Small screen movies: The Sentinel, Stardust, and I Was a Male War Bride

Monday, Channel 4, 11pm

First terrestrial showing for this decent thriller, in which Michael Douglas plays his trademark sleazy professional, here a secret service agent who's dedicated to protecting the president but also dedicated to sleeping with the first lady (Kim Basinger). When this lands him in suspicion of involvement in an assassination attempt, he goes on the run to clear his name with former pal Kiefer Sutherland (pictured) chasing him down. It's slick, unoriginal but fast-paced enough to keep the attention.

Also showing

Stardust ***

Saturday, Channel 4, 7pm

A beautifully shot fantasy, adapted by Jane "wife of Jonathan Ross" Goldman from Neil Gaiman's twisted fairytale of beautiful maidens, plucky young heroes, evil witches and cross-dressing pirates. Yes, that's Robert De Niro with the eyepatch and the frock.

I Was A Male War Bride ***

Sunday, Film4, 3pm

More transvestism in this comic classic, as "Frenchman" Cary Grant (making no attempt at the accent) marries American soldier gal Ann Sheridan and, for spurious passport reasons, ends up in drag as her "wife". Risqu hilarity ensues.

This article was first published in The Scotsman, Saturday March 13, 2010