Beverley Cross was a prolific and versatile writer who made a lasting impact across theatre, opera and cinema. He is best-known for adapting ancient myths and legends into stories such as Jason and the Argonauts, The Long Ships and Clash of the Titans; Half a Sixpence by H.G Wells is another musical comedy that Beverley wrote; in addition he married famous actress Maggie Smith whom he met through theatre work – this article will highlight some highlights of his career to honor his talent and creativity.
From Children’s Plays to Broadway Hits
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Cross was born in London into a theatrical family; his father was a stage manager and mother was a dancer. At Nautical College Pangbourne he discovered his passion for sailing and adventure stories; upon attending Pangbourne he attended Nautical College Pangbourne where his interest grew further in both subjects. Starting writing children’s plays during his teenage years – One More River by Sam Wanamaker being his debut play – which dealt with crewman Robert Shaw being put on trial for manslaughter at Liverpool New Shakespeare Theatre before going on tour to Duke of York’s Theatre London.
Strip the Willow was designed to launch Maggie Smith into fame; unfortunately it never saw production in London. But his translation and direction of Marc Camoletti’s French farce Boeing Boeing had an extended run on London’s West End; then later directed it in Sydney by Cross himself in 1964. Also popular with audiences were his musical comedy Half a Sixpence which adapted H.G. Wells novel Kipps and ran for more than one year both locally in London as well as on Broadway with Tommy Steele playing Tommy Steele2. Cross also provided opera librettos for Richard Rodney Bennett (The Mines of Sulphur; All the King’s Men and Victory) as well as Nicholas Maw (The Rising of Moon) .
From Ancient Epics to Modern Classics
Cross later became well-known for his screenplays adapting ancient myths and legends for cinematic adaptation. Working closely with producer Charles H. Schneer and special effects maestro Ray Harryhausen on multiple films featuring Harryhausen’s stop-motion animation techniques was something Cross was proud to boast about. Cross adapted the iconic scene of Jason fighting the Skeleton Army from Jason and the Argonauts (1963); The Long Ships (1964), featuring Richard Widmark and Sidney Poitier as rival Viking leaders; Genghis Khan (1965), featuring Omar Sharif as Mongol conqueror; Clash of Titans (1981) featuring Harry Hamlin as Perseus alongside Laurence Olivier as Zeus; as well as Clash of Titans (1981), which featured Harry Hamlin playing Perseus against Laurence Olivier’s Zeus. He worked uncredited on Lawrence of Arabia (1962), although any final material contributed by him is unknown.
Cross was known for bringing ancient myths to life with humor, romance and adventure – always with his keen eye for casting and dialogue. For Clash of the Titans specifically, he wrote with Olivier as Zeus in mind (his line in Clash was “If only I could get him to say ‘Release the Kraken!’ it would be incredible”). Additionally, Maggie Smith from her role as Thetis received some memorable lines written specifically for her from Cross (You are meddling in things you don’t understand”). His screenplays inspired generations of filmmakers as well as fans alike; Clash of the Titans was even honored with a remake in 2010 which used some of Cross’s dialogue from Clash.
A Loving Husband and Father
Cross was married three times during his lifetime. His first was Elizabeth Clunies-Ross, whom he married in 1955 and divorced five years later in 1965; then Gayden Collins whom he wed two years later but later divorced due to their differing lifestyles in 1975. Finally he met and married Maggie Smith whom he met through working in theatre – becoming stepfather for both Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, two future actors themselves from her prior marriage with actor Robert Stephens (both were also actors themselves).
Cross and Smith enjoyed a loving and supportive marriage that lasted until his death from cancer at age 66 in 1998. Smith remembers him fondly: “He was such an extraordinary individual – hilarious yet intelligent with beautiful writing skills”. Additionally, they never clashed – she often refers to him as her best friend! Cross was also devoted father figure for his stepsons, whom many considered as real father figures; Toby Stephens once described him this way: “He was an outstanding father: very amusing yet imaginative… always there for us.”
A Legacy of Mythology and Musical Comedy
Beverley Cross was an accomplished writer in various genres and mediums. His writing included plays, musicals, operas and films that delighted and delighted audiences around the globe. His storytelling ability combined mythology and musical comedy with humor. At home he was devoted husband and father who valued family relationships highly as well as leaving a legacy of works which continue to be appreciated today – Beverley was truly one of a kind.
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