Peter Yates

Peter James Yates (24 July 1929 – 9 January 2011) was an English film director and producer, known for his versatility and “attention to detail” across a variety of genres. He received nominations for four Academy Awards (twice for Best Director and Best Picture), three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.

Originally training as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Yates entered the film industry as an assistant director for top directors like Tony Richardson. After directing television programmes like ''The Saint'' and ''Danger Man'', Yates made a breakthrough helming the heist film ''Robbery'' (1967). This led him to direct the Steve McQueen police thriller film ''Bullitt'' (1968), which was a major critical and commercial success.

Subsequently, Yates made films in a variety of genres. He directed the Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow-starring romantic drama ''John and Mary'' (1969), the World War II picture ''Murphy's War'' (1971), the heist film ''The Hot Rock'' (1972), the Boston-set gangster film ''The Friends of Eddie Coyle'' (1973), the coming-of-age dramedy ''Breaking Away'' (1979), the cult science fantasy film ''Krull'' (1983), and the film version of the acclaimed stage play ''The Dresser''. In the 2000s, he returned to directing television, including ''Don Quixote'' (2000). Provided by Wikipedia