Although we’ve had lessons about World War II in school and seen Hollywood actors like Brad Pitt and Matt Damon do their best soldier impersonations for the big screen, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s seven part documentary series The War provides a more intimate perspective into the triumph and tragedy of World War II. Beginning tonight at 9:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, join these seasoned filmmakers and expert storytellers as they uncover the untold, and often forgotten narratives of individuals both involved in and affected by the war. From veterans on the front lines, to the families that waited restlessly for their return, The War contains interviews with those who directly affected by this seemingly endless war. Kicking off tonight with A Necessary War and continuing through next Wednesday, don’t miss the opportunity to hear the story of World War II from the start to finish on WETA!
Part 1— “A Necessary War” (December 1941-December 1942) July 31st, 9:00pm
The United States is launched into the middle of World War II with the unexpected Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. American soldiers stationed on bases in the Phillippines are also subject to Japanese attack, and many are captured as Prisoners of War in Manila. Although the US does earn a victory in 1942’s Battle of Midway, US troops lose over 35,000 soldiers before the year’s end.
Part 2—“When Things Get Tough” (January 1943-December 1943) August 1st, 9:00pm
At the start of the war’s second year, the Allies have not yet agreed upon a common plan to overthrow German troops, resulting in inadequate preparation for troops as they confront German and Italian armies for the first time. Meanwhile on American soil, women have stepped up to the challenge of manufacturing products for the wartime effort. The manufacturing boom in cities like Mobile and Waterbury resulted in population booms that result in palpable social tensions.
Part 3—“A Deadly Calling” (November 1943- June 1944) August 2nd, 9:00pm
Two years after the start of the war, American communities are beginning to see the violent effects of the war on families and wartime morale. Cities like Mobile, Sacramento, and Waterbury have become overcrowded, booming war towns that suffer from violent racial conflict. While African American soldiers trained to fight for their country are relegated to military service jobs, Japanese American soldiers are assigned to their own segregated unit. Meanwhile, in Italy, Allied troops are stalled in the mountains by Germans troops and struggle to penetrate Adolf Hitler’s line South of Rome.
Part 4—“Pride of Our Nation” (June 1944 - August 1944) August 5th, 9:00pm
Known to many Americans as D-Day, one of the greatest victories for Allied Troops came on June 6th, 1944 when over one million and a half troops embarked on the invasion of France and managed to create a 45 mile gap in Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. Although the attack allowed over 150,000 Allied soldiers into France, D-Day also ranked as one of the bloodiest days in history since the Civil War, claiming over 2,500 American lives. Intensifying enemy attacks prolong battle in Japanese territories and inspires even more fear and uncertainty in both soldiers and civilians on domestic soil, many of whom feel as if the war will never end.
Part 5—“FUBAR” (September 1944-December 1944) August 6th, 9:00pm
Although Dwight Eisenhower’s Chief of Staff claims that the war is over militarily, this statement proves false as troops continue to lose soldiers at alarming rates. At the Western front, Allied troops at the German border operate on decreasing rations of food and artillery, having outrun their major supply lines. British and American troops continue to encroach upon Germany’s most treacherous and protected territory, where they encounter unwinnable battles where sheer survival becomes the primary goal. Meanwhile in Pacific territories, soldier morale wanes as violent and unnecessary battles deplete American troops and resources.
Part 6—“The Ghost Front” (December 1944-March 1945) August 7th, 9:00pm
Exhausted by the violent and seemingly endless nature of the war, morale is low among American citizens and soldiers. Although the intensified bombing of German oil facilities, roads, and factories hastens the upcoming Nazi surrender in Spring of 1945, Japan’s unwillingness to capitulate made victory seem far off. Victory for Allied troops, came in the Battle of Iwo Jima, when American troops gained control of the Iwo Jima air strip and from there strategically launched aggressive attacks on major Japanese cities.
Part 7—“A World Without War” (March 1945-December 1945) August 8th, 9:00pm
In March of 1945, President Roosevelt tells American populations that while the Nazis are on the verge of collapse, the war with Japan could continue for years. After the death of Roosevelt in April 1945 and the surrender of Nazi troops in May, the nation looks to new president Harry Truman to finally cease the fighting. After Japanese leaders refuse unconditional surrender, the United States resorts to nuclear warfare and drops two separate atom bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although these attacks brought an end to one of the greatest cataclysms in American history, the bombs killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens and ushered in a new age of atomic fear in American history.
It’s that time of the week again—time to announce the Summer Movie Series lineup for this Saturday! WETA TV26 and WETA HD are broadcasting excellent films from all genres and generations, and just like every week, the night will begin with the WETA Movie, followed by a documentary from Independent Lens and POV.
Identity:
Whether it’s a member of the 1919 Chicago White Sox baseball team, a young teenager from the Navajo Nation, or even a recent Somali immigrant in the small town of Shelbyville, Tennessee, identity plays a crucial role in the way we perceive ourselves conduct our interactions with others. The subjects in tonight’s films not only address how identity influences important decisions and aspirations, but also demonstrate the immense and often overlooked diversity within the borders of the United States. Identity plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of lives, from our personal preferences and aspirations, to the way that we choose to interact with the world.
The Stuff of Greatness
How do you identify a great team—is it in their collective talents or in their willingness to always play to the best of their ability? In 1919, the Chicago White Sox seemed to be bound for “greatness.” They were considered to be the most skilled team ever assembled in baseball and winning the World Series that year seemed to be inevitable. And if not for the greediness of one, followed by the desperate greediness of many, it is likely they would have.
Eight Men Out chronicles the story of how the glowing record of the Chicago White Sox turned into the Black Sox Scandal. Despite their winning season, the owner of the White Sox felt no inclination to compensate his legendary team accordingly. When a gambling syndicate approached key members of the team offering high rewards for losing the series as an unbeatable team, the players took the chance to receive the money they felt they deserved. Taking that bribe meant never achieving the greatness they were destined for. It forever identified them as cheaters rather than legends.
Tune in to WETA TV26 and WETA HD tomorrow at 9:30pm to see how the White Sox players of Eight Men Out changed their identities forever.
Get into the swing of this baseball movie classic by watching the trailer!
Coming of Age in Navajo Nation
Life as a teen on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico is far from easy. Situated at the fringes of American society, the reservation suffers from weak economic infrastructure, widespread poverty, and epidemics like alcoholism. POV’s Up Heartbreak Hill follows Thomas Martinez and Tamara Hardy, two high school seniors choosing paths to pursue after graduation. Both students are exceptional runners and hope that their athletic talents will bring them college scholarships. Despite their great potential, Thomas and Tamara are anxious about leaving their family and friends on the reservation. Up Heartbreak Hill provides a complex portrait of a young generation conflicted between staying true to their Navajo heritage and pursuing new lives outside of the reservation. Watch this powerful coming of age story at 11:30pm.
Who Am I?
Shelbyville, Tennessee: a town plagued by racism and segregation during the Civil Rights era. The community now experiences a time of growing Latino and Muslim Somali populations in the area. Director and producer, Kim Snyder gives you Independent Lens: Welcome to Shelbyville, a glance at how Americans face growing immigrant populations and the clashes of various cultures. The new immigrants The new arrivals struggle to adjust within the small town known for its history of discrimination. But staying true to their culture and religion keep them grounded in light of the fast paced American lifestyle. Longtime white and African American residents find it a challenge to integrate with the newcomers in the wake of a weakened economy and a trying political period. A search for identity unfolds in this film as groups look to find their place in America, while others are reminded of their struggles for equality that took place long ago. It is a story that searches for the answers of what it truly means to be American.
