Ralph Smart, a celebrated Australian-born filmmaker of considerable renown, came into this world in the London suburb of Chingford, a locale situated approximately ten miles northeast of the iconic Charing Cross. His parents, hailing from Australia, bestowed upon him the gift of life. As the 1920s dawned, Smart set his sights on a career in the film industry, commencing his professional journey in 1927. Initially, he worked in a multifaceted capacity, donning the hats of editor, writer, and director of documentary shorts. During this formative period, Smart collaborated with Michael Balcon, a prominent figure in the film world, on the screenplays of some of Balcon's early films at Gaumont-British.
As the looming specter of World War II drew ever closer, renowned filmmaker Smart made the pivotal decision to relocate to the land Down Under, Australia, where he devoted his talents to crafting a series of influential propaganda films and documentaries on behalf of the Australian government.
Following the cessation of hostilities, Smart's professional trajectory continued to evolve, as he assumed the role of producer or producer/director on two groundbreaking cinematic endeavors, both of which were shot on location in Australia and released through the esteemed Ealing Studios: the 1946 release "The Overlanders" and the 1947 film "Bush Christmas".
It was during the mid-1950s that the renowned television personality, Smart, made a triumphant return to Britain, his talents once again in high demand as he formed a partnership with the esteemed ITC, a collaboration that would see him assume the roles of writer, producer, and director on a plethora of acclaimed television period adventures.
Notable among these productions were the action-packed escapades of The Adventures of Robin Hood, which debuted in 1955, followed closely by the swashbuckling exploits of The Buccaneers in 1956, and the legendary marksmanship of William Tell in 1958, all of which cemented Smart's status as a master of his craft.
As a result of his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to his art, Smart's reputation as a versatile and accomplished television professional continued to grow, his name becoming synonymous with excellence in the world of period drama.
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Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of John Drake in the iconic action series Danger Man, masterfully brought to life by the visionary genius of Smart, left an indelible mark on the world of television in the 1960s.
Noted Australian actor, Smart, after concluding his professional engagements, opted to relocate to the picturesque town of Bowen, situated in the state of Queensland, where he would later find himself involved in the filming of the popular television program, Riptide.
