Small screen movies

Friday, Film4, 9pm

*****

A landmark in American cinema, Francis Ford Coppola's Mafioso masterpiece chronicles the nefarious machinations of the fictional Corleone dynasty. Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his portrayal of its patriarch, but it also benefits from a career-boosting turn from Al Pacino.

Also showing

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY

****

Monday, STV, 10:35pm

Technically ground-breaking sci-fi sequel which actually improves on the original. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the implacable cyborg in this action-packed classic.

THE DAY OF THE JACKAL

****

Wednesday, STV, 10:35pm

Exemplary thriller based on Frederick Forsyth novel. Edward Fox is the hit-man hired to kill Charles de Gaulle. A superbly executed boiler-house of relentless tension.

WENDY AND LUCY

****

Thursday, Film4, 10:40pm

Unfairly overlooked indie film starring Michelle Williams as a rootless young woman en route to Alaska with her dog who gets stranded in Oregon. Understated yet moving.

This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, January 31, 2010