Summer is in full swing and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! is bringing all things creepy and crawly into your living room! Tune into WETA Kids and WETA TV26 July 30 – August 3, 2012 for a special The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Creepy Crawly Week! Kids will learn about snails, spiders, and other crawlers while playing along with great free activities including printables and online games that you can find on the newly renovated Cat in the Hat website.
Here are episode descriptions and air dates for Creepy Crawly Week. Be sure to use all these great resources to encourage and continue the learning after the show ends!
Nick, Sally, and the Cat in the Hat jump into the Thinga-ma-jigger and shrink down to visit the fireflies that live in the backyard. They learn that the fireflies communicate by flashing their lights.
Go Snails Go!
Nick, Sally and the Cat meet up with Lewis and Clark, two snails. They learn about all the different ways snails use their shells.
“Maps / Termite Towers”
WETA KIDS Tuesday, July 319:00am & 1:30am
WETA TV26 Wednesday, August 1 8:30am
Maps
The Cat takes Nick and Sally on a real pirate adventure by following a treasure map! Maps show the location of landmarks and natural features.
Termite Towers
Sally and Nick just can’t seem to keep their block tower from toppling over. The Cat in the Hat takes them to meet some expert tower builders: the termites!
“Reindeer Games / Along Came a Spider”
WETA KIDS Wednesday, August 19:00am & 1:30am
WETA TV26 Thursday, August 2 8:30am
Reindeer Games
Nick and Sally can’t find their sled that’s buried under the snow. Cat’s friend Magnus the reindeer shows them how he digs with his feet and shovels snow with his antlers.
Along Came a Spider
Cat’s friend Mabel is a spider who knows all about weaving and teaches Nick and Sally how to weave a web. Spiders build webs to catch their prey.
“Secret Super Digger / Pucker Up and Blow”
WETA KIDS Thursday, August 2 9:00am & 1:30am
WETA TV26 Friday, August 3 8:30am
Secret Super Digger
Super digger - Diggery the earthworm shows Nick, Sally, and Cat how worms supply nutrients to plants with their castings (compost), as well as how their tunnels enrich the soil with air and water.
Pucker Up and Blow
Nick and Sally are trying to whistle but they just can’t seem to get it right! The Cat takes them to visit his friend, Rocky the Winter Wren, who is an expert whistler. Practice makes perfect!
“Amazing Eyes / Water Walkers”
WETA KIDS Friday, August 3 9:00am & 1:30am
WETA TV26 Monday, August 6 8:30am
Amazing Eyes
With the help of three different animals with very different ways of seeing, Nick, Sally, and Cat find Katie the guinea pig and discover a guinea pig’s favorite game – hide and seek! Different animals have different kinds of vision.
Water Walkers
Nick, Sally, and Cat take a trip to Splishy Splashy Pond to meet Walker the Water Strider who shows how he’s able to stay on top of the water with the help of air bubbles.
Next Thursday at 9:00pm on WETA UK, the second series of Waking the Dead begins! Follow along with Waking the Dead using this downloadable series 2 episode guide and be sure to tune in to WETA UK Thursdays at 9:00pm for Waking the Dead!
Waking the Dead Series 2 Premieres on WETA UK Thursday August 2, 2012 at 9:00pm
About the Series: Waking the Dead
Recent advances in forensic science, psychological profiling and new technology have revolutionized crime-solving. Now mysteries which have lain dormant for years can be reopened with a good chance of success. The Cold Case squad is a crack team of police investigators. Set up with the specific brief of reopening the files on unsolved cases, they re-examine the evidence and requestion witnesses. If anyone can track down a killer years after a murder, they can.
Leading the hunt is DS Peter Boyd. Haunted by the disappearance of his own teenage son years ago, he is committed to getting at the truth at all costs. Assisting him are a team of expert professionals: psychological profiler Dr Grace Foley, forensic scientist Dr Frankie Wharton, and detectives Amelia (Mel) Silver and Spencer Jordan, Boyd’s second in command. They are the best minds in their field and dedicated to their jobs. But digging up the past can be dangerous. The killer is still on the loose and could strike again…
About Series 2: Waking the Dead
In Series 2, a psychotic killer is the key to an investigation when a victim who survived is harassed by a copycat assailant, a deathbed confession appears to link the hanging of an East End gangster and the assassination of the jury who found him guilty, the team are up against a wall of Whitehall secrecy and a Home Office audit when a petty burglar is acquitted of murdering a prominent Home Officer advisor, and Boyd makes terrible mistakes while under pressure to discover the truth behind the disappearance of an 18-year old girl on Hampstead Heath in 1989.
The Second City comedy troupe has been home to some of the greatest comedians of our time. From Bill Murray to Tina Fey, these sketch comedians and first-class improvisers have been making people laugh for generations and this weekend they are making DC their home! So don’t miss the chance to see their newest talents, guaranteed to make you “LOL” in the Second City’s Laugh Out Loud Tour. Performances: Lansburgh Theatre on Friday, July 27 at 8:00pm and 10:30pm, Saturday, July 28 at 7:15pm and 9:45pm. Tickets: $25 - $45.
Philip Kaufman
Philip Kaufman is a professor, writer, and director and has produced numerous award-winning films. This weekend the National Gallery of Art is offering the chance to see one his most celebrated films for free!The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a famous novel by Czech writer Milan Kundera about the Prague Spring of 1968 that Kaufman adapted for the screen. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Juliette Binoche and is a classic romance set in a turbulent time. To enhance your experience of the film, author of Philip Kaufman: American Stylist, Annette Isdorf, will speak about the director to provide her insights to the man and the movie. Film screening: Sunday, July 29 at 4:30pm. Book signing: 3:45pm.
The Planets—An HD Odyssey
Although most of us won’t have the opportunity to travel to space in our lifetime, the National Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planetsgives us the next best thing. Under the leadership of conductor Emil de Cou, and accompanied by the Choral Society of Washington, join the NSO as they bring the intrigue and beauty of the solar system to life with a high definition film comprised of images from the current Mars Rover and other NASA probe missions like the Voyager, Magellan, and Galileo. Join the NSO and the Choral Society of Washington at the Wolf Trap Foundation’s Filene Center for a night guaranteed to be out of this world! Performance: Friday, July 27 at 8:30pm. Tickets: $20-$52.
Animal Secrets
Charlotte Dumas has a way of seeing into an animal’s soul with her expertise in photography. Traveling all around the world photographing animals, she gains perspective to their side of the story. The Corcoran Gallery of Art is featuring her talents in the exhibition, Anima. The display consists of a series of formal portraits focusing on various animals and their emotions as they strive to survive in a human-dominated world. Her portraits allow audiences to see the world through the eyes of the animals and understand how humans affect the lives they lead. Anima remains on display until October, 28 2012. Corcoran hours: Wednesdays, 10:00am – 5:00pm; Thursdays, 10:00am – 9:00pm; Friday – Sunday, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission: Adults- $10, Seniors/Students- $8.
New Films Opening Friday, July 27, 2012
Killer Joe NC-17
Drug dealers and deadly plots fill this black comedy as a son hires a hit man to kill his mother for her life insurance policy after she steals $6,000 worth of his drugs.
The Watch R
A group of suburban dads form a neighborhood watch and discover an alien invasion in progress. Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade star in this comedy written by Seth Rogan.
Step Up Revolution PG-13
In this next installment of the Step Up franchise, Emily, an aspiring professional dancer, arrives in Miami and bands together with a dance crew to protest a wealthy businessman’s development project that would displace thousands of people.
