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Network First is a wide-ranging documentary strand broadcast on ITV in the U.K. from January 1994 to December 1997, and was a part replacement for First Tuesday. Unlike other documentary series on ITV such as World in Action, Network First, was not centred on current affairs or politics, but broadcast a range of one-off programmes covering various subjects such as biography, history, and science. Programmes were usually transmitted in the 22:40 slot after News at Ten, each usually running for an hour. The strand was not "owned" by any one ITV franchise, and individual programmes were contributed by the various ITV companies. As a strand, Network First never became a household "name" - unlike the likes of World in Action or This Week - possibly because of its diverse subject matter. The series appears to have been dropped quietly by ITV in the lead up to the high-profile axing of both World in Action on 7 December 1998 and News at Ten on 5 March 1999.
Episodes
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- E1 Florence and RobinNext upJan 4, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary set in San Francisco about a lesbian couple who have a long-term relationship and want a child of their own.
- E2 Women Who KillJan 11, 1994
Synopsis
Five women explain why after years of mental and physical abuse they finally killed their partners.
Guest stars: Julie Bindel, Helena Kennedy
- E3 An Everest to ClimbJan 18, 1994
Synopsis
In October 1993 a party of climbers left for the Himalayas, including seven British mountaineers who had mental or physical disabilities. The film follows their attempts to climb the Pokalde peak in the Everest range.
Guest stars: Sarah Ferguson
- E4 SupermodelsJan 25, 1994
Synopsis
A revealing look at the fashion industry with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. The programme goes behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week and tells sad tales about British models trying to cope.
Guest stars: Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell
- E5 Bhopal: The Second TragedyFeb 1, 1994
Synopsis
Mark Tully returns to Bhopal, 10 years after the gas leak, to find that the American chemical giant has wriggled out of its responsibility towards the victims of the world's worst industrial disaster. He travels to the USA, Mexico and Brazil to find if the world has learned any lessons from Bhopal.
Guest stars: Mark Tully
- E6 NightfightersFeb 8, 1994
Synopsis
Follows the formation of the 332nd fighter group in Italy during World War II, the first all black air squadron in the United States Air Force, from its beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama in July 1941.
- E7 Children of the HolocaustFeb 15, 1994
Synopsis
History of four Jewish children who survived Auschwitz.
Guest stars: Yehuda Bacon
- E8 Top ChefMar 1, 1994
Synopsis
Young chefs compete with other chefs at the Ecole Superieure de Cuisine Francaise, cooking classic dishes against the clock. They have five hours to create two perfect dishes for a panel of chefs and cookery writers.
- E9 Ballet SchoolMar 8, 1994
Synopsis
A behind-the-scenes look at a term in London's Central School of Ballet.
- E10 Last Voyage of the LusitaniaMar 22, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary on the sinking by a U-boat of the 'Lusitania' in 1915 in which nearly 1200 men, women and children were drowned. Dr Robert Ballard investigates the wreckage to see if the ship was really carrying arms, according to the Germans.
Guest stars: Robert D. Ballard
- E11 Stigmata: A Modern Miracle?Mar 29, 1994
Synopsis
A documentary examining evidence from people claiming to receive the open wounds of the stigmata. The programme features stigmatics from around the world, including the three from the UK, and throughout history from St Francis to Padre Pio. It covers the various theories that have been put forward to explain the phenomenon: multiple personality disorder, self-infliction of wounds, the psychosomatic reproduction of injuries of trauma years after the event.
- E12 The War Against the Mafia Part 1: The Founding FatherApr 5, 1994
Synopsis
How America's law enforcement agencies tackled the Mafia. Concentrates on the Gambino family from 1980 to 1993. Includes secret FBI recordings, interviews and allegations that the family were responsible for the deaths of 200 people.
Guest stars: Dominick Montiglio, Bruce Mouw, J. Edgar Hoover, Robert F. Kennedy, Joseph Armone, John Gotti, Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano, Carlo Gambino
- E13 The War Against the Mafia Part 2: Death in the FamilyApr 12, 1994
Synopsis
The programme begins with the funeral of Carlo Gambino, the model for The GODFATHER. His successor, Paul Castellano, turned the Mafia into a billion dollar business by controlling New York's waste disposal and construction industries.
Guest stars: Dominick Montiglio, Bruce Mouw, John Gotti, Angelo Ruggiero, Paul Castellano, Thomas Bilotti, Michael Chertoff
- E14 The War Against the Mafia Part 3: The King of Little ItalyApr 19, 1994
Synopsis
The programme looks at the rise and fall of gangster, John Gotti, who took charge after arranging the murder of Paul Castellano. Bribing his way to freedom, justice finally caught up with him and he is now doing a life sentence.
