Season 7

1998 · 9 episodes

Episodes

1Family ValuesThe series opens with a look at the different approaches to parenting of two middle-class families. Amid chaotic scenes at their 17th-century Cornish manor house, Yvonne and Richard complain about their "children from hell". in London's Belgravia, Amalia and John believe they have cracked the secret of rearing well-behaved children.
2Shooting VersaceOn 15 July 1997, designer Gianni Versace was shot dead in Miami. As the fashion world and celebrity fans mourned the loss, the race was already on to make the movie.
3Agony AuntsAs more and more people express their unhappiness through the columns of newspapers and magazines, the documentary strand listens to five top agony aunts - Deidre Sanders, Jane Butterworth, Virginia Ironside, Karen Krizanovich and Denise Robertson - discuss their varying approaches to the job.
4BareFor the dedicated minimalist, objects are out, nothingness is in, and status comes from owning only the bare essentials. But modern everyday existence is overwhelming in its clutter and disorder. What happens when art and real life come into conflict?
5The GodmothersThe Mothers' Union, formed at the end of the last century, was founded to uphold the values of family life and marriage. Over 100 years on, its image is of middle-aged, middle-class women out of step with the world. But, with over 750,000 members worldwide, and projects that address very modern issues, the union shows no sign of becoming extinct.
6The Generous RichIn New York, people are seriously rich only when they are able to give away money. The charity party for the New York City Ballet is used as a backdrop to explore just how the absurdly affluent are persuaded to part with their millions.
7FriendsA group of close-knit friends who have reached their thirties face the prospect of making difficult decisions in both their personal lives and professional careers.
8The Unlikely LadsThe tale of Leon and Vaughan Gingell , two entrepreneurial brothers who reinvented marbles by placing pictures of footballers inside them. This film spans the two years from the birth of Flikaball to the launch and beyond.
9The GardenCan a rundown council estate in Bacup, Lancashire, achieve a sense of community pride through a gardening competition among its residents? Housing officer Patrick Collins thinks so, and he plans to make sure everyone takes part. Last in the series; Modern Times returns in the autumn.