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry R
The documentary follows the artist and activist as he prepares for major museum exhibitions, interacts with family members, and publicly rebels against the Chinese government.
The Bourne Legacy PG-13
Jeremy Renner stars as the government created assassin who goes rogue in the fourth chapter of the Bourne series.
Searching for Sugar Man PG-13
The film tells the true story of the ‘70s rock icon that never came to be, Rodriguez. After a bootleg recording in South Africa turned the album into a phenomenon, two fans set out to find what really happened to the singer.
Want to live La Vie en Rose instead of la vie en humidity? Then escape to France by way of Paris on WETA, a documentary series that brings the City of Light to Washington, DC.
The three hour documentary begins tonight at 9:00 with part one. Each episode highlights a different and exciting aspect of the history of the French capital airing back-to-back on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. Paris debuts with City of Dreams where host Sandrine Voillet tells the story of the city’s ascent from the bloody French Revolution to the center of modern ideals of art and beauty in a one hundred-year time span. Discover how the city has played host to famous bistros, boulevards, and artistic movements that transformed it from a just another city to a city of dreams.
Episode two, Blood and Chocolate continues with an exploration of the origins of Paris on a small island in the Seine as well as the less-talked about underbelly. Learn about everything from blood to chocolate from the current trend-setters of Paris.
Sometimes in Paris it is hard to tell what is real life and what is fantasy, and the final episode, Bohemian Rhapsody, also seems to toe that line in its investigation of the city’s embrace of technology and counter-culture. Join Voillet for an examination of the strife to attain modernism with the Occupation and riots in the Banlieu along with encounters with Picasso’s grandson and Jane Birkin.
Bite into this amuse bouche of the series before you watch!
A heavily scheduled day can be tough without a good breakfast to start off with. But where to go? Tonight at 8:00, tune in to WETA TV 26 and WETA HD for The WETA Guide to Breakfast in Washington and get a better taste of the greatest breakfast spots in town. This WETA production features several establishments all with various cultural influences, and styles. Whether you’re looking to sit down for a hearty breakfast with family and friends or grab something for the road, you are sure to discover the best morning eats that satisfy your hunger during your busy schedule. Learn how to make breakfast a more exciting and delicious part of your day. After all, it is the most important meal!
When you co-view television with your kids, you help them understand the information they receive. Co-viewing is important it helps us see and hear what our children see and hear especially when images on the screen can bring out strong feelings. When we watch TV or a movie with our children, we can ask questions to help them think about what they see and help them make connections to what they learn at home and in school. For example, when you watch a show about animals, ask your children which animals are the same as those in a book you have read. Where else have you seen this animal? Maybe you saw it on a trip to the zoo. Make watching TV active!
Co-viewing TV or movies with our children allows us talk about important ways to behave. For example in Clifford the Big Red Dog: Jetta’s Tall Tale (air dates listed below) Jetta feels a twinge of jealousy when the other children get excited over Emily Elizabeth's wonderful big pet Clifford, so she blurts out a story about her own wonderful big pet: a huge parrot named Lulu. But this little lie quickly grows into a big mess. You can talk to your children abut why the truth is important, how it feels to be liked by others, and how to handle peer pressure. When parents and children watch TV together, you share your ideas and feelings which present an excellent opportunity for learning.
However, we are not always going to be able to watch every show or movie with our children. They are exposed to television and movies everywhere they go – doctors’ offices, friends’ houses, restaurants and schools. Take an active role and ask questions after your child has watched a show – whether or not you were there to view it.
Some sample questions are:
Tell me what happened in the show.
What did the characters do?
Do you agree with what the characters did? Why or why not?
What did the characters talk about?
How did you feel watching the show? Why?
What was your favorite part? Why?
What part didn’t you like? Why?
What questions do you have? (for example: the meaning of words or actions of characters)
Practice interactive co-viewing and these questions while watching:
Hop into the WETA time machine and journey back to Washington DC during the 1960s and 1970s, a time of immense social and political change that transformed the city from a sleepy Southern town to a world class city. Beginning tonight at 10:00, catch the WETA production Washington in the 60s, local Emmy winner for Historical Documentary and Post Production Audio. This documentary explores landmark topics such as the election of John F. Kennedy, the 1968 King riots, and reactions to the Vietnam War. Told from the perspectives of those who were actually there, Washington in the 60s includes interviews from prominent DC figures such as former Mayor Marion Barry, Author Pat Buchanan, and the late musician Chuck Brown. Tune in and learn more about the Beatle’s first performance in Washington or Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. If you’re interested in learning more about DC history, stay tuned for the WETA production Washington in the 70s at 11:00pm. Following DC in the midst of major social and political revolution, this documentary explores the election of DC’s first congressional candidate, Chuck Brown’s rise to fame, and the Washington Bullets’ first championship win. Containing interviews with well known DC natives like Connie Chung, Donnie Simpson, and Maury Povich, Washington in the 70s provides new insight into this integral period in Washington’s City. Take part in the history tonight!
Enjoy the excitement of a film festival in your PJs with the WETA Summer Movie Series on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. Tune in every Saturday for the finest films from all genres and generations, the night will begin with the WETA Movie, followed by a documentary from Independent Lens or POV. Grab a blanket and some popcorn and prepare to cry, laugh, and think with the WETA Summer Movie Series.
Against All Odds:
Do you ever feel like the universe is working against you? Or that you’re fighting a losing battle? Don’t despair! Tune in and take notes on the brave subjects of tonight’s films. Watch Rocky overcome injury and heartbreak to triumph over a vicious opponent in Rocky II. Follow Syrian school girls as they challenge limiting societal expectations to pursue higher education in The Light in Her Eyes. Join 20 year old JoEllen Marsh on her quest to find her birth father and half siblings in Donor Unknown. Draw inspiration for life’s smaller battles from these difficult, yet ultimately beautiful struggles, or just enjoy a fantastic lineup of movies for free.
Rocky II
The second installment in the Rocky franchise picks up where the first left off when, against all odds, Rocky survived a 15-round stand off versus Apollo Creed. Despite Rocky losing the match from a split-decision call from the referees, Apollo is not satisfied with simply defending his title at heavyweight champion—he wants there to be no doubt in anyone’s mind that he deserves it. Both opponents suffered serious injuries from this epic battle, and we learn that if Rocky ever fights again there is a chance he will lose his eyesight. Our hero is happily married to Adrian and humbled by how well he did in his famous fight in this sequel, but when Apollo questions his merit and Adrian falls ill, Rocky is forces back into the ring to one last bout for the end-all title of heavyweight champion of the world. The Rocky epic continues with the question: is Rocky the ultimate underdog or is he overrated? Find out on WETA TV26 and WETA HD Saturday at 9:30pm!
Get into shape for the movie with this classic Rocky training excerpt from Rocky II (yes, the music is there too).
The Light in Her Eyes
Young Muslim girls in Syria, Damascus are given the unique opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education and future employment while staying true to their Islamic studies. Film directors, Julia Meltzer and Laura Nix bring you the POV documentary, The Light in Her Eyes. The film tells the story of Muslim preacher, Houda al-Habash and her dedication to teaching at Al-Zahra Qur’an School for girls, which she founded thirty years ago at the age of 17. Meltzer and Nix celebrate Houda’s work of continuing to create more opportunities for young women in her community through Islamic education. Her drive to teach and the students’ hunger to learn are inspirational, as they bravely move forward in a culture which traditionally holds women to very specific roles in society. Join in on the lessons tomorrow night at 11:30.