Guest stars: Bruce Mouw, Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano, Paul Castellano, Thomas Bilotti, Salvatore Testa
- E15 Mandela: From Prison to PresidentApr 26, 1994
Synopsis
An intimate portrait of South Africa's President-in-waiting, looking at the sacrifices Mandela made in his quest for peace and power and examines the problems he will face in the future.
Guest stars: Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela
- E16 Inside the Channel TunnelMay 3, 1994
Synopsis
The story of the bi-lingual company Eurotunnel which has taken possession of the Channel Tunnel, opening on Friday, 6th May 1994.
- E17 The Professional BeggarMay 10, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about the Orbis International Flying Eye Hospital, a charity-funded medical service that works at restoring sight to the blind in Third World countries.
- E18 Apollo: When the World Held Its BreathJul 26, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary telling the stories of Apollos 11 and 13, two of the most important missions in space exploration, revealing how close they came to fatal disasters.
Guest stars: James Burke (Self - Presenter), Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins, Fred Haise, Christopher Kraft, Alexei Leonov, Jim Lovell, Glynn Lunney
- E19 Murder in the FamilyAug 8, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about Roderick and Newall, the brothers accused of murdering their wealthy parents in New Jersey, USA.
- E20 Date Rape: The InvestigationSep 6, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary drama of a typical "date-rape" case, using actors to represent the victim, the accused and their friends; but real professionals to represent the police, medics, judge and lawyers; followed by a dramatised trial.
Guest stars: Alison Lomas (Sue), Peter Sullivan (Paul)
- E21 Date Rape: The Trial Day 1Sep 7, 1994
Synopsis
The alleged victim gives her evidence and is cross-examined.
- E22 Date Rape: The Trial Day 2Sep 8, 1994
Synopsis
The prosecution witnesses are now taking the stand.
- E23 Date Rape: The Trial Day 3Sep 9, 1994
Synopsis
The alleged rapist is cross-examined and the summing-up begins.
- E24 Date Rape: The VerdictSep 13, 1994
Synopsis
Follows the alleged victim's case through the Crown Court, giving her evidence to the Court and the defence demanding graphic details of the alleged rape. We hear the jury's deliberations before they reach a final verdict.
- E25 Waking from ComaSep 20, 1994
Synopsis
Report from the Royal Hospital in Putney, London, where pioneering work is carried out on severely brain-damaged patients who are in deep comas.
- E26 Inside Castro's CubaSep 27, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary on Cuba after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Features an interview with President Fidel Castro who speaks about their economic crisis, the US economic blockade and Cuba's success in pharmaceuticals and tourism.
Guest stars: Fidel Castro
- E27 Miami Front LineOct 4, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about the tragedy taking place on the coastal waters off Florida, where thousands of Cuban and Haitian refugees have perished - the victims of sharks, storms and the sun, as they flee persecution in their homeland.
- E28 The Secrets of Porton DownOct 11, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about human guinea pigs being used at the secret Porton Down research facility to help with the development of chemical weapons. Former volunteers talk about their health problems, and about their struggle to win compensation.
- E29 Nicholas and Alexandra Part 1: Anointed by GodOct 18, 1994
Synopsis
First of a two part programme about the assassination of the last Tsar, Nicholas, and his wife Alexandra amid the bloody Russian revolution. Includes testimonies, letters, diaries, photographs and tape-recorded descriptions of the murders.
Guest stars: Prince Michael of Kent, King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, King George V of the United Kingdom, Max Kleinman, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Grigori Rasputin
- E30 Nicholas and Alexandra Part 2: The Slaying of the TsarsOct 25, 1994
Synopsis
Prince Michael of Kent reveals details of the tragic deaths of the last Tsar and his family, and the consequent discovery and identification of the family's remains in woods close to Ekaterinburg.
Guest stars: Prince Michael of Kent, Max Kleinman, Nikolai Romanov
- E31 Stalker InvestigatesNov 1, 1994
Synopsis
Former deputy Chief Constable John Stalker investigates the murder of Hilda Murrell in 1984, including her involvement in anti-nuclear activities and the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
Guest stars: John Stalker
- E32 The Russian Love ConnectionNov 8, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary offers an insight into the burgeoning industry in Post-Communist Russia of supplying Russian women as brides for Western men. Also follows the women as they leave their family and friends for a new life in America.
