Maurice Hatton

Once called "the most incorruptibly independent" of British filmmakers, Maurice Hatton has managed to combine politics, humor--and even, on occasion, minor commerical success--in a remarkable career. After a series of well-received documentaries in the 60s made with then-partner John Irvin, Hatton burst upon the scene with his first feature, "Praise Marx and Pass the Ammunition" (1968), combining sophisticated political analysis with a ripe and urgent sense of humor in a unique way. The story of Dom, a revoluntionary with a reactionary personality, the film dares to satirize the avant-garde politicos of the 60s at the same time that it shares their passionate commitment. It showed us then--and continues to show us not--where we went wrong. It remains a landmark, 20 years ahead of its time. Rare among contemporary British filmmakers, Hatton has been able keep the satiric flame burning on the big screen.