Served in British army

Worked as teacher

Was education officer for the BBC

Had first play, "The Wages of Thin", produced

Wrote first radio play, "The Big House"

Breakthrough stage play, "Comedians"; transferred to Broadway in 1976

Wrote TV series "Bill Brand" for Thames

Broadway debut, "Comedians"

Began writing the screenplay for "Reds" with Warren Beatty

"Reds", with script co-written and directed by Warren Beatty, released; earned Oscar nomination

Adapted D H Lawrence's novel "Sons and Lovers" as a BBC miniseries

Wrote TV series "The Last Place on Earth"

Scripted "Fatherland", directed by Kenneth Loach