Looking back to World War II...

Wednesday night, WPT will air two programs covering different aspects of World War II.

At 7, Secrets of the Dead explores the Bridge on the River Kwai. The bridge was part of a railroad constructed by more than Allied prisoners of war for the Japanese forces. The railroad linked Thailand and Burma and would be used to deliver goods to frontline Japanese soldiers. More than 16,000 of the prisoners died in the building process. Of the railroad, which only operated for a few months, before the United States-developed AZON smart bomb was able to cripple the bridge. The bridge's construction and subsequent destruction also was the subject of the 1957 film that starred Alec Guiness.

At 8, The Blitz: London's Longest Night tells the story of an ongoing event from Sept. 1940- May 1941 that seems unthinkable in today's age. During that time, people living in London were subject to nearly nightly attacks from Nazi bombers. The film features firsthand memories from survivors of the attacks alongside archival footage. The Museum of London has a great Web site devoted to the Blitz and how it prompted millions of people in the metropolitan center only 65 years ago to work together to survive. The BBC has a collection of archived stories from people who survived the Blitz.

Nothing beats a good book...

This week, WPT's News and Public Affairs program, Here and Now, takes a step back from its regular political programming to meet a collection of local authors at 7 p.m. Friday.

Isthmus News Editor Bill Leuders will discuss, "Cry Rape," his book about a rape case in Madison that caused the victim to fight for justice. David Giffey interviewed a collection of Wisconsin Veterans and will talk about his book, "Long Shadows: Veterans' Paths to Peace." Regular Here and Now contributor Mike Perry will discuss his new memoir, "Truck." And, Zane Williams will share images from his stunning new photo collection, "Madison."

Any of these books would make great holiday gifts, and can be found in many local bookstores or on the linked sites. If you're in the midst of gift purchasing, some other great options for the public television lover in your life include videos of WPT productions from wpt.org and a collection of goodies from the online PBS Shop. Proceeds from each outlet benefit WPT's programming. Or, why not give a gift membership to WPT? That option is always available via the Web.

The reviews are in...

Last Sunday's first installment of the two-part Masterpiece Theatre "Prime Suspect: The Final Act" has been garnering a slew of media attention. While Helen Mirren has promised that this is her curtain call as the gritty detective Jane Tennison, pundits are praising the work in publications across the country. If you missed the broadcast, be sure to set your Tivos or find a place in front of your television at 9 p.m. Friday night for a special encore presentation. Then don't miss the conclusion at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Be more Tuned In scoured newspaper Web sites to see what critics are saying about Tennison's farewells -- and the reviews are overwhelmingly favorable.

"Mirren is the least vain and most intelligent performer of her generation." Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune

"Ms. Mirren ... is a fearless actress, and never more than when portraying this dedicated, redoubtable, not always lovable detective." Alessandra Stanley, New York Times

"TV will be a lesser place without (Mirren's Tennison)." Robert Bianco, USA Today

"Mirren is as usual terrific, but the element of time adds another layer." Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times

"In short, has anyone had a better year than Helen Mirren?" Jane Burns, Capital Times

"Mirren's never been better as the brooding Tennison." Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder...

If you missed the first part of Warplane last week, you still have a chance to catch the conclusion at 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

This two-hour installment follows the advancements of warplanes from the jet age and into the world of stealth flights. For those interested in delving deeper into the technology behind the aircraft, the show's producers have created an in-depth portion of their Web site. This site also offers a collection of World War II plane specifications.

If the show inspires you to seek out some of these fantastic machines in person, don't fret that the winter cold has sent most air shows south until next summer. There are two terrific museums within driving distance of Wisconsin locales that are devoted to aviation.

The EAA Airventure Museum is devoted to experimental aircraft, but also has displays, hangars and exhibits devoted to military aircraft.

For a huge collection of true warplanes - still flight-ready and in their original condition-visit the AirZoo in Kalamazoo, Mich. The museum includes hands-on displays, flight simulators and planes like F-14 Tomcats, FA-18 Hornets and even the fastest plane on earth - the SR-71 Blackbird.

And, on the lighter side of flight, the owner of this site presents the history of flight - in Legos.

Not Forgotten anymore...

Much in line with the award-winning Wisconsin World War II Stories programs, WPT is proud to present the premiere of Wisconsin Korean War Stories at 8 p.m. Monday. Milwaukee Public Television will air the program at the same time.

Producer Mik Derks spent more than two years speaking with more than 50 Korean War veterans from across Wisconsin about their memories of what has come to be termed by many as the Forgotten War. Interspersed with photos and actual military footage, the program is a powerfully emotional presentation. Find a RealVideo preview clip here.

In back-to-back hour-long programs Monday night, you'll have the chance to learn about the causes of the war, events that shaped its progress and how it affected military members who served in it -- all with a Wisconsin perspective.

A photo display that captures many of the participating veterans by James Gill is currently touring the state. In November it is housed at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on the Capitol Square in Madison. For information about future stops, see the itinerary on the bottom of this page.

Click here for an article about the program from the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.