Potter, Dennis (1935-1994), was a British playwright whose works appeared on television, on the stage, and as motion pictures. He became especially well known for his television plays for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that gained international acclaim. His originality reached a peak in Pennies from Heaven (1978), a serial about a music salesman in the 1930’s who wants life to be more like the popular songs of his day. Potter adapted the TV series into a 1981 motion picture. Other serials by Potter included The Singing Detective (1986) and Lipstick On Your Collar (1993). His best-known stage play is Brimstone and Treacle (1976). Potter also wrote screenplays for the films Gorky Park (1983), Dreamchild (1985), and Track 29 (based on his TV play Schmoedipus, 1988). Potter wrote and directed the motion picture Secret Friends (1992).
Dennis Christopher George Potter was born on May 17, 1935, in Coleford, Gloucestershire, England. He was educated there, in London, and at New College, Oxford University, graduating with honors in 1959. Potter began his writing career as a journalist with the BBC current affairs staff from 1959 to 1961. His first two TV plays were Vote, Vote, Vote for Nigel Barton and Stand Up Nigel Barton (both 1965). They told the story of a miner’s son who runs for Parliament. Son of Man (1969) was a controversial TV drama that portrayed Jesus Christ as human and filled with self-doubt. Potter also wrote three novels and adapted the novels of other authors into TV dramas. Potter died on June 7, 1994.
