John Howard Davies

Directing

John Howard Davies

Born March 9, 1939 · London, England, UK

Died August 22, 2011 · aged 72

John Howard Davies (born Paddington, London; 9 March 1939 — 22 August 2011) was a British television director, producer and former child actor. Davies was the son of the scriptwriter Jack Davies. His credits as a child actor include the title role in David Lean's Oliver Twist (1948), The Rocking Horse Winner (1949), Tom Brown's Schooldays (1951) and a few episodes of the television series William…

Known For

Oliver TwistOliver Twist · 1948
Oliver Twist
7.61948
MovieDramaAdventure
When 9-year-old orphan Oliver Twist dares to ask his cruel taskmaster, Mr. Bumble, for a second serving of gruel, he's hired out as an apprentice. Escaping that dismal fate, young Oliver falls in with the street urchin known as the Artful Dodger and his criminal mentor, Fagin. When kindly Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver in, Fagin's evil henchman Bill Sikes plots to kidnap the boy.
Mr. Bean: Torvill and BeanMr. Bean: Torvill and Bean · 1995
Mr. Bean: Torvill and Bean
6.51995
MovieComedy
Mr. Bean takes his girlfriend to see Britain's famous ice skating duo Torvill and Dean perform in Manchester. But he accidentally injures Dean backstage and has to substitute as guest ice-skater with Torvill.
Dors: The Other DianaDors: The Other Diana · 1990
Dors: The Other Diana
1990
MovieDocumentary
Documentary about the life and career of actress Diana Dors, Britain's own "Blonde Bombshell".
The Magic BoxThe Magic Box · 1952
The Magic Box
6.51952
MovieDrama
Now old, ill, poor, and largely forgotten, William Freise-Greene was once young and handsome William Green. He changed his name to include his first wife's for the photographic portrait work he excelled at. But he was also an inventor and his search for a way to project moving pictures became an obsession that ultimately changed the life of all those he loved.
Tom Brown's SchooldaysTom Brown's Schooldays · 1951
Tom Brown's Schooldays
7.01951
MovieDrama
In 1830s England, Tom Brown attends a rugby boys' school, where his moral and personal growth is formed through friendship, bullying–particularly from the cruel Flashman–and the influence of headmaster Dr Thomas Arnold.
Bloody New YearBloody New Year · 1987
Bloody New Year
5.21987
MovieHorror
A group of friends take refuge in an island hotel decorated for New Year's. The problem is, it's early summer, and soon enough, even the walls themselves are striking out against them.
What the Pythons Did Next...What the Pythons Did Next... · 2007
What the Pythons Did Next...
2007
Movie
A look at the careers of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam in the years after Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969).
Fawlty Towers: Re-OpenedFawlty Towers: Re-Opened · 2009
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
8.42009
MovieDocumentaryComedy
30 years after Fawlty Towers (1975) ended, Stephen Fry narrates a documentary about the making of this classic sitcom.

