Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan is a film which has managed to stand the test of time, with an all star cast including Omar Sharif, Stephen Boyd, James Mason, Francoise Dorleac, Eli Wallach and Telly Savalas. Originally aired back in 1965 this is an interesting look at the life and times of a ruthless warrior who had the skill and foresight to unite the warring tribes of Northeast Asia. The 12th century leader conquered the whole of Asia and was on the verge of taking on the might of Europe when his empire began to crumble. Genghis Khan takes a look at the despot’s rise from obscurity to the leader of a band of ruthless warriors who let nothing stand in their way.

Born in 1162, Genghis Khan led the largest contiguous empire in history and literally put Mongolia on the map. He reigned from 1206 to 1227. While his death was a bitter blow for the empire it was not the end and it lasted for many years.

Genghis Khan died in 1227 after defeating the Tanguts and while he was worshipped by millions he was actually buried in an unmarked grave in his Mongolian homeland. There are many myths and rumours which followed his rise and fall - many true and many with no basis in fact. However, there is no doubting that he united a troubled nation, and brought together tribes which had been at loggerheads for years. While there are few surviving pictures of Genghis Khan, the often quiet reserved look hid the ferocious fighter within him, a side which many saw during his reign.

This film is a fast-paced and informative portrait of the fearsom ruler and the legacy he left.

Orangutan Island to Premiere on Animal Planet

Did you know that orangutans share 97% of our DNA? But unlike humans, the red-haired forest apes don’t live in groups and have little social interaction with one another. In a bid to save our endangered relations, Animal Planet is launching a new docudrama following the lives of a group of orphaned orangutans.

The forests of Borneo are the last home of the orangutan species, and illegal logging is putting this habitat at risk. One woman is determined that the orangutans will not die out. Her name is Lone Dröscher-Nielsen, founder of the largest primate rescue project in the world. Thanks to the efforts of Lone and her team at Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, thirty five orphaned orangutans will get the chance to live wild on a protected 100-acre island. Here they will learn the survival skills necessary to return to their natural habitat one day.

Marjorie Kaplan, President of Animal Planet says “Orangutan Island opens viewers’ eyes to these amazing creatures, their distinct personalities, the overwhelming challenges they face and, most importantly, what people can do to help. They are as different in personality and needs as humans are, and I have no doubt that after spending some time watching these orangutans our audience is going to fall in love.”

Lone Dröscher-Nielsen comments “It is my hope that through this series, people will become more aware of the plight of the orangutans and will be inspired to help these incredible animals which are heading for extinction. I look forward to a day when we can release these orphans back into the wild without fear that they will perish due to lack of habitat and the resources necessary for survival.”

Unlike wild orangutans who lead mostly solitary lives, this group will have to learn to live together in a community until they can be released – something they would never experience in the wild. Each week the series follows the young orphans as they deal with the power struggles and social issues that their fledgling society must overcome to survive.

Orangutan Island premieres on Monday 26th May at 9 pm.

Visit AnimalPlanet.co.uk to view clips, meet the orangutans, read expert views and learn about wildlife conservation.

Wedding Addicts: Hidden Lives

They used to say “you only get married once” but this doesn’t seem to be the case these days – well, not among a growing number who seem to be addicted to marriage.

Wedding Addicts: Hidden Lives takes a look at a number of people in the UK who have been married and re-married time and time again. While we like to dress up the big day as romance and everlasting love the truth is a little different. This documentary gives us a great insight into the minds and thoughts of those who seem addicted to marriage, how they can leave a trail of ex-partners and children behind for a new life and what marriage actually means to them. What are they looking for? What has been missing from their earlier attempts at married bliss?

At a time when marriage is becoming somewhat outdated in the minds of many, it still holds a special place for some. The excitement and joy of being joined in marriage to the person you love has seen many happy couples settle down for life. So why has it changed? Why are so many people re-marrying?

