AKA: Basil Dear
Nationality: English
Birthdate: 01/01/1911
Birthplace: Westcliff-on-Sea, England, United Kingdom
Death Date: 03/23/1971
Capable, intelligent filmmaker who co-directed his first films with English comedian Will Hay. Best known for his collaborations after the late 1940s with producer-writer Michael Relph, some of which embrace controversial subject matter ranging from race relations (the intriguing murder mystery "Sapphire" 1959) to the blackmailing of homosexuals (the landmark "Victim" 1961). Also a skillful handler of big action scenes ("Khartoum" 1966) and zany comedy ("The Smallest Show on Earth" 1957). Father of writer-director James Dearden.
Source Material (from novel)
1941
Co-directed first film (with Will Hay), "The Black Sheep of Whitehall"
1943
First film as solo director, "The Bells Go Down"
