Trivia

After he was fired from The Seventh Sin (1957) and replaced with Vincente Minnelli, he received a sympathetic call from George Cukor, assuring him he would bounce back.

Financial difficulties arose for the family after the death of his father, Elwin Neame, in 1923. As a result, he was forced to leave public school to look for a job. He found one at the newly opened Elstree Studios. This started him on his way to being a film director.

In 2003, the British Film Institute called him "a living embodiment" of cinema, and "a sort of one-man world heritage site".

Directed three actresses to Oscar nominations: Edith Evans (Best Supporting Actress, The Chalk Garden (1964)), Maggie Smith (Best Actress, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)), and Shelley Winters (Best Supporting Actress, The Poseidon Adventure (1972)). Smith won an Academy Award for her performance.

After his boss, Claude Friese-Greene, collapsed on the set in an alcoholic stupor, young assistant cameraman Neame finished the picture, a quota quickie entitled Drake the Pirate (1935), as well as the next scheduled title, Invitation to the Waltz (1935).

Directed Gordon Jackson three times.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1996 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the film industry.

He represented the second of four generations in the genre of cinema and television. He was the elder son of the photographer Elwin Neame and the actress Ivy Close. His brother Derek Neame scripted several films. He led a distinguished career as a cinematographer, screenwriter, producer and director. His son Christopher Neame and grandson Gareth Neame have carved successful careers as producers.

Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1962.

He is survived by his grandson, Gareth Neame, of London, England; son Christopher Neame of Avignon, France; and his wife, Donna Friedberg.

He was legally separated from his first wife for 21 years before their divorce was finalized.

Former father-in-law of Caroline Langley.

Father-in-law of Sally-ann Neame.

In 1996 he unveiled a British Film Centenary Plaque commemorating the birth of his film star mother Ivy Close in Stockton on Tees. This can be found on the exterior wall of the now-closed Swallow Hotel.

Educated at the University College School and Hurstpierpoint College.