Bill Naughton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Naughton
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Bill and Erna Naughton, photographed by Colin O'Brien, 1962
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| Born | 12 June 1910 Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | 9 January 1992 (aged 81) Ballasalla, Isle of Man |
| Occupation | Playwright, screenwriter, novelist |
| Genre | Fiction |
William John Francis Naughton (born June 12, 1910 – died January 9, 1992) was an Irish-born British writer. He was famous for his plays, especially Alfie. He also wrote novels, short stories, and books for children.
Contents
Bill Naughton's Early Life
Bill Naughton was born in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland. When he was four years old, in 1914, his family moved to Bolton, Lancashire, England. He went to Saint Peter and Paul's School there. Before he started writing, he worked in different jobs. He was a weaver, someone who bags coal, and a lorry driver.
Becoming a Famous Writer
Bill Naughton loved writing about everyday life, especially for working-class people. This means he wrote about the lives of ordinary people who worked hard.
His most famous play is Alfie. It started as a radio play called Alfie Elkins and His Little Life in 1962. Then, it became a stage play in 1963. It was so popular that it moved to the West End in London, which is famous for its plays.
Alfie on the Big Screen
The play Alfie was made into a movie in 1966. The famous actor Michael Caine played the main character, Alfie. Bill Naughton also wrote a sequel, or follow-up story, called Alfie Darling. This was also made into a film. Later, in 2004, a new movie version of Alfie was made with Jude Law.
Other Works and Films
Besides Alfie, two more of his plays became movies:
- All in Good Time (1963) was filmed as The Family Way (1966). It starred John Mills.
- Spring and Port Wine (1970) was a movie based on his play from 1959. James Mason played the main role.
Bill Naughton also wrote novels like One Small Boy (1957). He wrote a collection of short stories called The Goalkeeper's Revenge And Other Stories (1961). For children, he wrote My Pal Spadger (1977). This book tells stories about his own childhood in Bolton during the 1920s.
Many of his plays were performed at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton. This theatre even has a small studio theatre named after him.
Awards and Recognition
Bill Naughton received several awards for his writing:
- He won the Screenwriters Guide Award in 1967 and 1968 for his film scripts.
- In 1974, he received the Italia Prize for a radio play.
- He won the Children's Rights Workshop Other Award in 1978 for his children's book.
- He also received the Portico Literary Prize in 1987.
- In 1988, he was given a special recognition from the Bolton Institute of Higher Education.
His Legacy
Bill Naughton passed away in 1992 at the age of 81. He died in Ballasalla on the Isle of Man. To honor him, a writing competition called the "Bill Naughton Short Story Competition" was created. It helps new writers share their stories.
