Birthday:
09-13-1916
Deathday:
11-23-1990 (74 years)
Birthplace:
Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Biography
Roald Dahl (September 13, 1916 – November 23, 1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
Born in Wales to Norwegian immigrant parents, Dahl served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He became a flying ace and intelligence officer, rising to the rank of acting wing commander. He rose to prominence as a writer in the 1940s with works for both children and adults, and he became one of the world's best-selling authors. He has been referred to as "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century". His awards for contribution to literature include the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, and the British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year in 1990. In 2008, The Times placed Dahl 16th on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
Dahl's short stories are known for their unexpected endings, and his children's books for their unsentimental, macabre, often darkly comic mood, featuring villainous adult enemies of the child characters. His books champion the kindhearted, and feature an underlying warm sentiment. Dahl's works for children include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Twits and George's Marvellous Medicine. His adult works include Tales of the Unexpected.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Roald Dahl, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Born in Wales to Norwegian immigrant parents, Dahl served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He became a flying ace and intelligence officer, rising to the rank of acting wing commander. He rose to prominence as a writer in the 1940s with works for both children and adults, and he became one of the world's best-selling authors. He has been referred to as "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century". His awards for contribution to literature include the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, and the British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year in 1990. In 2008, The Times placed Dahl 16th on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
Dahl's short stories are known for their unexpected endings, and his children's books for their unsentimental, macabre, often darkly comic mood, featuring villainous adult enemies of the child characters. His books champion the kindhearted, and feature an underlying warm sentiment. Dahl's works for children include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Twits and George's Marvellous Medicine. His adult works include Tales of the Unexpected.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Roald Dahl, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Read morearrow_drop_down
Their works
- Release swap_vert
- Title swap_vert
- Ratings swap_vert
close
Tales of the Uncanny
Act like Self (archive footage)
event2020 star_border 7.1
top_panel_open
A detailed look at the history of horror anthology films.
Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected: The Landlady
Act like Self
event1979
top_panel_open
The unnamed Landlady (Siobhan McKenna) is the titular main villainess from "The Landlady", episode 1.05 of Tales of The Unexpected (airdate April 21, 1979), based on the Roald Dahl short story of the same name. The episode begins with Billy Weaver (The main protagonist), arriving in Bath as part of a work trip. While there, he looks for accomdation, and sees a bed and breakfast sign in the window of a house. The unnamed woman then invites him in, claiming that a hotel he had been planning to stay at was booked out. Although finding the landlady's overly friendly demeanour off-putting, Billy decides to spend the night.
The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl
Act like Self (archive footage)
event2016 star_border 8
top_panel_open
Fighter pilot, inventor, spy - the life of Roald Dahl is often stranger than fiction. Through a vast collection of his letters, writings and archive, the story is told largely in his own words with contributions from his last wife Liccy, daughter Lucy and biographer Donald Sturrock.
Pure Imagination: The Story of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'
Act like Self (archive footage)
event2001 star_border 6.6
top_panel_open
Retrospective documentary on the making of the cult classic "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
Fantastic Mr. Dahl
Act like Self (archive footage)
event2005
top_panel_open
Documentary about author Roald Dahl, produced for the British television series Imagine.
Way North, Five Norwegian Artists
Act like Self - Narrator
event1985
top_panel_open
In this documentary, the author Roald Dahl presents the five monumental Norwegian artists Frans Widerberg, Arne Nordheim, Stein Mehren, Cecilie Løveid and Sverre Fehn.
Danny and the Dirty Dog: The Making of 'Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World'
Act like Self
event1989
top_panel_open
An overview of the making of Danny the Champion of the World (1989)
Going Live!
Act like Self (1 ep.)
event1987 star_border 6
top_panel_open
Going Live! was a Saturday morning magazine show, broadcast on BBC1 between 1987 and 1993. It was presented by Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene.
Other presenters included Trevor and Simon, Peter Simon, Emma Forbes, and puppet Gordon the Gopher.
The show was broadcast during the autumn to spring seasons, with other shows such as the 8:15 from Manchester and Parallel 9 taking over during the summer months. It was preceded by Saturday Superstore, and succeeded by Live & Kicking.
