Robert Hamer (1911-1963) was an influential British film director and screenwriter, a key figure at Ealing Studios in the post-war era.

His most celebrated work is the black comedy *Kind Hearts and Coronets* (1949), a masterpiece of social satire and macabre humour, known for Alec Guinness's multiple performances. Other significant works include the episode "The Haunted Mirror" in *Dead of Night* (1945), which already showcased his versatility, and the successful comedy *The Lavender Hill Mob* (1951).

Hamer's style was characterised by refined direction, witty dialogue, and subtle psychological analysis, often exploring moral ambiguity and darker themes compared to typical "Ealing Comedies". Despite a relatively short career, Hamer left a distinctive mark on post-war British cinema.