The writer and critic examines the many layers of the world of film-making, exploring styles, themes, eras, genres, studios and partnerships, and the many sensibilities that shaped cinema from its beginnings to today. He begins with a look at the British film-making partnership of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and the unique style they brought to the string of successful features through the 1940s, including The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, A Matter of Life and Death, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes.

The critic looks at the output of Ealing Studios, which produced black comedies including Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Lavender Hill Mob and The Ladykillers. While the studios has had various peaks and troughs, it still exists today and its more recent films include Shaun of the Dead, and it is also home to Andy Serkis's Imaginarium motion-capture studio.

In the 80s, away from endless slasher movies, horror found a new lease of life, as directors broke the rules and added style to genre traditions.