Classic Movies: The Story of...

Classic Movies: The Story of...

Sky Arts Running

5 Seasons · 27 Episodes · Premiered August 31, 2023

Classic Movies: The Story of... goes in search of the cinematically sublime. Those films that have transcended their era to enter the pantheon of greats.With each episode devoted to a single film, their story will be told with detail, affection, looking for the truth behind the myth, all the trials and triumphs that went into forging a classic. But this isn't simply history, the standard making of, it's about identifying those ingredients immortal scenes, performances, themes, luxuriant cinematography, art direction, special effects, music, even the power of a single line – that elevate a film to a new level.Hosted by Ian Nathan, guide us through the story from inception to legacy, supplemented with regular input along with special guest, with unique insight, historians who have devoted entire books, and visit to special location, where they shot or that served as  a key inspiration, bringing each of these films to life with a dynamic presentation. We are on a journey to find out not what makes a film good, but what makes it classic. 

Where to Watch: Sky Arts

Official Site

Next Air Time: Thu, May 7 2026 7:00 PM GMT+0000

Seasons & Episodes

Season 1

6 episodes
E01
The Third Man
Thu, Aug 31 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
A look at cinematic masterpieces, beginning with film critic Ian Nathan examining the qualities of director Carol Reed's 1949 film noir The Third Man, which starred Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten.
E02
The Ladykillers
Thu, Sep 7 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
A look at Alexander Mackendrick's Ealing black comedy starring Alec Guinness and Katie Johnson, in which a criminal and his gang meet their match in the form of elderly landlady.
E03
Brighton Rock
Thu, Sep 14 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
A look at John Boulting's 1944 film noir, which was adapted from Graham Greene's novel and starred Richard Attenborough as psychopathic gangster Pinkie Brown.
E04
The Graduate
Thu, Sep 21 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
Movie critic Ian Nathan examines the qualities of Mike Nichols' 1967 romantic comedy drama, which starred Dustin Hoffman as a young man having an affair with a married woman.
E05
Ran
Thu, Sep 28 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
Movie critic Ian Nathan examines the qualities that made 1985 epic action drama Ran, directed and co-written by Akira Kurosawa, an enduring classic.
E06
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Thu, Oct 5 2023 7:00 PM GMT+0000 60 min
Movie critic Ian Nathan examines what made James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, a sci-fi classic.

Season 2

6 episodes

Season 3

6 episodes

Season 4

6 episodes

Season 5

3 episodes

Cast

Ian Nathan
Ian Nathan as Host

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