Robert Hamer(1911-1963)

Chronic alcoholism ended both his marriage and his career as a director, and it eventually led to his early death. At the time he died, he was almost penniless and had only a monthly allowance from his father to support himself with.

[on Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)] It became evident that we had a subject with most agreeable possibilities. What were the possibilities that thus presented themselves? Firstly, that of making a film not noticeably similar to any previously made in the English language. Secondly, that of using the English language, which I love, in a more varied, and, to me, more interesting way than I had previously had the chance of doing in a film. Thirdly, that of making a picture which paid no regard whatever to established, though not practiced, moral convention.