Thaindian News

London, June 19(ANI): Ronald “Ronnie” Neame, the great ‘Poseidon Adventure’ director has died at the age of 99 in Los Angeles hospital.

A family friend and BBC correspondent Peter Bowes said, the British film-maker Neame, never recovered back to normal health after suffering from a fall.

During his lifetime, Neame has worked as a cinematographer on films including ‘Blithe Spirit’ and ‘In Which We Serve’.

He even directed ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’, starring Dame Maggie Smith, for which she won the best actress Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of the inspirational teacher of six young girls.

Neame has also co-written screenplays of the movies including ‘Great Expectations’ and ‘Brief Encounter’.

Critics mauled his classic disaster film, ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ which was released in 1972 and was co-directed with Irwin Allen.

In 2006, he said that he was surprised by its enduring appeal adding that he “never believed that it was more than just an average picture, ” quoted BBC him as saying.

He was very critical of modern film-making, he admitted that movies had “become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough”.

“So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera.”

“And I think that’s a pity.” He added. (ANI)