Robert James Hamer, a talented individual, was born in 1911 alongside his twin sister Barbara, to Owen Dyke Hamer, a bank clerk, and his wife Annie Grace Brickell. This remarkable duo was educated at Cambridge University, where Hamer showcased his poetic skills and even had his work published in a collection titled "Contemporaries and Their Maker", alongside the notable spy Donald Maclean.
Hamer's journey in the film industry commenced as a clapper boy at London Films in 1934. By 1938, he had risen through the ranks to join the editing staff. He worked closely with renowned director Alfred Hitchcock on the 1939 film "Jamaica Inn" and briefly collaborated with the GPO Film Unit. In 1941, Hamer joined Ealing Studios, initially as an editor, before becoming an associate producer in 1943.
Hamer's directorial debut was the critically acclaimed "The Haunted Mirror" segment in the 1945 omnibus film "Dead of Night". He went on to direct one of the most iconic British comedies, "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949),starring the versatile Alec Guinness in eight roles. Hamer's work on this film earned him a nomination for the Golden Lion at the 1949 Venice Film Festival.
Hamer continued to work with Guinness, directing him in "The Detective" (1954),based on G.K. Chesterton's short stories, and "To Paris with Love" (1955),a romantic comedy. He also directed the thriller "The Scapegoat" (1959),adapted from Daphne Du Maurier's novel. Hamer's final directorial effort was the 1960 comedy "School for Scoundrels", starring Terry-Thomas and Alastair Sim.
Sadly, Robert James Hamer passed away in London on December 4, 1963, and was laid to rest at Llandegley.
