19.00	Coronation Street
			Reconciliation is in the air for Kevin and Sally. Jon tries to divide Christmas between his wife and Deidre.
	19.30	Home Alone II: Lost in New York (1992)
			Comedy sequel, starring Macaulay Culkin.
	21.45	Starting Blocks
			A look at sporting heroes when they were young and not so famous. The stars include Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods, Monica Seles, Ryan Giggs, Tim Henman and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
	22.20	The Bare Necessities
			One-off comedy-drama. When their Yorkshire pit closes down, five miners book a group of male strippers as a thank-you to the Women Against Pit Closures campaign. But when the promised beef-cake fails to turn up, the men decide to strip themselves.
	23.15	ITN News
	23.25	Mortal Thoughts (1991)
			Thriller, starring Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.

	CHANNEL 4
	01.05	Mr Vampire II (1986)
			Blood Lust
			The continuing adventures of a vampire-busting Taoist priest starring YUEN BIAO and WONG SIU FUNG. An antique dealer roams the countryside with his two assistants searching for rare objects. They come across a cellar where they find three vampires, rendered harmless by talismans. Soon they escape and before long a reporter and an underworld boss are among the vampire-hunters trying to track them down. Director: Lau Koon Wai. C4 Premiere
	02.45	J'accuse: Santa Claus
			Journalist SUZANNE MOORE argues that commercialism has turned Santa Claus into a figure that has hijacked the true meaning of Christmas — he's the ultimate absentee father who turns up just to give out presents and actually lies to children. And when she actually catches Santa himself in her living room, munching mince pies, it's time to stop the 'ho-ho-hooing' and start answering some questions. First seen in the Without Walls strand.
	03.15	Night Nurse (1931)
			In the first of a double bill of films starring one of cinema's great femme fatales, BARBARA STANWYCK is cast as a private nurse hired by wealthy, drunken widow CHARLOTTE MERRIAM to look after her children. It is not long before Stanwyck becomes aware of an evil scheme, headed by phoney doctor ROLF HAROLDE, to starve the two little girls to death and inherit a trust fund by marrying Merriam who only has eyes for crooked chauffeur CLARK GABLE.
	04.30	Baby Face (1933)
			Vintage melodrama starring BARBARA STANWYCK as a cold, amoral adventuress who rises to the top by using the men whom she ensnares with her charms. With GEORGE BRENT, DONALD COOK, HENRY KOLKER and JOHN WAYNE. Directed by Alfred Green. Followed by details of tomorrow's programmes.
	05.55	Dumb and Dumber
			(R)
	06.10	Ovide
			(R)
	06.35	Madeline
			Madeline gets to ride the Orient Express.
			(S)(R)
	07.00	The Baby-Sitters Club
			The Club organise a Christmas party for the children at the local hospital.
			(T)(R)
	07.35	Two Stupid Dogs
			The dogs get to be the show-and-tell topic at a local school.
			(S)(R)
	08.00	The Big Breakfast
	10.00	Dr Dolittle (1968)
			Family musical with Rex Harrison as Doctor Dolittle, the man who can talk to the animals, planning an expedition to find the elusive Great Pink Sea Snail. (Widescreen) (T)
	12.40	Diana: A Tribute
			Updated documentary shown four times on the day of her death.
			This commemoration of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died on 31 August, gives a balanced account of her life. It ranges from her early years, the fairytale engagement and wedding through to the breakdown of her marriage. (T)(S)
	13.55	The Roses of No-Man's Land
			Documentary, including rare archive film and photographs, about the handful of nurses still alive today who helped injured soldiers during World War One. (T)(S)(R)
	15.00	The Alternative Christmas Message
			Thirteen-year-old Margaret Gibney of Belfast expresses her hopes for a peaceful world. (T)
	15.05	Verdi's Requiem with Pavarotti
			From the Festival Hall, London, featuring an all-star cast including Roberto Alagna, Renee Fleming, Lucina D'Intino, Roberto Scandiuzzi.
