Marquand was the son of British economist and Labour Party Member (MP) Hilary Marquand. He was also the Minister in the Post Second World War Labour Government. Richard's younger brother, David, served as a Labour Party MP as well.
Richard was educated at the independent, co-educational day school Emanuel School.London, the University of Aix (now Aix-Marseille University) and in Aix-en-Provence, France and King's College, Cambridge.
During National Service, Marquand studied Mandarin and was posted to Hong Kong where he also read the news on the English language Hong Kong Television.
By the late 1960s, Marquand had begun a career directing television documentaries for the BBC where he worked on some projects.
Most notably, in 1968, Marquand worked on an edition of the British documentary television series One Pair of Eyes (1967–1984).
It was about the English novelist, biographer, and critic Margaret Drabble, who had been a friend of his at Cambridge. She had also narrated the documentary about her own life.
Marquand later collaborated with the celebrated British journalist and foreign correspondent James Cameron in the long-running British family television series Cameron Country (1968–1971) for BBC television.
Marquand was also with Australian journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker John Pilger on a series of films for the British free-to-air television channel ITV.
In the late 1970s, Marquand incorporated many of his documentary techniques in his 1979 American biographical musical drama television film Birth of the Beatles. The film had been produced by Dick Clark.
In the early 1980s, on the strength of his direction of his 1981 British thriller/war spy film 'Eye of the Needle', Marquand was hired by George Lucas to direct the film of which Marquand is best known.
This was the epic 1983 American space opera sci-fi/action film 'Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi').
The screenplay had been co-written by Lucas, along with American director, screenwriter, and producer Lawrence Kasdan ('Body Heat', 'The Big Chill', 'The Accidental Tourist').
Marquand was selected by Lucas for the final film of the original trilogy, with American director, actor, and producer of film and television Irvin Kershner ('Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back') unavailable to return as director.
Shortly after Marquand was hired, Lucas offered him the choice of which type of creature would command the Rebel fleet. Marquand selected the creature that became Admiral Ackbar.
Many of the cast members and production staff reported various difficulties with Marquand as a director, although reports were sometimes contradictory.
Marquand was relatively inexperienced with film, coming from a television background, and as a result Lucas was on hand at almost all times during shooting to ensure that the production went smoothly.
According to British film producer Robert Watts, "George came and he never left; Richard couldn't grasp it and George was concerned, so he never left." British special effects artist Kit West said that "George was on his shoulder the whole time."
British production designer and film director Norman Reynolds commented on Marquand: "He tried to make the best of it, really, and I think he did."
Marquand, along with British editor Sean Barton, created the first cut of 'Return of the Jedi' after principle photography finished. The cut was not well-received by Lucas, prompting him to take over editing for subsequent cuts.
American lawyer and marketing executive Howard Roffman reports that "George knew it wasn't going to be good" even before the first cut was screened. Barton admitted "We didn't get it right for George".
American film producer and second unit director Steve Starkey remarked that "Richard had interpreted George incorrectly or his instincts were moving in a different direction." However, Lucas himself acknowledged that "The first cut on a film is never wonderful."
For 'Return of the Jedi', Starkey would serve as first assistant editor. Prior to this, he had served as first assistant editor for 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
During interviews, Carrie Fisher complained about Marquand at length, reporting that the director didn't treat her or Mark Hamill well.
She recounted one event where Marquand told her she was "f*cking up" a shot, causing her to cry. Fisher remarked that Marquand was "great to Harrison".
Harrison Ford recalled getting along well with Marquand, but according to Barton, "Harrison didn't take to Richard at all."
Hamill said "I liked Richard very much, he was very personable" and that "I was surprised that Carrie had problems".
Lucas expressed that "I actually had a great time working with Richard. We had a cooperative relationship."
Kasdan and film studio 20th Century Fox thought that the title 'Return of the Jedi' was too bland, so the collaborators decided to change the title of the film to 'Revenge of the Jedi'.
Since 'Return' is a similar word to 'revenge', Lucas decided at the last minute that he didn't like 'Revenge of the Jedi'.
Because of this, the name stuck all the way through production up to the early marketing of the movie, with a teaser trailer and posters sporting the “Revenge” moniker.
Also, it made sense that Luke returned to face Darth Vader. Then Luke takes all that he learned from Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda and finally becomes a Jedi.
'Return of the Jedi' was released in theaters on May 25, 1983, six years to the day of the release of the first film, receiving mostly positive reviews.
On a budget of $32.5 million, 'Return of the Jedi' grossed $374 million during its initial theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1983.
Several re-releases and revisions to the film have followed over the decades, which has also brought its total gross to $475.3 million.
The following year, 'Return of the Jedi' won a BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects. This occurred at the 37th British Academy Film Awards in late March 1984.
The following year, Marquand subsequently directed the 1985 American neo-noir legal thriller mystery/crime film 'Jagged Edge', starring Jeff Bridges and Glen Close.
Three years later, Marquand passed from a stroke in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, United Kingdom. He was 49.
Marquand's last film, the 1987 American musical dram film 'Hearts of Fire', starring Bob Dylan, was released posthumously.
According to his personal life, Marquand had four children; Hannah, Sam, Molly, and James, the last of whom is also a Welsh film editor and director.
In a promising career cut far too short, Marquand nonetheless left behind a number of enduring films which fans of all ages would enjoy over the decades to come.
Marquand had been active from 1963–1987.
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