Charles Crichton
- Known For
- Directing
- Born
- August 6, 1910 in Merseyside, England, UK
- Died
- September 14, 1999
- Active Years
- 1935–1988 (54 Years)
- Total Credits
- 57 credits in database
Biography
Charles Ainslie Crichton was an English film director, film editor, screenwriter, and film producer born on August 6, 1910, in Merseyside, England, UK, or Wallasey, Cheshire. He had a career spanning over forty years, during which he directed and edited many films and television programmes. Crichton became best known for directing comedies produced at Ealing Studios. His film career began as an editor in 1935 with Alexander Korda's London Films, working on productions such as Sanders of the River, Things to Come, and Elephant Boy. In 1988, comic actor John Cleese coaxed Crichton out of semi-retirement to direct the popular comedy-thriller A Fish Called Wanda. Crichton died on September 14, 1999, at the age of 89.
Career overview
Charles Ainslie Crichton was an English film director, film editor, screenwriter, and film producer born on August 6, 1910, in Merseyside, England, UK, specifically in Wallasey, Cheshire. He enjoyed a career spanning over forty years, during which he edited and directed numerous films and television programmes. Crichton became best known for directing many comedies produced at Ealing Studios.
Crichton's film career began as an editor in 1935 with Alexander Korda's London Films. In that editorial capacity, he worked on productions including Sanders of the River in 1935, Things to Come in 1936, and Elephant Boy in 1937, which introduced Sabu to movie audiences.
Later in his career, in 1988, comic actor John Cleese coaxed Crichton out of semi-retirement to apply his experience of the classic Ealing comedies as the director of A Fish Called Wanda. Crichton directed the popular comedy-thriller, which was reminiscent of The Lavender Hill Mob. Crichton passed away on September 14, 1999, at the age of 89.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Charles Crichton.
Career timeline
Full Filmography
57 titles- A Fish Called Wanda (1988) Director
- A Fish Called Wanda (1988) Story
- John Cleese's First Farewell Performance (1988) as Self
- Mackendrick: The Man Who Walked Away (1986) as Self
- Made In Ealing: The Story of Ealing Studios (1986) as Interviewee
- Cosmic Princess (1982) Director
- Smuggler (1981) Director
- Alien Attack (1980) Director
- Dick Turpin (1979) Director
- Return of the Saint (1978) Director
- The Professionals (1977) Director
- Space: 1999 (1975) Director
- The Day After Tomorrow: Into Infinity (1975) Director
- Shirley's World (1972) Director
- The Protectors (1972) Director
- The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972) Director
- Here Come the Double Deckers (1970) Director
- The Ealing Comedies (1970) as Self
- Strange Report (1969) Director
- Man in a Suitcase (1967) Director
- He Who Rides a Tiger (1965) Director
- The Third Secret (1964) Director
- The Human Jungle (1963) Director
- Man of the World (1962) Director
- The Avengers (1961) Director
- Danger Man (1960) Director
- The Battle of the Sexes (1960) Director
- The Boy Who Stole a Million (1960) Director
- The Boy Who Stole a Million (1960) Writer
- Floods of Fear (1958) Director
- Floods of Fear (1958) Screenplay
- Law and Disorder (1958) Director
- The Man in the Sky (1957) Director
- The Love Lottery (1954) Director
- The Divided Heart (1954) Director
- The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) Director
- Hunted (1952) Director
- The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) Director
- Dance Hall (1950) Director
- Train of Events (1949) Director
- Against the Wind (1948) Director
- Another Shore (1948) Director
- Hue and Cry (1947) Director
- Dead of Night (1945) Director
- Painted Boats (1945) Director
- For Those in Peril (1944) Director
- Greek Testament (1943) Associate Producer
- The Big Blockade (1942) Editor
- Find, Fix and Strike (1942) Producer
- Old Bill and Son (1941) Editor
- Guests of Honour (1941) Editor
- The Thief of Bagdad (1940) Editor
- 21 Days (1940) Editor
- Young Veteran (1940) Editor
- Elephant Boy (1937) Editor
- Things to Come (1936) Editor
- Sanders of the River (1935) Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Charles Crichton best known for?
Charles Crichton is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including A Fish Called Wanda (1988), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain (1995), Return of the Saint (1978).
When and where was Charles Crichton born?
Charles Crichton was born on August 6, 1910 in Merseyside, England, UK. They passed away on September 14, 1999.
How many credits does Charles Crichton have?
Charles Crichton has accumulated over 57 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1935 to 1988.
What is Charles Crichton's background in cinema and television?
Charles Ainslie Crichton was an English film director, film editor, screenwriter, and film producer born on August 6, 1910, in Merseyside, England, UK, or Wallasey, Cheshire. He had a career spanning over forty years, during which he directed and edited many films and television programmes. Crichton became best known f...
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Charles Crichton.