My friend James Leahy, who has died aged 83, played a key role in the growth of film studies in the UK, and of independent film culture more widely. His work spanned screenwriting, acting, scholarly research and teaching – most notably as head of the film department at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, for a decade from 1971.
Born in Heston, Middlesex, to Irish parents, James Leahy, who had served in the first world war, and his wife, Beryl (nee Bennett), James was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, Rickmansworth, and in 1957 went to St John’s College, Cambridge. His subject was anthropology, but he also studied film as a strong unofficial sideline.
Born in Heston, Middlesex, to Irish parents, James Leahy, who had served in the first world war, and his wife, Beryl (nee Bennett), James was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, Rickmansworth, and in 1957 went to St John’s College, Cambridge. His subject was anthropology, but he also studied film as a strong unofficial sideline.
- 7/13/2021
- by Rod Stoneman
- The Guardian - Film News
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