- E33 Flying the Flag - Arming the WorldNov 15, 1994
Synopsis
The British arms business and its implications in World politics.
Guest stars: John Pilger (Self - Presenter), Denis Healey, Michael Meacher
- E34 The Visit: Coma - Connie's StoryNov 22, 1994
Synopsis
A return visit to Connie Taylor, who was knocked down by a car outside her house eight years ago and nearly died. Featured in THE VISIT in 1987,she was starting to recover from her coma. Now she is taking driving lessons.
- E35 The Visit: Chariots of WireNov 29, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about three young British businessmen who design and manufacture a revolutionary cheap wheelchair which they make available to people all over the world through a charity they set up named 'Motivation'.
- E36 The Visit: A Life for PollyDec 6, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary on Polly East, a five-year-old who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Follows her family as she undergoes the painful and distressing course of treatment.
- E37 Between Life and DeathDec 13, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about the Near Death Experience, and scientific research which has tried to explain how people who have technically died can make astonishing recoveries and remember inexplicable encounters or religious experiences.
- E38 Talking to the EnemyDec 20, 1994
Synopsis
Documentary about IRA's foot-soldier Dermot Finucane. The programme also records the moving testimony of Robert Ewart-Briggs, whose father was blown up in 1976 by an IRA landmine, and who refuses to dismiss the IRA as criminals.
Guest stars: Bobby Storey
- E39 The Plague MonkeysJan 3, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about a group of viruses, known as filoviruses, which can kill within two weeks and which are transmitted via monkeys.
- E40 UFOJan 10, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the phenomena of UFO sightings, and the history of authorities ignoring or debunking theories associated with them.
Guest stars: J. Allen Hynek, Nick Pope, Steven Schiff, Boris Sokolov, Steven Aftergood
- E41 Love, Lies and BigamyJan 17, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the experiences of four modern bigamists - three men and a woman - who were prosecuted.
- E42 The Man Who Saved AnimalsJan 24, 1995
Synopsis
Profile of conservationist Richard Leakey, the Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, who for many years has been a prolific campaigner to save the world's wildlife.
Guest stars: Richard Leakey
- E43 CommandoFeb 7, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary from behind the scenes with a Royal Marines commando unit as it takes part in a dramatic training exercise in Norway.
- E44 Desperately Seeking AsylumFeb 14, 1995
Synopsis
Report on the treatment of people arriving in Britain seeking asylum. Follows the stories of some of the refugees through each stage of the complicated process, and includes secretly recorded footage of a deportation taking place.
- E45 The YardiesFeb 21, 1995
Synopsis
Profile of the Yardies, a crime syndicate that's more powerful than the Mafia, originating from Kingston, Jamaica, now moving into Britain and America. A special police unit has been set up to combat them.
- E46 Confronting CrimeFeb 28, 1995
Synopsis
Report on the pioneering work of Leeds Mediation and Reparation Service, as it brings victims and offenders face to face for the first time.
- E47 Hollywood ViceMar 7, 1995
Synopsis
Profile of the career of detective Fred Clapp, who has been with the Los Angeles Vice Squad for 25 years, involved in undercover operations into prostitution and drug dealing to the Hollywood elite.
- E48 The TroubleshootersMar 14, 1995
Synopsis
For the last 25 years Belfast's leading press agency, Pacemaker, has built up a stunning visual record of The Troubles. It's photographers have witnessed the grief and suffering of others, and have put themselves in danger to bring us those unforgettable images. In a momentous 12 months, Network First cameras have followed them as Ulster has moved from violence to uneasy peace.
- E49 Paul McKenna's Secrets of HypnosisMar 21, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about hypnosis, exploring the uses for its technique, such as learning, pain control, and eyesight enhancement. Also looks into the more sinister uses of hypnosis for mind control by cults, advertisers, and politicians.
Guest stars: Paul McKenna
- E50 Escape from TibetMar 28, 1995
Synopsis
The fortunes of a group of Tibetans as they try to escape from the Chinese over the Himalayas.
- E51 Small MiraclesApr 4, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the work of a London surgeon who operates on babies still in the womb, following a mother whose seriously ill unborn twins might be saved by womb surgery at the Harris Birthright Unit at King's College Hospital.
- E52 What Makes Linford Run?Apr 11, 1995
Synopsis
Profile of the world class athlete Linford Christie and his relationship to his coach of 16 years, Ron Roddan.
