Blowing Up History

From Tootsie to Die Hard - well-known actors and directors share behind-the-scenes stories and moments of the defining movies of the '80s.

The story of a young woman growing up during World War II, and of Elizabeth's "Uncle Dickie", the wildly ambitious and egotistical Louis Mountbatten, who in lust for revenge for injustice to his father, schemed and plotted to take over the royal family by marrying the young Princess to his nephew. The film reveals the undercurrent of sadness as the King rapidly declined to an early death, advancing Elizabeth's growth into majesty. This is a story of the young princess who never would have been Queen, were it not for several twists of history. The story of the killing of her beloved grandfather George V by his doctors, of her Grandmother Queen Mary who taught her strict tradition and protocol, and of the favourite uncle - King Edward VIII, who abdicated and flirted with fascism. And above all, the story of her mother and father - King George VI's bravery in the face of disability, and the future Queen Mother, who sacrificed a close, private, near normal family life to save the monarchy.

Comedian and writer David Baddiel sets off on an adventure of a lifetime along the Silk Road. Starting at its eastern terminus in Xi'an, David visits the market to get himself kitted out for the long journey ahead buying tea, a lucky charm and pants that fit. As he heads west, he discovers the secret of silk that could get a man killed and visits some amazing caves containing hidden treasures. He rides a camel through a haunted desert and channels Indiana Jones as he hunts down the original Great Wall of China, before taking an overnight train to Turpan.