The novels of British author CS Forrester (1899 to 1966) have proved a rich resource for Hollywood. In 1951, for example, Gregory Peck took the title role in Captain Horatio Hornblower, playing the protagonist of Forrester’s popular series of books about the Napoleonic Wars.

The furtive world of Miami-based activists working either on behalf of or against the Castro regime in Cuba in the 1990s is lazily re-created in the undisciplined drama Wasp Network (Netflix).

While it may not be all its title promises, TV comedian-turned-writer-director Jon Stewart’s clever political satire Irresistible (Focus) is certainly appealing.

A grotesque treatment of abortion and a misguided view of faith are the most notable elements of Saint Frances (Oscilloscope).

In the hands of such great artists as British novelist JRR. Tolkien or Irish poet WB Yeats, the elements of medieval lore have been deployed to great effect.

The problems are manageable and the characters generally sympathetic in the pleasantly enjoyable, though slightly bland, series Sweet Magnolias. Ten hour-long episodes of the drama, created by Sheryl J Anderson, are currently streaming on Netflix.

All films made prior to 1925 have fallen out of copyright due to the passage of time. Nevertheless, numerous more recent movies also have lost their protection for a variety of reasons.

The clash of civilisations precipitated by the European conquest of South America provides the background for the quirky but essentially humane historical romance The Queen and the Conqueror.

Glossy and generally upbeat, The High Note (Focus), is a blend of comedy and drama from director Nisha Ganatra, is a pleasant tune rather than an aria for the ages.

With one in six Australian couples experiencing infertility, a new book by Debra Vermeer will be a welcome resource for Catholic couples.