Satellite and Cable: Pick of the Day

IN THE PERIOD between 1985 and 1990, when the Back to the Future trilogy and Who Framed Roger Rabbit were made, the movies of Robert Zemeckis (right) did the best box office in the world. His films garnered in excess of $1 billion worldwide (during the same time, Steven Spielberg grossed a mere $726 million). The secret of Zemeckis' success is that he never lets special effects overwhelm a good yarn. His mastery of story-telling was underlined when his 1994 movie, Forrest Gump, scooped six Oscars. His work is the subject of The Directors (noon Sky Premier).

No matter how often it is shown, Fawlty Towers (9pm UK Gold) still has an uncanny ability to raise a laugh. It is the sheer amount that John Cleese and Connie Booth packed into each episode which really impresses. Remind yourself with a double-bill tonight.