Movies

Oliver TwistOliver Twist · 1948
Oliver Twist
7.61948
MovieDramaAdventure
When 9-year-old orphan Oliver Twist dares to ask his cruel taskmaster, Mr. Bumble, for a second serving of gruel, he's hired out as an apprentice. Escaping that dismal fate, young Oliver falls in with the street urchin known as the Artful Dodger and his criminal mentor, Fagin. When kindly Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver in, Fagin's evil henchman Bill Sikes plots to kidnap the boy.
Mr. Bean: Torvill and BeanMr. Bean: Torvill and Bean · 1995
Mr. Bean: Torvill and Bean
6.51995
MovieComedy
Mr. Bean takes his girlfriend to see Britain's famous ice skating duo Torvill and Dean perform in Manchester. But he accidentally injures Dean backstage and has to substitute as guest ice-skater with Torvill.
Dors: The Other DianaDors: The Other Diana · 1990
Dors: The Other Diana
1990
MovieDocumentary
Documentary about the life and career of actress Diana Dors, Britain's own "Blonde Bombshell".
The Magic BoxThe Magic Box · 1952
The Magic Box
6.51952
MovieDrama
Now old, ill, poor, and largely forgotten, William Freise-Greene was once young and handsome William Green. He changed his name to include his first wife's for the photographic portrait work he excelled at. But he was also an inventor and his search for a way to project moving pictures became an obsession that ultimately changed the life of all those he loved.
Tom Brown's SchooldaysTom Brown's Schooldays · 1951
Tom Brown's Schooldays
7.01951
MovieDrama
In 1830s England, Tom Brown attends a rugby boys' school, where his moral and personal growth is formed through friendship, bullying–particularly from the cruel Flashman–and the influence of headmaster Dr Thomas Arnold.
Bloody New YearBloody New Year · 1987
Bloody New Year
5.21987
MovieHorror
A group of friends take refuge in an island hotel decorated for New Year's. The problem is, it's early summer, and soon enough, even the walls themselves are striking out against them.
What the Pythons Did Next...What the Pythons Did Next... · 2007
What the Pythons Did Next...
2007
Movie
A look at the careers of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam in the years after Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969).
Fawlty Towers: Re-OpenedFawlty Towers: Re-Opened · 2009
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
8.42009
MovieDocumentaryComedy
30 years after Fawlty Towers (1975) ended, Stephen Fry narrates a documentary about the making of this classic sitcom.
KimKim · 1984
Kim
8.01984
MovieDramaAdventure
A friendly street kid in India, during the last years of the nineteenth century, looks and considers himself Indian, but is in fact a Brit. The Brits discover his true origin, and train him as a spy.
The Paul McCartney SpecialThe Paul McCartney Special · 1986
The Paul McCartney Special
9.01986
MovieMusicDocumentary
A program originally produced for the BBC, and aired on television several times in 1986. Originally conceived as a long-form promotional piece for «Press to Play», the BBC staffer (Richard Skinner) persuades Macca to talk about much more, including one of the more in-depth interviews about Wings. All of the interview bits were done at Abbey Road studio 2, leading to some reminiscing on Paul's part. Scattered among the interview are some nice McCartney film rarities (including rarely seen promo clips/videos, concert footage from both the 1973 and 1976 tours, and even a bit of the never released "One Hand Clapping" film).
Not Again: Not the Nine O'Clock NewsNot Again: Not the Nine O'Clock News · 2009
Not Again: Not the Nine O'Clock News
6.02009
MovieDocumentary
A look behind the scenes of satirical sketch show Not the Nine O'Clock News.
All About The Good LifeAll About The Good Life · 2010
All About The Good Life
2010
Movie
What was it really like behind the scenes of The Good Life? With contributions from Richard Briers, Penelope Keith, Monty Don, Brian Sewell and John O'Farrell.
The Exciting Escapades of Mr. BeanThe Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean · 1991
The Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean
6.21991
MovieComedy
Rowan Atkinson stars in another comic creation; Mr Bean a mute oddball who trips in and out of chaos and mayhem including; 'The Curse of Mr Bean' and 'Mr Bean Goes to Town' plus the episode 'The Bus Stop'.
The Rocking Horse WinnerThe Rocking Horse Winner · 1949
The Rocking Horse Winner
6.51949
MovieDrama
A strange and tragic tale of a young boy who is able to predict race winners at the horse track by riding his own rocking horse to aid his parents out of their endless round of debts.
Tales of the Unexpected: Lamb to the SlaughterTales of the Unexpected: Lamb to the Slaughter · 1979
Tales of the Unexpected: Lamb to the Slaughter
1979
MovieCrime
An enraged detective's wife kills her husband by smashing in his skull with a heavy blunt instrument - but no murder weapon can be found, and the police are baffled.
The Good Life: Inside OutThe Good Life: Inside Out · 2025
The Good Life: Inside Out
2025
MovieDocumentaryComedy
Documentary celebrating 50 years of The Good Life.
The Fall and Rise of Reginald PerrinThe Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin · 1983
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
1983
MovieComedyDrama
46-year-old Reginald Iolanthe Perrin is suffering a midlife crisis and tries to escape his dreary life.

