Modern Times — Season 4

Aug 1996

Three couples decided to fly in the face of social convention by choosing to be together despite age gaps greater than 25 years. What particular strains do such differences place upon long-term relationships? Can love bridge the age gap? All three couples talk frankly about personal and familial reactions.

Oct 1996

A tempestuous year in the life of London's Victoria & Albert Museum.

Oct 1996

Documentary film-maker Lynn Alleway explores the problems fathers have in keeping touch with their children after separation or divorce. Tonight, three separated families reveal the difficulties of staying in touch - and staying friends.

Nov 1996

The secrets of the antiques trade are revealed in this programme about three traders who sell antiques to the very rich. David Dickinson knows what his clients like, and has to buy 20 or 30 new pieces each month. Keith Skeele deals at a remarkable rate: at a Paris fair he can easily spend £200,000 in a day. Lady Pamela Pidgeon has an impressive client list-will one of them pay £500,000 for a writing desk?

Nov 1996

They can set neighbour against neighbour, damage houses and gardens and make others' lives a misery with their noise and mess. This film portrays dogs as agents of social mayhem.

Nov 1996

The story of 61-year-old beef farmer Robin White , who wants to quit after BSE left him with cattle that nobody can eat and no one will buy.

Nov 1996

Robert Smith sells grand feudal titles to wealthy commoners, such as Melody Urquhart, now known as the Baroness of Leyny. This film follows the newly titled through a summer of auctions and functions, culminating in a ball for those celebrating their elevated status.

Dec 1996

The story of Keith Sinclair, whose horse-trailer business flourished in the eighties but went under with the new decade. He blames the bank for his downfall and his subsequent inability to start afresh.

Dec 1996

A behind-the-scenes look of the annual power boat race at Cowes.

Dec 1996

In his first full-length documentary for BBC TV, director Ken Loach returns to the Liverpool docks, the subject 27 years ago of his drama The Big Flame. Today the docks are the scene of a bitter dispute.