Ralph Smart
Ralph Foster Smart was an English-born film and television producer, director and writer, who worked in the UK and Australia.
Early life
Smart was born in England to H. C. Smart, an Australian publicist, and his English wife, Hope Daisy Smart, née Foster.Career
Smart found work in Britain with Anthony Asquith and later alongside the film director Michael Powell, whom he assisted with 'quota quickies': low-budget "B" pictures made partly in order to exploit the advantageous position of the British film industry under the Cinematograph Films Act 1927.During the Second World War, Smart joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942 and served until 1945. Afterward he worked for the Rank Organisation and Ealing Studios, returning to Australia to direct several films beginning with The Overlanders and including Bitter Springs, addressing the mistreatment of young Aborigines.
Back again in Britain, he became an influential figure in ITC television, producing, directing or writing a number of television series and films, including the 1950s series The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Invisible Man. Later he created and produced the highly successful spy series Danger Man.
In 2000 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for "services to the development of the Australian film industry".
He retired to Australia, and died on 12 February 2001, in Bowen, Queensland.
Selected filmography
A Cottage on Dartmoor – uncredited writerThe Woodpigeon Patrol – writer, directorThe Star Reporter – writerHotel Splendide – writerC.O.D. – writerHis Lordship – writerBorn Lucky – writerThe Murder Party – writerThe Phantom Light – writerCrime Unlimited – writerSweet Success – directorFor Dealers Only – – directorConvict 99 – writerAlf's Button Afloat – writerThe Good Old Days – storyCharley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt – writer- Forgotten Men - directorSouth West Pacific – actorIsland Target – directorThe Overlanders – writer, associate producerBush Christmas – writer, director, producerEureka Stockade – writer Quartet – directorA Boy, a Girl and a Bike – directorBitter Springs – story, directorWhere No Vultures Fly – writerNever Take No For an Answer – writer, directorCurtain Up – directorAlways a Bride – writer, directorThe Adventures of Robin Hood – writer, directorThe Adventures of Sir Lancelot – directorThe Buccaneers – director, producerThe Flying Scot – co-writerThe Adventures of Mr. Pastry – directorWilliam Tell – executive producer, writer, directorThe Invisible Man – writer, director, producerDanger Man – co-creator, writer, director, producerDanger Man – co-creator, writer, script editor, executive producerRiptide – writer, producerMy Partner the Ghost – writerThe Protectors – writerElephant Boy – writer