The World's Tallest Woman and Me
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
In a world where the lottery of nature defines your height, size and features, individuals can become celebrities based simply on how they look.
But is being staggeringly tall or amazingly small a curse or a gift? What is everyday life like when you look extraordinary?
In The World's Tallest Woman and Me , broadcaster Mark Dolan sets off on a global quest to learn the truth about these individuals' lives.
Mark begins his journey in Phoenix, Arizona, at a gathering of the Central Arizona Tall Society. At 6'5" himself, Mark has no trouble fitting in and shares a dance or two with Ellen, a 6'10" blonde.
But Ellen reveals that being a tall woman makes it difficult to find love, let alone clothing, and Mark begins to learn that a tall life can often be a lonely life.
He then travels to Indianapolis, the home of Sandy Allen - the 7'7" woman long regarded as the official world's tallest woman.
Sandy, 52, has become something of a celebrity, but her height has made it impossible to walk so she has to use a wheelchair to get around.
But is Sandy still able to claim the title of world's tallest woman? She tells Mark about a woman in China named Yao De Fen who may be another possible contender for the title.
Mark continues his journey to a small Chinese village where he tracks down 35-year-old Yao De Fen.
As Mark makes a final journey to India to meet yet another tall woman, he's determined to discover if being extraordinarily tall can ever bring anyone happiness.
This episode is on CHANNEL 4, Tuesday 13 May 2008 @ 10-11.05pm.
More Documentary »
Snowdon and Margaret: Inside a Royal Marriage
Tony Snowdon was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic figures of the 1960s, a talented photographer who charmed everyone around him. Princess Margaret was one of the most eligible women in the world.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008, 4.59pm - in Television
The World's Hairiest Man and Me
You would think that in the 21st century the freak show was dead.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008, 4.39pm - in Television
Mum & Me - My story of Alzheimers
Film-maker Sue Bourne has a string of successful documentaries to her name, most recently Cutting Edge's My Street, Wedding Days and the Emmy-nominated The Falling Man.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008, 4.38pm - in Television
The World's Smallest Man and Me
In a world where the lottery of nature defines your height, size and features, individuals can become celebrities based simply on how they look.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008, 4.33pm - in Television
Reverend Death
Six years ago the award-winning journalist Jon Ronson began filming what has turned into a most extraordinary and chilling documentary.
Monday, 19 May 2008, 4.59pm - in Television
Time Team - Swords, Skulls and Strongholds
The Iron Age is the period of about 800 years before the Romans arrived to turn this nation of disparate tribes into a single state.
Monday, 19 May 2008, 4.55pm - in Television