Could you imagine having a dozen brothers and sisters you’d never met before? Or what about a father you only knew as Donor 150? When former male model Jeffrey Harris made over 500 donations to the California Cryobank during the 1980s, he never expected for his children to attempt to find him or each other. Tomorrow at 1:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, join filmmaker Jerry Rothwell as he follows JoEllen Marsh, one of Harris’s biological children, on her quest to find her half siblings and ultimately her biological father in the documentary Independent Lens Donor Unknown / All About Me. This story of a courageous young woman’s quest to uncover her roots provides an insight into the modern family and the ethics behind new reproductive technologies.
Unwind from school, work, or a busy day at 6:00pm on WETA UK all week long. Family dramas with a pinch of comedy make 6:00pm a perfect hour for commercial free British television. Tune in during, after, or while you’re making dinner. Tune in as the kids finish their homework. Tune in while you get your evening workout in. It’s the best of the best in light-hearted British dramedies right in your living room!
Sundays - 6:00pm
Loosely based on Sir Compton Mackenzie's “Highland Novels”, Monarch of the Glen follows young restaurateur Archie MacDonald who is trying to save his childhood home in the Scottish Highlands, after inheriting his father's large estate and castle, Glenbogle.
Mondays & Thursdays - 6:00pm
In the small Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise and the wealthier neighboring market town of Candleford towards the end of the 19th century, teenage girl, Laura Timmins leaves Lark Rise to start a new life under the wing of her cousin, the independent and effervescent Dorcas Lane, who is Post Mistress at the local Post Office in Candleford. In the costume drama, Lark Rise to Candleford, friends Laura and Dorcas see each other through the best and worst of times.
Tuesdays - 6:00pm
Watch Born and Bred where Dr. Arthur Gilder and his son Tom, run the cottage hospital under the new National Health Service in the village of Ormston in Lancashire during the 1950s. Their medical methods and age differences put them on a collision course; it often takes the effort of the whole village to stop them from killing each other.
Wednesdays - 6:00pm
Follow the residents of an Irish village called Ballykissangel as they struggle to accept Peter Clifford, a young priest who just arrived to Ballykissangel.
Fridays - 6:00pm
Two spirited residents of a retirement home, Diana and Tom are Waiting For God and spend their time running rings around the home's oppressive management and their own families.
Fridays - 6:30pm
Gareth Blackstock is the Chef! He’s talented, arrogant, tyrannical and obsessed and insults his staff and customers endlessly. The chef's quest for perfection and his lack of awareness about the costs of that perfection mean that the restaurant is on the brink of financial collapse when he and his wife Janice purchase it. Can they keep the restaurant going or will the chef have to throw in his apron?
Saturdays - 6:00pm
Spring and summer 1940, World War II has just begun and England looks all but doomed in the face of an inevitable German invasion. Still, someone has to fight crime on the home front and who better than Christopher Foyle, the dogged detective chief inspector who faces difficult cases on Foyle's War?
Just one of many beautiful and historical neighborhoods that grace our city, Georgetown dates back to 1751 when it was used as a port along the Potomac River. Forty-five years later, cupcakes were first mentioned in Amelia Simmon's "American Cookery" cookbook. Dumbarton House is linking these bite-size facts together in a two-hour walking tour of historical Georgetown with Guild of Professional Tour Guides member, Dwane Starlin, as your guide and featuring treats from Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, and Georgetown Cupcake. So put on your walking shoes and elastic waistbands for this delectable taste of DC! Event: Sunday, July 22 at 10:00am – 12:00pm. Tickets: (The price of one cupcake at each venue is included) $20, reservations are encouraged, but cash or check at the door is accepted.
Medieval Story Land
The darkness is coming, and the only one who can stop it is a little elf named Todd. Red Knight Productions brings to the Capital Fringe Festival the production of Medieval Story Land, a parody of all things fantasy. Fun for children, adults, and hobbit-lovers alike, the story follows the brave elf on a dangerous quest to save the land and all the trolls, knights, and wizards who inhabit it. Performances: Friday, July 20 at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 22 at 3:00pm at Studio Theatre. Tickets: Single ticket festival price $17 + Fringe admission.
Main Street Community Band
Celebrate the harmonious sounds of Fairfax’s Main Street Community Band (MSCB). Composed entirely of Fairfax residents from all ages and backgrounds, the ensemble emphasizes the importance of music education and the joy of playing music with friends. Under the leadership of local conductor Geoffrey K. Seffens, MSCB will play pop, light classics, and old favorites. Experience first rate musicianship and support a local band with Main Street Community Band this weekend. Performances: Thursday, July 19 at 8:00pm in the Veterans Amphitheater in Fairfax City Hall. Sunday, July 22 at 7:00pm at Country Club Hills. Tickets: Free.
New Films Opening Friday, July 20, 2012:
The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)
After being chased into exile by the Gotham City Police Department, Batman emerges eight years later to thwart the plans of a ruthless terrorist leader.
The Queen of Versailles (PG)
Nothing says wealthy like a mansion inspired by the grandest castle in Europe. The documentary follows a billionaire couple as they begin construction on their royalty-worthy home, only to have their plans and their empire falter due to the economic crisis.
Grassroots (R)
Based on the true story of the 2001 Seattle City Council election, oddball Grant Cogswell, with the help of campaign manager and friend, Phil Campbell, sets out to rally all the misfits of Seattle and earn a bid to unseat the City Council incumbent.
Tonight at 9:00 History Detectives returns to primetime on WETA TV26 and WETA HD with brand new episodes! All your favorite hosts are back to delve into mysterious histories with you by their side. History Detectives know their way around the complexities and intricacies involved in navigating American History, but can some artifacts just fall into your lap?
Tonight’s episode features artifacts left behind by some of America’s favorite rock stars. There is a guitar said to have belonged to Bob Dylan as well as possible Beatles autographs from Miami Beach in 1964 and a thrift shop that may have a Frank Zappa link. If you love rock music of the 1960s (or just rock music in general) this is the episode that will make you believe that finding of piece of its elusive history is possible. For instance, when Bob Dylan changed the face of rock ‘n’ roll by being the first artist to use an electric guitar back in 1965, it is hard to imagine such a precious artifact would have been simply forgotten at the show. But one woman believes that she is in possession of the exact guitar that helped Dylan introduce modern rock to the United States. If History Detectives Wes Cowen and Elyse Luray discover the story to be true, it could be the most priceless item the show has seen in all its 10 seasons. Tune in to see what the detectives find out about this guitar as well as other valuable items from beloved rock ‘n’ roll superstars.
Get a double dose of history and intrigue by watching Michael Wood’s Story of England: The Birth of Modern England, which airs right before History Detectives at 8:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. Join Wood as he shares the roots of the town of Kibworth in the 17th and 18th century including glimpses at the battlefields of World War I and what daily lives were like during World War II and what they’re like today.
Tonight at 9:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, the producers of the hit series, Antiques Roadshow bring you some of the best treasure hunters in the land with the very first episode of the new show, Market Warriors. Follow four collectible experts who travel from flea market to flea market throughout the country in search of antiques. Once they find various items, the collectors turn them over at an auction observing intently to see whose goodies come out on top. It’s a competition for the highest profit. Who will be crowned the “Treasure King” at the end of each journey? Join in on the adventure tonight in Adamstown, PA as the four discover a Tiffany jelly jar and an Earnes chair while battling it out for the next best thing.
