James Leahy obituary

My friend James Leahy, who has died aged 83, played a key role in the growth of film studies in the UK, and of independent film culture more widely. His work spanned screenwriting, acting, scholarly research and teaching – most notably as head of the film department at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, for a decade from 1971.Born in Heston, Middlesex, to Irish parents, James Leahy, who had served in the first world war, and his wife, Beryl (nee Bennett), James was educated at Merchant