TV Shows

Mr. BeanMr. Bean · 1990
Mr. Bean
8.01990
SeriesComedy
Mr Bean turns simple everyday tasks into chaotic situations and will leave you in stitches as he creates havoc wherever he goes.
Tales of the UnexpectedTales of the Unexpected · 1979
Tales of the Unexpected
6.81979
SeriesDrama
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
The BillThe Bill · 1984
The Bill
6.81984
SeriesCrimeDrama
The daily lives of the men and women at Sun Hill Police Station as they fight crime on the streets of London. From bomb threats to armed robbery and drug raids to the routine demands of policing this ground-breaking series focuses as much on crime as it does on the personal lives of its characters.
The Ruth Rendell MysteriesThe Ruth Rendell Mysteries · 1987
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries
6.61987
SeriesDramaMystery
The Ruth Rendell mysteries is a British television series made by TVS and Meridian Television for ITV between 2 August 1987 and 11 October 2000.
Monty Python's Flying CircusMonty Python's Flying Circus · 1969
Monty Python's Flying Circus
8.31969
SeriesComedy
A British sketch comedy series with the shows being composed of surreality, risqué or innuendo-laden humour, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines.
Fawlty TowersFawlty Towers · 1975
Fawlty Towers
8.31975
SeriesComedy
Owner Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil, a chambermaid Polly, and Spanish waiter Manuel attempt to run their hotel amidst farcical situations and an array of demanding guests.
Comedy PlayhouseComedy Playhouse · 1961
Comedy Playhouse
6.01961
SeriesComedy
Comedy Playhouse is a long-running British anthology series of one-off unrelated sitcoms that aired for 120 episodes from 1961 to 1975. Many episodes later graduated to their own series, including Steptoe and Son, Till Death Us Do Part, All Gas and Gaiters, The Liver Birds, Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine, which is the world's longest running sitcom, having run from January 1973 to August 2010.
The Adventures of William TellThe Adventures of William Tell · 1958
The Adventures of William Tell
6.81958
Series
The Adventures of William Tell is a British swashbuckler adventure series, first broadcast on the ITV network in 1958, and produced by ITC Entertainment.
The Good LifeThe Good Life · 1975
The Good Life
7.81975
SeriesComedy
Tom and Barbara Good escape the rat race and pursue a self-sufficient lifestyle in Surbiton, much to the concern, frustration and sometimes envy of their neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter. Entitled ‘Good Neighbors’ when shown in the USA.
Steptoe and SonSteptoe and Son · 1962
Steptoe and Son
7.81962
SeriesComedy
Steptoe and Son is a British sitcom written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson about a father and son played by Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett who deal in selling used items. They live on Oil Drum Lane, a fictional street in Shepherd's Bush, London. Four series were broadcast by the BBC from 1962 to 1965, followed by a second run from 1970 to 1974. Its theme tune, "Old Ned", was composed by Ron Grainer. The series was voted 15th in a 2004 BBC poll to find Britain's Best Sitcom. It was remade in the US as Sanford and Son, in Sweden as Albert & Herbert and in the Netherlands as Stiefbeen en zoon. In 1972 a movie adaptation of the series, Steptoe and Son, was released in cinemas, with a second Steptoe and Son Ride Again in 1973.
All Gas and GaitersAll Gas and Gaiters · 1967
All Gas and Gaiters
6.31967
SeriesComedy
All Gas and Gaiters is a British television ecclesiastical sitcom which aired on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971. It was written by Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps, a husband-and-wife team who used the pseudonym of "John Wraith" when writing the pilot. At St Oggs Cathedral is a carefree bishop, an old tippling archdeacon, and an accident-prone chaplain, who all wish to live a quiet bachelor life, but this is continually threatened by the dean, who tries to bring by-the-book rule to the cathedral.
After HenryAfter Henry · 1988
After Henry
6.71988
SeriesComedy
After Henry is a British sitcom written by Simon Brett, and starring Prunella Scales and Joan Sanderson. Originating as a radio programme on BBC Radio 4 from 1985 to 1989, it was adapted for television by Thames Television. Sarah is the 42-year-old widow of GP Henry France. She lives in an often volatile family situation with her elderly mother Eleanor Prescott, and her daughter, 18-year-old Clare, with both of whom she shares a house. Following Henry's death, the family have to find a way to cope with each other as best they can. The BBC was initially hesitant to produce a series but after three successful runs on BBC Radio 4, it was commissioned for the small screen. The series was surprisingly popular, attracting over 14 million viewers. Four seasons were made, with the last transmitted after the death of Sanderson, who died on 24 May 1992.