Attention film lovers! There’s no need to shell out money for pricey movie tickets and a big bucket of popcorn this weekend. Simply tune into the WETA Summer Movie Series to enjoy the best films from all genres and generations. Airing every Saturday on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, the night will begin with the WETA Movie followed by a documentary from Independent Lens or POV. Enjoy some of the finest films cinema has to offer without ever having to leave your living room!
PASSION:
Whether it’s Fast Eddie’s worship of pool in The Hustler, or a reader looking for love in the pages of a romance novel in Julie Moggan’s documentary Guilty Pleasures, this week’s films focus on passion.
Passion for the Game
We continue our WETA Summer Movie Series tomorrow with The Hustler (1961) at 9:30pm on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD. You don’t know much about the will to win until you meet pool junkie, Eddie “Fast Eddie” Felson who strives to be named the best pool player in the country. He travels near and far knocking out anyone who dares to challenge him. But in order to be the best, Eddie has to beat the best. He sets out to take on the legendary “Minnesota Fats” in a pool match. But after a humiliating loss Eddie finds himself at an all time low and begins mixing with notorious gambler, Bert Gordon. After realizing that Gordon can’t be trusted, Eddie soon regains the determination to challenge Fats once more, but this time to avenge the death of someone who was once very close to him. Perhaps for Eddie, just winning will finally be enough. Paul Newman stars in this modern classic that displays how true character is measured when one’s back is up against the wall.
The Search for Passion
A romance novel published by the company Harlequin, or its British counterpart Mills & Boon is sold every four seconds somewhere in the world. Often these readers purchase the novels in hopes of escaping the monotony of quotidian life or indulging long harbored, unrealistic fantasies. At 12:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, join British filmmaker Julie Moggan as she embarks on an international journey for the truth regarding the allure of romance literature in the P.O.V. documentary Guilty Pleasures. Containing interviews with five individuals involved in the creation and consumption of romance novels, Julie’s quest for knowledge takes her to India, Japan, the United Kingdom, New York, and San Francisco. Exploring the complex nature of love and yearning,P.O.V.’s Guilty Pleasures serves as a revealing commentary on reconciling the differences between our desires and our realities.
For the Love of Cinema
Join us once again for the Independent Lens presentation of These Amazing Shadows tonight at 12:30am on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD. There are some movies out there that are just too special to change. From Hollywood films to home videos, the National Film Registry preserves them all and celebrates the magic of storytelling that they possess. These masterpieces represent filmmaking at its finest. You may just find some of your favorites on the list!
Although Oxford, England boasts a world renowned university and some of the most picturesque locations in all of the United Kingdom, the city sure has its fair share of murder and deceit. Just ask Inspector Lewis and his assistant, Sergeant Hathaway, Oxford’s premier crime solving duo. This Sunday at 9:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, watch these two skillful detectives at work in Masterpiece Mystery! Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers. Lewis and Hathaway investigate the wrongful death of Oxford Professor Miranda Thornton. Initially thought to be a suicide after her personal dating video leaks online, clean fingerprints and the removal of a phone at the crime scene suggest otherwise. Join Masterpiece, Inspector Lewis, and WETA as the Inspector delves into Miranda’s past to uncover the truth and ultimately arrive at an unexpected conclusion that you won’t forget!
We’re expecting some rain this weekend and with rain come bored kids. What can you do? Watch Sid the Science Kid: Sid’s Rainy Day Play Date on WETA and use these follow-up activities to help keep those kids learning and busy while the rain falls. Leave a comment and share your rainy day activities with us!
On Sid’s Rainy Day Play Date, Sid is supposed to have a play date outside but the forecast calls for rain! A disappointed Sid wonders if the rain knew he wanted to play outside and ruined his day on purpose. Sid and his friends discover where rain comes from and why it’s so important.
Have an indoor picnic!
While the kids watch Sid’s Rainy Day Play Date on WETA, spread out a blanket so they can enjoy a meal picnic-style just as they would outdoors.
Build an indoor obstacle course!
After watching Sid the Science Kid, use pillows, chairs, tables, and blankets to make an obstacle course and let the kids move over the obstacle course and burn off some energy!
Make up a story about a walk through the woods!
Start like this: Let’s walk over the hill (pillows). Go through the trees (chairs and blanket). Jump over the creek (blanket folded). Go around the woods. Take a swim in the creek. In your story use words like over, under, through, between, in front of, and behind. See where the kids take the story!
Flashlight tag!
Everyone gets a flashlight and lies on their backs on the floor. Shine the lights on the ceiling and try to keep other lights off your own beam!
The picturesque Pennine village of Holmfirth in the Yorkshire Dales is the backdrop to the antics of our ageing delinquents and their demented friends in Last of the Summer Wine. Filling their time with all kinds of (grey) hair brained schemes, our incorrigible senior citizens gallivant through the village and across the Dales, giggling with glee and behaving like a trio of truant schoolboys.
Sundays – 8:30pm – 9:00pm
Fawlty Towers is a hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, on the "English Riviera”. Tense, rude and put-upon manager Basil Fawlty, his bossy wife Sybil, a comparatively normal chambermaid Polly, and hapless Spanish waiter Manuel attempt to run the hotel amidst farcical situations and an array of demanding and eccentric guests.
Mondays – 8:30pm – 9:00pm
Having realized his dream of becoming proprietor and Chef! at the prestigious Le Château, Gareth’s obsessive perfectionism pushes the restaurant to the financial brink, and plunges his personal and professional life into chaos. His wife Janice, who gave up her high-powered job in the City to support her man, finally tires of playing the neglected housewife, and even Gareth is forced to realize that his underpaid and overworked kitchen staff has been pushed to the limit.
Tuesdays – 8:30pm – 9:00pm
In To The Manor Born, Lady Audrey fforbes-Hamilton has fallen on hard times. Burdened with death duties following the untimely demise of her husband, she has had to sell Grantleigh Manor, which has been in her family for 400 years, and move into The Lodge, a small house on the edge of the estate. Richard DeVere made his fortune in supermarkets and now runs a multinational company. Although he appears to be the embodiment of a quintessentially English gentleman, his father was a Polish immigrant grocer and that’s enough for Audrey Meanwhile, the arrival in the village of a handsome millionaire bachelor is definitely good news for Audrey’s closest friend and confidante, Marjory Frobisher. If only Audrey didn’t keep antagonizing him…
Wednesdays – 8:30pm – 9:00pm
The Dibley Parish Council doesn’t know what has hit them when the new Vicar of Dibley arrives in the village. Not only is the Reverend Geraldine Granger a female, but she is young, trendy and bubbly – and she tells saucy jokes about nuns.
Thursdays – 8:30pm – 9:00pm
In Keeping Up Appearances, Hyacinth goes to incredible lengths in her quest for refinement. She insists that her name Bucket is pronounced bouquet. Her house is spick-and-span with everything in its proper place. Even the empty milk bottles sparkle on the doorstep after their obligatory rinse in the dishwasher. There is one very enormous drawback to Hyacinth’s pretensions. The rest of her family is as common as muck. They live together in a rundown house that looks like a junkyard. Sister Daisy and her husband Onslow are out-and-out slobs and her elderly father is a lecherous drunk. Whatever Hyacinth does, her family can always be guaranteed to show her up.
Fridays – 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant and successful vascular surgeon develops haemophobia (a fear of blood), and as a result is forced to stop practicing surgery. He obtains a post as the General Practitioner in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn. Upon arriving in Portwenn, Dr. Ellingham - who, to his frustration, is addressed as "Doc Martin" by the locals - finds the surgery in disarray.
