Howard Barker

Anthology series of half hour plays produced in BBC's Television Centre's studios.

The first World War is in its third year and aerial combat above the Western Front is consuming the nation's favored children at an appalling rate. By early 1917, the average life-span of a British pilot is less than a fortnight. Such losses place a fearsome strain on Gresham, commanding officer of the squadron. Aces High recreates the early days of the Royal Flying Corps with some magnificently staged aerial battles, and sensitive direction presents a moving portrayal of the futilities of war.

This compelling emotional drama stars Carol White as a young single mother who finds herself caught between two people – a local priest and a folk singer – each of whom wants to convert her to his own worldview. An elegy to a younger generation looking for something to believe in, Made co-stars hugely influential folk-rock musician Roy Harper in his screen debut. Produced by Joseph Janni – who previously made the astonishingly successful Poor Cow with White – directed by The Long Good Friday's John Mackenzie and featuring new songs specially composed by Harper.

Geraldine, a psychiatric social worker, has an accident whilst in the country. The inhabitants of a nearby house come out to help her and she discovers that one of the family members prefers cows to people.

Gerald works in publisling. He was a pilot in World War 2 and enjoys talking about his aerial battles. His employees dislike him, apart from his loyal secretary. One evening, his wife tells him about her depression. Gerald has a solution: gin and tonic. He complains to her about the state of modern society, but his own problems are about to worsen...

A sculptor is working to finish off a memorial to the Royalist years - just as Cromwell's men are approaching the surrounding cathedral walls.

After twelve years in the US, Kirsten returns home to her father with her American husband and their eleven-year-old son. Her father is a tough and cold businessman with whom she has never been on good terms. The couple soon separate, and Kirsten meets a former friend. Her father dies just as he is beginning to develop a good relationship with his grandson.

Mary is laid out at the morgue. Although dead, she’s still conscious and contemplating her past and the relationship with her lover. The warden gazes at her body and explores the connection between her body and her name.

Experimental short film based on the original play 'THE FORTY' by Howard Barker.