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Philomena

Drama recounting the true story of Philomena Lee who, decades after being forced to give up her infant son, enlists the help of an investigative journalist to track him down.

Drama recounting the true story of Philomena Lee, a Catholic woman who gives birth out of wedlock in 1950s Ireland. Abandoned by her family, she is forced to live in an abbey, where the nuns sell her infant child for adoption. Philomena keeps her secret for 50 years before eventually enlisting the help of jaded journalist Martin Sixsmith in tracking down her estranged son.

1 hour, 31 minutes

Last on

Sat 20 Jun 2020 22:50
BBC Four

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:03

    Alexandre Desplat

    Martin

  • 00:05

    Alexandre Desplat

    Philomena

  • 00:07

    Alexandre Desplat

    Birth

  • 00:15

    Alexandre Desplat

    Laundry

  • 00:20

    Alexandre Desplat

    Adoption

  • 00:22

    Alexandre Desplat

    Drive To Roscrea

  • 00:26

    Alexandre Desplat

    Reminiscence

  • 00:39

    Alexandre Desplat

    Philomena

  • 00:43

    Alexandre Desplat

    Landing In Usa

  • 00:50

    Alexandre Desplat

    Discovering Michael

  • 01:00

    Alexandre Desplat

    Mary

  • 01:06

    Alexandre Desplat

    Confession

  • 01:23

    Alexandre Desplat

    Sister Hildegarde

  • 01:29

    Alexandre Desplat

    Farewell

  • 01:30

    Alexandre Desplat

    Airport

Credits

Philomena Lee Judi Dench
Martin Sixsmith Steve Coogan
Mary Mare Winningham
Sally Mitchell Michelle Fairley
Jane Anna Maxwell Martin
David Charles Edwards
Sister Hildegarde Barbara Jefford
Mother Barbara Ruth McCabe
Pete Olsson Peter Hermann
Sally Mitchell Michelle Fairley
Director Stephen Frears
Writer Jeff Pope
Writer Steve Coogan

Broadcasts

  • Fri 26 Feb 2016 21:00
    BBC Two
  • Sat 20 May 2017 21:00
    BBC Two
  • Sat 24 Feb 2018 22:00
    BBC Two except Northern Ireland
  • Sat 29 Dec 2018 21:00
    BBC Two
  • Sat 20 Jul 2019 22:20
    BBC One
  • Sat 27 Jul 2019 00:20
    BBC One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Wales & Wales HD
  • Sat 27 Jul 2019 00:25
    BBC One Northern Ireland HD & Northern Ireland only
  • Sat 21 Dec 2019 22:55
    BBC Four
  • Sun 14 Jun 2020 22:35
    BBC One except Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD
  • Sun 14 Jun 2020 23:35
    BBC One Northern Ireland HD & Northern Ireland only
  • Sat 20 Jun 2020 22:50
    BBC Four

BBC Films: Philomena

BBC Films: Philomena

A compelling narrative and heart-breaking story that ultimately celebrates life.

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