Saturdays – 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Each week on WETA UK, tune in at 8:00pm for the WETA UK Movie. Coming up in July…
July 14 Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision Part 1
July 21 Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision Part 2
Detective Inspector John Tolin is called to the scene of a fatal car accident on England’s busy A12 highway. A methodical investigation only scratches the surface of the ten strangers involved, and the surprising and touching ways they are transformed after the accident.
July 28 Masterpiece Contemporary: Lennon Naked
Behind the genius, outspokenness, and mischievous antics of the much-loved "smart Beatle," John Lennon (Christopher Eccleston), is an artist whose struggle with childhood abandonment by his father shapes and nearly undermines his every relationship.
Unleash your inner Picasso with Draw and Discover at Dusk!, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This event is part of the Luce Foundation Center’s Draw and Discover series, which provides free weekly sketching workshops for individuals of all artistic ability levels on Tuesdays at 2:30. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned artist or like to draw stick figures, children and adults of all artistic ability levels will have the chance to sketch freely. Taught by guest instructor and local artist, Sheena Custer, the event will provide basic drawing materials, as well as a cash bar for those of age. Exercise your drawing skills, acquire new ones, or simply doodle with some friends! Event: Thursday, July 13 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Tickets: Free.
E9: Design – Mass Fad Discharge
Be “bedazzled” as Maria Habib, guest facilitator and Senior Director of Design at the Corcoran Gallery of Art says. In its 9th year of the Exercises for Emerging Artists program, the Transformer Gallery continues to support artists in their professional growth and development with the installation, E9: Design – Mass Fad Discharge. Highlighting the works of three emerging graphic designers, the exhibition explores themes of visual language, fads, and over-consumption. Exhibition opening: Friday, July 13. Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 1:00pm – 7:00pm.
Teo Castellano D-Project’s Fat Boy
Watch a fusion of dance, theatre, and social commentary at the DC premiere of D-Project’s Fat Boy at Dance Place. Part of the 10th Annual DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival, the piece uses various styles of movement and music to comment on American overconsumption and global poverty. Citing influences such as Butoh rice rituals, reggae dub music, and the affective art of Kara Walker, Fat Boy provides a social critique aimed to challenge viewers to question the status quo. Performance: Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 at 8:00pm. Tickets: $20.
Capital City Showcase
Listen and laugh with the Capital City Showcase this weekend, hosted by Christian Hunt. The variety show brings the best of DC-area’s comedians, musicians, and performing artists to the DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan. This weekend’s showcase will feature comedians Adam Dodd, Jeff Hysen, Tom Myers, and KD the Comic, as well as musician René Moffatt, promoting his debut album. Showcase: Saturday, July 14 at 10:00pm. Tickets: $10 online, $15 at the door.
I Am (Not) My Mother
Mothers. You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them. Come see the world premiere of I Am (Not) My Mother, put on by the Maryland Ensemble Theatre. The play celebrates and explores the profound relationship between mother and daughter. There is no holding back in this production. The show features stories inspired by everyday women’s childhood and motherhood experiences. Written by Dr. Suzanne Beal, it strives to provide some perspective of the elements that make a mother’s love such a powerful force. Discover the wonders of womanhood and the mother-daughter bond fueled by unconditional love. The show runs through July 22nd at the FSK Hotel in Frederick, MD. Mothers and daughters, welcome. Performance: Friday, July 13 at 7:00pm and Sunday, July 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets: $21.50.
The Grand Piano Party
Join pianists and music experts for the Grand Piano Party at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Grand Pavilion for an introduction to the world of pianos. This event features a wide array of activities from performances by the Community Piano Ensemble to introductory piano lessons for youngsters. Gain an appreciation for the instrument when you learn about the engineering behind the beautiful sounds they make. Support the talented Young Artist Competition Winners as they perform several famous piano compositions from various eras. This is your chance to discover secrets of the piano that date back to the 19th century. You just might feel inspired to become the next Beethoven! Event: Sunday, July 15 at 1:00pm. Tickets: Free.
New Films Opening Friday, July 13, 2012:
Ice Age: Continental Drift
The adventure continues as Manny, Diego, and Sid set off on an iceberg to encounter sea creatures, pirates, and a new world.
Red Lights
Sigourney Weaver stars in this horror mystery as a psychologist studying paranormal activity. Her research leads her to a famous psychic (Robert De Niro) who emerges from a 30-year retirement after the mysterious death of his harshest critic.
Farewell, My Queen
During the final days of the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger) develops a relationship with one of her ladies-in-waiting.
Join us for the three part series of PBS’s Nature: Bears of the Frontier starting tonight at 8:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. Award-winning wildlife filmmaker Joe Pontecorvo and bear biologist Chris Morgan seek out the three bear species that reside in Alaska’s wilderness. With impeccable footage along with Morgan’s analysis of bears encountered on the way, you will gain a different perspective of these extraordinary creatures and appreciate experts’ efforts of preserving their habitats. You won’t want to miss this thrilling journey through Bear Country. Tune in next Wednesday for part 2 of the series at 8:00pm and Wednesday July 25, 2012 at 8:00pm for part 3!
Check out this clip where Chris Morgan’s safety is in the hands of a curious bear cub.
Join WETA TV26, WETA HD, and Frontline tonight at 9:00 for a special, ground-breaking two-hour presentation of, ENDGAME: AIDS in Black America. Every ten minutes, someone in the United States contracts the AIDS virus; half of those people are black. Through remarkable interviews with basketball legend Magic Johnson, civil rights pioneer Julian Bond, leading doctors, social activists and more, Frontline investigates how and why HIV is so much worse in black America and if something can be done to end this epidemic.
When evolutionary zoologist Nick Cutter discovers prehistoric creatures alive and well in the present day, the natural world is turned on its head and humanity faces a threat to its very existence. Primeval combines the action, thrills and dazzling special with a haunting love story in this family-friendly, action series.
Monday – 9:00pm
As World War II rages around the world, a police inspector fights his own war on the home-front in investigating murder, robbery, and espionage on the south coast of England in the detective drama Foyle’s War.
Tuesday – 9:00pm
Jeremy Brett is Sherlock Holmes every Tuesday night on WETA UK. This adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous tales is a Public Television classic and a WETA favorite.
Wednesday – 9:00pm
No-nonsense female British Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) is promoted to Detective Superintendent but must survive and thrive in the male-dominated profession. Prime Suspect is a thrilling crime drama that’s sure to pep-up your Wednesday night.
Thursday – 9:00pm
Dedicated Cold Case investigators are faced with the challenge of unsolved crimes which have lain dormant for years. In Waking the Dead the team uses evidence which has just come to light, as well as contemporary technology to examine older evidence.
Friday – 9:00pm
As Time Goes By tells the reunion story of a young Army officer and a student nurse from the 1950s that fell in love. It was a whirlwind romance, but the young Lionel and Jean were separated when he was posted to Korea. His letter went astray and they lost touch but in the early 1990s, Lionel (now divorced) and Jean (a widow) are reunited. Third Age romance takes time but can they recapture the old magic? This romantic comedy is part of our WETA UK Comedy Fridays.
Friday – 9:30pm
Continue the laughs with Outnumbered at 9:30pm. Outnumbered is centered, a middle class family living in south London, the Brockmans, whose two parents are "outnumbered" by their three, somewhat unruly, children. The semi-improvisational show is great for a Friday night laugh.
Saturday – 9:00pm
Each week beginning at 8:00pm on WETA UK, tune in for the WETA UK Movie. This week, July 14 get ready for Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision where Detective Inspector John Tolin is called to the scene of a fatal car accident on England’s busy A12 highway. A methodical investigation only scratches the surface of the ten strangers involved, and the surprising and touching ways they are transformed after the accident.
