nick-lawtons-journey-into-television's - Rented List

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Stephen (David Mitchell) is finally taking over his father's pub, and he has a tough act to follow. His dad, Laurie (Matthew Holness), is a local hero. At least he was, until he died. There's only one problem: Stephen is a loser.

And when the charismatic Andrew (Robert Webb) turns up at Laurie's funeral, Stephen's anxiety strikes. Andrew claims the short time he spent fostered by Stephen's family was the happiest of his life. But to Stephen, Andrew is just one of 30-odd foster kids he resented during childhood. A slick sociopath who's trying to replace him. As Stephen teeters on the brink of paranoid mania, he investigates Andrew's past - but his most surprising discoveries will be about himself.

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At last, for the first time ever (well, at least since the 30th anniversary!), the condensed history of Monty Python. It's not all parrots, grail, and brain.

This is the in-depth and true (well, yes, admittedly the almost true) story as told straight from the mouths of John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, and thanks to incredible research and completely analog, undigitized archives, Graham Chapman. They are all here, the dead one, too! A cast of thousands (well, hundreds. Perhaps something more in the double digits) has been assembled. They didn't all make the cut, but rest assured they were all interviewed. Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present the most complete, finely tuned, and well assembled "final word" on Python. Until the next time, at least. Please note that no lawyers survived the making of this film.

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A the veterinary practice of Messers Herriot and Farnon, there's always something to attend to. Be that a generous bullock, a cat-cum gladiator, or a wolfhound with smelly feet.

Even so, the greatest challenge for our three illustrious vets is to once again secure the annual Fortnum's hamper from Mrs Pumphrey. Life in the verdant Yorkshire Dales just wouldn't be the same without it.

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Edward Woodward (The Wicker Man) stars as Jim Kyle, renegade leader of a resistance movement, in the BBC's cult dystopian drama set in a totalitarian Britain. Britain, 1990. The country is run by the bureaucrats of the Home Office's all-powerful Public Control Department (PCD).

Hundreds of thousands of civii servants work hard at monitoring and exposing all possible and imaginary threats to the country. They routinely command sophisticated surveillance of anyone suspected of opposing the status quo; ruthless suppression of independent thought in Special State brainwashing units cunningly disguised as caring rest-homes; and strict rationing of food, alcohol, and travel. Free speech is forbidden. The rule of law no longer protects the vulnerable. Civil liberties are consigned to history as the Orwellian bureaucrats tyrannically impose their intimidating control. Jim Kyle (Edward Woodward), journalist for 'The Star', resists the forces of the Establishment. He's smart, witty and charming. But his subversive acts aren't going unnoticed, and he risks prison or death at the hands of the PCD's ruthless controller Herbert Skardon (Robert Lang) and his provocatively alluring deputy, Delly Lomas (Barbara Kellerman).

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Written by and starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, 'The Complete and Utter History of Britain' was a formative influence on television comedy and Monty Python's Flying Circus in particular.

Made in black and white in the same year that Python became part of the national consciousness, this rarely seen comedy takes a typically skewed look at British history - and reports historical events as if television had been around to cover them at the time! And so we find Richard the Lionheart relating his Crusading exploits in the manner of a laddish holidaymaker, medieval adverts and film trailers, and William the Conquerer engaging in post-match analysis (following an unspectacular scuffle in which King Harold is finally felled by a rogue baguette...). In 2013, Palin and Jones revisited their series for this release. Taking the roles of joint narrators they comically, and seamlessly, link back to the best of the existing material shot by their younger selves in 1969 to create a brand-new feature: The Incomplete and Utter History of Britain 2013!

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Following a period of mass unemployment, hyperinflation and social disorder, democracy has been swept away amid a raft of security measures; law and order have been restored under a new regime, whose totalitarian rule is enforced by uniformed paramilitaries known as the Guardians.

Behind the slogan 'England is Great Again', the outwardly benign regime suppresses all opposition, while the Guardians, taking orders from their shadowy leader, the General, have become the true holders of power. There are voices of dissent, however; a loose affiliation of resistance groups, collectively known as Quarmby, has begun a clandestine struggle against the regime. But opposing factions quickly emerge within the movement - and with them, the inescapable moral dilemmas faced by all those who must use force to achieve their ends.

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In 1970, the 'Goodies' unleashed their legendary blend of surreal story-lines, strikingly topical satire, slapstick and general lunacy on an unsuspecting viewing public.

Capturing the irreverent and rebellious flavour of the decade, this phenomenally popular, award-winning series spread its mischief over twelve years - making household names of creators, writers and performers Bill Oddie, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor. This set contains all the episodes that the terrific trio made for the BBC - from a giant white fluffy kitten called Twinkle to a slippery climb up a giant beanstalk, from the ancient Lancastrian art of Ecky Thump to fighting a ban on fun instigated by an all-too-real puppet government...

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In the verdant Yorkshire Dales, it's business as usual.

With the state of Mrs Dalby's cows, Mr Worley's pig and Penny the poodle, along with a looming Foot and Mouth outbreak - just how can James think about getting married, Siegfried considers a job at the racecourse and will Tristan leave for Edinburgh to sit his finals? Visit once again the country's most beloved veterinary surgeon's, where all will be revealed.

Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are lifelong friends and comedy royalty. They have both had serious heart complaints. In this funny and poignant six-part series Paul, an experienced angler invites Bob, a complete novice on a tour of the UK's finest fishing spots.

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Regarded by many to be the best incarnation of the Baker Street sleuth, Douglas Wilmer gives a career-defining performance in this celebrated BBC series.

The first story, 'The Speckled Band', was originally produced as part of the BBC drama strand 'Detective', but an entire series based on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle soon followed. Holmes' loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, is brilliantly played by the great Nigel Stock, while guest stars include the likes of Peter Wyngarde (Department S, The Innocents) and PatrickTroughton (Doctor Who).

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The BAFTA-winning series returns as Director Michael Winterbottom reunites Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in a culinary coast-to-coast odyssey.

Just as Don Quixote undertook three journeys, Steve and Rob will set off on a third jaunt of their own, this time travelling over 1,000 miles down the entire length of Spain. Following in the footsteps of poet and novelist Laurie Lee, Steve and Rob's semi-fictional alter-egos hit the road in search of culture, history, breathtaking vistas and, of course, some of the finest food in Europe. All the while serving up sparkling, free-flowing conversation, peppered with barbed back-and-forths, in-car singalongs and their peerless trademark impersonations.

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As a newly-qualified vet, James Herriot arrives at Skeldale House in the Yorkshire Dales, looking for his first appointment at Siegfried Farnon's surgery.

Pampered dog, Tricki Woo, gives James something to think about, followed by a tortoise, a bull with heat-stroke and Lord Hunter's favourite horse. James and trainee vet, Tristan relax with the locals down at the Darrowby pub.