Five Came Back

Overview
Five renowned modern directors explore the journeys of five iconic Hollywood filmmakers who joined the military to capture the realities of World War II on film. Through a blend of historical insight and personal reflection, the documentary sheds light on the impact of their wartime experiences on both their craft and the broader cinematic landscape. By intertwining archival footage with contemporary perspectives, it reveals the sacrifices made and the powerful narratives woven by these artists during a pivotal moment in history, showcasing their enduring legacy in the film industry.
Episodes
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1

The Mission Begins
With the onset of World War II, five of Hollywood's leading directors abandon their thriving careers and comfortable lives to enlist in the military, ...
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1

The Frontline: Dover To Exmouth
The South coast of England has historically served as a battleground and a fortress for the nation. Just a short distance across the English Channel l...
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2

Combat Zones
As they engage in active duty, each director discovers that their artistic vision often clashes with the realities of government protocols and the unp...
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2

The Wild West: Exmouth To Bristol
Dr. Alice Roberts explores the consequences of greed that resulted in a village being submerged by the sea. Meanwhile, Nick delves into Plymouth's hi...
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3

The Price of Victory
After the war concludes, the five return to Hollywood to revive their careers. However, the experiences they've endured will linger with them, alterin...
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3

Times and Tides: Bristol To Cardigan Bay
With the world’s second-largest tidal range, South Wales is a marvel of nature. Nick tracks the powerful Severn Bore as it moves upstream, while Ne...
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4

The Travellers Coast: Cardigan Bay To The Dee
Neil uncovers the legend of a submerged Welsh Atlantis, while Miranda embarks on an adventure to locate leatherback turtles. Meanwhile, Alice explore...
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5

Shifting Sands: Liverpool To Solway Firth
Alice uncovers ancient footprints dating back 5,000 years along the shoreline. Meanwhile, Nick delves into the harrowing history of the UK's most tra...
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6

The Troubled Coast: The Northern Ireland Coast
Nick delves into the construction of the Antrim Coast, revealing its reflection of the region's turbulent past. Meanwhile, Neil employs advanced comp...
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7

Islands And Inlets: West Coast Of Scotland And Western Isles
Neil becomes a member of the HMS Vanguard crew, a Trident submarine. Meanwhile, Miranda embarks on an expedition to track down Minke whales. Mark and...
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8

Life On The Edge: Cape Wrath To Orkney
Nick engages in a NATO training drill at the Cape Wrath military range, while Neil encounters the descendants of those affected by the Highland Clear...
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9

The Working Coast: John O'Groats To Berwick
Miranda travels to the Moray Firth, where she encounters the playful bottle-nosed dolphins. Meanwhile, Nick delves into the effects of the North Sea ...
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10

The Forgotten Coast: Berwick To Whitby
Nick journeys to the sacred isle of Lindisfarne; Alice participates in the restoration of Britain’s inaugural dwelling in Howick; Neil investigates...
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11

The Inventive Coast: Robin Hood's Bay To The Wash
Nick embarks on a journey to follow the path of smugglers in Robin Hood's Bay, while Neil explores the original Butlins Holiday camp located in Skegn...
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12

The Vanishing Coast: The Wash To Dover
In this episode, Nick delves into the unusual floods that struck in 1953, uncovering their impact. Meanwhile, Alice studies the ancient landbridge th...
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1

Dover To Isle of Wight
The stunning cliffs of Dover offer a mesmerizing view. This coastal region, shaped by chalk, has served as a launching pad for numerous inventors and...
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2

Holyhead To Liverpool
In this episode, Neil Oliver ventures into a hidden cave adorned with exquisite stone carvings, raising questions about its enigmatic creator. Meanwhi...
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3

Arran To Gretna
Nicholas Crane explores the intriguing reasons behind Alfred Nobel's decision to establish the world's largest explosives factory in South West Scotl...
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4

Cornwall & The Isles Of Scilly
Neil Oliver uncovers the intricate web of cables hidden beneath Porthcurno beach, revealing a fascinating story of innovation, intrigue, and unexpect...
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5

