In the 1950s, Gilbert Harding was Britain's biggest television star, a larger than life figure who revelled in his status as the country's 'rudest man'. He was also a practising homosexual, at a time when it was still illegal in the UK. John Freeman famously tried to 'out' Harding in his BBC Face To Face interview in 1960. An audience of 11m people watched in horror as the star was reduced to tears when Freeman insisted that he talk about the death of his mother. The event made Harding a national hero and Freeman a hate figure.

Channel 4's Faking It challenges contestants to learn a new profession, which is far removed from their previous experiences. After a month of training, they then try to hoodwink an expert panel of judges into believing that they are not the "fake". One episode of the show involving an Ex-naval officer who trains to become a drag queen proved to be especially emotional. Spence Bowdler initially refused to wear a dress, but after enduring singing lessons, waxing and high heels, he broke down in tears of joy after foxing the judges.

If you build it, he will come. Weepy baseball fable with supernatural overtones starring Kevin Costner (who else?) as a farmer who builds a baseball pitch out in his corn fields to help the ghosts of the disgraced 1919 White Sox team find peace. Field Of Dreams is that rare thing, a poignant movie, which manages to drain the tear ducts, without ever resorting to cheap manipulation or clichéd sentiment. So genuine, you can't help but be moved when Costner's dead father emerges from the corn for an impromptu game of catch.

Tom Hanks is the heroic dunce living through America's recent history in Robert Zemeckis' multi-Oscar winning comedy-drama. Top-notch performances and some impressive visual trickery contribute to one of the populist triumphs of the 90s. Hanks fills the timid, innocent Gump with such sentimental energy, that you can't help but celebrate his triumphs and cry at his falls, especially when his beloved Jenny decides to leave him heartbroken

Hugh Grant is at his bumbling best in this feel-good farce about whether or not to tie the knot. British filmmakers showed Hollywood how to do romantic comedy and Oscar nominations followed. Although Four Weddings is responsible for giving the rest of the world the impression that everyone in England spends their time (and money) only going to weddings and funerals, the characters are so richly drawn that you can't help loving them. You'll be weeping, along with everyone else, when John Hannah reads WH Auden's 'Stop The Clocks' at his lover's funeral.