Season 2009

Documentary revealing what made Motown special in Britain through the lens of two decisive moments in 1965 - the Motown Revue UK tour and the Sounds of Motown Ready Steady Go! television special. Arriving in London in March 1965, the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder were bussed across Britain on a tough but crucial tour. The television special, recorded during the tour, kicked open the door, thrusting Motown's slick routines and magical music into front rooms across the nation.

Profile of singing trio the Beverley Sisters, charting their rise from their humble beginnings in London's East End to the huge stars they became in the 1950s, at the forefront of the television revolution. Joy, Teddie and Babs are remembered for their sweet image, but behind the scenes they fought several battles about sexy costumes and saucy lyrics, many of which were banned as they were considered too risqué for post-war Britain. Not content with being amongst the highest paid female entertainers in Britain, they were the first British female group to have a top ten hit in America, married dashing sporting heroes, had children and were a constant staple of British television throughout their career. Featuring interviews with Jimmy Tarbuck, Cannon and Ball, Max Clifford and the trio's daughters.

Profile of American close harmony singing trio the Andrews Sisters, one of best-selling female vocal groups in the history of popular music. Collaborating with some of the great names of the swing era such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, they also enjoyed a long and successful recording partnership with Bing Crosby. The film traces Patty, Maxene and LaVerne's journey from a poor Minneapolis background to international fame and includes archive footage of hits including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Mary Wilson of the Supremes and British burlesque group the Puppini Sisters are also featured.

Profile of 1950s singing sensation Julie London, the ultimate in vocal sexiness, with her hourglass figure draped across thirty hit albums. She was a simmering stylist who phrased torch songs with impeccable jazz timing, and her anthem to female revenge, Cry Me A River, is still hugely popular. Yet she remains a puzzle - she could be shy and introverted, and with no real confidence in her vocal talent she gave up singing in her early forties.

A look at the life of the black entertainer Josephine Baker, who was a pioneer in every sense of the word and whose impact on the cultural history of the 20th century was profound.