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Network First

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Seasons & Episodes

  • 1994

EP1 Florence and Robin Jan 04, 1994

Documentary set in San Francisco about a lesbian couple who have a long-term relationship and want a child of their own.

EP2 Women Who Kill Jan 11, 1994

Five women explain why after years of mental and physical abuse they finally killed their partners.

EP3 An Everest to Climb Jan 18, 1994

In October 1993 a party of climbers left for the Himalayas, including seven British mountaineers who had mental or physical disabilities. The film follows their attempts to climb the Pokalde peak in the Everest range.

EP4 Supermodels Jan 25, 1994

A revealing look at the fashion industry with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. The programme goes behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week and tells sad tales about British models trying to cope.

EP5 Bhopal: The Second Tragedy Feb 01, 1994

Mark Tully returns to Bhopal, 10 years after the gas leak, to find that the American chemical giant has wriggled out of its responsibility towards the victims of the world's worst industrial disaster. He travels to the USA, Mexico and Brazil to find if the world has learned any lessons from Bhopal.

EP6 Nightfighters Feb 08, 1994

Follows the formation of the 332nd fighter group in Italy during World War II, the first all black air squadron in the United States Air Force, from its beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama in July 1941.

EP7 Children of the Holocaust Feb 15, 1994

History of four Jewish children who survived Auschwitz.

EP8 Top Chef Mar 01, 1994

Young chefs compete with other chefs at the Ecole Superieure de Cuisine Francaise, cooking classic dishes against the clock. They have five hours to create two perfect dishes for a panel of chefs and cookery writers.

EP9 Ballet School Mar 08, 1994

A behind-the-scenes look at a term in London's Central School of Ballet.

EP10 Last Voyage of the Lusitania Mar 22, 1994

Documentary on the sinking by a U-boat of the 'Lusitania' in 1915 in which nearly 1200 men, women and children were drowned. Dr Robert Ballard investigates the wreckage to see if the ship was really carrying arms, according to the Germans.

EP11 Stigmata: A Modern Miracle? Mar 29, 1994

A documentary examining evidence from people claiming to receive the open wounds of the stigmata. The programme features stigmatics from around the world, including the three from the UK, and throughout history from St Francis to Padre Pio. It covers the various theories that have been put forward to explain the phenomenon: multiple personality disorder, self-infliction of wounds, the psychosomatic reproduction of injuries of trauma years after the event.

EP12 The War Against the Mafia Part 1: The Founding Father Apr 05, 1994

How America's law enforcement agencies tackled the Mafia. Concentrates on the Gambino family from 1980 to 1993. Includes secret FBI recordings, interviews and allegations that the family were responsible for the deaths of 200 people.

EP13 The War Against the Mafia Part 2: Death in the Family Apr 12, 1994

The programme begins with the funeral of Carlo Gambino, the model for The GODFATHER. His successor, Paul Castellano, turned the Mafia into a billion dollar business by controlling New York's waste disposal and construction industries.

EP14 The War Against the Mafia Part 3: The King of Little Italy Apr 19, 1994

The programme looks at the rise and fall of gangster, John Gotti, who took charge after arranging the murder of Paul Castellano. Bribing his way to freedom, justice finally caught up with him and he is now doing a life sentence.

EP15 Mandela: From Prison to President Apr 26, 1994

An intimate portrait of South Africa's President-in-waiting, looking at the sacrifices Mandela made in his quest for peace and power and examines the problems he will face in the future.

EP16 Inside the Channel Tunnel May 03, 1994

The story of the bi-lingual company Eurotunnel which has taken possession of the Channel Tunnel, opening on Friday, 6th May 1994.

EP17 The Professional Beggar May 10, 1994

Documentary about the Orbis International Flying Eye Hospital, a charity-funded medical service that works at restoring sight to the blind in Third World countries.

EP18 Apollo: When the World Held Its Breath Jul 26, 1994

Documentary telling the stories of Apollos 11 and 13, two of the most important missions in space exploration, revealing how close they came to fatal disasters.

