British dramatist and screenwriter. Began his career as an insurance clerk with the Sun Assurance Company in London. Had a hit with his first play "Journey's End", based on his own experiences as a captain in the East Surrey Regiment, fighting in the trenches during World War I. Employed after demobilisation in 1919 for several years as a claims adjuster, while writing part-time. Graduated with a degree in history from New College, Oxford. Hired by the director James Whale at Universal in Hollywood, 1931 to 1935. Wrote several classic movie scripts, invariably with strong patriotic sentiments, notably "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1939), "That Hamilton Woman" (1941), "Odd Man Out" (1947), and "The Dam Busters" (1955).
