Question

Bryan Forbes, who was born in London on 22 July 1926, made his first screen acting appearance in 1918.

He landed supporting parts in several outstanding British films, including An Inspector Calls (1954) and The Colditz Story (1955), but it was not long before screen-writing and directing attracted him behind the camera. Together with Richard Attenborough, he set up Beaver Films in 1959. Its first film, The Angry Silence (1960), was written by Forbes and Attenborough played the lead role.

His directing career began in 1961 with Whistle down the Wind, featuring child star Hayley Mills. Forbes directed many more films in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1969 he took over as head of production and managing director of EMI—MGM Elstree, and the studio achieved outstanding successes. But it was a torrid time for the company. Troubled constantly by financial difficulties and staffing issues, Forbes quitted in 1971. He then directed The Step ford Wives, based on the novel by Ira Levin, and in 1975 International Velvet, starring Tatum O’Neal, in 1978.

Forbes, who counted the late Queen Mother among his friends, continued directing, writing and acting throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. He also found success as an author with a number of novels, the latest of which, The Soldier’s Story, was published last year.

After Forbes passed away, film critic Mark Kermode said, “Once I had fun—boyish pleasure of telling Bryan Forbes how much I loved Step ford Wives. He was charming and modest. A great loss.”

1.Having played several supporting roles, Forbes began to ________.

A. work as a cameraman

B. make a lead actor

C. build his own company alone

D. write and direct films

2.Which of the following is the first film directed by Forbes?

A. An Inspector CallsB. The Colditz Story

C. Whistle down the WindD. The Angry Silence

3.The underlined word “torrid” in Paragraph 3 can be replaced by ________.

A. suitableB. toughC. preciousD. steady

4.Which of the following can be best used to describe Forbes?

A. Talented.B. Well-educated.C. Proud.D. Attractive.

Answer 1