			A recording of Verdi's Requiem, the highlight of the Royal Festival Hall's season, featuring Luciano Pavarotti. James Levine conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra. (S)
	16.45	The Nativity
			A humorous animation of the story of Christ's birth.
			Animation.
	17.00	Countdown Special
			Growing Up with 4
			Special edition of the quiz in which presenters Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman are the contestants. (T)(S)
	17.30	Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
			Black comedy starring Dennis Price as an Edwardian draper who tries to murder his way to a dukedom by bumping off the eight heirs (all of them played by Alec Guinness) who stand between him and the title. (T) followed by News Summary and Weather
	19.30	The Damnation of Faust
			A recording of David Alden's English Opera production of the Berlioz opera. The principal roles are sung by Bonaventura Bottone as Faust, Louise Winter as the love-lorn Marguerite and Willard White as Mephistopheles. The conductor is Mark Elder. (T)(S)
	22.05	Her Majesty The Queen
			The Queen's traditional broadcast to the nation, shown earlier today on ITV. With signing and subtitles.
	22.15	Growing Up with 4: A Splice of Life - 15 Years of Film on Four
			Documentary. For 15 years, Channel 4 has been the main driving-force of the British film industry. Directors Peter Greenaway and Ken Loach, actor Stephen Rea and writhers Nick Hornby and Richard Curtis explain why Film on Four has been so important. Plus clips from The Crying Game, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting and A Draughtman's Contract. (T)(S)
	23.05	Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1965)
			Blood Lust
			with Christopher Lee in a sequel to Horror of Dracula. First in a Hammer horror double-bill. Four travellers stumble upon the castle of the legendary Count Dracula. (T)

	CHANNEL 5
	01.10	Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1971)
	02.50	Damsel in Distress (1937)
	04.40	Christmas Snow (1986)
	05.30	100 Per Cent
			Christmas Special
			(r)
	06.00	Dappledown Farm
			(S)(R)
	06.30	The Wind in the Willows
	06.50	Mr Men and Little Miss
			(S)
	07.00	Wimzie's House
	07.30	Alvin and the Chipmunks
			followed by 5 News Update (S)
	08.00	Havakazoo
			(R)
	08.30	Adventures of the Bush Patrol
			(S)(R) followed by 5 News Update (S)
	09.00	Wishbone
			(R)
	09.30	Alpha Zone Christmas Special
			Religious music programme, from Walt Disney World, Florida. (S)
	10.30	McCartney: Standing Stone
			Premiere TV performance of Paul McCartney's first symphonic work Standing Stone, staged in October. (S) followed by 5 News Update (S)
	12.05	Family Affairs
			(T)(S)(R)
	12.35	The Bold and the Beautiful
			Dylan is stunned to find out his new house-mate is female. (T)
	13.05	5 News Update
	13.10	84 Charing Cross Road (1986)
			Drama starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins about the 20-year correspondence between a brash New Yorker and staff at a London bookshop. (T)
	15.05	The Snow Queen's Revenge (1997)
			Feature-length animation animation with the voices of Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie and Alison Steadman.
			Cartoon based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale.
	16.20	Moonwalker (1988)
			followed by 5 News Update
			Showcase for the musical talents of Michael Jackson featuring show-stopping dance routines and spectacular special effects. Also with Joe Pesci and Sean Lennon. (S)
	18.00	100% Abba Special
			A special edition of the quiz. (S)
	18.30	Family Affairs
			Elsa makes a speech.
			For Elsa, the worse is yet to come. (T)(S) followed by 5 News Update (S)
	19.00	Night Fever: Abba Special
			Karaoke entertainment.
			Karaoke quiz hosted by Suggs in which hits by the Swedish group fills the entire bill. (T)(S)
	19.55	Xena: Warrior Princess
			Xena must save Gabrielle.
