Frank Launder (28 January 1906 – 23 February 1997) was a British writer, film director and producer, who made more than 40 films, many of them in collaboration with Sidney Gilliat.[1][2]
Early life and career
He was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England and worked briefly as a clerk before becoming an actor and then a playwright.[3]
He began working as a screenwriter on British films in the 1930s, contributing the original story for the classic Will Hay comedy Oh, Mr Porter! (1937).[4]
After The Happiest Days of Your Life Launder focused entirely on comedy.[3]
According to the British Film Institute 'over a hundred films feature either Launder or Gilliat in the credits, nearly forty feature both' but this large number was not 'at the expense of quality'.[6]
Personal life
He was married secondly to actress Bernadette O'Farrell from 1950 until his death in Monaco.[5] The couple had two children.[10] Launder also had two children from his first marriage.[5]