EP19 Murder in the Family Aug 08, 1994

Documentary about Roderick and Newall, the brothers accused of murdering their wealthy parents in New Jersey, USA.

EP20 Date Rape: The Investigation Sep 06, 1994

Documentary drama of a typical "date-rape" case, using actors to represent the victim, the accused and their friends; but real professionals to represent the police, medics, judge and lawyers; followed by a dramatised trial.

EP21 Date Rape: The Trial Day 1 Sep 07, 1994

The alleged victim gives her evidence and is cross-examined.

EP22 Date Rape: The Trial Day 2 Sep 08, 1994

The prosecution witnesses are now taking the stand.

EP23 Date Rape: The Trial Day 3 Sep 09, 1994

The alleged rapist is cross-examined and the summing-up begins.

EP24 Date Rape: The Verdict Sep 13, 1994

Follows the alleged victim's case through the Crown Court, giving her evidence to the Court and the defence demanding graphic details of the alleged rape. We hear the jury's deliberations before they reach a final verdict.

EP25 Waking from Coma Sep 20, 1994

Report from the Royal Hospital in Putney, London, where pioneering work is carried out on severely brain-damaged patients who are in deep comas.

EP26 Inside Castro's Cuba Sep 27, 1994

Documentary on Cuba after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Features an interview with President Fidel Castro who speaks about their economic crisis, the US economic blockade and Cuba's success in pharmaceuticals and tourism.

EP27 Miami Front Line Oct 04, 1994

Documentary about the tragedy taking place on the coastal waters off Florida, where thousands of Cuban and Haitian refugees have perished - the victims of sharks, storms and the sun, as they flee persecution in their homeland.

EP28 The Secrets of Porton Down Oct 11, 1994

Documentary about human guinea pigs being used at the secret Porton Down research facility to help with the development of chemical weapons. Former volunteers talk about their health problems, and about their struggle to win compensation.

EP29 Nicholas and Alexandra Part 1: Anointed by God Oct 18, 1994

First of a two part programme about the assassination of the last Tsar, Nicholas, and his wife Alexandra amid the bloody Russian revolution. Includes testimonies, letters, diaries, photographs and tape-recorded descriptions of the murders.

EP30 Nicholas and Alexandra Part 2: The Slaying of the Tsars Oct 25, 1994

Prince Michael of Kent reveals details of the tragic deaths of the last Tsar and his family, and the consequent discovery and identification of the family's remains in woods close to Ekaterinburg.

EP31 Stalker Investigates Nov 01, 1994

Former deputy Chief Constable John Stalker investigates the murder of Hilda Murrell in 1984, including her involvement in anti-nuclear activities and the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War.

EP32 The Russian Love Connection Nov 08, 1994

Documentary offers an insight into the burgeoning industry in Post-Communist Russia of supplying Russian women as brides for Western men. Also follows the women as they leave their family and friends for a new life in America.

EP33 Flying the Flag - Arming the World Nov 15, 1994

The British arms business and its implications in World politics.

EP34 The Visit: Coma - Connie's Story Nov 22, 1994

A return visit to Connie Taylor, who was knocked down by a car outside her house eight years ago and nearly died. Featured in THE VISIT in 1987,she was starting to recover from her coma. Now she is taking driving lessons.

EP35 The Visit: Chariots of Wire Nov 29, 1994

Documentary about three young British businessmen who design and manufacture a revolutionary cheap wheelchair which they make available to people all over the world through a charity they set up named 'Motivation'.

EP36 The Visit: A Life for Polly Dec 06, 1994

Documentary on Polly East, a five-year-old who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Follows her family as she undergoes the painful and distressing course of treatment.

EP37 Between Life and Death Dec 13, 1994

Documentary about the Near Death Experience, and scientific research which has tried to explain how people who have technically died can make astonishing recoveries and remember inexplicable encounters or religious experiences.

EP38 Talking to the Enemy Dec 20, 1994

Documentary about IRA's foot-soldier Dermot Finucane. The programme also records the moving testimony of Robert Ewart-Briggs, whose father was blown up in 1976 by an IRA landmine, and who refuses to dismiss the IRA as criminals.