Guest stars: Linford Christie
- E53 ConfessionApr 18, 1995
Synopsis
The subject matter of the television broadcast was a purported account by Mr Eamon Collins of his activities and experiences as a member of the Provisional IRA.
Guest stars: Eamon Collins
- E54 Vietnam: The Last BattleApr 25, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary examining how Vietnam has fared since the end of the conflict with America twenty years ago. There is also a look at Hollywood distortion of the Vietnam War.
Guest stars: John Pilger
- E55 Confronting the Hit MenMay 2, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the South African "Truth Commission", a reconciliation program, where former leaders of both black and white terror campaigns meet with the victims they orchestrated to see if past horrors can be forgiven.
Guest stars: Desmond Tutu
- E56 Last Letters HomeMay 9, 1995
Synopsis
Re-creates nine Second World War stories through the letters that passed between forces abroad and their friends, families or lovers back home, including some servicemen who wrote "last letters" in the event of their deaths.
- E57 Igor, Child of ChernobylJun 6, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about Igor Pavlovets, who was conceived shortly after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and was born with deformities. The film follows Igor as he travels to England and documents the suffering of the children left behind in Minsk.
- E58 Eilish: Life Without KatieAug 29, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about six-year-old Eilish Holton from Ireland, three years after she was surgically separated from her conjoined twin sister Katie, who sadly did not survive. This documentary shows Eilish starting school and her journey with learning to walk with a prosthesis. We also get to follow Eilish on a trip to the US to meet the still conjoined sisters Abigail and Brittany Hensel, who are about five years old here.
Guest stars: Eilish Holton
- E59 When a Woman Kills Her Man: The InvestigationSep 5, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about domestic violence, portraying a hypothetical case of Rachel and Peter Palmer. Peter is found fatally wounded; and Rachel was charged with the murder.
Guest stars: Terence Beesley (Peter Palmer), Lynne Pearson (Rachel Palmer)
- E60 When a Woman Kills Her Man: The TrialSep 12, 1995
Synopsis
Concludes the dramatised examination of domestic violence, following the fictional trial of Rachel Palmer through to the verdict.
- E61 A Very Special BabySep 19, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the lives of four people involved in a surrogate birth. Christine had a hysterectomy at age 31, with the possibility of never having children. Then, her husband's brother suggested surrogacy, which was accepted.
- E62 They Shoot Horses, Don't They?Oct 17, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary from behind the scenes of British racing, revealing the way racehorses are treated, and what happens to them when they are too old or injured to race.
- E63 Fear and Counting in Las VegasOct 24, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary following the fortunes of Dominic O'Brien, World Memory champion, as he tries his luck at the card tables of Amerian casinos in Biloxi, Tunica, Foxwoods and finally, Las Vegas.
- E64 Defender of the ChildrenOct 31, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about the efforts of Irish priest Shay Cullen to rid the Philippines of the child sex industry. Includes evidence of organised paedophilia tourism, with Britain providing one of the largest markets.
Guest stars: Michael Hames
- E65 Gettys - A Tragedy of Riches: Part 1Nov 7, 1995
Synopsis
Examines the life of the wealthy American Getty dynasty, focusing on John Paul Getty.
Guest stars: Jean Paul Getty
- E66 Gettys - A Tragedy of Riches: Part 2Nov 14, 1995
Synopsis
History of the Getty family focusing on J Paul Getty's grandchildren - Mark, who is a businessman; Balthazar, an actor; and Aileen who works promoting various AIDS charities with her former mother-in-law, Elizabeth Taylor.
Guest stars: Balthazar Getty
- E67 Man and AnimalNov 21, 1995
Synopsis
New York dogs model Larry Roth canine fashions while Chinese cats marinate in the kitchens of Guan's Cantonese restaurants, the Jain monks in India commit a crime if they kill even the smallest insect while bulls are ritually tortured in the name of religion in Spain. Award-winning filmmaker Antony Thomas travels to nine countries to examines the absurd contradictions and shockingly contrasting traditions which make up man's relationship with the animal world.
Guest stars: Richard Dawkins
- E68 Midnight CallersNov 28, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about those who phone a late night radio show in Bradford, discussing their personal problems: one seducing other men's wives; and a woman being the victim of a paedophile who is dreading his imminent release from prison.
- E69 Peace for the Wicked: Tales of Ethnic CleansingDec 5, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about a period after the Second World War in Germany, when many Germans were expelled from parts of their country, sent to ghettos and camps, and often murdered.