In 1988, when the second series started, Greene was hurt in a helicopter crash with her then boyfriend, Mike Smith. Guest presenters stood in for her including T'Pau's Carol Decker. Similarly, in 1992-93 during the final series, Schofield was starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and was unable to present the show. A third presenter took his place. Originally, Neighbours actor Kristian Schmid took the role but soon left after problems with his work permit. Various other celebrities to stand in included Shane Richie and Robbie Williams during his Take That days.
Tales of the Unexpected
Act like Self - Introduced by(uncredited) (2 ep.)
event1979 star_border 6.7
top_panel_open
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author (2 ep.)
event2005 star_border 7
top_panel_open
A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Screenplay (2 ep.)
event1971 star_border 7.5
top_panel_open
When eccentric candy man Willy Wonka promises a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of his chocolate factory to five lucky kids, penniless Charlie Bucket seeks the golden ticket that will make him a winner.
You Only Live Twice
Screenplay (2 ep.)
event1967 star_border 6.6
top_panel_open
A mysterious spacecraft captures Russian and American space capsules and brings the two superpowers to the brink of war. James Bond investigates the case in Japan and comes face to face with his archenemy Blofeld.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Novel (2 ep.)
event2009 star_border 7.8
top_panel_open
The Fantastic Mr. Fox, bored with his current life, plans a heist against the three local farmers. The farmers, tired of sharing their chickens with the sly fox, seek revenge against him and his family.
Matilda
Novel (2 ep.)
event1996 star_border 7.2
top_panel_open
Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia misunderstand her because they think she is so different. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a sadistic headmistress. As she gets fed up with the constant cruelty, she begins to realize that she has a gift of telekinetic powers. After some days of practice, she suddenly turns the tables to stand up to Harry and Zinnia and outwit the headmistress.
James and the Giant Peach
Novel (2 ep.)
event1996 star_border 6.6
top_panel_open
When the young orphan boy James spills a magic bag of crocodile tongues, he finds himself in possession of a giant peach that flies him away to strange lands.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Screenplay (2 ep.)
event1968 star_border 6.8
top_panel_open
A hapless inventor finally finds success with a flying car, which a dictator from a foreign government sets out to take for himself.
The BFG
Author (2 ep.)
event1989 star_border 6.4
top_panel_open
Sophie is snatched from her orphanage early one morning by the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), whom she witnesses engaged in mysterious activities. She is soon put at ease, as she learns that BFG's job is to collect, catalog and deliver pleasant dreams to children. She joins him that night, but a mean giants follow them, planning to eat the children of the world.
The Road Builder
Screenplay (2 ep.)
event1971 star_border 6.3
top_panel_open
The dreary existence of middle-aged spinster Maura Prince takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of young handyman Billy Jarvis, but there is more to Billy than meets the eye.
36 Hours
Original Story (2 ep.)
event1964 star_border 6.9
top_panel_open
Germans kidnap an American major and try to convince him that World War II is over, so that they can get details about the Allied invasion of Europe out of him.
Lamb to the Slaughter
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2002
top_panel_open
A pregnant woman discovers that her husband has been having an affair, and has fallen in love with another woman. As a result, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
The Enormous Crocodile
Short Story (2 ep.)
event1990 star_border 7
top_panel_open
When the Enormous Crocodile boasts that he is going to eat a child for his lunch, the other jungle animals decide to foil his dastardly plot. Children of all ages will delight in the exploits of Humpy Rumpy - the hippopotamus, Muggle Wump - the monkey and the amazing antics of the Roly-Poly bird.
The Swan
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2023 star_border 6.8
top_panel_open
Two large, ignorant bullies ruthlessly pursue a small, brilliant boy in this young adult Roald Dahl short story.
Poison
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2023 star_border 6.9
top_panel_open
When a poisonous snake slithers onto an Englishman's stomach in India, his associate and a doctor race to save him.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2023 star_border 7.2
top_panel_open
A rich man learns about a guru who can see without using his eyes. He sets out to master the skill in order to cheat at gambling.
The Ideal Couple
Novel (2 ep.)
event1992 star_border 1
top_panel_open
Two married couples are getting into big troubles while participating in the reality show on TV.
