THE MAGGIE (1954, b/w)
Channel 4, 1.30pm
The Ealing Studios stalwart Alexander Mackendrick directed some splendidly dark comedies, but The Maggie is a far more soothing slice of Caledonian whimsy scripted by William Rose in much the same vein as his previous hit, Genevieve. Alex Mackenzie stars as the wily captain of a ramshackle Clyde steamer who cons a penny- pinching American tycoon (Paul Douglas) into entrusting his furniture delivery to his creaky old vessel. Like a slighter version of Whisky Galore, this picturesque trifle combines an affable cast with sublime scenery. (92 min)
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ANNIE HALL (1977)
TCM, 9pm
One of Woody Allen’s most beloved films, Annie Hall went through many radical changes before emerging as a multiple Oscar-winning comedy. The freeform script began life as a murder thriller with a romantic subplot, but was chopped down to a bittersweet love story, allowing Allen and Keaton to revive the crime plot 16 years later when they reunited on Manhattan Murder Mystery.The film’s four Academy Awards included one for Diane Keaton’s splendid performance and two for Allen’s direction and script. (93 min)
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DOG SOLDIERS (2002)
Five, 10pm
A flawed gem of a British film, Neil Marshall’s darkly comic thriller has all the makings of a cultish pulp-horror classic. While on manoeuvres in the Scottish Highlands, a British Army platoon stumbles across several mutilated bodies. The soldiers (led by Sean Pertwee) must then brace themselves for a fight to the death with an unexpected enemy — a deadly gang of werewolves. Despite his obvious budget limitations, Marshall directs with energy and ingenuity. (105 min)