EP39 The Plague Monkeys Jan 03, 1995

Documentary about a group of viruses, known as filoviruses, which can kill within two weeks and which are transmitted via monkeys.

EP40 UFO Jan 10, 1995

Documentary about the phenomena of UFO sightings, and the history of authorities ignoring or debunking theories associated with them.

EP41 Love, Lies and Bigamy Jan 17, 1995

Documentary about the experiences of four modern bigamists - three men and a woman - who were prosecuted.

EP42 The Man Who Saved Animals Jan 24, 1995

Profile of conservationist Richard Leakey, the Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, who for many years has been a prolific campaigner to save the world's wildlife.

EP43 Commando Feb 07, 1995

Documentary from behind the scenes with a Royal Marines commando unit as it takes part in a dramatic training exercise in Norway.

EP44 Desperately Seeking Asylum Feb 14, 1995

Report on the treatment of people arriving in Britain seeking asylum. Follows the stories of some of the refugees through each stage of the complicated process, and includes secretly recorded footage of a deportation taking place.

EP45 The Yardies Feb 21, 1995

Profile of the Yardies, a crime syndicate that's more powerful than the Mafia, originating from Kingston, Jamaica, now moving into Britain and America. A special police unit has been set up to combat them.

EP46 Confronting Crime Feb 28, 1995

Report on the pioneering work of Leeds Mediation and Reparation Service, as it brings victims and offenders face to face for the first time.

EP47 Hollywood Vice Mar 07, 1995

Profile of the career of detective Fred Clapp, who has been with the Los Angeles Vice Squad for 25 years, involved in undercover operations into prostitution and drug dealing to the Hollywood elite.

EP48 The Troubleshooters Mar 14, 1995

For the last 25 years Belfast's leading press agency, Pacemaker, has built up a stunning visual record of The Troubles. It's photographers have witnessed the grief and suffering of others, and have put themselves in danger to bring us those unforgettable images. In a momentous 12 months, Network First cameras have followed them as Ulster has moved from violence to uneasy peace.

EP49 Paul McKenna's Secrets of Hypnosis Mar 21, 1995

Documentary about hypnosis, exploring the uses for its technique, such as learning, pain control, and eyesight enhancement. Also looks into the more sinister uses of hypnosis for mind control by cults, advertisers, and politicians.

EP50 Escape from Tibet Mar 28, 1995

The fortunes of a group of Tibetans as they try to escape from the Chinese over the Himalayas.

EP51 Small Miracles Apr 04, 1995

Documentary about the work of a London surgeon who operates on babies still in the womb, following a mother whose seriously ill unborn twins might be saved by womb surgery at the Harris Birthright Unit at King's College Hospital.

EP52 What Makes Linford Run? Apr 11, 1995

Profile of the world class athlete Linford Christie and his relationship to his coach of 16 years, Ron Roddan.

EP53 Confession Apr 18, 1995

The subject matter of the television broadcast was a purported account by Mr Eamon Collins of his activities and experiences as a member of the Provisional IRA.

EP54 Vietnam: The Last Battle Apr 25, 1995

Documentary examining how Vietnam has fared since the end of the conflict with America twenty years ago. There is also a look at Hollywood distortion of the Vietnam War.

EP55 Confronting the Hit Men May 02, 1995

Documentary about the South African "Truth Commission", a reconciliation program, where former leaders of both black and white terror campaigns meet with the victims they orchestrated to see if past horrors can be forgiven.

EP56 Last Letters Home May 09, 1995

Re-creates nine Second World War stories through the letters that passed between forces abroad and their friends, families or lovers back home, including some servicemen who wrote "last letters" in the event of their deaths.

EP57 Igor, Child of Chernobyl Jun 06, 1995

Documentary about Igor Pavlovets, who was conceived shortly after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and was born with deformities. The film follows Igor as he travels to England and documents the suffering of the children left behind in Minsk.