Masterpiece Mystery’s Inspector Lewis returns for its fifth season with new episodes starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox. Whately and Fox play Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Hathaway, the dynamic, crime-untangling duo in Oxford. Using their sharp wit and intellect, they are able to crack even the toughest murder cases in town. But the two find themselves having to unravel cases far beyond the city’s borders. Will they be successful working outside of their element? Join us for the episode, “The Soul of Genius” this Sunday at 9:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD and be apart of the truth solving team. Also tune in next Sunday at 9:00pm for another brand new episode of Inspector Lewis.
Hosts from British daytime talk show “This Morning” sit down for a chat with Inspector Lewis stars Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox.
WETA’s Summer Movie Series is designed to bring you the best movies of all genres and generations with the convenience of never leaving your home or searching for a film: it’s all right here on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.
Every Saturday, check out the WETA Movie, a major feature film followed directly by independent films or documentaries from Independent Lens and P.O.V.
The Dark Night
The theme for Saturday July 7th is darkness, both figurative and literal.
Take a look at the line up below!
Dark Hearts
Everyone knows that scary movies are always better in the dark, so turn off the lights, tuck-in under a blanket, and turn on Alfred Hitchcock’s classic psychological thriller Dial M for Murder, airing at 9:30pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.
In London, Margot Mary Wendice (Grace Kelly) has a brief love affair with American writer Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings) while her pro-tennis player husband, Tony Wendice (Ray Milland), is away on tour. When Tony decides to quit the game to focus his attention to his “adoring” wife and finding a more local job, Margot chooses to give him a second chance and end her affair. But of course, nothing is that simple in a horror film. During the time when Margot and Mark were having a relationship, they would write love letters to one another. After Margot decided to be true to her husband, she destroyed all the letters—except for one. Now that letter is being used to blackmail Margot! Mark and Margot think they are still safe because Tony seems completely oblivious to all of this. Except we know Tony is dead set on killing his wife (excuse the pun) so that he can inherit her fortune. In fact, he has manipulated his friend, police captain, into agreeing to murder her! But this is just the introduction to the movie. Hitchcock is known for his steep twists and turns when you least expect it. Plus no one can get away with murder that easily…can they?
And don’t forget! While you watch, look out for and appreciate the nuances that Hitchcock always inserts into his films.
For more Dial M for Murder, watch the original trailer from 1954!
Dark Spaces
What ever happened to all the darkness? No matter where you live (and especially if you live in the DC area) there’s always a light on. Whether it’s a street lamp, traffic light, or a store sign, man-made lighting is everywhere. P.O.V. | The City of Dark examines the absence of true darkness in the city and how it shapes human perceptions of the natural world. Through interviews with ecologists, designers, philosophers, and astrophysicists, director Ian Cheney strives to understand artificial light’s consequences for the environment and our connection to nature and the skies. The City Dark provides insightful commentary on the relationship between human invention and our awareness of nature. P.O.V., television’s longest running showcase of documentary film, presents The City Dark on WETA 26 and WETA HD at 11:30pm.
We finish off The Saturday Night Shuffle with a salute to some of the greatest films ever made in American history. Saturday night at 12:30am, join us for the Independent Lens presentation of These Amazing Shadows and discover what makes a film worth recognition and preservation within the National Film Registry. Many of our favorite old Hollywood classics reside there, but you’ll be surprised to find that even music videos, home movies, and documentaries accompany them as well. Celebrate the magic of filmmaking and reminisce upon these masterpieces that stood the tests of time. They will surely make a special place in your heart.
Take a look at the trailer for These Amazing Shadows right here!
We’re going to walk you through our WETA UK schedule by sharing our weekly schedule for each hour during prime-time! This week we’re starting with 10:00pm on WETA UK. We hope you’ll tune in and set your DVRs to make sure you catch your favorites and make some new ones!
Sundays – 10:00pm
We finish off the weekend strong with a new episode of Doctor Who, the sci-fi action depicting the adventures of the Time Lord known as the Doctor. He explores the universe in his blue British police box TARDIS facing a variety of alien-foes while working to save civilization.
Mondays – 10:00pm
Start off the work-week with the crime-drama Life on Mars. A cool, calm, and collected detective living in the year 2006 is involved in a car crash thwarting his life back in time to the year 1973 where he has to find his way back without proving himself mad to those around him.
Tuesdays – 10:00pm
More crime on Tuesdays with MI-5, an edgy drama about the clandestine security service that tackles organized crime, terrorist activities, embassy sieges, weapons proliferation and anarchists, not to mention the conflicts and power struggles back in the office.
Wednesdays – 10:00pm
Make the middle of your week thrilling with Hustle, the exciting drama about a gang of five expert con artists let loose on the streets of London.
Thursdays – 10:00pm
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? On New Tricks, the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad is made up of retired officers and keeping busy, with its remit to reinvestigate crimes that were never conclusively closed and put them to rest all with a sprinkle of humor.
Fridays – 10:00pm
The 10:00pm hour puts the cherry on top of our WETA UK Comedy Fridays starting with Coupling, a sitcom based on the dating adventures and mishaps of six friends in their thirties.
Fridays – 10:30pm
Following Coupling we have the comedy sitcom Black Books. Set in the eponymous London bookshop Black Books follow the lives of its owner Bernard Black, his assistant Manny and their friend Fran and the hostile, dry, humor that surrounds them.
Saturdays – 10:00pm
Catch Waking the Dead, the police procedural crime drama series featuring a Cold Case Unit uses evidence which has just come to light, as well as contemporary technology to examine previous evidence.
Plane tickets all booked for the London Olympics? Never fear, you can still experience all things British at the Phillips Collection here in DC at the special event, British Invasion. The invasion is in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition of drawings and sculptures by British artist Antony Gormley, on view through September 9. Admire ready-to-wear fall fashions by contemporary UK designers while sniffing perfumes and sampling a British-style brew.
Thursday, July 5 at 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Tickets: Members admitted free, $12 general admission, $10 seniors and students. Reservations advised.
Sarah McLachlan and National Philharmonic at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Enjoy a performance from Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan accompanied by the Strathmore National Philharmonic Ensemble. Hear McLachlan sing timeless ballads like I Will Remember You and Arms of An Angel. Led by conductor Piotr Gajewski, the National Philharmonic is described by the Washington Post as “powerful” and “impeccable.” Experience this rare collaboration of these musical forces at the scenic Merriweather Post Pavilion. Thursday, July 5 at 6:00pm. Tickets: $41 - $56.
The Twilight Sculpture Tour
Arts in Foggy Bottom takes sculpture to new heights in its third biennial outdoor sculpture exhibit, Sculpting Outside the Lines. Take an exclusive twilight tour of the 13 sculptures featured in this extraordinary display. Led by the new curator, Laura Roulet, you will have the unique opportunity of viewing the sculptures as dusk settles over the city. This exhibition showcases pieces including Dark Sun created by Barbara Liotta, videos by Jefferson Pinder, and an interactive projection by Peter Lee and Blake Turner. Friday, July 6 at 8:00pm. Meet at the corner of New Hampshire Ave. and I (Eye) Street, NW. Tickets: Free.