This interesting show seeks to answer some of those questions. Catch it tonight at 11 pm on Five.

Hollyoaks Teaser

Heroin addict Sasha is struggling to cope with withdrawal this week, and is terrified when Nige confronts her and demands that she pays back the money she owes him. When her withdrawal symptoms become too much to bear, Sasha reluctantly sleeps with Nige for a hit - but is left devastated when he refuses to hand over the drugs. And when Sasha tries to convince Fletch to get back together with her, he is too disgusted to even speak to her - and Lauren, worried about her, has told Leo and Calvin who stole the laptop. Has Sasha finally burned all her bridges?

Amy is confused over her feelings for Ste, but decides to put her troubles behind her and make a nice romantic dinner to get things back on track. Unfortunately, Ste saw Amy comforting an upset Josh and is now consumed by jealousy. Begging for forgiveness after blowing up at her, Ste realises that he might have blown it this time.

Also this week, Myra is attacked in the village but has no idea that Fletch is her assailant. Dominic decides to play the OB role and be a good friend to Max, setting his reluctant mate up on a date. And Nancy worries about the custody case.

Coronation Street Teaser

Naughty Teresa has let Kayleigh and Finlay skive off school this week, much to Mel’s disapproval, and even leaves poor Finlay to hang out in the pub’s smoking shelter while she has a drink inside. When Lloyd spots the boy, the two get chatting and are later joined by Teresa… who recognises Lloyd as an old flame from years ago! When she hears that Lloyd now owns a successful taxi firm, she comes up with a plan to make Lloyd believe that he’s Finlay’s dad - and that he owes her big-time. Will he fall for her inventive sob story?

Jason, meanwhile, is getting worried about how fast things seem to be moving with Becky. When he confesses to Eileen that he wants to cool it with Becky, she advises him to come clean, otherwise Becky will just get hurt. But when Becky, sensing that something is wrong, invests in some sexy new underwear, Jason is powerless to resist…

Also this week, Vernon is suspicious when he comes home from the cruise to find a guilty Liz being unusually attentive. The feud between Dan and Steve intensifies. Ashley forces Claire to apologise to Sally. And Gail prepares for Ted’s visit and David’s return.

Emmerdale Teaser

Lisa is now the sole bread-winning Dingle and is unamused to be forced back to work, especially when Val refuses to give her an easy ride. When Lisa fails to finish her work on time, Val storms round to confront her and is accidentally knocked out when Lisa opens the door in her face. Rushing to deliver the tablecloths, Lisa tells Eli to look after the unconscious Val… but when she gets back, she discovers that Eli has decided to capitalise on the situation by taking Val hostage! But when Val wakes up, her reaction to her new status as kidnap victim surprises everyone…

Meanwhile, Marlon is stressing out about the judges’ arrival and is almost sent over the edge when the vegetable delivery fails to turn up. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, the judges arrive early - including celebrity chef Antony Worrall-Thompson! Incredibly, Marlon not only passes the inspection with flying colours but later finds out that he’s got an audition for a local cookery show. Is Marlon Dingle about to become Emmerdale’s very own master chef?

Also this week, Sharon returns to the village with plans to give her mum a surprise hen night. Pollard suspects that those pesky Dingles might have something to do with Val’s disappearance. Andy loses his temper with Jo again. And the verdict on Arthur’s parentage is finally revealed.

Neighbours Teaser

After Ramsay Street old-timers Lou and Harold’s big argument ended in the former collapsing, the twinkly-eyed favourite has been rushed to hospital. Relieved to hear that his friend only had an anxiety attack, the guilt-stricken Harold tells Lou what their friendship means to him. But can Lou swallow his pride and give Harold’s plan to leave Erinsborough his blessing?