			Dreamworker Xena must enter Dreamscape to rescue Gabrielle. (S)(R)
	20.55	5 News
			(T)(S)
	21.00	The Man in the Moon (1991)
			with Sam Waterson, Reese Witherspoon and Jason London.
			Coming-of-age drama set in Louisiana in the Fifties. A 14-year-old girl falls in love with a new neighbour. Previously scheduled for 12 November
	22.50	About Last Night... (1986)
			Romantic comedy about two lovers finding it difficult committing to each other.
			Bitter-sweet drama starring Rob Lowe, James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins.

	BBC ONE
	00.35	Please, Sir! (1971)
			Comedy starring John Alderton Deryck Guyler When the students from Fenn Street secondary school get the chance to go on a fortnight's trip to a country recreation centre, Bernard Hedges makes sure his class is included. Director Mark Stuart (1971. PG) . See Films: pages 43-76 ** Followed by Weather
	02.15	BBC News 24
			BBCl joins the continuous-news station with bulletins on the hour.
	06.00	Christopher the Christmas Tree
			6.00 Repeat 4493293 6.25 Santa's First Christmas Repeat Stereo 4309800 6.50 The Legend of Prince Valiant Repeat Stereo 6136941 7.15 EekltheCat Repeat 3865903 7.35 Free Willy Stereo 8403816 8.00 A Monster Christmas Repeat Stereo 47106 8.30 The Demon Headmaster Takes Over TV A panto with an all-Starcast. Written by Chris Jarvis Stereo 4116699 9.20 Casper Stereo 4735477 9.40 Teletubbies Christmas Carols Po: People, page 17
	10.05	Christmas at the Castle
			Fem Britton celebrates Christmas at York's Castle Museum, with Archbishop of York Dr David Hope, David Bellamy, Gary Barlow, Adiemus and York Minster choir. Producer John Forrest Stereo See Family: page 12
	11.05	Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
			Fantasy, based on a novel by Roald Dahl, starring Gene Wilder For young Charlie Bucket a dream comes true: he wins a lifetime's supply of chocolate, plus a tour of eccentric sweet tycoon Willy Wonka's factory. Director Mel Stuart (1971. U) See Films: pages 43-76
	12.40	Peter and the Wolf
			The Royal Ballet school's production of Prokofiev's orchestral fairy tale, narrated by Anthony Dowell. With the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Stereo Peter DAVID JOHNSON. Bird LAYLA HARRISON, Duck KARAN LINGHAM. Wolf MARTIN HARVEY
	13.10	News and Weather
	13.15	Top of the Pops
			The stars and the top-selling songs of the year, introduced by Jayne Middlemiss, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley. Director Phil Chilvers; Producer Chris Cowey Repeated on Saturday 27 December at 1.15am
	14.15	The Two Ronnies Christmas Show
			A seasonal selection of classic sketches and songs featuring the talents of comic duo Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. With guest David Essex.
	15.00	The Queen
			Her Majesty addresses the Commonwealth. The Queen: People, page 14
	15.10	Noel's Christmas Presents
			A boy meets Star Wars creator George Lucas ; a scout leader visits the African home of Baden-Powel and a wish to see elephants in their natural habitat becomes a reality. Noel Edmonds brings more surprises to deserving people. Director Ben Kellett : Producer Guy Freeman See Family: page 12
	16.10	The Flintstones (1994)
			Comedy starring John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins Helped by his friend Barney Rubble, Fred Flintstone wins promotion at the quarry where they work. But Fred soon discovers that he has been tricked. Director Brian Levant (1994, U) See Films: pages 43-76 **
	17.30	Animal Hospital
			Rolf Harris, Shauna Lowry and Steve Knight arejoined by friends old and new at the RSPCA's Harmsworth hospital this Christmas. Last in the series. See today's choices. Series producer Helen Thomas Executive producer Sarah Hargreaves * See Factual: page 11
	18.00	Auntie's New Festive Bloomers
			Terry Wogan presents clips that the stars hoped would never be shown. Includingout-takesfrom Tom Jones, I'm Alan Partridge, Can't Cook Won Cook, Blue Peter, EastEnders and Men Behaving Badly. See also Auntie's New Winter Bloomers on Monday 29 December at 8.30pm Director GarethCarrivick; Producer TomWebber Stereo Subtitled .