Notorious
Get caught up in the excitement of AFI’s Spy Cinema series this summer with the Alfred Hitchcock classic, Notorious. Ingrid Bergman stars as an American agent infiltrating a Nazi cell in Rio de Janeiro. A love triangle arises between Bergman, OSS man played by Cary Grant, and the Nazi industrialist Bergman was sent out to spy on. Screenings: Saturday, July 7 at 5:45. Sunday, July 8 at 3:45. Tickets: $11.50 general admission, $9.00 seniors, $8.50 AFI member, $7.00 child.
Sleuth
Solve the mystery as Olney Theatre’s production of Sleuth will keep you guessing until the very end. Wealthy mystery novelist, Andrew Wyke, invites his wife’s lover to his elegant and completely isolated estate. A game of cat and mouse ensues as Wyke’s passion for deception, invention, and games leads the two men into a duel of wits and leaves the audience questioning behaviors, motives, and reality. Performances: Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sunday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets: $44 - $54.
New Films Opening Friday, July 6, 2012:
The Amazing Spider-Man (Opened Tuesday, July 3)
The story returns when Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) sets out to discover more about the disappearance of his parents.
Savages
When Ophelia (Blake Lively), the shared girlfriend of two marijuana growers, gets kidnapped, Ben and Chon must confront a Mexican drug cartel to get her back.
The Magic of Belle Isle
Morgan Freeman stars as a struggling, alcoholic author in search of inspiration. Upon moving to a summer cabin in Belle Isle, he befriends a single mom and her daughters who help him reignite his passion for writing.
On WETA TV26 and WETA HD, conductor, Jack Everly strikes up the National Symphony Orchestra to celebrate our nation’s 236th birthday in the A Capital Fourth 2012 tomorrow at 8:00. Also featured in the festivities are performances by some of music’s top artists including Megan Hilty from SMASH, and Broadway sensation, Kelli O’Hara. You won’t want to miss this once-a-year event. Experience the magic of Washington, D.C. as we honor The United States of America. Stay tuned at 10:00 for A Thunderous Celebration: WETA’s Fireworks Extravaganza! The best fireworks show in town is back for this year’s Independence Day in WETA’s Fireworks Extravaganza tomorrow on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. The display will light up our Nation’s Capitol for the finale of July 4th festivities. Join us for this explosive annual event to celebrate another year of independence for our country. Also catch another airing of A Capitol Fourth 2012 after the fireworks at 10:30!
Although famous Brit Winston Churchill once said: “History is written by the victors,” veteran historian Michael Wood seeks to tell history from the perspective of the ordinary person who might have lived through it. In Michael Wood’s Story of England, join this skilled researcher as he uses the Village of Kibworth’s untold narrative to illustrate prominent periods in British history. A firm believer that “one place can tell the story of a nation,” Wood retells British history through the view of Kibworth’s earliest citizens. Beginning tonight at 9:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, watch Wood as he recruits Kibworth residents for archaeological research and uncovers the lost history of Kibworth’s first 1,000 years in the first episode of this series: Romans and Normans. If you’re looking for more of Kibworth’s rich local history, then join Wood again at 10:00 tonight in the next episode: Peasant’s Revolt and Black Death where he will unveil the truth behind Kibworth’s involvement in the Peasant Revolt and its major loss of population during the Black Plague. Story of England captures expert historian Michael Wood in his element and will excite lovers of British and local history!
Listen to Michael Wood speak about The Story of England here:
Step inside never-before-seen houses that have been tucked away on the country side of the UK for hundreds of years. Starting tonight at 9:00 on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, take a three hour tour with architecture expert, Dan Cruickshank as he gives us an exclusive look at several historic homes in part one of The Country House Revealed which covers South Wraxall Manor, Kinross House, and Easton Neston. These majestic architectural works have remained in excellent condition which has left historians astounded, considering the various time periods they were built in. This series celebrates the legacy of some of the land’s most impressive houses and their success withstanding all the elements from past to present. Don’t miss part 2 of this presentation next Monday at 9:00pm covering Wentworth WoodHouse, Clandeboye Estate, and Marshcourt.
widespread poverty, and epidemics like alcoholism. POV’s Up Heartbreak Hill follows Thomas Martinez and Tamara Hardy, two high school seniors choosing paths to pursue after graduation. Both students are exceptional runners and hope that their athletic talents will bring them college scholarships. Despite their great potential, Thomas and Tamara are anxious about leaving their family and friends on the reservation. Up Heartbreak Hill provides a complex portrait of a young generation conflicted between staying true to their Navajo heritage and pursuing new lives outside of the reservation. Watch this powerful coming of age story at 11:30pm.
Who Am I?
Philip Kaufman
especially when images on the screen can bring out strong feelings. When we watch TV or a movie with our children, we can ask questions to help them think about what they see and help them make connections to what they learn at home and in school. For example, when you watch a show about animals, ask your children which animals are the same as those in a book you have read. Where else have you seen this animal? Maybe you saw it on a trip to the zoo. Make watching TV active!
Lulu. But this little lie quickly grows into a big mess. You can talk to your children abut why the truth is important, how it feels to be liked by others, and how to handle peer pressure. When parents and children watch TV together, you share your ideas and feelings which present an excellent opportunity for learning.
directors, Julia Meltzer and Laura Nix bring you the POV documentary, The Light in Her Eyes. The film tells the story of Muslim preacher, Houda al-Habash and her dedication to teaching at Al-Zahra Qur’an School for girls, which she founded thirty years ago at the age of 17. Meltzer and Nix celebrate Houda’s work of continuing to create more opportunities for young women in her community through Islamic education. Her drive to teach and the students’ hunger to learn are inspirational, as they bravely move forward in a culture which traditionally holds women to very specific roles in society. Join in on the lessons tomorrow night at 11:30.
over 500 donations to the California Cryobank during the 1980s, he never expected for his children to attempt to find him or each other. Tomorrow at 1:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD, join filmmaker Jerry Rothwell as he follows JoEllen Marsh, one of Harris’s biological children, on her quest to find her half siblings and ultimately her biological father in the documentary Independent Lens Donor Unknown / All About Me. This story of a courageous young woman’s quest to uncover her roots provides an insight into the modern family and the ethics behind new reproductive technologies.
Medieval Story Land
of Fairfax residents from all ages and backgrounds, the ensemble emphasizes the importance of music education and the joy of playing music with friends. Under the leadership of local conductor Geoffrey K. Seffens, MSCB will play pop, light classics, and old favorites. Experience first rate musicianship and support a local band with Main Street Community Band this weekend. Performances: Thursday, July 19 at 8:00pm in the Veterans Amphitheater in Fairfax City Hall. Sunday, July 22 at 7:00pm at Country Club Hills. Tickets: Free.
Tonight’s episode features artifacts left behind by some of America’s favorite rock stars. There is a guitar said to have belonged to Bob Dylan as well as possible Beatles autographs from Miami Beach in 1964 and a thrift shop that may have a Frank Zappa link. If you love rock music of the 1960s (or just rock music in general) this is the episode that will make you believe that finding of piece of its elusive history is possible. For instance, when Bob Dylan changed the face of rock ‘n’ roll by being the first artist to use an electric guitar back in 1965, it is hard to imagine such a precious artifact would have been simply forgotten at the show. But one woman believes that she is in possession of the exact guitar that helped Dylan introduce modern rock to the United States. If History Detectives Wes Cowen and Elyse Luray discover the story to be true, it could be the most priceless item the show has seen in all its 10 seasons. Tune in to see what the detectives find out about this guitar as well as other valuable items from beloved rock ‘n’ roll superstars.
Draw and Discover at Dusk!
Teo Castellano D-Project’s Fat Boy
The Grand Piano Party
Sarah McLachlan and National Philharmonic at Merriweather Post Pavilion