EP58 Eilish: Life Without Katie Aug 29, 1995

Documentary about six-year-old Eilish Holton from Ireland, three years after she was surgically separated from her conjoined twin sister Katie, who sadly did not survive. This documentary shows Eilish starting school and her journey with learning to walk with a prosthesis. We also get to follow Eilish on a trip to the US to meet the still conjoined sisters Abigail and Brittany Hensel, who are about five years old here.

EP59 When a Woman Kills Her Man: The Investigation Sep 05, 1995

Documentary about domestic violence, portraying a hypothetical case of Rachel and Peter Palmer. Peter is found fatally wounded; and Rachel was charged with the murder.

EP60 When a Woman Kills Her Man: The Trial Sep 12, 1995

Concludes the dramatised examination of domestic violence, following the fictional trial of Rachel Palmer through to the verdict.

EP61 A Very Special Baby Sep 19, 1995

Documentary about the lives of four people involved in a surrogate birth. Christine had a hysterectomy at age 31, with the possibility of never having children. Then, her husband's brother suggested surrogacy, which was accepted.

EP62 They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Oct 17, 1995

Documentary from behind the scenes of British racing, revealing the way racehorses are treated, and what happens to them when they are too old or injured to race.

EP63 Fear and Counting in Las Vegas Oct 24, 1995

Documentary following the fortunes of Dominic O'Brien, World Memory champion, as he tries his luck at the card tables of Amerian casinos in Biloxi, Tunica, Foxwoods and finally, Las Vegas.

EP64 Defender of the Children Oct 31, 1995

Documentary about the efforts of Irish priest Shay Cullen to rid the Philippines of the child sex industry. Includes evidence of organised paedophilia tourism, with Britain providing one of the largest markets.

EP65 Gettys - A Tragedy of Riches: Part 1 Nov 07, 1995

Examines the life of the wealthy American Getty dynasty, focusing on John Paul Getty.

EP66 Gettys - A Tragedy of Riches: Part 2 Nov 14, 1995

History of the Getty family focusing on J Paul Getty's grandchildren - Mark, who is a businessman; Balthazar, an actor; and Aileen who works promoting various AIDS charities with her former mother-in-law, Elizabeth Taylor.

EP67 Man and Animal Nov 21, 1995

New York dogs model Larry Roth canine fashions while Chinese cats marinate in the kitchens of Guan's Cantonese restaurants, the Jain monks in India commit a crime if they kill even the smallest insect while bulls are ritually tortured in the name of religion in Spain. Award-winning filmmaker Antony Thomas travels to nine countries to examines the absurd contradictions and shockingly contrasting traditions which make up man's relationship with the animal world.

EP68 Midnight Callers Nov 28, 1995

Documentary about those who phone a late night radio show in Bradford, discussing their personal problems: one seducing other men's wives; and a woman being the victim of a paedophile who is dreading his imminent release from prison.

EP69 Peace for the Wicked: Tales of Ethnic Cleansing Dec 05, 1995

Documentary about a period after the Second World War in Germany, when many Germans were expelled from parts of their country, sent to ghettos and camps, and often murdered.

EP70 Guys as Dolls Dec 12, 1995

Documentary about transvestism and the effect it has on marriages and social relations.

EP71 Entertaining Angels Unawares Dec 19, 1995

Documentary examining the history of angels, looking at orthodox and unorthodox views of scientists and churchmen on the subject, and featuring interviews with people who claim they have seen and been helped by angels.

EP72 Frontline Britain: Part 1 Feb 27, 1996

First part of a two-part documentary reporting on rising crime in Great Britain and the connection between crime and poverty.

EP73 Frontline Britain: Part 2 Mar 05, 1996

Final part of a documentary examining the divisions in British society, and its fight against drugs. In London, violence and gang warfare from drug use is examined, and in Bristol, a large-scale heroin use on one community is spotlighted.

EP74 The Killing of Kathleen Waugh Mar 12, 1996

Investigation into the death of Kathleen Waugh, a woman with learning difficulties, who went missing four years ago. Irregularities in the management of the residential care home, concerning anti-depressive drugs, have been highlighted.