	18.40	News
			With Justin Webb. Weather PeterCockroft subtitled ..
	18.50	The Mask (1994)
			Comedy starring Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz Shy bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers an ancient mask which has the powerto transform him into a lime green cartoon character in a zoot suit. Director Charles Russell (1994. PG) See Films: pp 43-76 ***** Followed by A Perfect Day for Christmas
	20.30	EastEnders
			Tony learns Terry and Irene's secret. Will Phil regret his behaviour? See today's choices. For cast see Tuesday 23 December Two-part omnibus edition on Sunday 28 December Stereo * See Drama: page 9
	21.00	One Foot in the Grave
			Endgame. Victor's plans for a quiet autumn break in the West Country have an eerie and utterly terrifying conclusion. See today's choices. Written by David Renwick ; Director Christine Gemon ; Producer Esta Charkham See Comedy: page 5
	22.10	News
			With Anna Ford. Weather PeterCockroft Subtitled ...
	22.20	Men Behaving Badly
			Christmas Day in Gary and Tony's flat: a day spent lying in front of the telly in a self-induced coma. See today's choices. Written by Simon Nye Director Martin Dennis Producer Beryl Vertue
	23.05	They Think It's All Over
			Nick Hancock hosts the irreverent sports quiz. David Gower. Gary Lineker, Lee Hurst and Rory McGrath are joined by Sooty and Matthew Corbett, and footballer Graeme Le Saux. Director Ian Lorimer ; Producer Harry Thompson Repeated Saturday 27 December atll.05pm Stereo Subtitled..... 7
	23.40	Hate Chrisbnas Too!
			A contemporary Christmas fable, featuring Samuel West and Peter Capaldi. Producer Nick Stillwell ; Executive producer Chris Loughlin Stereo..............
	23.45	Airplane! (1980)
			Disaster movie spoof, starring Robert Hays Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen An eccentric collection of passengers and crew set off from Los Angeles on a flight bound forChicago. However disaster looms when the pilots fall sick with food poisoning. Directors Jim Abrahams. David Zucker, Jerry Zucker (1980.PG) See Films: pp 43-76 *****

	BBC TWO
	00.50	Carnival of Souls (1962)
			Horror, the second in a supernatural double bill. The sole survivor of a tragic car accident is plagued by strange and horrifying visions. Director Herk Harvey (1962.15) Black and white Subtitled....... See Films: pages 43-76 **** Followed by Weatherview
	07.00	A Christmas Carol (1938)
			' Adaptation of Charles Dickens's yuletide story, starring Reginald Owen Mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge gets revealing visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Director Edwin LMarin (1938. U) Black and white ............................... See Films: pages 43-76
	08.10	David Copperfield (1935)
			Drama, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, starring * WC Fields, Lionel Barrymore David Copperfield's happy life with his mother changes when she falls underthe influence of the tyrannical Mr Murdstone. Director George Cukor (1935, U) Blackand white ? See Films: pages 43-76
	10.15	Today's the Day Christmas Special
			Roy Hudd and Amanda Barrie do battle with Loyd Grossman and Lynda Barron in this festive edition of the nostalgia quiz using clips from Christmases past. With Martyn Lewis.
	10.45	Jinnah
			A documentary about Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founding father of Pakistan, whose birthday is celebrated today. Narrated by Art Malik.