Guest stars: Timothy Garton Ash
- E70 Guys as DollsDec 12, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary about transvestism and the effect it has on marriages and social relations.
- E71 Entertaining Angels UnawaresDec 19, 1995
Synopsis
Documentary examining the history of angels, looking at orthodox and unorthodox views of scientists and churchmen on the subject, and featuring interviews with people who claim they have seen and been helped by angels.
- E72 Frontline Britain: Part 1Feb 27, 1996
Synopsis
First part of a two-part documentary reporting on rising crime in Great Britain and the connection between crime and poverty.
- E73 Frontline Britain: Part 2Mar 5, 1996
Synopsis
Final part of a documentary examining the divisions in British society, and its fight against drugs. In London, violence and gang warfare from drug use is examined, and in Bristol, a large-scale heroin use on one community is spotlighted.
- E74 The Killing of Kathleen WaughMar 12, 1996
Synopsis
Investigation into the death of Kathleen Waugh, a woman with learning difficulties, who went missing four years ago. Irregularities in the management of the residential care home, concerning anti-depressive drugs, have been highlighted.
- E75 Inside Burma: Land of FearMay 14, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about the military ruling regime in Burma, its use of forced and child labour to build road and rail links, and how the participation of Western countries aid the system by investing in poorly run projects.
Guest stars: John Pilger
- E76 Miss Popular's Crack CityMay 21, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about two women whose crack-cocaine habits lead them to prostitution. Wendy was 13 when she started to sleep with men to support her habit; Karen Lawson was a middle-class housewife who became hooked.
- E77 High Stakes at HighclereMay 28, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about life behind the scenes at Highclere, the Earl of Carnarvon's estate in Hampshire. A new castle manager is appointed, and makes changes to the tea room, the housekeeping, and the castle tour to encourage more visitors.
- E78 HMP DartmoorJun 4, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about life inside Dartmoor Prison in Devon.
- E79 A View to a KillSep 10, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about a Texan family who exercised a new state right to watch the execution of the man who brutally killed two of their children.
Guest stars: Andy Kahan
- E80 Three Men and a BalloonSep 17, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary following Richard Branson and his fellow balloonists as they made plans to fly a balloon non-stop around the world. Bad weather, politics and financial squabbles prevented the attempt from taking place.
Guest stars: Richard Branson, Per Lindstrand
- E81 Riddle of the GaulOct 8, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about the 1974 sinking of the Hull trawler Gaul, in which all 36 crew members were lost. Inquiry concluded the Gaul had succumbed to bad weather; although there has been speculation that the ship was captured by the Russians.
- E82 The ConnectionOct 15, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary following the heroin drugs trail from the poppy fields in Columbia to the streets of Britain. Carlton were fined £2,000,000 by the ITC over this documentary, as the programme contained a number of faked scenes.
- E83 Cut-price PackageOct 22, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about nine British women who travel to Wroclaw in Poland for cut-price plastic surgery.
- E84 Going to ChelseaNov 12, 1996
Synopsis
Follows Stephen Woodhams, society florist and garden designer, as he prepares and creates a garden for the world famous Chelsea Flower Show.
- E85 PsychosurgeryNov 19, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary following three people who have suffered from depression and have decided to try psychosurgery, where parts of the frontal lobes of the brain are destroyed in an attempt to damage the parts of the brain which controls emotions.
- E86 Breaking the CycleNov 26, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about disruptive children and the help available to families to deal with them. Visits the Marlborough House Day Unit in Swindon, where children spend one day a week in structured discipline, and whose results were positive.
- E87 The Widow, the Terrorist and the SASDec 3, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about the aftermath of the October 1977 hijacking of a plane by Palestinian terrorists. The four terrorists killed the pilot and held the passengers hostage for five days before the SAS stormed the plane.
- E88 Silent Victim: The Untold Story of the Yorkshire RipperDec 10, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary re-examining the case of Peter Sutcliffe, asserting that he may have been responsible for many more crimes than those he was convicted for.
Guest stars: Keith Hellawell, George Oldfield
- E89 Conspicuous ConsumptionDec 17, 1996
Synopsis
Documentary about the fashionable and exclusive department store Harvey Nichols, visiting the London and Leeds branches, talking to staff and customers.
- E90 Forgotten MothersJan 14, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary in which five women talk about how they gave their babies up for adoption in the 1950s and 60s, and the profound sense of loss and guilt they still feel.
