Peter Watkins

Distinguished filmmaker Peter Watkins is best remembered for his powerful look at the potential horrors of nuclear war in The War Game. Originally made for the BBC television network, one of two he was commissioned to make between 1964-1965, the film was considered too disturbing to air. Later it was released in theaters and in 1966 it was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary. Before becoming a director, Watkins was educated at Christ College, Cambridge, and at the London Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Before joining the film industry, he worked as an assistant producer in advertising. In the late '50s he began making amateur films. Following the success of The War Game, Watkins made the mainstream feature film Privilege (1967). The film met with a lukewarm reception and Watkins returned to making documentaries in Sweden and the United States. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide