Manchester University Press
Introduction
Abstract
Richard Attenborough has long been recognised as a significant figure in British cinema history and film culture. After his screen debut in the war-time film In Which We Serve, Attenborough's cinema career developed through acting and later through producing and directing to become one of the industry's most renowned figures. Attenborough's entry into production stemmed from a desire to make films that had purpose and social relevance. Despite his artistic background, Attenborough's films with the exception of Oh! What a Lovely War, cannot be described as innovative in style. While Oh! What a Lovely War and Shadowlands have also been popular successes, others have been either nominated or have received national or international awards. Attenborough's influence has also been nationally recognised through his being officially honoured three times, initially as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), then knighted and finally ennobled for his contributions.
Abstract
Richard Attenborough has long been recognised as a significant figure in British cinema history and film culture. After his screen debut in the war-time film In Which We Serve, Attenborough's cinema career developed through acting and later through producing and directing to become one of the industry's most renowned figures. Attenborough's entry into production stemmed from a desire to make films that had purpose and social relevance. Despite his artistic background, Attenborough's films with the exception of Oh! What a Lovely War, cannot be described as innovative in style. While Oh! What a Lovely War and Shadowlands have also been popular successes, others have been either nominated or have received national or international awards. Attenborough's influence has also been nationally recognised through his being officially honoured three times, initially as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), then knighted and finally ennobled for his contributions.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of plates ix
- Series editors’ foreword xi
- Acknowledgements xiii
- Introduction 1
- 1 On-screen 5
- 2 Attenborough as producer 20
- 3 New directions 37
- 4 Anglo-American alliances 62
- 5 Race, nation and conflict 105
- 6 Public and private identities 138
- 7 Brief encounters 168
- Conclusion 198
- Filmography 201
- Bibliography 207
- Index 218
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of plates ix
- Series editors’ foreword xi
- Acknowledgements xiii
- Introduction 1
- 1 On-screen 5
- 2 Attenborough as producer 20
- 3 New directions 37
- 4 Anglo-American alliances 62
- 5 Race, nation and conflict 105
- 6 Public and private identities 138
- 7 Brief encounters 168
- Conclusion 198
- Filmography 201
- Bibliography 207
- Index 218