- E91 Return to the Place of the DeadJan 21, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary following two British soldiers - Bob Mann and Richie Mayfield - as they return to Borneo, where in 1994 they almost died. Bob Mann looks for a video he made containing an emotional farewell message to his wife and son.
- E92 Born to Be SmallJan 28, 1997
Synopsis
Stories of four families affected by dwarfism: a couple's baby with achondroplasia; a couple expecting their first baby; a teenager's operation to add three inches to her height; and a couple fighting for equal rights for small people.
- E93 Igor, the Boy Who Dared to DreamFeb 11, 1997
Synopsis
Sequel documentary about a year in the life of Igor Pavlovets, who was deformed by the Chernobyl blast. Igor is on holiday in Spain, captaining his team in the school sports day, camping with the Cubs, and receiving visitors from Russia.
- E94 Breaking the Mirror: The Murdoch EffectFeb 18, 1997
Synopsis
Programme in which journalist John Pilger makes a tribute to the Daily Mirror newspaper. He traces the history of the tabloid, considering the influence of Rupert Murdoch and Robert Maxwell and how the standard of journalism has dropped.
Guest stars: Rupert Murdoch, Kelvin MacKenzie, Andrew Marr, Roy Greenslade, Paul Foot, Virginia Bottomley, Claire Rayner, John Pilger
- E95 All in the GenesMar 11, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary examining genetic engineering and cloning, and how it is transforming medical science, showing scientists at work in efforts to prevent genetical disorders such as Hunters syndrome, cancers and Alzheimers.
- E96 Stolen BridesMar 18, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary about two girls who left Britain to join their Yemeni father in 1982 for a holiday, but were married and prevented from leaving the country. The programme follows their mother's attempts to bring the girls back to England.
- E97 The Blind SchoolMar 25, 1997
Synopsis
Behind the scenes at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh to record the inspiring story of how its pupils learn to overcome their visual disabilities.
- E98 The Boy BusinessMar 26, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary about British paedophiles who prey on homeless and vulnerable children. The programme confronts the men who trade in child pornography, investigates the recruitment of young boys, and talks to the victims and relatives.
- E99 Between the LinesMay 6, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary about Paul Malone, who spent nearly ten years in jail after being found guilty of four armed robberies. The programme follows his attempts to have his convictions overturned.
- E100 Victoria & Albert Part 1: He Influenced Me in EverythingMay 13, 1997
Synopsis
His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent presents his great great grandparents - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. This programme deals with Albert's courtship of the impressionable young queen.
- E101 Victoria & Albert Part 2: A Queen AloneMay 20, 1997
Synopsis
The programme follows the life of Queen Victoria following the death of her husband, her self-imposed isolation during her long mourning, and her relationships with Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and her Highland servant John Brown.
Guest stars: Sandeep Sharma (The Munshi), Rhoda Lewis (Young Queen Victoria)
- E102 For the Love of RoySep 23, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary about the legacy of Roy Castle's battle against lung cancer. and the world's first lung cancer research centre in Liverpool. Friends of Castle pay tribute to him and his wife talks about continuing his campaigning work.
Guest stars: Cliff Richard, Roy Castle, Robert Powell, Phillip Schofield, Harry Secombe
- E103 Out of the ShadowsSep 30, 1997 · 51 min
Synopsis
First part in a two-part documentary following the then shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown during the run-in to Labour's election victory in May 1997.
Guest stars: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Ed Balls, Ed Miliband
- E104 We Are the TreasuryOct 7, 1997 · 51 min
Synopsis
Second part of a two-part documentary following Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown's transition into government, featuring his first month in office and events leading to his maiden budget.
Guest stars: Gordon Brown
- E105 Life with GraceOct 14, 1997
Synopsis
First part in a two-part documentary about Monaco's Princess Grace, from her Hollywood career and fairy-tale marriage to her dark side - troubled marriage, rumoured lovers, the paparazzi and her tragic early death in a car crash.
Guest stars: Grace Kelly, Donald Sinden, Robert Dornhelm
- E106 Life After GraceOct 21, 1997
Synopsis
Concluding part of a two-part documentary about Monaco's Grimaldi dynasty. After the early death of Princess Grace, the media turned their attention to her children, Albert, Caroline and Stephanie.
Guest stars: Grace Kelly, Donald Sinden, Robert Dornhelm
- E107 Windsor RestoredNov 20, 1997
Synopsis
Documentary in which The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of York give their personal accounts of the fire that ravaged the north-east corner of Windsor Castle in November 1992; and following the restoration process.
Guest stars: King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
