The 1929 film A Cottage on Dartmoor established Anthony Asquith as a director of note, recognized primarily for his meticulous frame composition and ability to convey complex human emotion. Throughout a prolific career spanning four decades, he moved from silent features to significant literary adaptations, ultimately shaping the landscape of British cinema during the mid-twentieth century.
Early Life and Education
Born in London on 9 November 1902, Anthony Asquith was the son of Margot Asquith and H. H. Asquith, who served as Prime Minister from 1908 to 1916. His childhood nickname, Puffin, was coined by his mother. He had four siblings, one of whom was his sister Elizabeth, and five half-siblings from his father's first marriage. His formal education took place at Summer Fields School, Winchester College, and Balliol College at the University of Oxford.
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During his youth, the film industry held a reputation that many in his social circles considered disreputable. According to family friend Jonathan Cecil, Asquith chose to enter this profession as a way to distance himself from his political background. He began his career in the late 1920s by directing four silent films, culminating in the critical success of A Cottage on Dartmoor.
Collaborative Success
Asquith maintained long-standing professional relationships with the producer Anatole de Grunwald and the playwright Terence Rattigan. He collaborated with Rattigan on ten separate projects, including the 1948 version of The Winslow Boy and the 1951 production of The Browning Version. His filmography also includes the 1938 adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, featuring Wendy Hiller and Leslie Howard, as well as a 1952 interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
Professional Advocacy and Final Years
Beyond his directorial work, Asquith served as a Governor of the British Film Institute and held the position of President of the Association of Cinematograph, Television and Allied Technicians. While working as the director for The Shoes of the Fisherman, he became ill. Asquith died of cancer in London on 21 February 1968 and was buried at All Saints Churchyard in Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 November 1902, London
- Died: 21 February 1968, London
- Education: Summer Fields School, Winchester College, Balliol College
- Collaborator: Terence Rattigan
- Notable Work: Pygmalion (1938)
- Notable Work: The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)
- Roles: Film director, screenwriter, actor
- Burial Site: All Saints Churchyard, Sutton Courtenay
Questions readers ask
How many films did Asquith make with Terence Rattigan?
He collaborated with playwright Terence Rattigan on ten films during his career.
What was the cause of Anthony Asquith's death?
He died of cancer in London in 1968 while working on the film The Shoes of the Fisherman.
