Versatile British film director Alan Parker dies after a lengthy illness

Acclaimed British director Alan Parker, whose filmography spanned genres from thrillers and comedies to musicals and wartime dramas, dies at 76.

Alan Parker’s films won a total of 19 British film academy awards (Baftas), 10 Golden Globes and 10 Oscar Awards. He died after a lengthy illness.

Bugsy Malone, Parker’s highly original feature film debut in 1976, was a musical parody of Prohibition-era gangster movies.

Furthermore, it featured a young Jodie Foster as the glamorous singer Tallulah, and other child actors who went on to have successful careers.

Parker followed up with Midnight Express, based on the true story of an American man imprisoned in Turkey with smuggling charges.

However, the film won two Oscars, including one for Oliver Stone, who wrote the script.

Moreover, Alan Parker received honours in Britain for his achievements in film-making, including a knighthood in 2002.