Oscar-nominated British playwright, screenwriter anddirector Peter Barnes died this week.

Oscar nominated for his screenplay Enchanted April, Barnes' prolific career included the Oscarnominated The Ruling Class,starring Peter O'Toole, Hard Timesand Olivier Award winner Red Noses.

Barnes, whose plays are part of the British schoolcurriculum, wrote until his death and delivered his latest two screenplays onlythis week.

He is survived by his wife Christie, daughter Leelaand triplets Nathaniel, Zachary and Abigail.