EP75 Inside Burma: Land of Fear May 14, 1996

Documentary about the military ruling regime in Burma, its use of forced and child labour to build road and rail links, and how the participation of Western countries aid the system by investing in poorly run projects.

EP76 Miss Popular's Crack City May 21, 1996

Documentary about two women whose crack-cocaine habits lead them to prostitution. Wendy was 13 when she started to sleep with men to support her habit; Karen Lawson was a middle-class housewife who became hooked.

EP77 High Stakes at Highclere May 28, 1996

Documentary about life behind the scenes at Highclere, the Earl of Carnarvon's estate in Hampshire. A new castle manager is appointed, and makes changes to the tea room, the housekeeping, and the castle tour to encourage more visitors.

EP78 HMP Dartmoor Jun 04, 1996

Documentary about life inside Dartmoor Prison in Devon.

EP79 A View to a Kill Sep 10, 1996

Documentary about a Texan family who exercised a new state right to watch the execution of the man who brutally killed two of their children.

EP80 Three Men and a Balloon Sep 17, 1996

Documentary following Richard Branson and his fellow balloonists as they made plans to fly a balloon non-stop around the world. Bad weather, politics and financial squabbles prevented the attempt from taking place.

EP81 Riddle of the Gaul Oct 08, 1996

Documentary about the 1974 sinking of the Hull trawler Gaul, in which all 36 crew members were lost. Inquiry concluded the Gaul had succumbed to bad weather; although there has been speculation that the ship was captured by the Russians.

EP82 The Connection Oct 15, 1996

Documentary following the heroin drugs trail from the poppy fields in Columbia to the streets of Britain. Carlton were fined £2,000,000 by the ITC over this documentary, as the programme contained a number of faked scenes.

EP83 Cut-price Package Oct 22, 1996

Documentary about nine British women who travel to Wroclaw in Poland for cut-price plastic surgery.

EP84 Going to Chelsea Nov 12, 1996

Follows Stephen Woodhams, society florist and garden designer, as he prepares and creates a garden for the world famous Chelsea Flower Show.

EP85 Psychosurgery Nov 19, 1996

Documentary following three people who have suffered from depression and have decided to try psychosurgery, where parts of the frontal lobes of the brain are destroyed in an attempt to damage the parts of the brain which controls emotions.

EP86 Breaking the Cycle Nov 26, 1996

Documentary about disruptive children and the help available to families to deal with them. Visits the Marlborough House Day Unit in Swindon, where children spend one day a week in structured discipline, and whose results were positive.

EP87 The Widow, the Terrorist and the SAS Dec 03, 1996

Documentary about the aftermath of the October 1977 hijacking of a plane by Palestinian terrorists. The four terrorists killed the pilot and held the passengers hostage for five days before the SAS stormed the plane.

EP88 Silent Victim: The Untold Story of the Yorkshire Ripper Dec 10, 1996

Documentary re-examining the case of Peter Sutcliffe, asserting that he may have been responsible for many more crimes than those he was convicted for.

EP89 Conspicuous Consumption Dec 17, 1996

Documentary about the fashionable and exclusive department store Harvey Nichols, visiting the London and Leeds branches, talking to staff and customers.

EP90 Forgotten Mothers Jan 14, 1997

Documentary in which five women talk about how they gave their babies up for adoption in the 1950s and 60s, and the profound sense of loss and guilt they still feel.

EP91 Return to the Place of the Dead Jan 21, 1997

Documentary following two British soldiers - Bob Mann and Richie Mayfield - as they return to Borneo, where in 1994 they almost died. Bob Mann looks for a video he made containing an emotional farewell message to his wife and son.

EP92 Born to Be Small Jan 28, 1997

Stories of four families affected by dwarfism: a couple's baby with achondroplasia; a couple expecting their first baby; a teenager's operation to add three inches to her height; and a couple fighting for equal rights for small people.

