Ronald Neame, 99, a prolific British filmmaker whose early work with luminaries such as Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean and Noel Coward led to a long and varied career, and whose credits as director included “Tunes of Glory,” “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and “The Poseidon Adventure,” died Wednesday at a Los Angeles hospital.
His wife, Donna, said his health had declined after a fall at his Los Angeles home in early May. He had suffered a broken leg, which required surgery, and he never recovered.
As a cinematographer, producer, screenwriter and director, Neame’s career spanned about 60 years and 70 movies. He received three Academy Award nominations.
Gen. Marcel Bigeard, 94, one of France’s most decorated veterans, who led troops in the French Resistance in World War II and in wars in Algeria and Indochina, died Friday in Toul, France, where he lived. His death was confirmed by his wife, Gabrielle Grandemange.
Bigeard, who was wounded in battle five times and escaped from prisoner-of-war camps three times, achieved legendary status in France.
Nicknamed “the Heroic Bigeard” by Charles de Gaulle, he fought against the Nazis and against rebels in the French colonies of Indochina and Algeria.
“He has been called the best paratrooper in the world,” said Martin Windrow, a British military historian, “and whatever the truth of that, he most certainly has a claim as the most battle-proven.”
Denver Post wire services
