Richard Lane

Richard Hamilton Lane (18 January 1918 – 20 February 2008) was an Australian writer (dramatist and playwright) known particularly for his skillful adaptation of plays and films for radio. He is often called the father of Australian radio drama. His career spanned more than 60 years, and he is recognised not only for his writing achievements but for his contribution to the Australian Writers' Guild. He also wrote for television, and was described after his death as "luminary of the Australian radio and television industries".

Early life and education Richard Lane was born in the Sydney beach suburb of Coogee, Australia, and went to school in Sydney's northern suburbs at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga, where "he excelled as an athlete and edited the school magazine".

Writing career Lane's first short story was published while he was still at school, and more of his stories were published in magazines in the following year.

By the age of 21 Lane had had a number of plays produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and he was being recognised as "an exciting new talent".

He wrote for the first Australian produced drama series, Autumn Affair. and was its Vice-President from 1962 to 1964 and then its third President from 1964 to 1968.

Awards 1968: AWGIE (Australian Writers Guild) Award: Major Award for the television adaptation of You Can't See 'Round Corners 1975: AWGIE Award: for episode of Bellbird 1977: AWGIE Award: for episode of Bellbird 1985: AWGIE Award: for Best Radio Adaptation for Great Expectations 1988: AWGIE Award (later named The Richard Lane Award): for outstanding contribution to the Guild 1996: ASRA (Australasian Sound Recording Association) Award: for outstanding contributions to radio drama in Australia.

Select credits Pointless Design (1938) – radio play The Remittance Man (1942) -radio play Gods in Wedlock – radio play Stockade (1942) – radio play Autumn Affair (1958–59) Johnny Belinda (1959) Cross of Gold (1965) Boy on an Old Bus (1966) – radio play You Can't See Round Corners Motel Bellbird