Woman's Hour - 28/10/2008

Presented by Sheila McClennon. Hester Thrale was one of the first female historians, whose wit and vivacity attracted some of the great minds of the day to her infamous soirees. Sheila talks to the biographer Ian McIntyre about his latest book on Hester Thrale's life, loves and works. The murder of fifteen-year-old Scarlett Keeling on Anjuna beach in Goa on 19th February has been surrounded by confusion and controversy. Sheila talks to Scarlett's mother Fiona about the accusations of neglect, her fight for justice and coming to terms with her daughter's death. What message does Disney's High School Musical series give to pre-teen girls? Sheila is joined by Lorien Haynes, a film critic who thinks the films send the wrong message to young girls, and Mel Giedroyc, a comedian and presenter who may possibly have developed a bigger obsession with High School Musical than her six year-old! Plus listener responses to Monday's item about the number of TV programmes which require women to appear almost naked in the name of female empowerment. Including drama: Writing the Century (2/5).