In the Ruins
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2016
top_panel_open
When Ayden arrives at a deserted church in the forest, he meets the strange Doctor Faber who offers him some food, if Ayden promises to provide the next meal. While both men are having a BBQ, a young girl enters the church, searching for her sister. Dr. Faber offers her some food, if she promises to provide the next meal.
The Witches
Novel (2 ep.)
event1990 star_border 6.9
top_panel_open
A young boy named Luke and his grandmother go on vacation only to discover their hotel is hosting an international witch convention, where the Grand High Witch is unveiling her master plan to turn all children into mice. Will Luke fall victim to the witches' plot before he can stop them?
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Novel (2 ep.)
event2022 star_border 6.8
top_panel_open
An extraordinary young girl discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what's right, she's met with miraculous results.
Chippendale
Novel (2 ep.)
event2012 star_border 6
top_panel_open
Mikhail, an antique shop keeper, stumbles upon a rare Chippendale's drawer in a Tatar by-place. Heaps of snow, bargaining with the rugged locals - nothing but his own greed is going to stop Misha from getting the precious drawer.
The Twits
Novel (2 ep.)
top_panel_open
Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people in the world who also happen to own and operate the most disgusting, most dangerous, most idiotic amusement park in the world, Twitlandia. But when the Twits rise to power in their town, two brave orphans and a family of magical animals are forced to become as tricky as the Twits in order to save the city.
Little Red Riding Hood
Original Concept (2 ep.)
event1995
top_panel_open
Roald Dahl's version of Little Red Riding Hood
The Rat Catcher
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2023 star_border 6.6
top_panel_open
In an English village, a reporter and a mechanic listen to a ratcatcher explain his clever plan to outwit his prey.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More
Short Story (2 ep.)
event2024 star_border 7.5
top_panel_open
Four tales unfold in Wes Anderson's anthology of short films adapted from Roald Dahl's beloved stories, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar", "The Swan", "The Rat Catcher", and "Poison".
The BFG
Book (2 ep.)
event2016 star_border 6.3
top_panel_open
An orphan little girl befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world.
Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Original Story (2 ep.)
event2017 star_border 6.7
top_panel_open
The classic Roald Dahl tale gets a modern twist when Tom and Jerry enter the amazing world of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
James and the Giant Peach
Original Story (2 ep.)
event1976 star_border 6
top_panel_open
A TV adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book.
The Taste
Novel (2 ep.)
event2015 star_border 8.3
top_panel_open
Misha finally decided to confess his love to Lena. But the girl's father interrupts him. He decided to take revenge in the old game with his friend. At stake is a huge jackpot, which can reach Lena, and all changes instantly.
Danny the Champion of the World
Novel (2 ep.)
event1989 star_border 6.2
top_panel_open
Somewhere in England, in the Autumn of 1955, a widowed father and his son live an idyllic life together. Only their gas station happens to sit on a piece of land that a local developer wants to buy. And when he won't take no for an answer, and sets government inspectors and social works onto Danny and his father, Danny and his father decide to get even with Hazell and his pheasant- shooting friends in a manner in keeping with their own family tradition.
Revolting Rhymes
Story (2 ep.)
event1990
top_panel_open
Six of the best-loved nursery rhymes retold, with some extremely amusing twists, by the master of the comic and blood-curdling, Roald Dahl.
The Magic Finger
Story (2 ep.)
event1990 star_border 5.7
top_panel_open
"When the Magic Finger is upon you extraordinary things begin to happen...." and when the Magic Finger is put upon the Gregg family for shooting some ducks, only the inventive imagination of Roald Dahl could have devised the events which take place!
Dirty Beasts
Story (2 ep.)
event1990
top_panel_open
Roald Dahl, that master of wicked humour, has created a ghastly menagerie of dirty beasts - all doing the most extraordinary and unmentionable things, in irreverent and absurdly comic verse. Including Crocky-Wock, the crocodile, who every Saturday has six young children for his lunch and how Miss Milky Daisy, the cow, punished a very rude man.
Roald Dahl's The Witches
Novel (2 ep.)
event2020 star_border 6.4
top_panel_open
In late 1967, a young orphaned boy goes to live with his loving grandma in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis. As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks him away to a seaside resort. Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world's Grand High Witch has gathered.
