Frederick William (Freddie) Francis (22 December 1917 - 17 March 2007) was an English cinematographer and film director. He died at age 89 as the result of the lingering effects of a stroke, after a long and distinguished career in the cinema.
He achieved his greatest successes as a cinematographer, including winning two Academy Awards, for Sons and Lovers and Glory. As a director, he has cult status on account of his association with the British horror studios Amicus and Hammer in the 1960s. His son Kevin Francis became a film producer.
Father of Kevin Francis (I).
Father of Gareth and Suzanna.
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Cinematographers Branch).
In addition to his Oscar-winning shooting of Sons and Lovers (1960) and Glory (1989), he was also a respected director of horror and science fiction.
Began working in films as a still photographer at Shepherds Bush Studios in 1934, then proceeded to make short films for the British Army during WWII.
Recented completed his autobiography before suffering a stroke in December of 2006.
