Attached to the US Air Corps Film Unit during the Second World War.
Awarded the Fellowship of the British Film Institute. [30 April 2001]
Brother-in-law of the actor Sydney Tafler and father of John Gilbert.
Has directed 4 actors to Oscar nominations: Michael Caine (Best Actor, Alfie (1966); Best Actor, Educating Rita (1983)), Vivien Merchant (Best Supporting Actress, Alfie (1966)), Julie Walters (Best Actress, Educating Rita (1983)), and Pauline Collins (Best Actress, Shirley Valentine (1989)).
He was awarded a C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the film industry.