Bryan Forbes

Londoner of the Day goes to veteran film-maker Bryan Forbes – who has been awarded a British Film Insitute honour for his work stretching back more than 60 years.

Mr Forbes made his screen debut in 1948 and went on to have supporting roles in films including An Inspector Calls (1954) and The Colditz Story (1955).

Upon moving behind the camera, critical acclaim soon followed for his screenplay of Basil Dearden’s The League of Gentlemen.

Forbes made his directorial debut with Whistle Down The Wind (1961) and went on to make films including King Rat (1965), The Stepford Wives (1974) and International Velvet (1978).

This weeek, he accepted a prestigious BFI Fellowship Award in a special ceremony by BFI Chairman Greg Dyke at BFI Southbank.

Hailing a contribution to the silver-screen spanning almost a lifetime, ex-BBC chief Greg Dyke said ‘The multi talented Brian Forbes has made an outstanding contribution to British film for over 60 years, both on and off screen. We are delighted and honoured that he has accepted a BFI Fellowship - the highest accolade the BFI can bestow.’

Brian Forbes said ‘I would like to say to Greg Dyke and colleagues what a great honour the BFI does to me, which I appreciate more than I can say. When you’re 85 as I am, it’s like as Betty Davies once said to me, old age ain’t for sissies!’