Screenwriter, playwright and songwriter, educated at Cambridge University. With the BBC from 1926 as commentator, editor of Radio Times and director of variety programs from 1933-37. Briefly in Hollywood with MGM as scriptwriter in the late 30's. Returned to Britain and became head of Light Entertainment at BBC TV from 1958 to 1961. Joined Associated-Rediffusion (ITV) in 1963. He also wrote thrillers in collaboration with Val Gielgud under the pseudonym Holt Marvell. As a lyricist, he was best known for putting words to "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "These Foolish Things".