12 Facts About Philip Saville

Philip Saville was a British director, screenwriter and former actor whose career lasted half a century.

Philip Saville's work included 45 contributions to Armchair Theatre and he won two Best Drama Series BAFTAs for Boys from the Blackstuff and The Life and Loves of a She-Devil.

Philip Saville studied science at London University and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Philip Saville directed over 40 plays for Armchair Theatre and helped pioneer the innovative visual style it became known for, including rapid and intricate camera movements during the often live productions.

The critic John Russell Taylor wrote that Philip Saville had submerged the romance "Duel for Love" "under intricate camerawork of exquisite beauty and complete irrelevance".

Philip Saville directed Madhouse on Castle Street for the BBC, an example "of his interest in psychological states and subjective viewpoints", according to Oliver Wake.

The production was the first acting appearance of the folk singer Bob Dylan, whom Philip Saville had flown over specifically to take part in the play.

An anonymous reviewer in The Times wrote that Philip Saville "while creating handsome pictures, did not allow the setting to distract him from the business of the play".

Philip Saville directed a masterclass studio in London specialising in dramatic improvisation.

Philip Saville was married to the actress, film and theatre director Jane Arden from 1947; the couple had two sons but separated in the mid-1960s, although they did not divorce.

Philip Saville had an eight-year relationship with actress Diana Rigg in the same period.

Philip Saville married his second wife, Nina Francis in 1987, and they had a son.