Anthony Asquith Films

In later life, Anthony Asquith was sometimes assailed by the Young Turks for his 'genteel' films – his refinement and self-conscious luxury. What can you expect, they'd grumble, from a man raised in Number Ten Downing Street? (Asquith's father was Liberal Prime Minster Herbert Asquith.)

Yet there was much more to Asquith than this. An ... show more >

In later life, Anthony Asquith was sometimes assailed by the Young Turks for his 'genteel' films – his refinement and self-conscious luxury. What can you expect, they'd grumble, from a man raised in Number Ten Downing Street? (Asquith's father was Liberal Prime Minster Herbert Asquith.)

Yet there was much more to Asquith than this. An early cineaste, he made what is probably Britain's finest silent film, A Cottage on Dartmoor – a still-thrilling criminal drama of obsession and crime. He adapted smoothly to sound, abandoning his earlier grandstanding to develop a more subtle, performance driven style – an approach that makes his version of Pygmalion a certified classic.

After doing his bit for the war effort with films like the delightful Cottage to Let and The Way To The Stars, Asquith made films like The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version and The Importance of Being Earnest, building a reputation as one of Britain's greatest talents.

It's easy to overlook Asquith's accomplishments: a modest man, he favoured technique that did not draw attention to itself. And yet cast an eye down his filmography and his achievements become clear. Ignore the character and celebrate this great British director. < show less