Meanwhile, Paul gets himself into more trouble as he tries to bribe Kirsten into keeping her mouth shut about their fling. Insulted by his offer of hush money, Kirsten replies that she’ll do as he asks - but only if he helps her career. Forced to agree to Kirsten’s demands, Paul makes her trainee manager at Lassiter’s - but soon finds out that this is not the end of his troubles.

Elsewhere, Toadie’s heartbreak over Steph is affecting his work - and lands Daniel in hospital when he accidentally knocks him out during a football match. Things may be looking up for Libby’s love life. Rebecca and Elle join forces to expose the mayor’s dodgy dealings. And Chloe’s christening ends in a fist-fight between Marco and Oliver.

EastEnders Teaser

The hapless Keith and his family receive some good fortune, for once - but how long will it last? Not long, as it turns out… it seems that Keith may have lost the lottery ticket that could have changed everything for the Millers. Keith attempts to make amends, but has the precious piece of paper gone forever?

A bemused Bradley, meanwhile, is scratching his head after receiving more than one romantic proposal - but he’s not sure that they are from the person he would like to romance the most. Later, he tries to impress the foxy Clare, who he’s had his eye on for some time… but will his efforts pay off?

Elsewhere in Walford, Jack and Tanya’s relationship progresses. A suspicious Dawn wonders whether Jase is cheating on her. Keith descends on the Masood family. And Chelsea disappears, but is later found living it up in R+R and indulging in the ‘high life’…

Britain’s Bravest

In the flow of everyday life it’s always good to sit back and watch what’s happening around us to put our lives into perspective. Britain’s Bravest is one of those shows which will make you sad, make you smile and make you cry all in the space of an hour.

Dermot Murnaghan introduces tonight’s one hour awards show where members of the public and the rescue services are honoured for their acts of courage. We will hear about two men who managed to save the life of a motorway accident victim who would have certainly died without their intervention, as well as the helicopter rescue services who came to the aid of a ferry in trouble off the coast of Lancashire.

As well giving the public a chance to laud and admire these these heroes, Britain’s Bravest also gives those who have been rescued the chance to thank those involved. While we often hear about heroic rescues in the newspapers, this is only the tip of the iceberg and does not fully reflect the dangers which many people face in everyday life.

Dermot Murnaghan is probably the best man to present for this type of show as he can be both serious and light-hearted, taking the edge off what can be a difficult experience for those receiving their awards. While all the stories feature courage and bravery, it is the ones which involve children and their heroic efforts which seem to hit home with the audience.

In an era of superstars it can be useful to appreciate the work and hardship which others experience every day. Sometimes we can forget exactly what life is about and what goes on all around us. Shows like Britain’s Bravest can be very humbling indeed.

Dispatches Deals with Controversial Bill

In a scenario which many believe is reflecting the situation in the US, award winning filmmaker David Modell tackled the controversial growth in the power and influence of Christian fundamentalism and the impact which it is having upon the politics of today, and documented his findings in last night’s Dispatches.

Modell was been given permission to tail a number of leading activists from the movement as they attempted to tackle the subject of the Human Fertilisation and Embryo Bill which has been in the headlines for some time. As we near the final vote on the bill, Christian activists have been mobilised to try and convince MPs that they should be voting in line with the Bible and against the bill.

This is one of the more controversial bills to come before the Houses of Parliament for some time and it is one that has produced a number of differing views and opinions. There are two distinct camps - the religious movement and the medical profession, and while each have made their case it will be up to the MPs to vote for or against the proposed changes.

One thing which seems to have infuriated the religious activists is the fact that Gordon Brown has threatened to call MPs to heel and order them to vote with the Party line, which is for the bill. While we have seen some concessions over the last couple of weeks, it seems that MPs will not be allowed a so-called free vote on the overall bill, although some have threatened to go against the Government.

Religion and politics are a heady mix of views, opinions and beliefs and there has been major confrontation in the past with regards to controversial bills. This bill looks like it will go right to the wire and while the Government are confident that they will win the day, there is still work to do in order to secure victory.

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