Basil Dearden

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.