Richard Marquand
Richard Alfred Marquand entered the world on the 22nd of September 1937 in Llanishen, Cardiff. His father Hilary Marquand served as Minister of Health under Prime Minister Clement Attlee. This political lineage placed young Richard within a circle of Labour Party influence from his earliest days. He attended Emanuel School in London before moving to France for studies at the University of Aix-Marseille. His academic journey concluded at King's College, Cambridge where he studied modern languages. E. M. Forster taught him during this period and became a significant mentor figure. National Service took him to Hong Kong where he read news broadcasts on English language television.
By late 1966 Marquand began directing documentaries for the BBC. The 1972 series Search for the Nile showcased his emerging visual style. He collaborated with foreign correspondent James Cameron on the long-running series Cameron Country. John Pilger also worked alongside him on a series of films for ITV. One Pair of Eyes featured Margaret Drabble who had been a friend of his at Cambridge. These projects honed his ability to handle complex narratives and real-world subjects. In 1979 he incorporated many documentary techniques into the biographical television movie Birth of the Beatles. He directed several films specifically for children including the Emmy winning Big Henry and the Polka Dot Kid in 1977.
The 1981 feature Eye of the Needle marked a turning point in his career. George Lucas hired Marquand based on the strength of that direction. Lucas explained that Eye of the Needle was the film that impressed him the most. It possessed energy and suspense while handling actors effectively. This success led directly to his selection for Return of the Jedi. Before this major assignment he had already established himself as a capable director of suspense. His work demonstrated a clear shift from television production to cinema features. The transition proved successful enough to attract top-tier producers looking for fresh talent.
Marquand received the call to direct Return of the Jedi in 1983. This role made him responsible for the final chapter of the original trilogy. Critics later noted the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation won in 1984. Lucas praised Marquand's ability to work with actors during commentary tracks. The film itself became a massive commercial success despite mixed critical reception at times. Marquand even appeared in the movie as Maj. Marquand and provided voice work for EV-9D9. His tenure on the project remains one of the most high-profile moments in British directing history.
Jagged Edge followed the Star Wars era with Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close starring. Released in 1985 it was a courtroom thriller that found some audience success. However the subsequent romance film Until September received critical panning upon its release. These contrasting receptions highlighted the volatility of his career trajectory after the space opera. He struggled to maintain the momentum gained from his previous successes. The industry began to view him as inconsistent rather than reliably brilliant. This period marked a decline in both critical acclaim and box office dominance.
Marquand married screenwriter Josephine Elwyn-Jones in 1960 before divorcing in 1970. They had two children named Hannah Rachel and James Elwyn. James later became a film editor and director himself. In 1981 he married Carol Bell who bore him Sam Adair and Molly Joyce. A Welsh western screenplay written in the late 1970s remained unfinished at his death. He pitched this story about an orphan girl in Victorian Mid Wales to Hollywood producers. They wanted to relocate the setting to the Rocky Mountains so he declined the offer. On the 30th of August 1987 he suffered a stroke at his home in Penshurst. He died five days later on the 4th of September at age 49. His last film Hearts of Fire starring Bob Dylan was released posthumously.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When and where was Richard Marquand born?
Richard Alfred Marquand entered the world on the 22nd of September 1937 in Llanishen, Cardiff. His father Hilary Marquand served as Minister of Health under Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
What films did Richard Marquand direct after Return of the Jedi?
Jagged Edge followed the Star Wars era with Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close starring. Released in 1985 it was a courtroom thriller that found some audience success. However the subsequent romance film Until September received critical panning upon its release.
How did George Lucas discover Richard Marquand for Return of the Jedi?
George Lucas hired Marquand based on the strength of his direction in Eye of the Needle. Lucas explained that Eye of the Needle was the film that impressed him the most because it possessed energy and suspense while handling actors effectively.
Who were the parents of Richard Marquand's children?
Marquand married screenwriter Josephine Elwyn-Jones in 1960 before divorcing in 1970 and they had two children named Hannah Rachel and James Elwyn. In 1981 he married Carol Bell who bore him Sam Adair and Molly Joyce.
When did Richard Marquand die and what caused his death?
On the 30th of August 1987 he suffered a stroke at his home in Penshurst. He died five days later on the 4th of September at age 49.