RafflesRaffles · 1977
Raffles
8.41977
SeriesComedyCrime
Raffles was a 1977 television adaptation of the A. J. Raffles stories by Ernest William Hornung. The series was produced by Yorkshire Television and written by Philip Mackie. The episodes were largely faithful adaptations of the stories in the books, though occasionally two stories would be merged to create one. In Victorian-era London, gentleman thief A. J. Raffles, a renowned cricketer, and his friend, the eager but naive Bunny Manders, test their skills in relieving the wealthy of their valuables whilst avoiding detection, especially from the persistent Inspector Mackenzie.
The Fall and Rise of Reginald PerrinThe Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin · 1976
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
8.01976
SeriesComedy
Disillusioned after a long career at Sunshine Desserts, Reginald Iolanthe Perrin endures a midlife crisis and fakes his own death. Returning in disguise after various attempts at finding a 'new life', Perrin gets his old job back and finds nothing has changed. He is eventually found out, and later finds success with a chain of junk shops. However, it becomes so successful that he feels he has created a monster and decides to destroy it.
Mr. Palfrey of WestminsterMr. Palfrey of Westminster · 1984
Mr. Palfrey of Westminster
5.71984
SeriesDrama
Mr. Palfrey is a mild-mannered, but highly skilled counter-espionage agent employed by a small, unnamed department within British intelligence. He and his team tackle complex cases, often involving government cover-ups and internal affairs.
A Married ManA Married Man · 1983
A Married Man
5.01983
SeriesDrama
A bored British barrister's affair with a rich American, discovered by his wife, ends in murder.
Hope It RainsHope It Rains · 1991
Hope It Rains
6.31991
Series
After the deaths of her parents, Jace moves in with her godfather Harry, who runs a waxwork museum in a seaside town. He hopes the weather will change for the worse to attract custom.
Executive StressExecutive Stress · 1986
Executive Stress
6.21986
SeriesComedy
Executive Stress is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1986 to 1988. Produced by Thames Television, it first aired on 20 October 1986. After three series, the last episode aired on 27 December 1988. Written by George Layton, Executive Stress stars Penelope Keith as Caroline Fairchild, a middle-aged woman who decides to go back to work. Her husband, Donald, is played by Geoffrey Palmer in the first series. However, Palmer was unable to return for the second series, so Peter Bowles played Donald in the last two series. Keith and Bowles had previously appeared in together in To the Manor Born.
Andy CappAndy Capp · 1988
Andy Capp
6.01988
SeriesComedy
Andy Capp is a British sitcom based on the cartoon Andy Capp. It starred James Bolam and ran for one series in 1988. It was written by Keith Waterhouse. Unusually, for a sitcom, there was no studio audience during the filming of Andy Capp. It was made for the ITV network by Thames Television. Andy Capp is a slothful man from Hartlepool, whose life consists of drinking, sleeping, watching TV, betting, going to the pub and occasionally playing football. His wife, Flo, is constantly annoyed by her lazy husband and frequently uses a rolling pin as a weapon.
No Job for a LadyNo Job for a Lady · 1990
No Job for a Lady
6.31990
SeriesComedy
Jean Price is the newly elected, somewhat rebellious Labour MP for an inner-city constituency, and her life in the House of Commons. She's married to Geoff Price, a public defender and carer of many household chores so that Jean can pursue her new career. Jean balances her personal life with parliamentary duties, including 'women's issues', which Jean alternately fights for and is frustrated by, as other MPs think she cares about nothing else due to her gender. She often is surprised by others' duplicity and hypocrisy, holding them to a significantly higher standard.
All in Good FaithAll in Good Faith · 1985
All in Good Faith
2.31985
SeriesComedy
British sitcom in which Reverend Philip Lambe, after becoming bored in his wealthy Oxfordshire parish, asks for a transfer to a more difficult assignment. Sent to Edendale, a fictional urban town in the Midlands, he is accompanied by his wife Emma, sixteen-year-old daughter Miranda and twelve-year-old son Peter.
The Other OneThe Other One · 1977
The Other One
7.01977
SeriesComedy
Two passengers meet in reception at Gatwick airport. Although unknown to each other, they find they are on the same flight and staying in the same hotel. Two characters as different as chalk and cheese have a series of misadventures on holiday in Spain.