What’s On BBC Four Today Tuesday 16 May 2023
A full run down of everything airing on BBC Four today.
02:25
The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway
S03E01
The final stages of the construction of London’s Crossrail
First of two documentaries following the final stages of the construction work on the Elizabeth Line underground railway beneath the streets of London. Cameras follow the engineers, technicians and train staff who are under pressure to complete their section of the project, including building and fitting out 10 brand new stations, learning to drive the new fleet of trains, and testing the 21km twin tunnels beneath London, in a bid to make it safe for the public
03:25
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19:00
Railways: The Making of a Nation
S01E01
Documentary examining the impact of railways on Britain
Liz McIvor explores how Britain’s expanding rail network was the spark to a social revolution, starting in the 1800s and continuing through to modern times. She begins by examining the introduction of precise railway schedules and timetables that recognised Greenwich Mean Time. However, in a country made up of separate local time zones, with clocks in the west set several minutes behind those in the east, not everyone was keen to step in line
19:30
Fred Dibnah’s Age of Steam
S01E04
Early steam experiments for road use
Fred looks at early experiments in the use of steam for road transport, more than 100 years before the invention of the petrol engine. Plus, an insight into the development of the traction engine for agriculture and haulage
20:00
As Time Goes By
S02E05
Jean receives an invitation
A chance encounter leads to an invitation for Jean to stay at her sister-in-law’s home, but she has to persuade Lionel to accompany her. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer
20:30
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
S01E04
Terry looks for a job
Bob takes Terry on a tour of their old haunts – only to reveal most of them have been demolished. Terry finds it difficult accepting that times have changed during his time away – and a job interview proves the last straw. Classic comedy, with James Bolam and Rodney Bewes
21:00
Dam Busters Declassified
Martin Shaw explores the 1943 raid by 617 Squadron
Actor Martin Shaw takes to the skies in a bid to separate the facts from the myths surrounding the famous 1943 raid by 617 Squadron, which used bouncing bombs to attack German dams. He also talks to the last living RAF veteran of the mission, as well as to a survivor of the flooding caused by the breaching of the Moehne dam, and meets the secret wartime girlfriend of pilot Guy Gibson
22:00
In the Name of the Father: Storyville
The scandal facing an Orthodox Hasidic community after the death of its leader
Documentary-maker Bat-dor Ojalvo is given extraordinary access to one of Israel’s most Orthodox Hasidic communities to explore the scandal that erupted when the rabbi who established and led the community died. There follows a story of inheritance battles, violent reprisals, sexual abuse and underage marriages, told by those that experienced it
23:30
Britain and the Sea
S01E02
David Dimbleby learns about invasion and defence in the South East
David Dimbleby continues his voyage around Britain, sailing his yacht Rocket along coastal regions of the South East, the first point of attack for enemy forces and therefore essential to the nation’s defence throughout history. Along the way, he takes a tour of HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship vessel from the Battle of Trafalgar, lovingly preserved in dry dock in Portsmouth. He also meets a carpenter who still makes wooden figureheads, discovers how a chamber pot acted as propaganda in the battle against Napoleon and reveals the way abstract art was used to deceive German submarine pilots
00:30
Railways: The Making of a Nation
S01E01
Documentary examining the impact of railways on Britain
Liz McIvor explores how Britain’s expanding rail network was the spark to a social revolution, starting in the 1800s and continuing through to modern times. She begins by examining the introduction of precise railway schedules and timetables that recognised Greenwich Mean Time. However, in a country made up of separate local time zones, with clocks in the west set several minutes behind those in the east, not everyone was keen to step in line
01:00
Fred Dibnah’s Age of Steam
S01E04
Early steam experiments for road use
Fred looks at early experiments in the use of steam for road transport, more than 100 years before the invention of the petrol engine. Plus, an insight into the development of the traction engine for agriculture and haulage
01:30
Dam Busters Declassified
Martin Shaw explores the 1943 raid by 617 Squadron
Actor Martin Shaw takes to the skies in a bid to separate the facts from the myths surrounding the famous 1943 raid by 617 Squadron, which used bouncing bombs to attack German dams. He also talks to the last living RAF veteran of the mission, as well as to a survivor of the flooding caused by the breaching of the Moehne dam, and meets the secret wartime girlfriend of pilot Guy Gibson
02:30
Britain and the Sea
S01E02
David Dimbleby learns about invasion and defence in the South East
David Dimbleby continues his voyage around Britain, sailing his yacht Rocket along coastal regions of the South East, the first point of attack for enemy forces and therefore essential to the nation’s defence throughout history. Along the way, he takes a tour of HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship vessel from the Battle of Trafalgar, lovingly preserved in dry dock in Portsmouth. He also meets a carpenter who still makes wooden figureheads, discovers how a chamber pot acted as propaganda in the battle against Napoleon and reveals the way abstract art was used to deceive German submarine pilots
03:30
Close
