(1899–1973)
an English writer and actor, well known for his elegant appearance and intelligent humour. He wrote several successful plays, including The Vortex (1924), Hay Fever (1925) and Private Lives (1930), and film scripts such as Brief Encounter (1945). He was also well known for writing and performing comic and romantic songs, such as Mad Dogs and Englishmen . He was made a knight in 1970.