EP93 Igor, the Boy Who Dared to Dream Feb 11, 1997

Sequel documentary about a year in the life of Igor Pavlovets, who was deformed by the Chernobyl blast. Igor is on holiday in Spain, captaining his team in the school sports day, camping with the Cubs, and receiving visitors from Russia.

EP94 Breaking the Mirror: The Murdoch Effect Feb 18, 1997

Programme in which journalist John Pilger makes a tribute to the Daily Mirror newspaper. He traces the history of the tabloid, considering the influence of Rupert Murdoch and Robert Maxwell and how the standard of journalism has dropped.

EP95 All in the Genes Mar 11, 1997

Documentary examining genetic engineering and cloning, and how it is transforming medical science, showing scientists at work in efforts to prevent genetical disorders such as Hunters syndrome, cancers and Alzheimers.

EP96 Stolen Brides Mar 18, 1997

Documentary about two girls who left Britain to join their Yemeni father in 1982 for a holiday, but were married and prevented from leaving the country. The programme follows their mother's attempts to bring the girls back to England.

EP97 The Blind School Mar 25, 1997

Behind the scenes at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh to record the inspiring story of how its pupils learn to overcome their visual disabilities.

EP98 The Boy Business Mar 26, 1997

Documentary about British paedophiles who prey on homeless and vulnerable children. The programme confronts the men who trade in child pornography, investigates the recruitment of young boys, and talks to the victims and relatives.

EP99 Between the Lines May 06, 1997

Documentary about Paul Malone, who spent nearly ten years in jail after being found guilty of four armed robberies. The programme follows his attempts to have his convictions overturned.

EP100 Victoria & Albert Part 1: He Influenced Me in Everything May 13, 1997

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent presents his great great grandparents - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. This programme deals with Albert's courtship of the impressionable young queen.

EP101 Victoria & Albert Part 2: A Queen Alone May 20, 1997

The programme follows the life of Queen Victoria following the death of her husband, her self-imposed isolation during her long mourning, and her relationships with Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and her Highland servant John Brown.

EP102 For the Love of Roy Sep 23, 1997

Documentary about the legacy of Roy Castle's battle against lung cancer. and the world's first lung cancer research centre in Liverpool. Friends of Castle pay tribute to him and his wife talks about continuing his campaigning work.

EP103 Out of the Shadows Sep 30, 1997

First part in a two-part documentary following the then shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown during the run-in to Labour's election victory in May 1997.

EP104 We Are the Treasury Oct 07, 1997

Second part of a two-part documentary following Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown's transition into government, featuring his first month in office and events leading to his maiden budget.

EP105 Life with Grace Oct 14, 1997

First part in a two-part documentary about Monaco's Princess Grace, from her Hollywood career and fairy-tale marriage to her dark side - troubled marriage, rumoured lovers, the paparazzi and her tragic early death in a car crash.

EP106 Life After Grace Oct 21, 1997

Concluding part of a two-part documentary about Monaco's Grimaldi dynasty. After the early death of Princess Grace, the media turned their attention to her children, Albert, Caroline and Stephanie.

EP107 Windsor Restored Nov 20, 1997

Documentary in which The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of York give their personal accounts of the fire that ravaged the north-east corner of Windsor Castle in November 1992; and following the restoration process.
6.8| 0h30m| en
Synopsis

Network First is a wide-ranging documentary strand broadcast on ITV in the U.K. from January 1994 to December 1997, and was a part replacement for First Tuesday. Unlike other documentary series on ITV such as World in Action, Network First, was not centred on current affairs or politics, but broadcast a range of one-off programmes covering various subjects such as biography, history, and science. Programmes were usually transmitted in the 22:40 slot after News at Ten, each usually running for an hour. The strand was not "owned" by any one ITV franchise, and individual programmes were contributed by the various ITV companies. As a strand, Network First never became a household "name" - unlike the likes of World in Action or This Week - possibly because of its diverse subject matter. The series appears to have been dropped quietly by ITV in the lead up to the high-profile axing of both World in Action on 7 December 1998 and News at Ten on 5 March 1999.

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Reviews

Titreenp SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.
Kailansorac Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.
Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.