Dublin To Derry
Join Mark Horton on an adventure to uncover why Dublin is hailed as the finest coastal city. He embarks on a quest to locate the remains of the SS Gre...
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6

Newcastle To Hull
Beneath the rugged concrete and steel of the North East coast lies a fascinating history of religious fervor that reshaped Britain and resonated glob...
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7

The Outer Hebrides
On the fringes of the British Isles lies a captivating collection of islands, each with its own challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Pristine wate...
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8

Felixstowe To Margate
Alice Roberts enjoys the briny air in Maldon, while Miranda Krestovnikoff embarks on a fishing expedition along the Thames. We also uncover the fasci...
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1

Shetland To Orkney
The Northern Isles, comprising over 230 islands, showcase the rugged beauty of Shetland and Orkney, characterized by striking rock formations, hidden ...
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2

Bournemouth To Plymouth
Neil delves into the reasons behind Sandbanks in Poole Harbour being home to some of the priciest properties globally. Meanwhile, Alice embarks on a ...
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3

Southport To Whitehaven (Inc. The Isle Of Man)
Miranda embarks on a quest to locate the largest sharks lurking in British waters. Meanwhile, Mark takes a closer look at the Royal Navy's cutting-ed...
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4

Cardiff To St David's
Neil uncovers the fascinating story behind how a beach earned the title of the 'fastest place on earth' eight decades ago. Meanwhile, Mark investigat...
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5

Berwick-Upon-Tweed To Aberdeen
Miranda plunges into the marine reserve at St Abbs, renowned for its rich underwater ecosystem. Meanwhile, Neil attempts to revive a historical initi...
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6

Galway To Baltimore
Neil uncovers the intriguing connection between enigmatic debris and Columbus' expedition to the New World. Meanwhile, Alice delves into the unique b...
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7

King's Lynn To Felixstowe
Neil investigates a groundbreaking radar installation designed for surveillance of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Alice aims to depict the stunning lan...
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8

The Channel Islands To Dover
Neil delves into the poignant tale of the inaugural swimmer across the channel. Meanwhile, Alice uncovers Jersey's fascinating evolution from a Nazi-h...
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1
London to Antwerp
The journey kicks off in the historic center of London, traversing the scenic south coast of England before crossing the channel to the intriguing sh...
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2
The Netherlands
The team's adventure unfolds along the breathtaking coastlines of Devon and Cornwall. Nick Crane embarks on a fishing trip aboard one of the last tra...
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3
Devon and Cornwall
In this episode of Coast, the team explores the remarkable engineered coastline of the Netherlands. Nick Crane delves into the innovative coastal def...
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4
Western Isles and Shetland
In this episode of Coast, Nick embarks on an enchanting journey through Scotland's picturesque Western Isles, venturing north to the remote Shetland ...
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5
Wales Border to Border
The journey along the breathtaking Welsh coastline unfolds from the Severn estuary to the Dee estuary. Nick Crane delves into historical evidence of ...
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6
Sweden and the Baltic
For centuries, Britons have sought the enchanting shores of Sweden, famed for its wealth of resources. In this episode of Coast, Nick Crane embarks o...
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1

The Mysteries of the Isles
Coast returns to the UK, embarking on a fresh adventure that showcases stories from across the British Isles, inviting viewers on a captivating 'jour...
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2

Life Beyond the Edge
In this episode of Coast, Nick Crane journeys to the remote Isles of Scilly, located 28 miles past Land's End, to uncover the unique lifestyles and c...
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3

The Hidden History of Harbours
Long before the advent of air travel, Britain's harbours served as vital entry points to worldwide exploration. With over a thousand ports dotting the...
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4

Peril From The Seas
Nick Crane recounts the incredible story of the Great Storm of 1703, a catastrophic event that unleashed relentless fury upon the land. As he unveils...
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5

Riddle Of The Tides
Nick Crane faces the daunting force of the ocean as he battles through the treacherous tidal currents surrounding Anglesey Island. Armed with only hi...
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6

The Secret Life of Beaches
Coast delves into the vibrant variety and enchanting experiences that our shorelines provide.