	11.35	Mrs Miniver (1942)
			Classic drama, showing in the British at War season, starring Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon I he outbreak otwar in 1939 brings a brutal end to the placid village life of the Miniverfamily. An ordinary woman becomes a quiet heroine on the home front. Director William Wyler (1942, U) Black and white The British at War season continues with We Dive at Dawn on Monday 29 December at 1.55pm See Films: pages 43-76
	13.45	Everything to Play for
			Settling Old Scores. The series exploring the world of a young conductor continues with Mark Wigglesworth leading the BBC National Orchestra of Wales playing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
	14.15	Shooting Stars
			Christmas edition of the offbeat game show. Shown on Monday 22 December at 9pm Last year's festive ShootingStars can be seen on NewYear'sEveat9pm Stereo Subtitled.
	14.45	The Simpsons
			Simpson and Delilah. A hair-growth Product transforms Homer's life. Next episode Friday 2 January at 6pm Repeat Stereo
	15.10	White Christmas (1954)
			Musical starring BingCrosby Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney Old army buddies Phil Davis and Bob Wallace decide the only way to help their old commandingofficerto keep his struggling hotel is to put on a show. Director Michael Curtiz (1954, U) See Films: pages 43-76
	17.05	Close Up on James Stewart
			Charlton Heston and Rod Steiger recall theirfavourite moments from James Stewart 'sfilmcareer. Stereo ......
	17.20	Madame Butterfly (1995)
			Adaptation of the classic Puccini opera, starring Ying Huang, Richard Troxell Japan 1904: American sailor Pinkerton marries Madame Butterfly, a 15-year-old geisha. But he feels nothing for her and leaves for America, unaware that she is pregnant with his son. Showing in widescreen. In Italian with English subtitles. Director Frederic Mitterrand (1995. PG) See Films: pages 43-76 **
	19.30	The Queen
			HerMajesty's message to the Commonwealth. With signing and subtitles.....................
	19.40	Cardigans at Christmas
			Afeast of old chestnuts from the glory days of Christmasses past with this look at the rise and demise of the Christmas light-entertainment spectacular. From Christmas Night with the Stars to Val Doonican and Christmas Snowtime Special, the programme revisits a world of snow made from soapflakes, chorus lines sweating in winter woollies and recycled sleighs. Producer Gabrielle Osrin Editor Gaynor Vaughan Jones
	20.30	A Christmas Dickens
			(4/5) Bob Sawyer's Party
			Dickens's affection for The Pickwick Papers led him to turn this comic encounterwith the zealous landlady Mrs Raddle into one of his funniest and most popular entertainments. The series concludes tomorrow at 7.10pm
	21.00	Arena
			Cigars - out of the Humidor In 1962, before John F Kennedy signed the embargo banning the importation of cigars into America from Cuba, the President ordered 1,200 Havana cigars, according to Pierre Salinger, his former press secretary. Tonight's programme follows the story of the cigar-from the tobacco fields west of the Cuban capital of Havana into the factories where poetry and daily newspapers are read aloud to workers; to Hollywood cigar bars and the gentlemen's haunts of St James 's, London. With contributions from actors James Belushi , George Wendt and Peter Weller, plus Lord Grade and politician Kenneth Clarke. Director/Producer Mary Dickinson
	22.00	Gogs
			Animated adventures of a Stone Age family known as the Gogs. The prehistoric hooligans exhibit amazing ingenuity in the face of freezing temperatures. Directors Deiniol Morris and Michael Mort
	22.10	La Reine Mareot (1994)
			Historical drama starring Isabelle Adjani Daniel Auteuil Jean-Hugues Anglade Paris 1572: Catholic Marguerite de Valois is forced into a political marriage with Protestant Henri of Navarre in orderto appease the opposing religious factions. But then Margot's vacillating and partially insane brother, Charles IX, who is dominated by their mother, Catherine de Medici, orders the killing of all Protestants, leading to the St Bartholomew's Day massacre. Showing in widescreen format. In French with English subtitles. Director Patrice Chéreau (1994.18) * See Films: pages 43-76 ***
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<< Christmas Day 1997 >>