John Krish, who directed the 1968 film adaptation of Waugh’s novel Decline and Fall has died at the age of 92. His death is announced in the Daily Telegraph. The film was written by Ivan Foxwell and released under the title Decline and Fall of a Birdwatcher, apparently to avoid confusion with Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The best part of this otherwise forgettable film is Leo McKern’s portrayal of Capt. Grimes. Krish later became known for his graphic documentaries, winning an award in 2011 for A Day in the Life: Four Portraits of Postwar Britain. He may be most noted for the short film The Finishing Line (1977) designed to warn school children of the dangers of playing along railroad lines. The film was so graphic that it was banned after several incidents of overreaction during school showings and a single TV broadcast.