Cheap Thrills
Author (2 ep.)
event2013 star_border 6.4
top_panel_open
Recently fired and facing eviction, a new dad has his life turned upside down when he meets a wealthy couple who offer a path to financial security... but at a price.
Fru Biksby og oberstens skinnkåpe
Author (2 ep.)
event1974 star_border 6
top_panel_open
A high comedy about a dental family with an office on the best western edge, where the lady of the house is mixed up in a delicate intrigue in her efforts to get a new fur.
Revolting Rhymes
Novel (2 ep.)
event2017 star_border 6.7
top_panel_open
Two half-hour animated films based on the much-loved rhymes written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake.
The Silent Hunt
Novel (2 ep.)
event1990
top_panel_open
A loyal gamekeeper enters the Pardis Kala region with his teenage son. There, an ill-wisher landlord has influence over all the people but no one likes him. A flighty sergeant is not happy about the gamekeeper entering there. A new teacher can not understand the gamekeeper's discipline so she does not like him. Khaleh Khanom who lives with the teacher also does not like her husband Hossein Amoo. Good guys fight the bad guys to fulfill the dream of the gamekeeper's son.
Roald Dahl's Esio Trot
Novel (2 ep.)
event2015 star_border 6.7
top_panel_open
Mr. Hoppy is a shy old man who lives alone in an apartment building. For many years, he has been secretly in love with Mrs. Silver, a woman who lives below him. Mr. Hoppy frequently leans over his balcony and exchanges polite conversation with Mrs. Silver, but he is too shy to disclose how he feels. Mr. Hoppy longs to express his feelings to Mrs. Silver, but he can never bring his lips to form the words. Mrs. Silver has a small pet tortoise, Alfie, whom she loves very much. One morning, Mrs. Silver mentions to Mr. Hoppy that even though she has had Alfie for many years, her pet has only grown a tiny bit and has gained only 3 ounces in weight. She confesses that she wishes she knew of some way to make her little Alfie grown into a larger, more dignified tortoise. Mr. Hoppy suddenly thinks of a way to give Mrs. Silver her wish and win her affection.
Breaking Point
Novel (2 ep.)
event1989 star_border 4.7
top_panel_open
With D-Day less than 72 hours off, top US intelligence officer Jefferson Pike (Corbin Bernsen), is captured by the enemy. Pike, one of handful of officers who know where the allies will strike, is a professional who the Nazis know will never succumb to torture. They hatch a diabolical plan to deceive him into thinking that the war is over and he's recuperating from memory loss in a US hospital in Germany. His doctor (John Glover) and nurse (Joanna Pacula) head an elite Nazi psychological team that attempt to convince Pike into revealing the top secret. But as time slips away, Pike's captors decide he must reach his BREAKING POINT... or die.
New Russians
Novel (2 ep.)
event2015 star_border 6.3
top_panel_open
Six various novels united in a one movie.
Wonka
Characters (2 ep.)
event2023 star_border 7.1
top_panel_open
Willy Wonka – chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time – is proof that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Story (2 ep.)
event1985
top_panel_open
Television film that served as a pilot for the reboot of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." Four classic episodes from the original show - "Incident in a Small Jail," "Man from the South," "Bang! You're Dead" and "An Unlocked Window" - were remade by contemporary directors with contemporary stars.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Original Film Writer (2 ep.)
top_panel_open
A remake of the cult film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in early development, involving the adventures of the titular magical car.
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Story (2 ep.)
event1985 star_border 7.3
top_panel_open
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents is an American anthology series that aired on NBC from 1985 to 1986, and on the USA Network from 1987 to 1989. The series is an updated re-imagining of the classic 1955 series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Revolting Rhymes
Author (2 ep.)
event2016 star_border 8.7
top_panel_open
Based on the much-loved children’s book written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake, Revolting Rhymes takes classic fairy tales, then mixes them together and serves them with a mischievous twist.
A Little Horror?
Story (1 ep.)
event1973
top_panel_open
Norwegian scary stories to tell in the dark.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Short Story (1 ep.)
event1955 star_border 7.7
top_panel_open
A television anthology series hosted by Alfred Hitchcock featuring dramas, thrillers, and mysteries.
Show more expand_more
keyboard_double_arrow_down