Lean, Sir David Lean (1908 – 1991) film director and producer
“I like making films about characters I'd like to have dinner with." - David Lean
Born in Croydon, he attended Leighton Park School in Reading from 1922-26, which had a liberal Quaker regime with some inspiring teachers that tolerated his illicit visits to local cinemas and encouraged his interest in photography. In particular his Musical Appreciation teacher Scott Goddard made a profound impression on Lean, introducing him to great paintings and music. Lean later said “I don’t think I’d be half the chap I am today but for Scott Goddard.” He trained with the Gautmont-British Picture Corporation at Shepherd’s Bush studios. Lean discovered a talent for editing sound and film, becoming editor of Guatmont Sound News in 1930 then British Movietone News in 1931.
In 1937 he worked with producer Gabriel Pascal on an adaptation of Pygmalion and Major Barbara (1940), with which he gained directorial experience. With Noel Coward he co-directed the wartime drama, In Which We Serve (1942). Lean’s production company Cineguild also produced This Happy Breed (1944), Blithe Spirit (1945) and Brief Encounter (1945). His first solo project, Great Expectations (1946) met success, but his major international breakthrough was The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), followed by Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago (1965) all multiple academy award winners. Ryan’s Daughter (1970) was unpopular and he did not complete another film until the successful A Passage to India (1984).
He received a knighthood in the same
year. He died of pneumonia in 1991 following a struggle with cancer.
Link to the Dictionary of National Biography (only from a Library terminal).
David Lean
Other External Links to more information:
David Lean - Biography at the British Film Institute
Pictures from the National Portrait Gallery
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