Ronald Neame, Screenwriter of 'Brief Encounter' et al. Dies at 99

British director, screenwriter, producer, and cinematographer Ronald Neame died Wednesday, June 16, in Beverly Hills due to complications from a fall. He was 99.

One of Neame's three Oscar nominations was for the adapted screenplay of Noel Coward's 'Brief Encounter' (1945), to be produced on stage at Roundabout this fall. He is known in the theatre world for directing Dame Maggie Smith to her Best Actress Oscar in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' (1969), directing Judy Garland and Jack Klugman in 'I Could Go On Singing' (1963), and as cinematographer to screen adaptations 'Blithe Spirit' (1945) and 'Major Barbara' (1941).

Neame was born in 1911 to a silent film star and film director. Following suit, Neame's son and grandson are both film producers living in Europe. Neame is survived by both of them, as well as his wife.