Countdown is a popular British game show that has been running since the 1980s. Contestants are given a selection of letters and must create the longest word they can within a set time limit. The show also includes number puzzles and conundrums for contestants to solve. With its iconic clock and witty host, Countdown has become a staple of daytime television.
Spell-Mageddon is an American spelling bee game show on ABC Family and is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro. It premiered on July 24, 2013. Its season finale aired on September 11, 2013.
Akeelah Anderson is a precocious 11-year-old girl from south Los Angeles with a gift for words. Despite the objections of her mother Tanya, Akeelah enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by the forthright Dr. Larabee, her principal Mr. Welch, and the proud residents of her neighborhood. Akeelah's aptitude earns her an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and in turn unites her neighborhood who witness the courage and inspiration of one amazing little girl.
A journalist befriends a homeless musician with schizophrenia, and helps him navigate his life and his love for music in Los Angeles.
Bee Season is a drama film about a young girl named Eliza who discovers her hidden talent for spelling, which leads to her family's secrets being exposed. As she progresses through various spelling competitions, Eliza uncovers the struggling relationship between her parents and her father's obsession with religion and mysticism. The film explores themes of identity, faith, and the lengths people will go to find meaning in their lives.
A 40-year-old high school dropout enters a national spelling competition where he forms an unlikely friendship with a young boy and seeks revenge on his estranged father.
In 1952, the daughter of two fervent Communists in Australia becomes pregnant by an unknown man and quickly rises to power within the Communist Party. The film satirically explores themes of politics, power, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Spellbound tells the story of a group of talented children competing in a spelling bee championship. With their immigrant backgrounds and strong work ethic, these young contestants navigate through challenges and personal growth, capturing the hearts of the audience along the way.
A family's trip to a remote cabin turns into a nightmare when they encounter a wendigo, a Native American mythological creature. As the wendigo begins to haunt their encounters, the family must find a way to escape its terror.
Heavenly Bodies is a drama/romance movie set in Toronto during the 1980s. It follows the story of a group of three friends who audition for a dance competition. The movie showcases their struggles, friendships, and romantic relationships as they navigate the competitive world of dance and confront personal challenges.
Stella is a young girl growing up in 1970s Paris, navigating through a dysfunctional family and striving for self-education and a fresh start.
Sue Perkins hosts as the country's brightest spellers aged between nine and 13 compete in a series of word-related games and challenges, displaying a combination of speed, skill and brains to deconstruct words many have never even heard of, let alone spelled, before. Comedian Joe Lycett reports from backstage, where the youngster and their parents are making last-minute preparations, while newsreader Moira Stuart officiates as the show's pronouncer
Never Weaken is a silent comedy film from 1921 that tells the story of a man who is laid off from his job and tries to impress his girlfriend by performing dangerous stunts on a construction site.
Fitzwilly is a butler who runs a con game to support his wealthy employer's extravagant lifestyle. Along with his team, Fitzwilly carries out various schemes to deceive and manipulate others, all while maintaining the facade of a proper household. However, their plans become complicated when the head of the household falls in love with a young woman who unknowingly becomes involved in their schemes. As the web of lies grows, Fitzwilly must find a way to keep everything under control and maintain their lavish lifestyle.
Leo is a gripping drama that tells the story of a grieving widower who navigates through his struggles of loss, suspicion, and infidelity. The movie explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Parnell is a biographical drama set in 1937 that tells the story of a politician named Parnell. It explores his personal and political life, including his relationships, scandals, and the trials he faced. The movie delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of his actions. It provides an intriguing glimpse into the political climate of the time.
Two stylized nursery rhymes are shown. First is "The House That Jack Built" as told with a variety of characters composed of letters that spell out their names (Example: the cow is made up of an intertwined C, O, and W). Next is "Old MacDonald Had a Band" (no, not farm) in which Old MacDonald and his band give way with a hot jazz number (even his animals play instruments). The piece comes to an end when Old MacDonald's wife is tired of doing all the housework and gives him a swift whack on his head with her rolling pin.
Spelling the Dream is a heartwarming documentary that delves into the world of competitive spelling bees, following the journey of talented young spellers as they prepare for and compete in the prestigious National Spelling Bee. With a focus on Indian-American participants, the film sheds light on the immense dedication, hard work, and sacrifices required to excel in the spelling bee circuit. From Washington D.C. to the spelling bee stage, follow these extraordinary young boys and girls in their quest to make their dreams a reality.